viking river cruise quad cities

Viking Cruise Lines to make stop in the Quad Cities Wednesday

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Viking Cruise Lines will make a stop in the Quad Cities Wednesday at River Heritage Park in Davenport.

Viking Cruise Lines are launching new destination-focused travel experiences on the Mississippi River, with its first 386-guests custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, according to a media release from Visit Quad Cities. Its maiden voyage for passengers begins in St. Paul Saturday.

The public is invited to welcome the first Viking passengers to the Quad Cities at an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting at noon before passengers disembark on the red carpet to board the buses for their shore excursions.

Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination management and marketing organization, assists the national river cruise companies to develop shore excursion tours for passengers.

Viking passengers will have the opportunity to visit the John Deere Pavilion & Store, Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center, Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum and Science Center, and Cinnamon Ridge Farms, in addition to biking and kayaking guided tours.

“This is a watershed moment for the Quad Cities regional destination,” Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, said in the release. “Viking’s arrival in the Quad Cities is exciting and an important opportunity to activate our world-renowned Mississippi River. We are honored to serve Viking’s customers and are aligned with Viking to deliver an unforgettable Quad Cities experience. Their customers will participate in group tours and we are confident that they will walk away impressed with what the QC has to offer.

“Our philosophy is that visitors are potential new residents and/or investors so we plan to roll out the red carpet and create memories for Viking’s passengers during their stay. Plus, the worldwide brand visibility our region will receive is immeasurable. We are looking forward to providing that unique Midwestern hospitality and are incredibly grateful to the City of Davenport for their strategic riverfront investment to make River Heritage Park the first impression where Viking’s customers will disembark.”

Almost 50 stops from national cruise lines will be welcomed to the Quad Cities this year. Cruise lines have scheduled visits in the QC until early November, according to the release.

The cruise schedule is subject to change at any time and no public tours will be given of the vessels, according to the release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Viking Tours to the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House,” Executive Director Stacy Klingler said in the release. “We can’t wait to share the Deere Family story that is so central to the development of Moline and the Quad Cities, alongside the story of the corporation that visitors will learn at the John Deere Commons. These tourism dollars provide financial support to preserve the homes, as well as for our arts and culture programs and our free community center facilities. We know that our Quad Cities local history is just as important—if not quite as old—as the history shared in Viking Tours in other parts of the world.”

“We have been anticipating this day for a long time and are thrilled to be partnering with Viking Cruise lines to welcome their passengers to the Figge Art Museum,” Director of Education Melissa Mohr said. “We will be providing an exclusive experience for passengers during their time in the Quad Cities and we cannot wait to showcase all of the incredible artwork and traveling exhibitions on view.”

“The Putnam Museum and Science Center is excited to partner with Visit Quad Cities to welcome Viking Cruise Lines guests to the region,” Rachael Mullins. president and CEO of The Putnam, said. “We look forward to celebrating all the best the Quad Cities has to offer, including the rich history and diverse culture of our Native American community.”

Copyright 2022 KWQC. All rights reserved.

FIRST ALERT DAY(ENDED): Significant severe weather possible Tuesday

Iowa man steals car from Davenport dealership, car gets impounded in Colorado, police say

Henry County Iowa impacted by storm, sheriff’s office reports

Crews respond to fire at dentist office in Coal Valley

Deputy dies after coming into contact with power lines while responding to crash

Latest news.

High School Sports: April 17

St. Ambrose University cheer and dance teams celebrate national championship

Iowa lawmakers pass bill to make state parks more accessible for people with disabilities

Morning Sun house damaged by fire, crews say

Viking Cruises Have Set Sail on the Mississippi and Stop in Davenport

The Viking Mississippi made its first-ever stop in the Quad Cities on Wednesday.

Davenport Mayor Mike Matson and Visit QC President and CEO Dave Herrell hosted a ribbon cutting at River Heritage Park in Davenport. This included a red carpet for passengers, gifts for the captain, and a champagne toast. Herrell says this is going to be a big boost for local tourism.

