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Secondly, American Cruise Lines has debuted new river cruise ships in recent years and has more on order. Factors you should consider in deciding which cruise line to book depend on things like ship modernization (or year built or refurbished), cost of the cruise, and precise ports that the itinerary goes to. Viking offers a special 15-day cruise that includes 11 different excursions. 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. Explore a variety of history and art museums and admire historic homes, while listening to captivating stories told by a local guide.
– Day Cruise
Another must-see is the National Military Park, which has over 1,370 monuments and a national veterans’ cemetery. Ride a horse-drawn carriage through this historic Mormon town to see the Brigham Young Home and the Smith Homestead. Afterward, stop by for a spot of wine at Illinois's oldest winery, Baxter’s Vineyards & Winery. The most popular attraction here is the Figge Art Museum which has artworks dating from the 15th century.
Viking River Cruises: America's Great River
Which Mississippi River cruise ship is right for you? - Star Tribune
Which Mississippi River cruise ship is right for you?.
Posted: Sat, 22 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Again, “very good” with a slightly higher rating of 4.2 with 128 reviews. The first on my list was the “American Queen”, an authentic paddle-wheeler carrying 448 passengers. With 212 reviews, guests rated them as “very good” with an average of 4.1. Your entire experience will be influenced by the historical significance of this waterway and how it shaped America.
Night Mississippi Delta ExplorerDetails
The company's flagship, the American Queen, is said to be the world's biggest steamboat. Nestled among the scenic bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River, Red Wing's beauty has inspired craftsmen and artisans for over 150 years. Enjoy a show at the historic Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre or observe the beauty of nature at one of Red Wing’s 38 parks. Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss.
In Oak Alley, Louisiana, guests can tour a Greek Revival mansion on a sugar plantation built and maintained by slaves. While no Civil War fighting took place in Natchez, Mississippi, the city is home to hundreds of lavish mansions from the era and the Historic Natchez Cemetery, which dates to 1822. On American Cruise Lines' eight-day New Orleans to New Orleans itinerary, cruisers can visit Vicksburg, Mississippi, where the National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. In Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge, a guided excursion explores critical locations in the Civil War's Battle of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson.
The Upper Mississippi River itineraries are better for your second trip cruising the river, where you can expand upon the history learned from the cities in the lower south. Modernized for today’s river cruising demands, these boats harken back to the 19th century when steamboats played an important role in developing the regions along the Mississippi. The Lower Mississippi has the longest season, typically running from November through December and April to mid-June, with most sailings on the bottom one-third of the river (New Orleans round trip or New Orleans to Memphis). Alton is an idyllic town, known for its scenic limestone bluffs along the river and its rich Civil War history. The National Great Rivers Museum, located at the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, tells the stories of the Mississippi River’s history, the people that rely on the River, and its many ecosystems.
Made For You: A Personalized Mississippi River Cruise
Other interesting sites include the houses of Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher. St. Louis is home to the symbolic Gateway Arch, which celebrates the hard journey people took to populate the Central and Western United States. Here you can also experience a fresh beer tasting at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery or visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. You can’t miss Old Fort Madison, which brings history to life and allows visitors to experience the life of a soldier during the war of 1812. See the city's beauty on a Hop On Hop Off Tour that brings you to the Historic Millwork District and Dubuque Museum of Art.
You can access some of the nation's iconic attractions and favorite cities right from the Mississippi River. As you cruise toward the historic city of Hannibal, enjoy the beauty of the heartland. Mingle with guests in one of our comfortable lounges, read a good book on your private balcony, or take part in one of our many onboard activities.
These cruises provide an indulgent experience with spacious and elegantly appointed accommodations, personalized service, gourmet dining, and an array of upscale amenities. Luxury cruises often include a generous selection of shore excursions, onboard activities, and entertainment options. The emphasis is on attention to detail, exceptional service, and creating a truly unforgettable journey along the Mississippi River. For mid-range Mississippi River cruises, prices typically range from $200 to $400 per person per night.
Capable of going both upstream and downstream, it revolutionized travel and the cost of shipping goods. You won’t find waterslides, casinos, kids or massive night-time shows on these river boats. Unlike any other vacation, this is the opportunity to relax and absorb what it was like in a different time. Passengers aboard the Twilight overnight at the Grand Harbor Resort in Dubuque, Iowa. The Grand Harbor is a riverfront hotel; standard rooms include two queen or one king bed.
Cruising the Mississippi: Intimate boating experiences support tourism in river towns - La Crosse Tribune
Cruising the Mississippi: Intimate boating experiences support tourism in river towns.
Posted: Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Our onboard experts bring the stories of the River to life and provide context to each shore experience we provide along the way. This epic 23-day exploration of America begins in New Orleans and travels north, visiting new ports of call each day before concluding in Minneapolis. You can visit 18 ports in six states on a 23-day Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to St. Paul. 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.
Step off your ship docked right at Houmas House and explore one of the most elaborately renovated of the grand homes along the river, once a private home and a thriving historical agricultural enterprise. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the magnificently restored home’s unmatched collection of stunning period furnishings and artwork. The ornately landscaped grounds include 38 acres of gardens, fountains, and majestic live oak trees. Viking River Cruises' 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage, available in 2024 aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi, also embarks in New Orleans and visits 16 ports in nine states as it cruises north to St. Paul, Minnesota.
Popular states on this route are Louisiana, Tennessee (home of Elvis Presley), Arkansas, and of course, Mississippi. Most tour operators have contingency plans in place to handle the river’s changes. One solution is arranging for cruises to take place on the nearby Ohio River instead. Inquire about inclement weather policies regarding the river levels before booking your cruise if you’re concerned. As for Lower Mississippi River cruises, they typically operate from November through December and again from April to mid-June. These cruises tend to sail on the bottom third of the river, beginning or ending in New Orleans.
The challenge modern travelers now face is when, where, and how to go about this iconic American voyage. Below, see our answers to these frequently asked questions, plus our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024. As you make your way from Lacrosse to Dubuque, reflect upon the rich history of the Mississippi River and the variety of music born upon its shores. Listen to the talented performers in one of our lounges or share the afternoon with fellow travelers.
Highlights include St. Louis, where you'll admire Saarinen's circa-1965 Gateway Arch, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis featuring a 41-million-piece mosaic and the Renaissance Revival-style City Hall. From Dubuque, Iowa, you can head to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to visit Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's private home, studio and school from 1911 to 1959. Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Seemingly the capital of confederate plantations, you will surely see some charming architecture. If you’re a Civil War history buff, then you’ll be excited to see the famous siege of Vicksburg Civil War Battlefield.
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. The comfort of your ship awaits at the nearby Beale Street Landing, docked along an impressive, recently renovated city park. Times have changed, but not in Downtown Tunica, with Main Street buildings just as they were at the turn of the century. Explore unique boutiques, antique shops, a fully restored courthouse, and Tunica Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park.
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