Exploring the Mississippi River: A Journey Through Picturesque Towns, Legendary Music, and Delicious Regional Cuisine

Sometimes, the best adventures await just around the corner. For enthusiasts of history, gastronomy, and music, a cruise along the Mississippi River provides a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of America's heartland.

This legendary river is one of the most famous waterways in the nation, renowned for several reasons: it acts as the dividing line between the eastern and western United States, heralded the golden age of the steamboat, and has inspired countless works of American literature while flowing through musical landmarks like New Orleans and Memphis, the birthplaces of jazz and blues, respectively.

It’s no surprise that cruises along the Mississippi River are the top-selling and most sought-after river journeys in the United States, as noted by travel advisors.

While navigating the Mississippi, travelers will discover a delightful blend of traditional Southern hospitality and modern amenities aboard comfortable, stylish ships cruising the river and its tributaries. Passengers can choose from classic paddle-wheel riverboats that harken back to a bygone era—now powered by eco-friendlier diesel fuels—or contemporary riverboats featuring all the modern comforts, such as pools, while incorporating design elements and programming that honor America’s rich and sometimes tumultuous history.

It's important to note that there are limited options when it comes to U.S. river cruise lines for a Mississippi River journey. Historically, three major companies operated on this river, but in February 2024, American Queen Voyages ceased operations due to ongoing financial issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving two remaining options: American Cruise Lines and Viking.

Despite having just two main river cruise lines dominating the Mississippi River cruise market, there’s a rich variety of itineraries available for travelers eager to explore this historic waterway and its scenic surroundings.

American Cruise Lines operates five vessels on the Mississippi River, which include two paddle-wheel boats, American Splendor and American Heritage, along with three contemporary riverboats: American Melody, American Symphony, and American Serenade. The company provides eight cruises along the Mississippi and four that venture into its tributaries, including the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers.

Viking is the latest entrant in the U.S. river cruise scene, making waves on the Mississippi River. The company debuted its inaugural ship, the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi, in late 2022. Currently, Viking provides 10 distinct itineraries along the Mississippi.

What are the destinations for Mississippi River cruises?

The Mississippi River meanders southward from its origin at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, flowing through 10 states including Wisconsin, Missouri, and Tennessee, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at its mouth in Louisiana.

River cruises traverse a significant portion of the Mississippi’s 2,340-mile length, with a focus on charming towns and cities situated between New Orleans and Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota. Itineraries are typically categorized into two main types: Lower Mississippi cruises, which operate between New Orleans and St. Louis, and Upper Mississippi cruises, sailing between St. Louis and Minneapolis–St. Paul.

Certain itineraries on the Mississippi also explore its tributaries, including the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers, allowing travelers to delve deeper into the cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta through stops in cities like Paducah, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.

What types of excursions can you expect?

Mississippi River cruises provide an opportunity for travelers to delve into the roots of Americana and explore the elements that shape the cultural heritage of the United States.

These cruises navigate through significant cultural hubs in the South and Midwest, offering excursions that highlight the history of jazz and blues, the legacy of slavery and racism—often addressed during plantation tours and visits to civil rights memorials—along with agriculture, farming, and American art and literature. Travelers can explore major cities like New Orleans, Memphis, and St. Louis, while also uncovering hidden treasures and unique stories from lesser-known towns such as Hannibal, Missouri, the childhood home of Mark Twain, and Burlington, Iowa, famous for its remarkably crooked street, Snake Alley.

Typical excursions may feature guided walking tours and picturesque drives led by local experts, visits to museums, tours of historic sites and residences, as well as stops at local parks, landmarks, and neighborhoods that narrate the area's history.

Both American Cruise Lines and Viking provide at least one complimentary excursion at each port, alongside additional excursions available for purchase.

What is the ideal time for a Mississippi River cruise?

American Cruise Lines and Viking offer sailings on the Mississippi River year-round, allowing travelers to embark on these journeys whenever it suits them best.

