The Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in the United States. Starting down in New Orleans, Louisiana, it weaves through the heart of the country’s south and all the way up to northern Minnesota near the Canadian border. As well as being a mighty body of water, the Mississippi is a mainstay in the exploration of America, the civil war and even features in American classics like Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. Bursting with history, one of the best things to do when visiting the south of the United States is hop onboard a Mississippi river cruise to experience the magic for yourself. Here’s four of the best cruises you can book.
The best Mississippi river cruises 2024
01
Mississippi Delta Explorer
from $6,195 at Viking Cruises
Cruise along the Mississippi for eight glorious days onboard a Viking Cruise ship. Starting in New Orleans, Louisiana, you’ll get to explore the famed architecture and the French Quarter. Afterwards, you’ll move on to Darrow, St. Francisville and Baton Rouge before heading into the state of Mississippi. In Mississippi, you’ll get the chance to hop off the ship and explore civil war sites and other places of historical interest. Finally, the cruise will finish in Memphis, the home of Blues, the civil rights movement and legends like Elvis Presley.
Key stops:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Darrow, Louisiana
- St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Natchez, Mississippi
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Greenville, Mississippi
- Scenic Sailing: Lower Mississippi
- Memphis, Tennessee
02
America’s Great River
from $19,895 at Viking Cruises
For the whole Mississippi River cruising experience, you’ll want to book this 15 day adventure from Viking Cruises where you can explore the famous river end-to-end. Beginning in St. Paul, Minnesota you’ll sail down to Red Wing and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Next, you’ll float through Iowa, stopping off at Dubuque, Quad Cities, Burlington and Hannibal, where Mark Twain grew up.
After this, you’ll stop into St. Louis, Missouri where the ship will enter the lower Mississippi region with famous towns like Memphis, Tennessee, Natchez, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. With 12 guided tours included in the package, this is one of the most extensive river cruises on the Mississippi that money can buy.
Key features:
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Red Wing, Minnesota
- La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Dubuque, Iowa
- Quad Cities, Iowa
- Burlington, Iowa
- Hannibal, Missouri
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Scenic Sailing: Lower Mississippi
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Greenville, Mississippi
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Natchez, Mississippi
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- New Orleans, Louisiana
03
Historic Mississippi River Cruise
from $5244 at American Cruise Lines
The Mississippi river served as an important passageway for early explorers and as a pivotal strategic asset for the Union during the Civil War. If you consider yourself a history buff, then this is the cruise for you. Spanning over eight days and seven nights, the Historic Mississippi River Cruise will take you a number of key significant sites along the Mississippi including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, St. Francisville and then back to New Orleans.
Key stops:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Natchez, Mississippi
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
- St. Francisville, Louisiana
- New Orleans, Louisiana
04
New Orleans & Southern Charms
from $5,495 at Viking Cruises
If you’re looking for a small taste of the charms of the Mississippi river, then this eight day cruise is for you. You’ll begin in New Orleans before heading to Darrow & St. Francisville where you’ll be immersed in American history. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to Natchez and Vicksburg for sightseeing and exploring civil war sites. Then, you’ll head to Baton Rouge before finishing back in the historic and colourful city of New Orleans.
Key features:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Darrow, Louisiana
- St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Natchez, Mississippi
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- New Orleans, Louisiana
