The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland
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History buffs and Americana lovers will find plenty to enjoy on a Mississippi River cruise. Your ship will stop in major cities and lesser-known towns, offering excursions to historic sites and evenings spent enjoying locally inspired cuisine and regional music. You can visit 18 ports in six states on a 23-day Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to St. Paul. These itineraries are offered by both American Cruise Lines and Viking, and are perfect for seniors with plenty of time to explore. Taking a paddleboat cruise down the Mississippi is the best way to experience the era and culture made famous by Mark Twain and various others.
The Riverboat Twilight
Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Cruising the Mississippi River and its tributaries is an exploration of the American spirit. Gliding past the rolling farmland on our paddlewheel riverboats American Heritage and American Splendor, is an experience set in a time past and a testament to the ingenuity of the pioneers who first traveled these waters. The fabric of the region is brought to life through our delicious regional cuisine, great onboard music, and customized excursions to historic landmarks.
One less cruise line on the Mississippi River: American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels all trips - La Crosse Tribune
One less cruise line on the Mississippi River: American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels all trips.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Complete Mississippi River Cruise
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. 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. History, literature, and travel enthusiasts unite for a unique sightseeing and dining experience aboard riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River from beloved author Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Witness firsthand what inspired the writer to create iconic characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.
Popular Iowa Mississippi River Boat Cruise Closes Permanently - B100
Popular Iowa Mississippi River Boat Cruise Closes Permanently.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Viking River Cruises
Our onboard experts don’t just lecture, they spend time with guests aboard and on shore, giving real insight and depth to each destination visited. Spring (late March through mid-June) and autumn (September through November) are the best times of year to go on a river cruise in the US. Spring blossoms add a colorful touch to the shoreline, and you can never go wrong with autumn foliage. The temperatures are mild, if not pleasantly cool, and passengers are eager to welcome a new spring travel season—or to enjoy one last autumn river adventure before winter arrives. With our commitment to preserving history and delivering exceptional experiences, American Cruise Lines' paddlewheelers stand as true ambassadors of American heritage on the Mississippi River. On our enrichment programs and shore excursions tell timeless tales, captivating stories, and anecdotes, that further enrich the nostalgic ambiance of the cruise.
day Mississippi River Odyssey: New Orleans to Red Wing, Minnesota
In Oak Alley, Louisiana, guests can tour a Greek Revival mansion on a sugar plantation built and maintained by slaves. While no Civil War fighting took place in Natchez, Mississippi, the city is home to hundreds of lavish mansions from the era and the Historic Natchez Cemetery, which dates to 1822. Since 1985, the Riverboat Twilight has delivered one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, relaxation, and renewal.
We all know businesses from every industry has been operating in a different environment the last 8 weeks and will encounter new changes in the future. The Riverboat Twilight is family-owned and operated business, with a focus providing entertaining and quality cruises. The 140-passenger vessel has ample indoor, and outdoor seating on all three decks, and wrap-around windows give way to amazing views. But the real star of Mississippi River cruises has always been the river.
We handle every detail for you from departure to dinner on our Mississippi river cruises, making it possible for you to fully relax and enjoy our modern riverboat. For an 8- or 9-day cruise, the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise is around $4,000 per person in a stateroom. Viking offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner.
Today, people of all ages can relive this classic period of American history and culture by taking their very own paddleboat adventure down America’s iconic river. Regardless of where a cruise along the river takes place, guests are guaranteed a memorable experience full of interesting culture and rich landscapes. Cruising down the river on a modern day paddleboat is the ultimate way of experiencing the Mississippi’s enchanting heritage. For a shorter overnight cruise, look no further than The Spirit of Peoria, which sets sail from Peoria, Illinois.
After a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, passengers journey through all aspects of American history. You'll also call on a historic Missouri trading post in Cape Girardeau (a French river port). Cruising the Mississippi River and its tributaries with American Cruise Lines is an extraordinary journey through history. From Colonial pioneers to entrepreneurs, much of America’s story has been forged – or fought – along their length. The Mississippi River is navigable from New Orleans, Louisiana to the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and forms a maritime corridor through the U.S. heartland.
If you're especially passionate about Civil War history, look for American Cruise Lines' special Civil War-themed cruises on limited dates, which allow a deeper dive into the period. These include a nine-day Lower Mississippi itinerary from Memphis to New Orleans (or vice versa). Mississippi River cruises have surged in popularity in recent decades. They are especially appealing to mature travelers looking to enjoy guided tours of top cities and small towns in several Southern and Midwestern states. As an owner, of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Claire, IA and the President of Great Lakes Management Group which manages the hotel’s day to day operations, I wanted to say thank you. The business relationship with the Riverboat Twilight and her passengers is valued and much appreciated.
Consider bringing onboard items such as a camera, medication, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, and or leisure items such as a book, board games, cards, etc. You may bring a backpack, purse, tote bag, or other carry-on bag onboard, with essential items you need during the day. Parking is well-lit and routinely patrolled by the local police. 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.
There are a myriad of activities onboard that offer something for everyone. Nature lovers can enjoy eagle watching and seeing the rest of the sights along the riverbank. People can also bring their own poles or rent them onboard to enjoy some fishing.
You won’t find a vacation like this elsewhere in America, so you’re sure to create some priceless memories. The dockside meal includes a buffet of Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Seasoned Green Beans, Deluxe Lettuce Salad with dressing, Dinner Roll, and the Captain’s Favorite Pasta Salad. Top all of this with a delicious Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie. The company's flagship, the American Queen, is said to be the world's biggest steamboat. You can enjoy excursions in Missouri's most famous big city (St. Louis) and small town (Hannibal) and then visit three ports in Iowa known for their historic architecture and agriculture (including a tour of the John Deere Pavilion). Learn about the Norwegian heritage of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and get to know the eagles and pottery of Red Wing, Minnesota, before disembarking in St. Paul.
Yes, we offer a variety of food and drinks, including a snack bar and a full-service bar. Highlights include St. Louis, where you'll admire Saarinen's circa-1965 Gateway Arch, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis featuring a 41-million-piece mosaic and the Renaissance Revival-style City Hall. From Dubuque, Iowa, you can head to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to visit Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's private home, studio and school from 1911 to 1959. In Baton Rouge, you can visit the Capitol Park Museum, which showcases exhibits dedicated to Louisiana's musical heritage and Mardi Gras traditions. While in Natchez, Mississippi, classical music (played on a 1903 Steinway piano) and Southern cuisine are the stars of the excursion to Lansdowne and Joseph Stone House. If we had to pick just one, September is the best month for a Mississippi River cruise.
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