According to American Cruise Lines, selecting the optimal time for a Mississippi River cruise largely depends on personal preferences and the type of weather guests wish to enjoy during their voyage. The company notes that it provides the most sailing options during late spring and early summer, while also increasing departures throughout the summer and into early fall as demand continues to rise.

When planning a Mississippi cruise with Viking, the ideal season to embark depends on which section of the river you wish to explore, be it the Upper or Lower Mississippi, or even the full journey from New Orleans to St. Paul.

According to the captain of the Viking Mississippi, the company typically operates Upper Mississippi cruises from July to September, while Lower Mississippi cruises are available throughout the remainder of the year.

What are the costs associated with Mississippi River cruises?

The cost of Mississippi cruises can fluctuate based on various factors including the duration of the trip, pre- and post-cruise options, airfare, transfers, seasonality, whether it's single or double occupancy, and any available discounts.

For instance, an eight-night Upper Mississippi cruise offered by American Cruise Lines from St. Louis to St. Paul on June 13, 2025, starts at $5,635 per person based on double occupancy. However, for the same itinerary with a departure on July 4, the price decreases to $5,135.

Included in the cruise price with American Cruise Lines are all onboard meals, entertainment, tips and gratuities, beverages, as well as other port-related charges. Additionally, the company offers domestic airfare at preferential rates across all itineraries and has special deals on select sailings.

For a 15-day cruise with American Cruise Lines, prices start at $10,440 for departures in 2025. Their longest Mississippi itinerary—a 22-night cruise—begins at a discounted price of $15,140 for trips in May and June 2025, which also includes complimentary airfare.

Viking's cruise durations typically range from eight to 15 days, with some itineraries extending up to 22 days on the Mississippi River.

In 2025, Viking offers eight-day cruises starting at $3,499 per person, with prices peaking at $6,999 per person during the high travel season. Two-week cruises begin at $8,999, while the 22-day voyages are priced between $13,998 and $19,999 per person.

Top-rated cruises along the Mississippi River

Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville

This eight-night cruise offered by American Cruise Lines navigates the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers, taking guests from Memphis to Nashville on a journey through the lives of the region's legendary music icons, including Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley. Travelers will visit Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and enjoy a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Beyond the music, they will also delve into the Civil War's history at Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover, Tennessee, and discover the art of crafting Tennessee whiskey and bourbon.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

This popular 12-day Viking cruise from New Orleans to Memphis is considered by staff to be one of the top Mississippi River itineraries available. Passengers will visit renowned cities as the boat travels from New Orleans to Memphis, with stops in Baton Rouge, Darrow, and various locations in Louisiana, along with Natchez and Vicksburg in Mississippi. Guests will be treated to stunning vistas of moss-laden trees leading to historic homes and former plantations, where guided tours reveal the interweaving histories of the French, native Acolapissa, and West African cultures. The cruise also offers insights into Cajun and Creole traditions, complemented by culinary tastings.

Grand Mississippi Voyage

Passengers on either of Viking’s remarkable 22-day cruises—the Grand Mississippi Voyage or the Mississippi River Odyssey—will experience the full splendor of the Mighty Mississippi as they travel from New Orleans to Minneapolis–St. Paul. The journey will take them through the American South and into Middle America, often referred to as “America’s Breadbasket” due to its agricultural significance. A visit to the French Quarter, New Orleans' oldest neighborhood, allows guests to immerse themselves in the area’s southern Gothic architecture and learn about the rich history of Mardi Gras. Scenic days on the river offer a perfect chance to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings at their own pace.

Upper Mississippi Cruise Inspired by Mark Twain

Experience an eight-night cruise themed around Mark Twain with American Cruise Lines, navigating the Upper Mississippi from St. Louis to Minneapolis–St. Paul. This journey reveals the significance of the beloved American author and humorist in this region. Guests will immerse themselves in all things Twain in Hannibal, Missouri, his hometown, which inspired his renowned novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can tour his childhood home and museum, then stroll through this charming small town rich in Americana. Beyond Twain, the cruise offers opportunities to discover the vibrant public art scenes in quaint towns like Dubuque and Burlington, Iowa, where travelers can walk the famously winding Snake Alley.