"The Mississippi River is our world-renowned, global asset. We are proud of it's rich history, and the story that it is helping us tell now, and in the future. We are blessed to have incredible river cruise partners activating the Mississippi."

Viking Mississippi passengers took excursions to experience the Figge Art Museum, the John Deere Pavilion, and the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Mayor Matson is excited that the Viking is going to stop here.

"...that buy into this, that we are a region and that we strive for excellence. Think positive. Think big. Dream big. And don't accept marginal stuff. Let's get to place where we can continue to improve."

Viking Mississippi will conclude its maiden voyage from St. Paul to New Orleans in 15 days.

• Davenport, Iowa
• Moline, Illinois
• Rock Island, Illinois
• Bettendorf, Iowa
• East Moline, Illinois
• Maps and Directions
• Mississippi River
• Website Mission
• Bed & Breakfast
• Camping & RVs
• Hotels & Motels
• Hotels with Meeting Centers
• Restaurants
• Clothing Stores
• Department Stores
• Food Stores
• Home & Hardware Stores
• Shopping Centers
• Specialty Stores
• Art Galleries
• Attractions
• Indoor Recreation
• Outdoor Recreation
• Health Care
• Personal Care & Services
• Transportation
• Quad City Storm Hockey Central
• Professional Sports
• Health Clubs & Gyms
• Martial Arts
• Indoor Activities
• Outdoor Activities
• Sports Clubs
• Find A Home
• Apartment Rentals
• Real Estate Brokers
• New Home Construction
• Home Services
• Commercial Real Estate
• Banking & Finance
• Meeting & Event Centers
• Economic Development
• Chambers of Commerce
• Professional Services
• Business Associations
• Things To Do
• Live Entertainment
• Special Events
• Sports Events
• Get the Mobile App
• Arts & Entertainment News
• Local News & Happenings

Viking Cruise Lines Visiting Quad Cities TODAY!

Viking Cruise Lines are launching new destination-focused travel experiences on the Mississippi River, with its first 386-guests custom vessel, Viking Mississippi.  Its maiden voyage for passengers begins in St. Paul on September 3 and Viking’s first stop in the Quad Cities will be on Wednesday, September 7 at River Heritage Park, Davenport .

The public is invited to welcome the first Viking passengers to the Quad Cities.  An opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting will take place before the passengers disembark on the red carpet to board the buses for their shore excursions.

Adding Viking’s globally-recognized brand to the cruise lines sailing on the Mississippi is important to the visibility of the Quad Cities regional destination.  Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination management and marketing organization (DMMO), assists the national river cruise companies to develop the shore excursion tours for passengers.

Passengers go on tours visiting our attractions and gain authentic experiences while they are in the QC . Visits from national cruise line companies are an excellent opportunity for people to experience the Quad Cities first-hand and a way to share the remarkable story of the Quad Cities.  These visits are a critical economic driver as hundreds of passengers disembark in the QC during each stop.

Viking passengers will have the opportunity to visit the John Deere Pavilion & Store, Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center, Figge Art Museum , Putnam Museum and Science Center, and Cinnamon Ridge Farms, in addition to biking and kayaking guided tours.

“This is a watershed moment for the Quad Cities regional destination,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “Viking’s arrival in the Quad Cities is exciting and an important opportunity to activate our world-renowned Mississippi River. We are honored to serve Viking’s customers and are aligned with Viking to deliver an unforgettable Quad Cities experience. Their customers will participate in group tours and we are confident that they will walk away impressed with what the QC has to offer.”

Herrell continues, ”Our philosophy is that visitors are potential new residents and/or investors so we plan to roll out the red carpet and create memories for Viking’s passengers during their stay. Plus, the world-wide brand visibility our region will receive is immeasurable. We are looking forward to providing that unique Midwestern hospitality and are incredibly grateful to the City of Davenport for their strategic riverfront investment to make River Heritage Park the first impression where Viking’s customers will disembark.”

