Sunday, April 21, 2024

5 Things to Know Before Cruising the Mississippi River

american cruise line mississippi river

The eight-day New Orleans & Southern Charms is the shortest itinerary available, while the 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage covers the entire river, from New Orleans to St. Paul. Explore the historic Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre, the home of famous Red Wing shoes, and the Pottery Museum, or ride up the bluff for a remarkable view. Visit the National Eagle Center to learn more about these incredible creatures with the added thrill of admiring them up close. A “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River and continues today as a primary commercial, industrial, educational, and cultural center for this region. From the ship, it’s a short walk to a cruise highlight at the incredible complex of the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Explore Hannibal, “America’s Hometown,” a mere block from the ship, where Mark Twain’s home and museum illuminate the events that shaped his life and career.

Things to Know Before Cruising the Mississippi River

These form the heart of the ship and are used for relaxing and entertainment that befits a voyage along the Mississippi. The new-look interiors on American Splendor celebrate the musical genres of the Mississippi, from jazz and blues to country and rock and roll, with modern elegance and touches from yesteryear, such as white rocking chairs on deck. For an alternate introduction to the area, upgrade to a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis and explore this city at your leisure.

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Elements of his childhood adventures were woven into classics like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking. The complete Elvis experience is yours with a stay at The Guest House at Graceland, including breakfast, and an exploration of Elvis' mansion and grounds.

american cruise line mississippi river

American Cruise Lines Kicks Off 2024 Mississippi River Cruise Season

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 River Cruises' 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage, available in 2024 aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi, also embarks in New Orleans and visits 16 ports in nine states as it cruises north to St. Paul, Minnesota. You can visit 18 ports in six states on a 23-day Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to St. Paul.

The first railroad to reach the Mississippi River connected Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois across the river. The area features diverse attractions ranging from grand historic mansions lining the river, renowned museums, rich Native American history, and the largest agricultural exhibit in the world. Be enlightened by the region’s history, culture, and environment at the Smithsonian-affiliated Putnam Museum. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you set out cruising Mark Twain’s river. Admire the breathtaking scenery that has inspired the country’s most legendary writers, artists, and musicians.

Step into 19th-century America in Winona, Minnesota, located in the picturesque bluff country on the Mississippi River. Explore this vibrant small town with the perfect blend of urban edge and old-world charm. 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. 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.

best Mississippi River cruises

Enjoy a relaxing trip through the historic sites of the largest city in Mississippi, including Cotton Row, the Mount Holly Plantation, and the Weatherbee House. 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. Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss.

Best cruise for music: Lower Mississippi (New Orleans to Memphis)

When it comes to numbers, American Symphony echoes its sister ship, American Melody, in everything but age (though they only launched one year apart). Both vessels carry 175 passengers, have five decks, six different public areas, and sport 91 cabins covering six categories. It’s the second ship in the line’s modern riverboat fleet to have its interiors designed by Miami-based Studio DADO. American Cruise Line's nine-day Upper Mississippi river cruise covers much of the same ground, with a few differences. Sailings are available on the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage as well as on three sleek new 180-guest riverboats, American Melody, American Serenade and American Symphony.

American Queen Voyages ceases operations, cruises cancelled - Mississippi's Best Community Newspaper ... - Natchez Democrat

American Queen Voyages ceases operations, cruises cancelled - Mississippi's Best Community Newspaper ....

Posted: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

American Symphony Review

This vivacious city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience. Sail 1,393 miles, through 10 states, on the most comprehensive exploration of the Mighty Mississippi available. 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.

These sailings are aboard 150-passenger American Heritage and 180-guest American Melody, American Serenade, American Splendor and American Symphony. Just as it was back in Mark Twain’s day, every riverboat on the Mississippi River is unique due to fluctuating river conditions that can have an impact on our itinerary. This is part of the adventure and American Cruise Lines will always work to provide a seamless travel experience. With the most awards and itinerary options, find your perfect cruise with the leader in USA river cruises.

Your ship will stop in major cities and lesser-known towns, offering excursions to historic sites and evenings spent enjoying locally inspired cuisine and regional music. This itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on four American Cruise Lines ships, ranging from the 150-passenger classic paddlewheeler American Heritage to the 180-passenger modern riverboat American Serenade. American Cruise Lines is known for its regionally inspired cuisine, served with complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, plus complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and hosted entertainment in the main lounges.

These itineraries are offered by both American Cruise Lines and Viking, and are perfect for seniors with plenty of time to explore. Viking is a newcomer to the Mississippi River, and all sailings are aboard the 386-guest Viking Mississippi. 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. Both cruise lines offer itineraries between New Orleans and Memphis, but Viking features more excursions and onboard experiences tailored to music lovers.

New Orleans reverberates with the sounds of jazz, while Memphis offers savory barbecue, rich music history museums, and an amazing exploration of Elvis’ Graceland. Discover why the Mississippi River and the port of Vicksburg were so important during the Civil War and enjoy the beautiful architecture, antiques, and gardens of grand estates alongside the river, including Houmas House, and Rosedown. Perhaps sip and savor a tasty mint julep while strolling under the canopy of 300-year-old trees at Oak Alley or peruse the local shops and museums of quaint and cozy towns like St. Francisville and Natchez. St. Paul is an exciting place to end your riverboat cruise adventure on the Mississippi River.

Experience the Mississippi River like never before on an all-inclusive river cruise. American Cruise Lines emphasizes the history and culture of the United States with delicious regional cuisine, amazing onboard music, and customized tours to historical landmarks. For a limited time only, receive a Complimentary Four Seasons Hotel stay on select dates. 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. Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park.

American Cruise Lines offers a dozen itineraries ranging in length from five to 22 days. Options include round-trip cruises from New Orleans, Lower and Upper Mississippi itineraries, and themed cruises such as Music Cities and Great Smoky Mountains. American Queen Voyages, previously known as the American Queen Steamboat Company, operates three classic paddlewheelers on eight- to 15-night sailings on all of the Mississippi, along with the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. Its fleet includes the American Queen, which holds the record as the biggest river steamboat. Cruises on the Mississippi River usually include one section -- either Upper or Lower of the Mississippi -- of the river for week-long cruises, but it's possible to book a three-week itinerary to take in as much of America's heartland as possible. Alton is an idyllic town, known for its scenic limestone bluffs along the river and its rich Civil War history.

There are also veranda cabins for solo travelers which is a nice luxury if you’re traveling solo. For the all-important early morning caffeine fix all rooms come with coffee makers. However, there are slight differences depending on the section of the river you’re looking to cruise. It’s best to cruise the Upper Mississippi in the spring, fall and summer, when temperatures are milder. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point.

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