Best Time To Cruise The Mississippi River
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.
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.
The Best Time To Cruise The Mississippi
One of the first considerations you need to make when planning your Mississippi River cruise is that the Mississippi River is not open year round for cruising. So before you get too far into planning, be sure to check!
As with all travel destinations there are some peak times and some low times for taking a Mississippi River Cruise, each with pros and cons.
The Lower Mississippi has the longest season – open all year except for January and February – while the Upper Mississippi has a short season, between June and October
If you choose to cruise the Upper Mississippi during the summer, there is a positive note regarding the tourist crowds. As you move further north along the Mississippi, you will be entering into the eastern edge of the American Midwest.
This region is not usually included on tour itineraries of the United States, and even very few Americans vacation here. So even during the busiest times you probably wont experience much in the way of tourist crowds, and by extension will actually get quite an authentic feel for small town America.
If you choose to travel in the summertime, know that tt will also be incredibly hot! If you are not used to hot and humid weather, be prepared for some uncomfortable days. You can help combat the weather by dressing appropriately and drinking a lot of water.
Cruises along the Upper Mississippi portion of the river are only available between June and October, when the water level is low enough to accommodate cruise vessels.
Save Up To 50% On Mississippi River Cruises
Explore America’s true historic treasures on a cruise of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This 2,320-mile waterway flows through 10 states, from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Its name comes from the Ojibwe word Misi-ziibi, meaning “Great River.”
The Mississippi led explorers to new lands, and it served as an important lifeline for the transport of people and goods to the towns that rapidly grew along its banks. Centers of commerce and culture flourished along its main route and tributaries. Cities like St. Louis, Memphis, Vicksburg and New Orleans owe their existence to the Mississippi.
Step back to a time when life moved a little slower and riverboats slowly churned the waters. See Civil War battlefields, restored plantations, rolling farmland and picturesque riverfront towns filled with Victorian-era architecture. The region has a rich musical legacy as the birthplace of the blues, jazz and country music. It’s been celebrated in literature, too, most notably by Mark Twain, who grew up in the port town of Hannibal, MO.
Sailings might spend time on the mighty Mississippi in addition to other waterways, like the Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois and Cumberland Rivers. Cruises are particularly good values, because your stateroom and onboard meals are included in a single rate that you pay upfront.
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Envision Paradise Adventure And Relaxation With Usa River Cruises
Imagine exploring the ins and outs of the largest group of freshwater lakes on earth and then hop aboard our Great Lakes River Cruises.
Perhaps youve always wondered what it would be like to explore the Deep South in comfort and style. Our Mississippi River Cruises are the place to be.
Or maybe youve always wanted to experience Europe from a ships-eye view. Well USA River Cruises has those, too, with our sweet suite of European Cruises.
Theres so much for you to see and do. From the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi to the Columbia River and our Alaskan Cruises ports of call all the way to our cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean.
USA River Cruises has been making travel dreams come true since 1999. Were experts at matching people with the experiences they seek. Theres something for everyone. Theres something for you.
This Columbia River Cruise experience was a total delight, very informative, educational, entertaining, and just a fantastic experience overall. Every port offered opportunities for exploration and learning. The on-board Riverlorian brought history to life, as did the local entertainment brought onboard. The cuisine selections and quality were top-shelf all the way.
Upper Mississippi River Cruise
The dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River have long inspired artists, writers, and steamboat passengers. It was here that literary great Mark Twain used the majestic river and its scenic bluffs as the settings in his most popular works. Visit his boyhood home in Hannibal, where the characters of Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Becky Thatcher come to life. Explore the beautiful gardens and historic homes of the region. Get close to nature in Red Wing as you witness a variety of bald eagle nests. Enjoy a guided tour of the Black Hawk State Historic Site which celebrates the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians who once called Davenport home.
Just as it was in Mark Twains day, every cruise on the Mississippi River is unique due to fluctuating river conditions that can have an impact on our itinerary. The river has a mind of its own and our sailing schedules must adapt to it. This is part of the adventure and American Cruise Lines will always work to provide a seamless travel experience.
Ask about our Current Savings and our Complimentary Pre-cruise Packages which include a premium hotel stay and transportation to the ship.
