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The Restaurant serves both Southern regional cuisine and global favorites, and the ship welcomes local musicians onboard for evening entertainment. In addition to visiting monuments and museums, you'll enjoy onboard lectures and presentations and interaction with other Civil War buffs. These sailings are aboard 150-passenger American Heritage and 180-guest American Melody, American Serenade, American Splendor and American Symphony. We've rounded up the best Mississippi River cruises for seniors, history buffs and Americana lovers, so you can find your perfect U.S. river cruise itinerary based on your interests and travel preferences.
New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN
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. The company’s cruise fares are highly inclusive, as gourmet cuisine, wine and beer with meals, a daily open-bar cocktail hour, enriching onboard entertainment and a selection of complimentary excursions are covered in the upfront rate. Historians and riverlorians join every sailing, leading informal lectures and discussions about the regions explored. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born from the river.
Cabins on American Symphony are Spacious and Modern
A detailed quote will be sent to your email and a Cruise Specialist will be assigned to help you plan your vacation. St. Louis is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis' many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens.
Tennessee Rivers Cruise
The new kid on the Mississippi is the Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger, five-deck vessel that first set sail in September 2022. The cutting-edge cruise is Viking’s first foray in the US, adding to their fleet of more than 90 ocean, river, and expedition vessels navigating the world’s seven continents. Winona, Minnesota, boasts some of the state's most architecturally significant buildings, many featuring the beautiful stained glass for which the city is known. Then it's off to Red Wing, Minnesota, where you can explore the Pottery Museum before completing your journey in the Twin Cities.
Ships
Sailings are available on the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage as well as on three sleek new 180-guest riverboats, American Melody, American Serenade and American Symphony. They're offered between June and late September/early October in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Both cruise lines offer Upper Mississippi sailings from July through September. Viking and American Cruise Lines' itineraries and excursions are our picks for fans of American art and architecture.
Day By Day Itinerary
Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp. Another year, too much rain flooded the river, making it impossible for riverboats to get under bridges and forcing the closing of several locks. However, there are slight differences depending on the section of the river you’re looking to cruise. It’s best to cruise the Upper Mississippi in the spring, fall and summer, when temperatures are milder.
A classic Mississippi River cruise line has abruptly shut down - Star Tribune
A classic Mississippi River cruise line has abruptly shut down.
Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Which cruise lines do Mississippi River cruises?
La Crosse is home to Riverside Park, where you’ll discover beautiful gardens, an outdoor performance center, and inspiring sculptures. Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views from Grand Dad’s Bluff, a 600-ft high bluff which overlooks the entire city. Led by a local expert, gain insight into the city’s development from the boomtown riverboat days through the roaring ‘20s to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Explore a variety of history and art museums and admire historic homes, while listening to captivating stories told by a local guide.
Listen to the talented performers in one of our lounges or share the afternoon with fellow travelers. Below the forested limestone bluffs of the upper Mississippi and along a narrow section of river channel, Red Wing snuggles among dozens of enchanting city parks. The town’s beauty has inspired artists, writers, and musicians for over 150 years, delivering a diverse blend of arts, entertainment, and activities for your pleasure. View colorful Victorian mansions on a stroll through the quaint downtown area, take a ride on the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway, or try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos.
Grand Heartland Cruise
The comfort of your ship awaits at the nearby Beale Street Landing, docked along an impressive, recently renovated city park. The cruise line has five ships on the Mississippi, including the traditionally-styled paddlewheelers American Heritage and American Splendor. It also runs its more modern-style riverboats -- the first of their kind in the U.S. -- American Melody, American Serenade and American Symphony on the Mississippi. Passengers aboard American Symphony will quite literally be given a taste of American fare through the line’s signature All-American-themed dining and bar menus. The line's chefs prepare regional cuisine served in the ship’s open-seating dining room, and passengers will also find a a casual cafe, as well as a room service menu during breakfast hours. American Cruise Line's nine-day Upper Mississippi river cruise covers much of the same ground, with a few differences.
American Symphony tends to be most popular with mature passengers, most of whom will retire soon after dinner or a casually social nightcap at most. The 150-passenger American Heritage offers larger than average staterooms, ranging from 300 to 600 square feet, with 60 square foot balconies. Amenities include floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading onto the balconies, gourmet coffees and breakfast room service. During this sailing, you'll overnight in Memphis, so there's time to fully savor barbecue, the blues and Elvis Presley's Graceland. A port call in Paducah, Kentucky, lets you explore the National Quilt Museum and colorful street murals.
The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland.
Posted: Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. Add in regionally inspired cuisine enjoyed aboard a luxurious river ship, plus the camaraderie of other culturally curious travelers, and cruising the most celebrated river in the United States promises satisfaction on multiple levels. Today is a day to revel in the scenery, as along the legendary Mississippi River. Relish the stretches of undeveloped land, beautiful little towns, and magnificent wildlife. As we cruise, listen to our onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the bow.
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. Explore the historic Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre, the home of famous Red Wing shoes, and the Pottery Museum, or ride up the bluff for a remarkable view. Visit the National Eagle Center to learn more about these incredible creatures with the added thrill of admiring them up close. A “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River and continues today as a primary commercial, industrial, educational, and cultural center for this region. From the ship, it’s a short walk to a cruise highlight at the incredible complex of the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Explore Hannibal, “America’s Hometown,” a mere block from the ship, where Mark Twain’s home and museum illuminate the events that shaped his life and career.
These itineraries are offered by both American Cruise Lines and Viking, and are perfect for seniors with plenty of time to explore. Viking River Cruises' American Heartland itinerary sails from St. Louis to St. Paul (or vice versa) and runs 12 days with pre- and post-cruise stays in 2024 and 2025. You'll explore architectural gems aboard Viking Mississippi, itself an example of sleek, Scandinavian-inspired nautical architecture.
Later, experience the opulence and natural wonder of the Oak Alley estate with its breathtaking parallel row of 28 ancient and massive live oak trees. Here, you can savor a complimentary taste of one of the best mint juleps in the South. From New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN, enjoy well-customized excursions, led by engaging local guides who live and work in these great port cities of America’s Heartland. Get a backstage pass to Elvis’ Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. Explore the boyhood town of Mark Twain in Hannibal and be treated to a live show at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
Cruise aboard the newest riverboats in the region and enjoy perfect comfort and modern amenities as you travel to each historical destination. The fabric of the region is brought to life through our delicious regional cuisine, great onboard music, and customized excursions to historical landmarks. Enjoy one of our themed cruises along the River, perfect for afternoon aficionados, culinary connoisseurs and history enthusiasts. As with sister ships American Melody and American Serenade, American Symphony was specifically designed for sailings along the Mississippi River.
Winona welcomes you with the perfect blend of modern development and old river town charm. From rolling fields of flowers to some of the most architecturally important buildings in Minnesota, enjoy a carefully crafted selection of excursions which lead you through the most intriguing sites Winona has to offer. Ask about our Current Savings and our Pre-Cruise Packages which include a premium hotel stay and transportation to the ship. As you make your way from Dubuque to Winona, enjoy the scenic splendor of the Upper Mississippi River from your private balcony.
