Monday, April 1, 2024

11 BEST Mississippi River Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to Mississippi River on Cruise Critic

mississippi cruise boats

If we had to pick just one, September is the best month for a Mississippi River cruise. The weather is usually mild with less likelihood of rain, and autumn colors are beginning to paint the shoreline. Keep in mind, however, that the Mississippi is the fourth largest river in the world—so temperatures any time of year are not going to be the same in warmer Louisiana as they are in cooler Minnesota. That said, the good news is there are only three cruise lines to choose from, whose itineraries we listed above. For boat lovers, there’s the Old Depot Museum, which is home to the world's largest ship, riverboat, and US Navy ship model collection.

Wonderful relaxing two days....

Cruising the Mississippi: Intimate boating experiences support tourism in river towns - La Crosse Tribune

Cruising the Mississippi: Intimate boating experiences support tourism in river towns.

Posted: Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Perhaps Muscatine is best known for its history as the largest button manufacturing area in the world. Learn about this idyllic town’s rich past and revel in its natural beauty, led by our engaging local guides. Explore the charming downtown, located only two blocks from our dock, where you peruse local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries. St. Louis is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis' many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum.

Other Cruises on the Mississippi River

River cruise ships focus on the ports and shore-side entertainment in their excursion offerings rather than bells and whistles onboard. That said, there are certain amenities different cruise lines provide on the Mississippi that is worth noting as you decide the best cruise line for you. You can enjoy excursions in Missouri's most famous big city (St. Louis) and small town (Hannibal) and then visit three ports in Iowa known for their historic architecture and agriculture (including a tour of the John Deere Pavilion). Learn about the Norwegian heritage of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and get to know the eagles and pottery of Red Wing, Minnesota, before disembarking in St. Paul. Viking's 12-day Heart of the Delta itinerary includes a two-night pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans. From Crescent City, the birthplace of American jazz, to Memphis, known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll, this itinerary celebrates the region's homegrown rhythms.

Things to Know Before Cruising the Mississippi River

Spring (late March through mid-June) and autumn (September through November) are the best times of year to go on a river cruise in the US. Spring blossoms add a colorful touch to the shoreline, and you can never go wrong with autumn foliage. The temperatures are mild, if not pleasantly cool, and passengers are eager to welcome a new spring travel season—or to enjoy one last autumn river adventure before winter arrives.

The Best New Orleans River Cruises

Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages - Star Tribune

Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages.

Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

As we cruise, listen to our onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the bow. Welcome to Memphis, a historic city which rises picturesquely up the hillside from the river, adorned with grand oak trees, lush parks, and historic sites that commemorate everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city’s famous BBQ. Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate. Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon.

Guests can also look forward to discovering spacious lounges and quiet nooks to gather with fellow travelers. Other hotel options within walking distance of the New Orleans port include the Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center and Harrah's New Orleans. The American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, carries up to 428 guests; the smaller, boutique-style American Duchess carries 166 guests. American Queen Steamboat Company currently offers five different New Orleans itineraries on these boats with plans for the debut launch of the American Countess in April 2020. As an owner, of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Claire, IA and the President of Great Lakes Management Group which manages the hotel’s day to day operations, I wanted to say thank you.

mississippi cruise boats

Mississippi River "paddlewheelers" or "steamboats," have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the United States, especially in regions along the Mississippi River. Here are five things you need to know prior to the life-changing experience of cruising on the Mississippi River. Road Scholar, a nonprofit inspiring lifelong learning since 1975, offers a 26-day learning adventure on the American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Duchess. Sailing the entire length of the Mississippi, the onboard focus is on the life and legacy of Mark Twain, with lectures onboard by a resident Riverlorian history and culture experts. Participants visit the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens in Hannibal, Missouri, as well as the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

You may also opt to head to the Field of Dreams for a special tour; it’s where parts of the famous film of the same name were created, which was released in 1989. See the city's beauty on a Hop On Hop Off Tour that brings you to the Historic Millwork District and Dubuque Museum of Art. Or, visit The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, is the largest aquarium in the Central United States.

day Lower Mississippi River Cruise: Memphis to New Orleans

It’s an 85-foot-tall limestone mountain with incredible views of the Winona region. If you are into American presidential history and art, head to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, where you can see three original paintings of George Washington and his men crossing the Delaware River. We go into more detail about the cruise lengths offered by each line and the port stops below. A ship can’t sail if it is stuck in the river muck, nor can it safely sail if high waters and currents pull the ship up or downstream or are so high the vessel can’t fit under bridges.

Guests board one of the company’s brand new riverboats to celebrate the music, history and culture of the Lower Mississippi. The journey begins in New Orleans, a melting pot of French, African and American culture, where guests enjoy exclusive access to its vibrant music scene and Cajun and Creole cuisine. Curated excursions include tours of plantations such as the Oak Alley, Frogmore and Rosedown and opportunities to explore historic towns and beautiful gardens.

The Mississippi River is navigable from New Orleans, Louisiana to the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and forms a maritime corridor through the U.S. heartland. American Queen Voyages offers a range of nine-day Lower Mississippi itineraries aboard the American Queen, a quaint paddle-wheel steamboat. These are the best Mississippi River cruises for those looking to experience traditional river travel. There aren’t three-day Mississippi River boat cruises like the river cruises we’re used to that we are currently aware of. You can take a one-day excursion (that does not sail overnight and doesn’t go very far) or sign up for a cruise that is a minimum of 5 days.

From rolling fields of prairie flowers to some of the most architecturally important buildings in Minnesota, enjoy all there is to see and do here. Take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway or try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos. View colorful Victorian mansions, stroll through a whimsical downtown area, and visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Located in East Central Iowa, Muscatine County's eastern edge touches the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River and is the only place where this north to south river runs east to west.

This epic cruise showcases the culture and cuisine of the historic South, and the rolling farmlands of the Midwest as we explore the entire length of this legendary river. We embrace the relaxed pace of life on the River, following its bends and savoring its charms in much the same way as travelers and colonists would have over a century before. My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure! From reserving our trip to our final walk to our car after the two day cruise, all was perfect!

For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Sail along the Mississippi River, an important region with diverse wildlife and ecosystems. After American Queen Voyages shut down in February, only two Mississippi River cruise lines currently remain in operation. Sometimes Sailing is a cruise-focused website by Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, a couple passionate about cruising. St. Louis is home to the symbolic Gateway Arch, which celebrates the hard journey people took to populate the Central and Western United States. Here you can also experience a fresh beer tasting at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery or visit the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The downtown area is a thriving haven for artisans, filled with specialty shops unique to Hannibal. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Savor the city’s celebrated Cajun and Creole music and cuisine as well as its distinct arts. The new kid on the Mississippi is the Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger, five-deck vessel that first set sail in September 2022. The cutting-edge cruise is Viking’s first foray in the US, adding to their fleet of more than 90 ocean, river, and expedition vessels navigating the world’s seven continents. The challenge modern travelers now face is when, where, and how to go about this iconic American voyage.

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