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Upper Mississippi River Cruises

Thinking about hopping aboard a USA River Cruise to explore the Upper Mississippi? Then you’ve got a lot to look forward to — and a little planning to do.

But don’t worry. It’s the fun kind of planning. The kind when you choose from a tremendous variety of Mississippi River cruises and pick the one that best suits your tastes and interests.

USA River Cruises has so many cruises along the Upper Mississippi River that we sometimes have a hard time confining them to one page of our website!

What’s on your itinerary? Let’s look at just a few — and we’d like to stress again just how many options there are!

The first trip we’ll mention really puts the Upper in Upper Mississippi — an eight days, seven nights cruise from St. Louis, Missouri, to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Upper Mississippi River is stunning, inspirational, and for many people the more scenic half of the waterway. You’ll explore the world where the former Samuel Clemens (pen name: Mark Twain) grew up. Twain, raised in Hannibal, Missouri, actually worked for a time as a riverboat pilot on the mighty Mississippi. You’ll also get to see much of the American heartland, including Dubuque, Iowa, La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Red Wing, Minnesota.

And if you’re interested in the trip downriver instead of up, well, USA River Cruise can reverse this itinerary for you, too!

Next, consider expanding your trip to encompass the whole shebang: We call it the Complete Mississippi River Cruise, and the name is apt.

You’ll spend a full three weeks aboard ship as you cruise the length of the second-longest river in North America — from New Orleans, Louisiana, to St. Paul, Minnesota. You’ll visit big towns (Memphis, St. Louis, and more) and small towns (Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Chester, Illinois, where you can get a picture of a tall bronze statue of Popeye, whose creator, E. C. Segar, is from Chester).

You’ll have to act fast for this one, though. USA River Cruises only offers this trip once per year!

Call today!

Upper Mississippi Explorer

Memphis, TN to St. Paul, MN

• June 29, 2024, August 3, 2024, October 5, 2024
• From $8,999
• Viking Mississippi
• New Itinerary!! Save up to $1000 off per Stateroom plus Discounted Air!!

Grand Heartland Cruise-American Serenade

St. Paul to New Orleans

• September 17, 2024, August 15, 2025
• From $11,090
• American Serenade

Grand Heartland Cruise-American Melody

• August 2, 2024, October 17, 2025
• From $11,755
• American Melody

Grand Heartland Cruise-American Symphony

• October 4, 2024
• From $11,255
• American Symphony

Upper Mississippi River Cruise: St. Louis – St.Paul

St. Louis to St. Paul

• September 20, 2024, September 27, 2024
• From $5,545

Complete Mississippi River Cruise-American Symphony

New Orleans to St. Paul

• August 30, 2024
• From $16,640

Complete Mississippi River-American Serenade

• June 18, 2024
• July 9, 2024, July 16, 2024, July 23, 2024 -- 7 more dates available.

Viking-America’s Great River

St Paul to New Orleans

• July 13, 2024, September 14, 2024, October 19, 2024 -- 3 more dates available.
• From $12,999

Viking-America’s Heartland

St Louis to St Paul

• August 15, 2024, August 22, 2024, August 29, 2024 -- 8 more dates available.
• From $6,999

Upper Mississippi River Cruise-American Melody

• June 21, 2024, July 26, 2024

Complete Mississippi River-American Melody

• May 31, 2024
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What to Know About Mississippi River Cruises — From the Cruise Lines to Top Itineraries

See small towns and bustling cities by boat on a Mississippi River cruise.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

River cruises are a great way to see the world — you can visit several waterfront destinations and watch the scenery pass by from cozy accommodations and top-deck lounges on intimate luxury ships. And while rivers like the Danube and the Rhine are top choices for many travelers, you don't have to go abroad for a memorable river cruise. You can access some of the nation's iconic attractions and favorite cities right from the Mississippi River.

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.

Here's what you need to know about Mississippi River boat cruises, from choice itineraries to popular stops.