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Discover The Art Of Cajun / Creole Cooking
Exclusively for Tauck guests, prepare to watch, learn and eat! Sit back and enjoy watching the skilled, entertaining chefs at the New Orleans School of Cooking prepare a classic Cajun / Creole meal while learning about the vibrant history of New Orleans cuisine, followed by lunch. It’s the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you’ll never forget, where fun is a primary ingredient in the kitchen. Since 1980, the school has introduced countless visitors to the wonderful food and rich culture of New Orleans and Louisiana with cooking classes in a renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800s in the heart of the French Quarter.
From New Orleans To Memphis The Lower Mississippi
The lower Mississippi offers a wealth of regional music, cuisine, history, and architecture. Its a fascinating region that is coming to terms with its past and looking to the future. Youll encounter impressive sights and activities in Memphis, Tennessee Natchez, Mississippi Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana and some small towns along the way as well. .
In pre-Civil war days, when cotton was king, two-thirds of all American millionaires lived between New Orleans and Natchez. That all ended abruptly with the war and the abolition of slavery — the scourge that had enabled the wealthy plantations to thrive.
French-accented New Orleans, with its iconic French Quarter and party-central Bourbon Street, is the place to down donut-like beignets for breakfast, eat fried oysters in a modest seafood shack, dine royally on the finest cuisine in one of the citys world-famous restaurants, or, of course, have a drink or two, perhaps at a local jazz club such as Preservation Hall.
Memphis is another musical mecca. You can tour Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived Sun Studio, where Elvis made his name the Stax Museum, which tells the history of one of the great rhythm and blues studios and of course Beale Street, with its parade of blues clubs. Begin your perfect evening with some ribs at The Rendezvous or drinks atop the Madison Hotel, complete with panoramic views.
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Usa River Cruises Offers Travelers A Direct Line To Local History Culture And Cuisine
And by local we mean the world.
Thats because USA River Cruises takes our guests to some of the most scenic and exciting destinations around the globe.
Tired of the same vacation trips? Looking for something a lot more inclusive and flexible, so that you can relax when you want to relax and partake in invigorating excursions when the spirit moves you?
When youre onboard a USA River Cruise, everything is taken care of. You wont have to worry about car rentals or driving from unfamiliar city to unfamiliar city. No more stressing out about securing overnight accommodations. And forget all about trying to decide where to eat!
What Does Stride Preferred Mean
Now you can find, compare, and share trips from 1,000+ operators and expert trip planners. Unlike most travel agencies and websites that only show options from large companies that pay big commissions, we show you all the options we can gather, and were adding more all the time. We want you to have all the available information to find your perfect trip, no matter who its with. Whether youre looking for a short weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, you can find it on Travelstride. About us.
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Highlights Of The Mississippi River
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
Journey through America’s Heartland via the Ohio River. Sip Mint Juleps in Kentucky, sight see in “Steel City” Pittsburgh, and enjoy a glass of sweet tea on your private balcony.
Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO
- Pre-CruisePackages and Complimentary Hotel Stays
- Day 1Pittsburgh, PA
- Day 9Cape Girardeau, MO
- Day 10St. Louis, MO
- Day 11St. Louis, MO
Cruise the Tennessee Valley aboard our newest modern riverboat. You’ll make stops in Nashville, TN, Chattanooga, TN, Paducah, KY, and more. This journey includes the sounds of iconic music, the sights of Civil War history, and the smells of whiskey and bourbon.
Nashville, TN to Chattanooga, TN
- Pre-CruiseNashville, TN
Witness the dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River and treat yourself to Blues and BBQ. Guests can choose their perfect itinerary whether aboard a modern 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 14Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 15New Orleans, LA
Nashville, TN to Memphis, TN
Graceful Traditions Of The Era Of Steamboat Travel With Modern
Spacious luxury awaits aboard the American Duchess, a boutique-style riverboat that combines modern day amenities with a nod to the graceful era of steamboat travel. With some of the largest accommodations on the Mississippi River, the ship is home to 83 comfortable staterooms and balconied suites ranging from 180 to 550 square feet. Unique to the American Duchess are her Loft Suites, which feature two stories enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows, two full bathrooms, a comfortable dining area, a beautiful lounge with a queen sofa-bed, a private balcony and an upstairs bedroom.
