Guide to Mississippi River Cruises: Discover The Heart of America
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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. From New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN, enjoy well-customized excursions, led by engaging local guides who live and work in these great port cities of America’s Heartland. Get a backstage pass to Elvis’ Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. Explore the boyhood town of Mark Twain in Hannibal and be treated to a live show at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville.
Best cruise for art and architecture: Upper Mississippi
Viking offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. On the higher end of the price range, luxury Mississippi River cruises can range from $500 to $1,000 or more per person per night.
day Mississippi River Gateway Cruise: New Orleans to St. Louis
In addition to visiting monuments and museums, you'll enjoy onboard lectures and presentations and interaction with other Civil War buffs. These sailings are aboard 150-passenger American Heritage and 180-guest American Melody, American Serenade, American Splendor and American Symphony. As you cruise toward the historic city of Hannibal, enjoy the beauty of the heartland. Mingle with guests in one of our comfortable lounges, read a good book on your private balcony, or take part in one of our many onboard activities. Board your ship and be treated to a special welcoming reception, a chance to mingle with fellow guests as you set sail for the most comprehensive exploration of the Mississippi River available.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
On AQSC, we’d be sailing on the American Queen, with a veranda, for a cost of $3,999 each. With ACL, we’d be on the Queen of the Mississippi, with a balcony, for $4,605. Your decision may be influenced by the itinerary or being on a specific boat (such as a paddle-wheeler). Next was the “Queen of the Mississippi”, a smaller paddle-wheeler with a capacity for 150 passengers. The first on my list was the “American Queen”, an authentic paddle-wheeler carrying 448 passengers. With 212 reviews, guests rated them as “very good” with an average of 4.1.
There are three main cruise lines traveling the Mississippi, with journeys ranging from less than a week to more than 20 days. Spring and fall are the best times of year to take a cruise along the river, as you'll avoid the summer heat and winter chill and enjoy more pleasant weather while you take in the surroundings. 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.
Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington. Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise. You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls.
You’ll want to take a trip to The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. You’ll find a lot to appreciate at this popular tourist attraction, which is a beautiful piece of architecture surrounded by nature. But if your time is incredibly limited, then this may be a good option for you to get your feet wet with the possibility of taking a future Mississippi River Cruise beyond one day. Explore St. Paul’s historic districts graced with late 19th- and early 20th-century mansions. Explore the oldest city on the Mississippi, Natchez, with over 200 historic Southern estates. 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.
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. This site focuses on small-format cruises and ship-within-a-ship concepts on large cruise ships, including special cruise experiences you can enjoy during your next vacation. Reasons why US river cruises cost more than a European river cruise, for instance, are because the ships have to be built in the United States and the crew has to be large American, which means their salaries are American dollars.
Additionally, the time of year you choose to embark on your journey can also affect the cost. Peak season, which typically runs from spring to fall, is often more expensive due to higher demand. We know that US River Cruises may give some people sticker shock if they’re used to ocean cruise ship prices. However, we hold true to our belief that river cruises are the best value out there.
Cruises may be abbreviated, altered or cancelled, if in the judgement of the Captain, conditions are not conducive to the safe operations. Passengers, who by their actions, endanger themselves, other passengers, crew members, or the vessel, will be subject to arrest. If you’re a Civil War history buff, then you’ll be excited to see the famous siege of Vicksburg Civil War Battlefield. Another must-see is the National Military Park, which has over 1,370 monuments and a national veterans’ cemetery.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Kick Off 60th Season - Gateway Arch National Park (U.S - National Park Service
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Kick Off 60th Season - Gateway Arch National Park (U.S.
Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp. Later, experience the opulence and natural wonder of the Oak Alley estate with its breathtaking parallel row of 28 ancient and massive live oak trees.
Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.
Viking is a newcomer to the Mississippi River, and all sailings are aboard the 386-guest Viking Mississippi. We've rounded up the best Mississippi River cruises for seniors, history buffs and Americana lovers, so you can find your perfect U.S. river cruise itinerary based on your interests and travel preferences. Remember to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before booking any deal. Pay attention to what is included in the price, any additional fees or taxes, and cancellation policies.
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