Mississippi River Cruise Lines

There are three main cruise lines that offer itineraries along the Mississippi River: Viking River Cruises , American Queen Voyages , and American Cruise Lines . Viking is known for its luxury river, ocean, and expedition cruises to incredible destinations around the world, and trips aboard its 193-stateroom Viking Mississippi adhere to the same standard of service.

American Queen Voyages offers several itineraries along the Mississippi — one along the Upper Mississippi, another on the Lower Mississippi, and one that also sails a portion of the Ohio River — on its signature paddle-wheel steamboats. The company's flagship, the American Queen, is said to be the world's biggest steamboat.

The itineraries on American Cruise Lines feature either modern riverboats or old-school paddle wheelers, so you can choose your ideal sailing experience.

All three cruise lines offer similar itineraries along the river, so we recommend looking into the ships, the amenities, and what's included in the rate (like pre-departure hotel stays and excursions) to help make your decision.

Popular Ports on the Mississippi

You can cruise all the way from New Orleans to Minneapolis, or you can sail shorter segments of the river. Typically, cruises along the Lower Mississippi sail between New Orleans and Memphis, while cruises on the Upper Mississippi sail between St. Louis and the Twin Cities.

Passengers on the Upper Mississippi may get the chance to hop off and explore Mark Twain's childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, stroll the streets of Iowa's oldest city (Dubuque), or marvel at sacred bluffs in Red Wing, Minnesota. Along the Middle Mississippi, there's Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO-designated Creative City , and Chester, Illinois, the birthplace of Popeye the Sailor Man.

On the Lower Mississippi, you'll find Cajun culture in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Civil War history in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and music and BBQ in Memphis .

Mississippi River Cruise Itineraries

There are many itineraries to choose from between the three major Mississippi River Cruise lines, but here are our top picks.

Viking River Cruises: America's Great River

Cruise from New Orleans all the way up to St. Paul on Viking's 15- or 17-day America's Great River itinerary aboard the 193-stateroom Viking Mississippi , a vessel designed just for this river. The journey starts in New Orleans and stops in Baton Rouge; Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi; Memphis; and St. Louis, where passengers can explore attractions like Gateway Arch National Park and the flagship Anheuser-Busch brewery. From there, it continues on to Hannibal, Missouri; Burlington, Davenport, and Dubuque, Iowa; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Red Wing, Minnesota, where travelers can learn about America's most recognizable symbol at the National Eagle Center. In between action-packed stops, there's plenty of time to take in the scenery from your veranda or the boat's several public viewing areas.

American Queen Voyages: New Orleans to Memphis

Sail along the Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis on this nine-day cruise, which starts with a complimentary stay in New Orleans and a second day to enjoy the Big Easy. Then, it's on to Nottoway Resort and St. Francisville in Louisiana and Natchez, Vicksburg, and Greenville in Mississippi before a day of cruising through the Delta and disembarking in Memphis. There are a few different paddle-wheel riverboats that cruise this route for American Queen Voyages — find the specific ship for your journey when you select a date.

American Cruise Lines: Upper Mississippi River Cruise

This eight-day cruise starts in St. Louis and sails along the Upper Mississippi to St. Paul. Stops along the way include Hannibal, Missouri; Fort Madison, Davenport, and Dubuque, Iowa; and Winona and Red Wing, Minnesota. Several riverboats cruise this route, including American Melody and American Symphony , inaugurated in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These sister vessels offer large rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings and an upscale feel.

Memphis River Cruises

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Mississippi River Cruises

Mississippi River Cruises – Everything You Need To Know

Julie Green

| December 29, 2022

Thinking about what options you have for Mississippi River cruises? These are fantastic adventures and are really a lot of fun. Fact is, people have wanted to travel up and down the Mississippi River ever since Mark Twain wrote “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi.” This river has been one of America’s endearing symbols of America’s waterways ever since. The romance of this cannot be truly appreciated unless you take a Mississippi River cruise. The river is 2,320 miles long and goes from Lake Itasca in upstate Minnesota to Pilottown, La., before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Wouldn’t it be fun to take a cruise on this historic river?

