Mississippi River Cruises
Roll down the Great River aboard a classic American paddlewheeler — antebellum mansions, Civil War history, live jazz and small-town Americana — with a specialist who knows every landing.
A Mississippi River cruise is Americana afloat: grand paddlewheelers calling at New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg and Memphis on the Lower Mississippi, or St. Louis, Hannibal and St. Paul on the Upper. Along the way come antebellum plantations, Civil War battlefields, the birthplaces of jazz, blues and rock ’n’ roll, and slices of small-town life you can only reach by river. Sailings run 5 to 22 nights. We help you choose the line, ship, stretch of river and season, and get you the best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist.
Why cruise the Mississippi?
Classic paddlewheelers
Grand modern riverboats with real paddle wheels, sweeping decks and Southern hospitality.
Lower or Upper river
The Lower Mississippi for New Orleans, plantations and the Deep South; the Upper for St. Louis, bluffs and the Midwest.
American music & history
Jazz in New Orleans, blues in Memphis, Civil War Vicksburg and Mark Twain’s Hannibal — story after story ashore.
No passport, all-American
A domestic river cruise with U.S. dollars, English everywhere and easy flights to New Orleans, Memphis or St. Louis.
Which stretch of the river?
The Lower Mississippi (New Orleans to Memphis) is the classic — plantations, Natchez, Vicksburg and the Delta blues. The Upper Mississippi (St. Louis to St. Paul) trades cotton country for limestone bluffs, river towns and Midwestern charm.
Longer voyages run the full river or add the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee for fall foliage and Civil War routes. We’ll match the length, season and ship to you — autumn and spring are especially popular.
Boarding an Upper Mississippi sailing? Many begin in St. Louis — compare riverfront hotels in St. Louis within sight of the Arch.
Mississippi river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your Mississippi river cruise?
Tell us your dates, which stretch of the river and preferred line, and we’ll get you the best cruise price free from true Mississippi river cruise specialists, with no obligation.
Get your best Mississippi cruise price freeFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for a Mississippi cruise?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal — mild weather and, in autumn, foliage on the Upper Mississippi and Ohio. Summer sails too, and the holidays bring festive New Orleans departures.
Lower or Upper Mississippi?
The Lower (New Orleans–Memphis) is the classic Deep-South route; the Upper (St. Louis–St. Paul) is bluffs and river towns. Full-river voyages combine both.
What are the ships like?
Modern American paddlewheelers and riverboats with large cabins, mostly with private balconies, Southern-style dining and nightly entertainment — an all-American experience.
Which lines cruise the Mississippi?
American Cruise Lines runs the largest fleet of new paddlewheelers and riverboats, and Viking sails the purpose-built Viking Mississippi. We match the line and ship to you.
How do I get a quote?
Request your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation, and compare lines, ships, river stretches and dates.