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American Queen Steamboat Company
For a highly unique experience along the Mississippi River, try the ‘5 Night New Years Celebration’ cruise from American Queen Steamboat Company. As the name of this cruise indicates, you’ll be on board the cruise ship as the New Year celebrations kick off, so you’ll be able to say you got to welcome in the brand new year in a truly special way. This is a wonderful occasion to share with your friends or a special someone in your life, and prices start as low as $1,500 for a simple interior room.
For this cruise, as with many other cruises along the Mississippi River, you’ll be sailing on the American Queen. The biggest river steamboat ever constructed, the American Queen was created back in 1995 and has a traditional style, harkening back to the days of the Mississippi riverboats. The ship features its own fitness center, spa, Grand Saloon, Main Deck Lounge entertainment area, Mark Twain Gallery library, and so much more. It’s been described as one of the best cruise vessels ever crafted and is the only way to experience an authentic Mississippi River cruise. #
This cruise sets off from New Orleans and actually never leaves the state of Louisiana, cruising along the Mississippi in the days leading up to New Year’s Day and stopping off at Nottoway and Baton Rouge over the course of its 5-day journey, giving you some awesome opportunities to celebrate the New Year in style.
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What Makes Mississippi River Cruises So Unique
You wont find waterslides, casinos, kids or massive night-time shows on these river boats. Unlike any other vacation, this is the opportunity to relax and absorb what it was like in a different time.
Your entire experience will be influenced by the historical significance of this waterway and how it shaped America. The steam powered paddle-wheeler ruled supreme from 1830 right up to the Civil War.
Capable of going both upstream and downstream, it revolutionized travel and the cost of shipping goods. This was the heyday of the south, enabling expansion and prosperity.
The majority of your fellow passengers will be baby boomers. Some are history buffs interested in the Civil war sites. Others intrigued by the plantations dotting the banks, or perhaps enthralled with the adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
With most boats carrying less than 400 guests, youll get to know your fellow travelers. The smaller more intimate public lounges are conducive to striking up a conversation and sharing the days experience.
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Lower Mississippi River Sights
The 8-day Memphis to New Orleans itinerary appeals to us. We could fly in and spend a day , see Graceland and other sights.
On AQSC, wed be sailing on the American Queen, with a veranda, for a cost of $3,999 each. With ACL, wed be on the Queen of the Mississippi, with a balcony, for $4,605.
Vicksburg was a pivotal battle allowing the Union supremacy of the waterway. As mentioned above, this is a must see for Shannon.
Id rather see an original southern plantation, especially one as famous as Oak Alley. The best part is we can do both!
One of my greatest disappointments when we were in New Orleans was not being able to go on the local paddle-wheeler. Our timing was horrible as it was in dry dock. Thats why Im even more excited to arrive by water.
Whats The Best River Cruise
The best escorted tour is the one that fits your budget and schedule! The most popular tour operators are Globus, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Cosmos, Costsaver, CIE Tours, Intrepid, Tauck and others. You canât go wrong with any escorted tour. Please speak with one of our travel consultants to find the best tour for you!
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Best Mississippi River Cruises For 2022
0Upper Mississippi River vs. Lower Mississippi River Upper Mississippi River Lower Mississippi River0Top Cruise Ports on the mighty Mississippi RiverWhere will your Mississippi River cruise take you? Mississippi River cruises immerse you in the culture and cuisine of the historic U.S. South. Here are some of the most popular cruise ports where our Adventure Life Mississippi River cruises dock: Get to Know VicksburgGet to Know Baton RougeGet to Know New Orleans0What’s it like to cruise the Mississippi River on the riverboats?American QueenAmerican Duchess American Countess
From The Avalon Waterways Travel Blog
As you plan, or just dream about your next vacation, we invite you to get inspired by the Avalon travel blog showcasing news, tips, and stories! Plus, you can read articles where Avalon Waterways and Avalon ships have been featured in the news. Every great traveler has someone on the inside who knows all of the best kept secrets about their travel destinations. Let us be your inside source!
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What’s Included On A River Cruise
Generally, a river cruise will include as many services as possible, giving you less to worry about. Your accommodations onboard the ship and access to all the ship amenities, most meals as per the itinerary, access to your dedicated Travel Director, and anything else specified in your itinerary. Also per the itinerary, certain sightseeing opportunities are also included: tickets to special VIP access to the most famous landmarks, skip the lines, and when available, access to a personal local guide for expert commentary.