Those wanting to experience river boat travel on the Mississippi have several companies to choose from. However, two major ones stand out: the American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines. These are also the only two that offer journeys lasting more than a couple days as their trips take at least a week to reach their destinations.

The American Queen Steamboat Company returned to the Mississippi River in 2012, and it now offers various cruises between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn. The company promotes its cruises as some of the most sedentary vacations one can sign up for. Passengers will enjoy their trips on a 436-passenger American Queen boat that possesses a beautiful Victorian décor. Cruises cost from about $2,100 and up. This cost includes all meals and entertainment.

The company offers 10-day cruises that depart St. Louis and head north to St. Paul, Minn. Nine-day cruises travel the same route in the opposite direction. The stops that last from 4-9 hours vary depending on which direction the boat is traveling. These places include Hannibal, Mo., Burlington, Iowa, Davenport, Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa, La Crosse, Wis., Winona, Minn., and Red Wing, Minn.

There are also round-trip journeys lasting eight days traveling from St. Louis to Memphis, Tenn., and back. Stops on these routes also depend on the direction taken. These cities include New Madrid, Mo., Paducah, Ky., Cave-In-Rock, Ill., Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Chester, Ill. A nine-day trip from St. Louis to New Orleans stops in Memphis, Tenn., Natchez, Miss., Baton Rouge, La., and Burnside, La.

Nine-day single-way trips in both directions are available between New Orleans and Memphis, Tenn. These trips stop, depending on direction, at Vacherie, La., Burnside, La., Baton Rouge, La., St. Francisville, La., Natchez, Miss., Vicksburg, Miss., and Helena-West Helena, Ark. There are also journeys scheduled that start in New Orleans and head north before turning around and finishing back in the Crescent City. These stop at Vacherie, La., St. Francisville, La., Natchez, Miss., Vicksburg, Miss., Baton Rouge, La., and Burnside, La.

American Cruise Lines utilizes the Queen of the Mississippi riverboat for cruises along this great river. The boat can accommodate up to 150 passengers. The company offers a variety of seven-night cruises with a cost that ranges from $4,200 upward. That cost includes food and entertainment. This company, like the American Queen Steamboat Company, offers service on various routes between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn.

The cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul, Minn., like the identical trip on the American Queen Steamboat Company, stops in Hannibal, Mo., Burlington, Iowa, Davenport, Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa, La Crosse, Wis., Winona, Minn., and Red Wing, Minn. The trip from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenn., makes stops in Vacherie, La., Baton Rouge, La., St. Francisville, La., Natchez, Miss., and Helena-West Helena, Ark.

Cruises from Memphis, Tenn., to St. Louis stop in Alton, Mo., Cape Girardeau, Mo., Paducah, Ky., Columbus, Ky., New Madrid, Mo., and Tunica, Miss. There are also trips that start and end in New Orleans that make stops in Natchez, Miss., Vicksburg, Miss., St. Francisville, La., Baton Rouge, La., and Vacherie, La.

Many of these stops have interesting features to them.

Hannibal, Mo., is where Mark Twain grew up and where many of his stories are based. Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city and its largest for much of the 1800s. Winona, Minn., is home to the popular Winona Steamboat Days every June. Davenport, Iowa, is the largest city of the Quad Cities, a metropolitan area that is home to 383,000 people. There were more than 1,000 earthquakes from 1811-12 in New Madrid, Mo. Some are estimated to have reached or surpassed magnitude 8.0.

Cape Girardeau, Mo., is home to the beautiful Riverfront Park. There is a 900-pound Popeye the Sailor Man statue in Chester, Ill. Cave-In-Rock State Park is located near Cave-In-Rock, Ill. Paducah, Ky., is actually just off the Mississippi River at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Natchez is the former capital of Mississippi and home to an impressive collection of antebellum homes. Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, is home to Louisiana State University.

The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens may be found in Burnside, La. The Oak Valley Plantation is in Vacherie, La. More than 140 buildings on the National Register are in St. Francisville, La. The Southern Cultural Heritage Center is in Vicksburg, Miss. Alton, Mo., was the site of the last debate between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln in 1858. Columbus-Belmont State Park is in Columbus, Ky. The Civil War’s Battle of Belmont also took place there. Tunica, Miss., is the site of a growing gambling resort area just south of Memphis, Tenn.

