Mississippi River Cruises

A Mississippi River cruise can be considered more than just a simple vacation; it is an intimate voyage into the culture and history of this majestic river. However, despite its allure, a Mississippi River cruise is not meant for anyone, and prospective guests be quite familiar with they should expect before making their booking.

What you Should Take a Mississippi River Cruise

Cruises along the majestic Mississippi river are generally available throughout the entire year, through the cruise routes will vary quite a lot and more northerly itineraries might not be available during the winter season. Furthermore, guests who may a little sensitive to heat or humidity might wish to avoid the summer season, where the basin of the river, especially near the mouth of the river, can be quite warm. Because most riverboats are able to host less than five hundred guests per trip, a lot of cruises will sell out quite well in advance and tourists are advised to make their plans accordingly.

Mississippi River Cruise Length

Depending on the number of ports, a Mississippi River cruise may last from three to twelve nights, and even longer in certain occasions. The entire river system will encompass over fifty rivers and tributaries, which will include the Missouri, Tennessee and Ohio rivers, allowing guests the real opportunity of exploring as much of the American Midwest as they can on board their leisurely cruise. The average pace of a Mississippi River cruise is a mere 6 miles/hour – unlike those faster traditional mega-vessels which must sail hundreds or even thousands of miles between certain ports. Guests on any length cruise will have a lot of time to absorb the lore of the Mississippi River.

Mississippi River Cruise Lines

There are only two established cruise companies which provide regular itineraries on the Mississippi River.

Delta Queen Steamboat Company - Guests interested in a glimpse of the history of United States will most certainly appreciate the quaint paddle-wheelers which are operated by this cruise company, including the signature riverboat, the Delta Queen, considered a treasure national landmark.

RiverBarge Excursions - With a lot less history than the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, this cruise company is cheaper but can still provide a close look at the history and culture of this majestic river.

There are several major cruise companies which might also provide limited access along the Mississippi River, usually only along the extensive delta, which will include New Orleans. For this limited exposure to the Mississippi River, passengers might wish to take into consideration various cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Lines, as well as other companies which will frequently call on New Orleans.

No matter of the cruise company chosen, each Mississippi River cruise will provide a unique glimpse of southern and Midwestern history, which will include live blues and jazz music, Cajun menus or swing dancing.

Embarkation Ports along the Mississippi River

Depending on the particular cruise route, there are a few embarkation ports for Mississippi River cruises. The most frequent options will generally include:

St. Louis - Being home to the popular Gateway Arch, there is practically not better way of exploring this river than starting at this beautiful city that began the westward expansion of the nation.

Galveston - A quite frequent embarkation port for larger cruise ships which will only venture partway up the river, Galveston will provide a mixture between Caribbean and river option for tourists.

New Orleans - Being located at one hundred miles from the river`s mouth, guests embarking in this extraordinary city will be immersed in a distinctive experience.

St. Paul – A upper Mississippi River cruises` home port, St. Paul will provide a laid back experience for both experienced and novice river cruisers.

Cincinnati – Along the wilderness portion of a Mississippi River cruise, this southern city is the most convenient embarkation port for passenger who come from the north and who do not normally have access to major cruise ports.

Memphis – In the center of southern music, Memphis is Graceland`s home, guaranteeing that guests get off to a swinging start on their cruise.

Mississippi River Ports of Call

There are three major regions for Mississippi River cruises, each with its very own attraction. Precise ports might vary depending on the conditions of the river, on season or commercial shipping conditions.

American Heritage Region - This is the normal lower Mississippi River: the region stretches from Louisiana to Tennessee. Lazy days sailing through the bayou are quite frequent for cruises on lower Mississippi Rive, and shore trips might include grand architectural masterpieces and historic plantation homes. Various ports of call will include Mobile, Memphis, New Orleans, Little Rock, Baton Rouge or Nashville.

Heartland Region – The upper Mississippi River is located in the center of the nation, and guests may visit plenty of cultural attractions or museums which are dedicated to pioneer life. This is the region made popular by Mark Twain as well, and the playground of Becky Thatcher, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. Various ports of call will include St. Paul, St. Louis, Hannibal or Minneapolis.

Wilderness Region - An offshoot of the Mississippi area yet still drained by this majestic river, there cruise trips will explore the Ohio River valley deep into the Appalachian Mountains and the American Midwest. Various points of interest will range from baseball parks to steel mills and art museums. There are several ports of call which will include Cincinnati, Louisville or Pittsburgh.

A Mississippi River cruise is broadly different from a traditional cruise, but it provides just as detailed a look at the visited area, one that a lot of people will not realize exists at first. A relaxed cruise along the many tributaries of the Mississippi River not only brings that certain culture into perspective, but will also offer each guest a little glimpse into the region.