The Mississippi River is the common thread connecting the Quad Cities.  It has been one of the region’s most valuable assets throughout history.  Almost 50 stops from national cruise lines will be welcomed to the Quad Cities this year.  Cruise lines have scheduled visits in the QC until early November.  The river cruise schedule is subject to change at any time.  Please note: There are no public tours given of the vessels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Viking Tours to the Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House,” said Executive Director Stacy Klingler.  “We can’t wait to share the Deere Family story that is so central to the development of Moline and the Quad Cities, alongside the story of the corporation that visitors will learn at the John Deere Commons.  These tourism dollars provide financial support to preserve the homes, as well as for our arts and culture programs and our free community center facilities.  We know that our Quad Cities local history is just as important—if not quite as old—as the history shared in Viking Tours in other parts of the world.”

“We have been anticipating this day for a long time and are thrilled to be partnering with Viking Cruise lines to welcome their passengers to the Figge Art Museum,” said Director of Education Melissa Mohr. “We will be providing an exclusive experience for passengers during their time in the Quad Cities and we cannot wait to showcase all of the incredible artwork and traveling exhibitions on view.”

“The Putnam Museum and Science Center is excited to partner with Visit Quad Cities to welcome Viking Cruise Lines guests to the region,” said Rachael Mullins. President & CEO, The Putnam. “We look forward to celebrating all the best the Quad Cities has to offer, including the rich history and diverse culture of our Native American community.”

Free Breaking News Alerts & Daily Digest In Your Inbox!

Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.

Today’s Most Popular Articles

Community partners.

Privacy Policy • Terms of Use • Disclaimer • Contact

Copyright © 2023 • All Rights Reserved • OnMetro.com • Web Design by ON Digital Publishing

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Canada and USA Rivers Cruise Ports

Davenport IA (Iowa, Quad Cities)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-17 23:06

Port Davenport IA cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Davenport IA, Iowa, Quad Cities. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Davenport IA is a Mississippi River cruise port and city in the USA's Iowa State (Quad Cities Metro Area / Northwest Illinois and Southeast Iowa). The region consists of 4 counties - Iowa's Davenport and Bettendorf, and Illinois' Moline and Rock Island. Quad Cities' metropolis has population around 400,000 and total area approx 170 mi2 (400 km2).

Davenport has population around 105,000 (metro around 185,000). The city is located halfway between Chicago (175 mi / 280 km to the east via HIghway I-88E) and Des Moines (167 mi / 270 km to the west via Highway I-80W). The city is also on the Iowa-Illinois state border (crossing over the Centennial Bridge) and prone to seasonal flooding. Davenport is popular with its annual music festivals and large sports events, the largest of which are the Mississippi Valley Blues- and Fair festivals, the Bix Fest (Beiderbecke Jazz Festival), River Roots Live, Beaux Arts Fair, Bix 7 (road race). The city is a great destination for biking, having 20+ mi (30+ km) of recreational paths.

The city's economy is heavily based on manufacturing, with Davenport Works (plant of John Deere/machinery manufacturer) being the city's largest and Quad Cities' second-largest employer (after Rock Island Arsenal / on Arsenal Island/Rock Island Illinois). Other well-developed industries are healthcare and tourism.

In 2021, the city repaired the seawall and started works to extend the riverwalk and the esplanade that runs the River Heritage Park's entire waterfront length. The extended promenade now features a decorative walkway, benches, new lighting.

For 2022 were scheduled visits by large boats operated by 3 cruise companies ( ACL-American Cruise Lines , AQSC/AQV-American Queen Voyages and Viking ), in some days anchoring simultaneously along the seawall.

Davenport IA (Iowa, Quad Cities) to increase cruise shipping traffic in 2022

Davenport IA (Iowa USA) is making a million-dollar investment in a riverside park which is part of an effort to get ready for an anticipated increase...

