Mississippi River Cruise

When to Take a Mississippi River Cruise

Cruises on the Mighty Mississippi are available throughout the year, though the itineraries vary widely and more northerly routes may not be available during the winter months. Furthermore, passengers who are sensitive to heat and humidity may want to avoid the popular summer months, when the river basin – particularly near the river’s mouth – is particularly warm. Because most river cruise ships host fewer than 500 passengers per trip, many cruises sell out well in advance and travelers should make their plans accordingly.

Cruise Length

Depending on the number of ports of call, a Mississippi River cruise can last 3-12 nights, or longer. The entire river system encompasses more than 50 rivers and tributaries, including the Ohio, Tennessee, and Missouri rivers, allowing passengers the opportunity to explore much of the American Midwest on their leisurely voyage. The average pace of a river cruise is a mere six miles per hour – unlike the faster passage of ocean-going vessels that must travel hundreds or thousands of miles between ports – and passengers on any length voyage will have plenty of time to absorb the river’s lore.

Cruise Line

Only two established cruises lines offer regular routes along the Mississippi River:

• Delta Queen Steamboat Company: Passengers interested in a dose of nostalgic Americana will appreciate the quaint paddleboats of this cruise line, including the signature ship, the Delta Queen, which is a treasured national landmark.
• RiverBarge Excursions: With less history than the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, this barge line is also less expensive but still offers a close look at the culture and history of the Mississippi River.

Several major cruise lines may offer limited access to the Mississippi River, generally only along the extensive delta and including New Orleans. For this limited exposure to the river, guests may want to consider Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or other lines that frequently call on New Orleans.

Regardless of the cruise line, each Mississippi River cruise offers a unique view of southern and Midwestern culture, including devoted Cajun menus, jazz and blues music, swing dancing, and other delightful cultural experiences.

Mississippi River Cruise Embarkation Ports

Depending on the specific itinerary, there are several embarkation ports for cruises along the Mississippi River. The most frequent options include:

• New Orleans, LA: Located 100 miles from the mouth of the river, passengers embarking in this famous city will immediately be immersed in unique and distinctive experiences.
• St. Louis, MO: Home of the famous Gateway Arch, there is no better way to explore the river than beginning at this city that began the nation’s westward expansion.
• St. Paul, MN: A home port for upper Mississippi cruises, St. Paul offers a laid back experience for both novice and experienced river cruisers.
• Galveston, TX: A frequent embarkation port for larger ships that will only venture partway up the Mississippi River, Galveston offers a combination Caribbean and river option for travelers.
• Memphis, TN: In the heart of southern music, Memphis is home to Graceland, guaranteeing that passengers get off to a swinging start on their cruise vacation.
• Cincinnati, OH: Along the wilderness portion of a Mississippi journey, this southern Ohio city is a convenient embarkation port for northern passengers who don’t typically have access to popular cruise ports.

Ports of Call

There are three general regions of Mississippi River cruises, each with its own attractions and historical charm. Precise ports of call may vary depending on the river’s conditions, season, and commercial shipping conditions.

Mansions are popular attractions in southern ports of call.

• American Heritage Region: This is the typical lower Mississippi River: deep in the South, stretching from Louisiana to Tennessee. Lazy days cruising through the bayou are common on lower Mississippi cruises, and shore excursions may include historic plantation homes and other grand architectural masterpieces. Port of call cities typically include Mobile, AL; Little Rock, AR; Baton Rouge, LA; Nashville, TN; Memphis, TN; and New Orleans, LA.
• Heartland Region: The upper Mississippi River is in the heartland of the United States, and passengers visit many cultural attractions and museums dedicated to westward expansion and pioneer life. This is also the region made famous by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) as the playground for Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, and Huckleberry Finn. Ports of call may include Minneapolis, MO; St. Paul, MO; St. Louis, MO; and Hannibal, MO.
• Wilderness Region: An offshoot of the Mississippi region yet still drained by the mighty river, these cruises explore the Ohio River valley deep into the American Midwest and the Appalachian Mountains. Points of interest range from steel mills to baseball parks to art museums, all of which add multiple layers to the region’s history and charm. Ports of call frequently include Pittsburgh, PA; Cincinnati, OH; and Louisville, KY.

A Mississippi River cruise is vastly different from a Caribbean, Mexican, or other exotic voyage, but it offers just as detailed a look at a distinctive culture, one that many people may not realize exists in their backyard. A relaxed voyage along the many rivers that make up the Mississippi system not only brings that culture into perspective, but also gives each passenger a glimpse into a region and culture with a rich and varied heritage.

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