Want to enjoy your journey through the heart of America? The Mississippi River Cruise is more than just a serene getaway. Flowing more than 2,300 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana, the river is a witness to history, art, and music. Enjoy your first-ever Mississippi cruise with this guide.
Mississippi River: Tracing the History
Mississippi is one of the ancient witnesses of American history, economy, and culture. Each stream and bend of the river gushes to tell us a story or more. From the Civil War to being an author’s muse, the river has done it all. A cheap time travel into an American novel is what you get once you step into the riverfront towns with mansions and jazz.
Top Cruise Lines
When planning for your cruise, never be in doubt; American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises offer you the best cruise experience with an enthralling itinerary.
American Cruise Lines
The American Cruise Line offers everything from a small 5-day themed cruise to a 23-day long cruise exploring the whole river. They are known for their small ships with various itineraries. You will get comfortable cabins and shore excursions led by experts.
Cruise Details | Port of Call | Ships | Starting Price |
Historic Mississippi River Cruise
(8 Days and 7 Nights) |
New Orleans >Mississippi River (Cruising) >Oak Alley >Houmas House >Baton Rouge >Natchez >Vicksburg >St. Francisville | American Serenade | $3130 |
Mississippi River Gateway Cruise (12 Days and 11 Nights) |
New Orleans >Mississippi River (Cruising) >Oak Alley >Houmas House >Vicksburg >Memphis >Paducah >Louisville | American Symphony | $6360 |
Complete Mississippi River Cruise
(23 Days and 22 Nights) |
New Orleans> Oak Alley >Houmas House >Baton Rouge >St. Francisville >Natchez >Vicksburg >Greenville >Tunica >Memphis >Cape Girardeau >St. Louis >Hannibal >Muscatine >Dubuque >Winona >Red Wing >St. Paul | American Serenade |
$14,890 |
There are more exciting cruises offered by the cruise line. Do check out their official sites for more details.

Viking River Cruises
With its Scandinavian design, the Viking River Cruise comes with a new travel approach. The cruise ship offers luxurious facilities with excursions focused mainly on history, culture, and cuisine.
Cruise Details | Port of Call | Ships | Starting Price |
Mississippi Delta Explorer
(8 Days) |
New Orleans >Darrow >St. Francisville >Baton Rouge >Natchez >Vicksburg> Greenville >Lower Mississippi (Scenic Sailing) >Memphis | Viking Mississippi | $3,999 |
The Big Easy to the Gateway City
(15 Days) |
New Orleans > Darrow > St. Francisville > Baton Rouge > Natchez > Vicksburg > Greenville > Lower Mississippi (Scenic Sailing) > Memphis > Mississippi River (Scenic Sailing) > Paducah > Cape Girardeau > St. Louis > St. Louis (Alton) | Viking Mississippi
|
$8,999 |
Mississippi River Odyssey
(22 Days) |
New Orleans > Darrow > St. Francisville > Baton Rouge > Natchez > Vicksburg > Greenville > Lower Mississippi (Scenic Sailing) > Memphis > Mississippi River (Scenic Sailing) > Paducah > Cape Girardeau > St. Louis > Alton > Hannibal > Burlington > Quad Cities > Dubuque > La Crosse > Red Wing > St. Paul | Viking Mississippi
|
$13,998 |
There are various exciting cruise packages available. Make sure to check the site for more information.

Popular Itineraries You’ll Love
Whatever you are looking for, be it for an extended journey or a short trip, there is a cruise according to your needs.
- Lower Mississippi (New Orleans to Memphis): Enjoy jazz, learn more about Civil War History, and taste delicious Creole cuisine while moving from New Orleans to Memphis. Discover the southern part of the river with stops at Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Vicksburg.
- Upper Mississippi (St. Louis to St. Paul): With the Upper Mississippi Cruise, you get to witness the limestone bluffs and midwestern towns.
- Full-Length Mississippi (22 Days): Another interesting cruise is where you experience the river to its full potential. From New Orleans to Red Wing, Minnesota, sail through from coast to coast with fun entertainment and cuisine.
Best Time to Visit
Like any other spot, timing and season make a big difference in Mississippi. Choose your season carefully before booking your cruise.
- Spring: Far from winter break, spring is one of the ideal times for a cruise. This time is loved especially by nature lovers. The season not only brings warm temperatures but also vibrancy to the river life.
- Fall: Another miraculous time is Fall. Take your cruise through the Upper Mississippi to enjoy the best view of fallen autumn leaves and cooler weather. It is also one of the less crowded times, making it ideal for a serene getaway. With the colorful spectacle of the color-changing leaves, it is also a perfect time and spot for photographers.
Sources
Mississippi River Cruises | Viking®. (n.d.). https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/north america/waterways/mississippi/index.html
Mississippi River Cruises | American Cruise Lines. (n.d.). https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/mississippi-river-cruises