ACL's newest ship American Melody stops in Davenport IA (Iowa, Quad Cities)

The maiden voyage of ACL-American Cruise Lines' newest boat American Melody stopped in Davenport (Iowa, Quad Cities) on Sunday, September 19. The...

•   show more news

Davenport IA - user reviews and comments

7 best US river cruises

W hether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

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.

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. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

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.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• St. Louis, Missouri to Twin Cities, Minnesota
• Twin Cities, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri

America’s Heartland

• From $6,799
• 9 Guided Tours
• Dates & Pricing
• St. Louis, Missouri to Twin Cities, Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri

America’s Heartland Map

Witness a scenic cultural tapestry

Embark on a 12-day cruise tour of the fabled Upper Mississippi. Hear stories of pioneers who shaped the Midwest and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, walk in the footsteps of Mark Twain and learn about Norwegian migration to the area. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system. And experience the region’s many cultural treasures—from ragtime, polka and Norwegian folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer and hearty stews.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Twin Cities Discovery

From $279 | 1 Nights

Pre: Cultural Capitals—Minneapolis & St. Paul

From $699 | 2 Nights

Post: The Spirit of St. Louis

From $849 | 2 Nights

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

National Cruise Lines Begin their Season in the QC

June 23, 2023

Quad Cities (June 23, 2023) – This weekend marks the beginning of the national river cruise season for the Quad Cities when the American Symphony docks at River Heritage Park in Davenport on Sunday, June 25, 2023.  The American Symphony is one of the vessels that is part of the American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) fleet stopping here this season.  The ACL is just one of the river cruises directly activating our riverfront.  Others include American Queen Voyages (AQV), Viking Cruise Line, Celebration River Cruises, Riverboat Twilight, and Channel Cat Water Taxis. 

Visit Quad Cities, the region's official destination management and marketing organization (DMMO), will welcome thousands of passengers during more than 50 stops this year showcasing our regional destination's global asset—the Mississippi River. Cruise lines have scheduled visits in the QC until late October.

Visits from national cruise line companies are an excellent opportunity for people to experience the Quad Cities first-hand as they visit attractions and go on tours.  It’s a way to share the remarkable story of the Quad Cities while they gain authentic experiences.

“We always look forward to welcoming our river cruise guests to the QC,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “The river cruise season and industry programs our region, positively impacts tourism, and activates our world-renowned Mississippi River. We are grateful to the many partners we work with annually in this space and the number one priority that we all need to deliver is an unparalleled visitor experience for these customers. There is a busy schedule in 2023 and its incredibly fun to see our guests emotionally connect with all we have to offer in our regional destination.”

Viking will be the next cruise line to stop in the QC on Wednesday, July 5 at River Heritage Park.  The Viking Mississippi made its first stop in the Quad Cities last September.  The AQV will make its first stop in the Quad Cities on Friday, July 7, when the American Countess docks at the Isle Casino in Bettendorf.

The river cruise schedule is subject to change at any time. Please note: There are no public tours given of any of the vessels. 

QC River Cruising History

The Gordon C. Greene was the first tourist boat that made shore stops in the Quad Cities from the 1940s to 1951. The Delta Queen began her Mississippi River system cruises in 1948. Rock Island was a regular shore stop starting in 1955, and the shore stops moved to Davenport's Oneida St. in 1973. The Delta Queen continued to make shore stops in Davenport until her final season in 2008. In June 1979, the Mississippi Queen began to make Davenport shore stops until her last season in 2006. In 1996, the American Queen started her shore stops in the Quad Cities and continues to cruise to this day. The American Cruise Lines began cruising in 2000.

About Visit Quad Cities

Founded in 1990,  Visit Quad Cities  is the official Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for the region. Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine charged with driving economic opportunity through tourism, building our authentic brand, telling & selling the Quad Cities story, and enhancing Quad Citizens' quality of life and quality of place. 

Media Contact:  Charlotte Doehler-Morrison, VP Marketing & Communications, Visit Quad Cities, 309-781-4235 cell