There are several companies that offer day cruises along the Mississippi River.

Riverboat Twilight offers two-day trips in addition to its one-day cruises. This company’s boats travel between Le Claire, Iowa, just north of the Quad Cities, up to Dubuque, Iowa. It stops at Fulton, Iowa, and Bellevue, Iowa, on the two-day cruises. Its costs range from $399 and up for the one-day cruises and from $419 and up for the two-day cruises. The prices include meals and entertainment.

Spirit of Peoria offers several cruises. However, only one of them is primarily on the Mississippi River. This is a nine-hour trip that consists of a cruise north from St. Louis to Grafton, Ill., and a coach ride back to the Gateway to the West. Grafton is a city of 674 that is located about 37 miles driving distance from St. Louis right where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers come together. The Spirit of Peoria is a 487-passenger boat. The cost for this journey is $140. Live entertainment and stops at the Chain of Rocks and Mel Price Locks are included.

Two companies, Natchez and Creole Queen, offer cruises lasting from 2-3 hours that depart from New Orleans and feature breathtaking views of this beautiful city. Many of the journeys include live jazz music and focus on the history of the area. The cost for these trips ranges from $25 and up.

Whatever cruise that you choose, a voyage along the Mississippi River is one you won’t soon forget!

ABOUT JULIE

My name is Julie Green and I am the head writer, content contributor, and chief, cook, and bottle washer too! My goal is to provide you information about the Mississippi River.

It’s a wonderful place that I call home. I’d like to think I know a thing or two about this area!! Please stop by often and pay us a visit.

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See the sights & sounds of the river

“Amazing and worth a visit. Took the Christmas dinner cruise and had two hours of fun. Nice meal from an attentive staff to excellent music from their in house band. Sights of the Mississippi at night against the lights of Memphis was awesome and highly recommended.” Luke F.

“This Place is just absolutely Beautiful, It is peaceful and calming and nothing was better then to have My First Cruise on this bus and dance with 2 little girls that I met there and they were really week and I would love to go back!” Nijah H.

“Spent my bday last year on the river and I really enjoyed myself. The food and music were both great. Any couples looking for something new to do in Memphis on a Friday or Saturday night give the dinner cruise a chance.” Omar D.

“We had a good time and the young man who was are first mate was very knowledgeable and did a great job, he was funny!” David C.

“Our group did the evening cruise and had a phenomenal time out on the river. The food was okay, the band was great, and the views out on the river were fantastic. Definitely a fun non-Beale Street option!” Robert L.

“Awesome time, band was great, food and drinks were great!! I highly recommend checking it out. We did the dinner cruise.” S.G.

“My Fiancé and I had a really great time on the Dinner Cruise. The employees were wonderful, the Music was great, and the food was also very good! We will definitely go on another cruise!!” Theresa R.

“Staff was outstanding and so friendly. The ambitious was great. Can't say enough about the entertainment, the kept the audience so involved it was the most fun my wife and I have had in years. Thank you!!” Jimmy H.

“Tour guide is so funny and knows a lot of the history. This is a fun tour where you learn why you Don't swim in the Mississippi!” ML A.

Enjoy Dinner and Music on the River

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The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Heart of the Delta

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Discover Southern culture and charm

Immerse yourself in history and heritage on this journey bookended by New Orleans and Memphis. Attend a Privileged Access Mississippi Delta blues experience in Greenville and be inspired by the stories of famed musicians and iconic civil rights heroes. Savor delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue. And stir your soul with the rhythms of Dixieland jazz, Delta blues and gospel.

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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: The Best of “The Big Easy”

From $899 | 2 Nights

Pre: New Orleans Discovery

From $329 | 1 Nights

Post: Memphis Rock & Soul

Post: Grand Ole Nashville

From $1,399 | 2 Nights

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5-Day River Sale

• Free Silver Spirits Beverage Package on select 2025 & 2026 river voyages
• Use offer code SW4