Cruises Down Mississippi River
From LoveToKnow Cruises
With their historic and cultural appeal, cruises down Mississippi River routes are tempting vacation options for people who prefer old-world charm to the glitz of modern mega-ships.
About Mississippi River Cruises
Mississippi River cruises are a far cry from standard cruises, which typically take place onboard massive luxury liners. Knowing what to expect on a Mississippi River cruise can help passengers understand what unique characteristics they will experience on these voyages.
Vessels
One of the biggest differences between a traditional vacation cruise and a trip down the Mighty Mississippi is the size of the ship. River ships generally accommodate between 100 and 200 passengers. The smaller size allows the vessel to safely navigate through narrow and shallow waterways. However, while the cozy size of the ship may be appealing to some cruisers, passengers who are prone to seasickness should be warned that vessels that cruise down the Mississippi River are not usually equipped with stabilizers, meaning you could experience a bumpier ride than you were anticipating. On the bright side, the historic vessels which call the Mighty Mississippi home allow cruisers the unique opportunity to step back in time to the glory days of riverboat travel.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere onboard cruises down Mississippi River are casual, subdued and relaxing. Rather than participating in traditional activities found on mega-cruise liners, such as limbo contests, spa treatments, and rock climbing, passengers on Mississippi River cruises take part in the following low-key adventures:
- Educational lectures on the history of America’s great waterways
- Storytelling
- Fishing
- Bird watching
- Painting
- Listening to live music
Length of Trip
Most Mississippi River boat cruises last between one and three hours. Sightseeing day cruises and evening dinner cruises are the most popular itineraries offered by Mississippi River tour companies. Due to financial reasons there are no river ships offering full-service overnight cruises on the Mississippi or its tributaries during the 2009 season. However, several cruise companies are offering pseudo-overnight trips, which feature accommodations at waterfront hotels sandwiched between days on the river.
Destinations
The Mississippi River is one of the largest waterways in the world. The river includes lower and upper regions, both of which are popular cruise destinations. Major cities included on the cruises are:
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- St. Paint, Minnesota
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Galveston, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
Cruises Down Mississippi River Routes
The most popular embarkation ports for Mississippi voyages are New Orleans, Louisiana in the lower river system and St. Louis, Missouri in the upper river system.
New Orleans
The New Orleans Steamboat Company offers some of the best riverboat cruises on the Mighty Mississippi River. The Steamboat Natchez’s Dinner/Jazz cruise is a must-see tourist attraction in the Big Easy, and departs from the heart of the French Quarter. The three-hour trip allows passengers to savor the beauty and romance of the Mighty Mississippi while enjoying:
- Breathtaking views of the city
- Buffet-style dining with a regional Creole menu
- Live entertainment by world-renowned jazz musicians
- Dancing under the stars
- Tour of the ship’s museum quality engine room
St. Louis
Several St. Louis-based tour operators offer rides down the Mississippi River on traditional steamboats. The 19th century vessels combine old-world charm with modern conveniences and have become a popular vacation option for cruisers.
The "Gateway City" offers a variety of different cruises, including:
- Dinner Cruises: Enjoy spectacular food and live music while you sail down the Mississippi. Trips include gourmet meals of prime rib and filet mignon. Plus, musicians play riverboat style jazz while you take in magnificent views of the breathtaking St. Louis skyline by night.
- Sightseeing Cruises: Enjoy lectures about the history of the St. Louis Riverfront and the Mississippi River while you travel down the historic waterway onboard a nostalgic riverboat. The vessels are equipped with indoor and outdoor seating areas, tables, chairs, restrooms, and concession areas. In addition, some of these sightseeing cruises offer stops at quaint riverside towns lined with historic homes and shops, located along the banks of the Mississippi.
- Lock-and-Dam Cruises: Learn about the lock system on the Mississippi River while enjoying a delicious buffet and listening to live music.
Memphis
Sightseeing Mississippi riverboat cruises allow passengers to see more of the great American waterway than is possible from the shore. The trips run daily and average about two hours in length. Memphis Mississippi riverboats offer an array of different cruises along the Mississippi River. The most popular itineraries are the 90-minute sightseeing cruises, which feature lessons in Tennessee history and interesting narratives of past and present Mississippi River life. Each narrative includes:
- Native American influence on the river
- History of Mississippi River boatmen
- Highlights of Civil War landmarks
- History of the river’s delta and bluffs
- History of the four bridges that cross the river at Memphis
Booking a Mississippi River Cruise
Typically, reservations are not needed for daytime sightseeing cruises. However, most Mississippi River tour operators require reservations for dinner cruises or charters. It’s a good idea to check with individual cruise companies before making your travel plans.
Learn More
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