Thursday, April 18, 2024

5 Day Mississippi River Boat Cruise

Viking Mississippi Float Out

Viking Cruise ship forced to dock due to low water levels on Mississippi River

February 2022. The 386-guest Viking Mississippi® was floated out in Louisiana, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in summer 2022, the Viking Mississippi will sail Vikings highly anticipated voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul.

Harbor Tours With A Different View

Gansett Cruises offers one and a half hour narrated harbor boat tours and sunset cruises on Narragansett Bay. Cruise in comfort as you enjoy a scenic tour of Newport and Jamestown. Complimentary Rhode Island specialty and cash bar with a selection of wine, beer, and signature cocktails. This summer Gansett Cruises is celebrating 10 years on the water!

A DIFFERENT VIEW

Gansett Cruises breaks away from the typical rushed harbor boat tour to offer a quiet relaxing and delightful cruise of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bays East Passage. Our guides, are enthused to share the legends and rich history of their homeport.

packages & charters

MV Gansett has teamed up with Birds Eye View Helicopters to show you the best of Newport from the Sky and at Sea. Gansett is also available for private charters for motorcoach groups, weddings, cruise ship groups and special events. Phone or email for details.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Its just the feeling you get from being on a well-appointed private yacht that makes M/V Gansett so special. The open deck plan, comfortably cushioned seating and broad sun canopy create a pleasant cruising experience. Come cruise with us today!

Upper Mississippi River Cruise

On this 8-day Upper Mississippi River cruise sailing between St. Paul, Minnesota and St. Louis, Missouri, experience the majestic river and its scenic bluffs as the settings in his most popular works of literary great Mark Twain. Visit his boyhood home in Hannibal, where the characters of Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Becky Thatcher come to life.

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Relax On The Mississippi

This one-hour sightseeing cruise travels along the mighty Mississippi River, allowing you to soak up the scenery at a relaxing, rhythmic pace. Listen as the captain guides your cruise with historical commentary on the history, legends, and sights of the Mississippi River.

A cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat is great for family events. Whether you are a visitor or resident of Hannibal, you can make wonderful memories aboard our unique riverboat experience! Looking forward to having you onboard!

Highlights & Inclusions:

  • Soak in beautiful scenery along the Mississippi River
  • Listen to the narrated history, legends, and sights of the area

What Is Not Included?

  • Food and beverages but a fully stocked bar and a concession stand are available to purchase sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.

Best Time To Cruise The Mississippi River

Riverboat Twilight

The Lower Mississippi River has the longest season, which typically runs from November through December and April to mid-June, with most sailings on the bottom one-third of the river . In the spring and early summer, the Upper Mississippi is generally too high for riverboats to traverse, so the Upper Mississippi itineraries don’t typically begin sailing until July.

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With Louisiana and Mississippi at their hottest and muggiest during the summer, the bulk of the summer season is split between Upper Mississippi sailings and Ohio River sailings, with the Upper Mississippi taking over again for the most of the month of October. Even on the Upper Mississippi, temperatures can climb into the 90s, and humidity is high during the summer. Always be prepared for sudden thunderstorms brought on by the humidity. The weather cools down quite considerably come fall.

Mosquitos also can be a problem in several of these states, as they all experience high humidity in the summer, so be sure to bring bug spray.

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New Orleans Steamboat Company

The New Orleans Steamboat Company is no newcomer to the Mississippi River or American’s steamboat heritage. Our parent company has been operating steamboats longer than any company in the world. In fact, we’ve been part of the history of steam transport since 1817, just five years after the first steamboat docked in New Orleans. We’re now in our fourth decade of life on the Mississippi. We’ve given literally millions of people the experience of one of our country’s oldest and richest traditions.

Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality …Steamboat Style!

Riverboat City Of New Orleans

Look whats up yonder round the bend! Its The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, sister vessel of the Steamboat NATCHEZ! The CITY of NEW ORLEANS will operate from the Lower Bienville Street Wharf and offer tours of Mardi Gras World. There will be old-timey calliope concerts at 1:15 p.m. every day and tour options include the Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch Cruise, the Jazz Brunch Cruise & Mardi Gras World Tour Combo and the Jazz Dinner Cruise.

The 189-foot-long, 55-foot-wide riverboat has three enclosed decks. It is licensed to carry more than 1,000 passengers perfect for weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and other group outings. Theyll offer special rates for groups of 75 and up. For more information please visit our website.

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Boarding Our Mississippi Cruise In The Gateway To The West

Next, we walked to the nearby Old Courthouse to have a look at exhibits from the Museum of Westward Expansion. They were temporarily moved there from the Arch during construction. Our visit to the Courthouse was enhanced with a performance by a string ensemble from the St. Louis Symphony.

Later in the day, we strolled around Lacledes Landing. Laclede is a popular, historical riverfront dining and entertainment district. Its named after one of the French fur traders who founded St. Louis in 1764. An early dinner at Hannegans Restaurant & Pub found us making a big mess out of a delectable rack of St. Louis-style barbecued ribs.

Following a smooth and efficient boarding process the next morning, we were underway. We were soon passing through several of the 26 locks wed encounter on the way to St. Paul and the landmark confluence of the countrys two greatest rivers the Mississippi and Missouri near St. Charles, MO, where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on their Pacific Ocean Expedition in 1804.

Highlights Of The Mississippi River Cruise

My October 2012 Minneapolis trip (part 3/5 Mississippi River boat cruise)

New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA

  • Pre-CruisePackage and Complimentary Hotel Stay
  • Day 1New Orleans, LA
  • Day 2Houmas House, LA
  • Day 3Baton Rouge, LA
  • Day 4Oak Alley, LA
  • Day 5New Orleans, LA

Begin in the French Quarter of New Orleans and continue to Baton Rouge and Natchez. Explore the “Gateway to the West” via St. Louis, rock ‘n’ roll to Graceland, view Civil War landmarks, and stroll through the museums and art galleries of Paducah.

New Orleans, LA to St. Louis, MO

  • Pre-CruisePackages and Complimentary Hotel Stays
  • Day 1New Orleans, LA
  • Day 2Baton Rouge, LA
  • Day 3Natchez, MS
  • Day 5Day of River Cruising
  • Day 6Memphis, TN
  • Day 7New Madrid, MO
  • Day 8Paducah, KY
  • Day 9Day of River Cruising
  • Day 10St. Louis, MO
  • Day 11St. Louis, MO

Witness the dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River and treat yourself to Blues and BBQ. Guests can choose their perfect itinerary whether aboard an American riverboat or authentic paddlewheeler.

St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA

  • Pre-CruiseComplimentary Hotel Stay
  • Day 1St. Paul, MN
  • Day 2Winona, MN
  • Day 5Fort Madison, IA
  • Day 6Hannibal, MO
  • Day 7St. Louis, MO
  • Day 8St. Louis, MO
  • Day 9Day of River Cruising
  • Day 10Memphis, TN
  • Day 11Day of Cruising
  • Day 12Vicksburg, MS
  • Day 14Baton Rouge, LA
  • Day 15New Orleans, LA

Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN

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Mississippi Holiday And Vacation Packages Reviews

  • “Accommodation was great.The optional tours were well worth visiting. Lots of music….”

    Rhythms of the South

  • “Our guide Austin Coop was excellent. He was attentive and knowledgable. One man on…”

    Tastes and Sounds of the South

  • “Ottima organizzazione sotto tutti i punti di vista, Peter è stato travolgente.”

    America’s Musical Heritage

  • “Got to be the best music tour ever! Brilliant holiday visiting the three most well…”

    Bourbon, Beale & Broadway!

  • “The tour was well organised, interesting and fun. It was a very easy and enjoyable…”

    Southern Sounds

London Eye River Cruise

Whether youre planning to visit the London Eye or you just want a tour around the Thames which focuses on the giant Ferris wheel, this river cruise is a great alternative to other services.

Although the London Eye River Cruise is not as long as other boat tours in the area, it can actually be a lot more affordable.

This circular loop will take you past locations such as Big Ben, St. Pauls Cathedral, The Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament. If you purchase your tickets online, you can save 10% on your fare.

TIP: This cruise is also part of the London Explorer Pass, which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.

Ticket Prices:

  • £13 for Adults / £12 when you book online
  • £10 for Children / £9 when you book online
  • Children under 3 ride for free

Before purchasing tickets, note that this cruise is included in the London Explorer Pass, which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.

Tour Hours

  • Daily Cruises from 10:45 to 19:45 pm
  • Cruise departs *10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 16.45, *17.45, *18.45, *19.45

Note: *Opening times may vary depending on seasonality. Be sure to check their schedule.

Reviews

This river cruise company has earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor. Although there is a small contingent of passengers who had negative experiences, most reviews are very positive.

The majority of people who take this cruise find it enjoyable. Its fair to assume that the few complaints may just be random outliers.

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Upper Mississippi River Cruise St Louis To Minneapolis

This luxury 9-day Upper Mississippi River cruise between St. Louis and Minneapolis offers adventure, beauty and comfort to all who embark upon it. The Upper Mississippi River offers the opportunity to explore the territory that served as Mark Twains muse.

Mississippi River Cruise From New Orleans To Memphis Review And Photos

New Mississippi River cruise boats to call on Baton Rouge, New Orleans ...
Note: Queen of the Mississippi was refurbished and renamed American Heritage in 2022.

My first Mississippi river cruise was a silly 20-minute boat ride aboard Liberty Belle at Disney World.

Based on my Huck Finn Disney ride, I really didnt know what to expect on a real Mississippi river cruise. But when I stepped onboard American Cruise LinesAmerican Heritage , the only similarity was the traditional big red paddle wheel.

The week ahead on the Mississippi would cruise through U.S. territory Ive never explored. The cities and towns wed see were totally new to me.

This post takes you along on my Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to Memphis. I hope to inspire you to get onboard and experience the controversial history, regional culture and delicious cuisine in this part of America.

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Popular Ports On The Mississippi

You can cruise all the way from New Orleans to St. Paul or Minneapolis along the length of the Mississippi or choose from shorter itineraries spanning a portion of the river. Typically, cruises along the Lower Mississippi travel between New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, while ships on the Upper Mississippi sail between St. Louis and the Twin Cities. Highlights at popular stops along the river include Cajun culture in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Civil War history in Vicksburg, Mississippi, music and BBQ in Memphis, and plenty of charming small towns and picturesque views along the way.

Cruises On The Mississippi River

Launched in 2015, American Cruise Lines 150-passenger American Heritage is dedicated to Mississippi river cruises.

The most traveled Mississippi river cruises are between New Orleans and Memphis or St. Louis. There are also a few full-length New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota or reverse cruise each summer.

You can also journey east of the Mississippi river and cruise the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.

If youre wondering if Mississippi river cruise ships have a casino, the answer is no. Overnight Mississippi river cruise ships do not have a casino.

However, an option would be to take a taxi from the ship if the port that you are at has a nearby casino. Just dont miss the boat!

Disclosure: I was a guest of American Cruise Lines aboard American Heritage. As always, all opinions are my own. It was a wonderful week and I heartily recommend this cruise.

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Im the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breathstop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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Reaching The End Of Our Mississippi River Cruise In St Paul

A riverboat cruise is generally a slow-moving event, but it hardly seemed as if a week had passed as Queen of the Mississippi tied up in St. Paul, MN to bring our weeklong cruise to an end.

All in all, the voyage went flawlessly. Meals were tasty, plentiful and well presented and the Queens officers and crew were invariably friendly and efficient. As a veteran of more than 40 cruises, I will tell you unequivocally that ACL is among the best in the business of small ship cruising.

Following the customary hugs and farewells, we made a beeline for the St. Paul Farmers Market. Wed heard this was the best place to be on a Saturday morning in St. Paul. Founded in 1853 and featuring more than 300 vendors, its one of the nations oldest and largest public markets. We had a great time there, wandering about and making photos.

Mississippi River Port Highlights

A trip down the mighty Mississippi

New Orleans, Louisiana: Thick with atmosphere, New Orleans is world-famous for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, beautiful French Quarter neighborhood, great Southern and Creole cooking and some of the world’s best jazz music.

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Vicksburg, Mississippi: The site of a famous Civil War battlefield, Vicksburg also offers visitors a glimpse into its Southern heritage with antebellum plantations, old churches and restored train depots. A popular attraction is National Military Park, where visitors can learn about the siege and defense of the city. The park includes more than 1,370 monuments and markers, a restored Union gunboat and a national cemetery. Boat-lovers might like the Old Depot Museum, which features the world’s largest collection of ship models, as well as a collection of riverboat models and U.S. Navy ships with Mississippi names.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana’s state capital is an intriguing mixture of African-American and Caribbean cultures and a hot spot for Creole and Cajun cuisine. Visit Louisiana’s Old State Capitol or new state capitol building — or head to the LSU Rural Life Museum for a showcase of what life was like on a typical 19th century plantation. Visit the kitchen, slave cabins and grist mill before touring a replica of the town.

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How Much Does It Cost To Ride The Riverboat In New Orleans

It costs around $36 to $80 to ride the riverboat in New Orleans. Prices depend on how early you book and whether or not you get a balcony seat.

Moreover, age impacts the price you pay. Children under six typically cruise for free in many riverboats unless you want to get them lunch on your ride.

We believe you are eyeing a few of our best Mississippi river cruises with our detailed guide to inform your next vacation.

Remember, the cost of a cruise varies according to several factors, as highlighted. Therefore, it pays to make a wise financial choice while still enjoying the best getaway.

Highlights Of The Mississippi River

This 5-day Highlights of the Mississippi River cruise adventure begins and ends in New Orleans, a melting pot of French, African, and American culture. Here you can enjoy exclusive access to its vibrant music scene and the best in Cajun and Creole cuisine.

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Top 10 Mississippi River’s Cruise Ports

Talk with an expert Ask a Question Top 10 Mississippi River’s Cruise Ports

  • Red Wing – Located south of Minneapolis, this is where many of our cruises embark and disembark. It was named in the early 19th century by the Sioux, an indigenous tribe that first settled the Americas. Tour the Pottery Museum and learn all about the history of the city and the nearby Cannon Falls. Frontenac State Park is also a popular destination for watching or simply relaxing in nature.
  • Dubuque – is a port city, located in Iowa bordering Wisconsin and Illinois. Some of the top things to do are touring the Crystal Lake Caves or walking around Eagle Point Park. This city was named after Julien Dubuque, a Spanish explorer that arrived in the late 19th century.
  • Bettendorf This Iowa port city is part of the Quad cities, where five cities have clustered together on a section of the Mississippi. One of the favorite activities here is to visit the Family Museum of Arts and Sciences, which offers hands-on learning for kids. For those seeking more adult entertainment, visit the Crawford Brew Works and Cats Eye Distillery, which are famous around town for their opening arms.
  • Vicksburg – Known for being the site for a key battle in the Civil War, Vicksburg hosts the National Military Park and the restored USS Cairo gunboat, which was used during the war. There is also a Lower Mississippi River Museum with many exhibits and an aquarium.
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