10 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2022-2023

St. Louis to St. Paul
8 Days from $4,699

Cruise America's Heartland on this 8-day Mississippi River cruise from St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota aboard Viking Mississippi. Along the way, explore historic ports and small towns such as Hannibal, Missouri; Dubuque, Iowa; and Red Wing, Minnesota.

Memphis to New Orleans

Memphis to New Orleans
9 Days from $1,999

Board the American Duchess historical river ship on this 9-day Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to Memphis. See landscapes, cultures and even language transform as you flow along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi from the French Quarter of New Orleans, to Baton Rouge, Vicksburg, and historic St. Francisville.

St. Louis to Minneapolis

St. Louis to Red Wing
9 Days from $2,799

Explore the segment of the Mississippi River that inspired legendary American author Mark Twain on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. Board American Duchess and discover ports such as La Crosse, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa; Red Wing, Minnesota; and Hannibal, Missouri, hometown to Mark Twain.

St. Louis to Minneapolis

St. Louis to Red Wing
9 Days from $2,499

Explore the segment of the Mississippi River that inspired legendary American author Mark Twain on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. Board American Queen and discover ports such as La Crosse, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa; Red Wing, Minnesota; and Hannibal, Missouri, hometown to Mark Twain.

St. Louis to Minneapolis

St. Louis to Red Wing
9 Days from $2,399

Explore the segment of the Mississippi River that inspired legendary American author Mark Twain on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. Board American Countess and discover ports such as La Crosse, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa; Red Wing, Minnesota; and Hannibal, Missouri, the hometown of Mark Twain.

View monuments from the Civil War in Mississippi

Minneapolis to New Orleans

Minneapolis to New Orleans
16 Days from $5,499

Board American Duchess to join this 16-day cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. Set sail from Minneapolis, Minnesota and cruise to New Orleans, Louisiana. Along the way, explore ports such as Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and more.

Minneapolis to New Orleans

Minneapolis to New Orleans
16 Days from $5,099

Cruise the entire length of the mighty Mississippi River on this 16-day river cruise from Minneapolis to New Orleans aboard the historical American Queen river boat. Enjoy river cruising at its best with fine cuisine and entertainment at night complimented by the natural and cultural wonders of the Mississippi during the day.

View the iconic arch when you visit St. Louis, gateway to the west

Minneapolis to New Orleans

Minneapolis to New Orleans
16 Days from $4,999

Board American Countess to join this 16-day cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. Set sail from Minneapolis, Minnesota and cruise to New Orleans, Louisiana. Along the way, explore ports such as Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and more.

Mississippi Holiday Season

Memphis to New Orleans
8 Days from $4,299

Join this 8-day holiday cruise from Memphis, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana along the lower Mississippi River. Explore bustling port cities and small towns alike, all decked out for the holiday season and an unforgettable experience aboard Viking Mississippi.

Wander through the historic French Quarter

New Orleans & Southern Charms

New Orleans to New Orleans
8 Days from $3,999

Explore the highlights of the Mississippi River on this 8-day cruise roundtrip from New Orleans aboard Viking Mississippi. Discover port cities such as St. Francisville, Darrow, Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Vicksburg to experience the diverse culture and rich history of the lower Mississippi region.

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Mississippi River Travel Guide

Top 10 Mississippi River's Cruise Ports

Below are our favorite Mississippi River cruise ports in order from north to south. Mississippi ports range from big cities like New Orleans and St. Louis to small historical towns like Mark Twain’s Hannibal and historical Vicksburg, Mississippi.

The Best Times to Take a Mississippi River Cruise

The best time to cruise the Mississippi River is during the months of spring (March, April, May) or fall (September, October, November) to avoid the extreme hot and cold temperatures in summer and winter. The Mississippi is so long that giving overall advice can be difficult, as the temperatures in Minnesota are much colder than those in Louisiana on the same day. Additionally, there is a higher chance of flooding in the spring and a potential need to reroute or reschedule.

Upper Mississippi River vs. Lower Mississippi River

The Upper Mississippi River stretches from its origins in Minneapolis, Minnesota down to its confluence with the Ohio River in Cairo, Illinois, also winding through Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri along the way.

The Lower Mississippi River originates in Illinois where the Mississippi and Ohio converge and flows downstream all the way to the Gulf of Mexico for about 1,000 miles (well, 990 miles to be exact!). It travels through Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and, of course, Mississippi.

Some of our cruises do go as far north as the Upper Mississippi River, but the majority of the itineraries spend most of their time visiting the destinations in "American's Heartland" on the Lower Mississippi River.

Upper Mississippi vs. Lower Mississippi River Cruises

Unless you have over two weeks to spare and can cruise the entire Mississippi River, you will have to make the hard decision of whether to cruise the Upper or Lower Mississippi. Each section of this vast river can see wildly different weather at similar times of year, so the ideal time to visit will depend on where you plan to go. The overall experience between north and south also varies, with the north having more wildlife and scenery while the south offers more cultural experiences and history. The Mississippi tributaries like the Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois Rivers offer an alternative, abbreviated Mississippi River experience worth considering.

Top Things to See and Do on a Mississippi River Cruise

On a Mississippi River cruise, there’s no excuse for boredom: you'll float past roaring waterfalls, dams, and scenic river bluffs, and explore historical towns along the banks of the mighty river. These are just a few of the highlights you'll experience on a Mississippi River cruise.

Top Cruise Ports on the mighty Mississippi River
Where will your Mississippi River cruise take you? Mississippi River cruises immerse you in the culture and cuisine of the historic U.S. South.

Here are some of the most popular cruise ports where our Adventure Life Mississippi River cruises dock:

Get to Know Vicksburg

Located in the western part of Mississippi, the city of Vicksburg is best known for its importance in the American Civil War as the location of a key battle. Now, at Vicksburg National Military Park, you can learn the history of this region as you explore the Old Court House, the National Cemetery and the restored USS Cairo gunboat. The Siege of Vicksburg (May 18, 1863 - July 4, 1863) marked a major victory for the Union army and a turning point in the Civil War as it gave them control of the Mississippi River.

Get to Know Baton Rouge

Right on the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge - with its population at 225,000 people - is a great destination as you cruise through the state of Louisiana. In fact, Baton Rouge is the Louisiana state capital and home to the Magnolia Mound Plantation (including the French Creole House), the LSU Rural Life Museum, and the retired WWII destroyer USS Kidd, which is now a museum.

This is a great place to see Antebellum plantations and sites key in America's 19th century history.

Get to Know New Orleans

While Baton Rouge might be the capital of Louisiana, the buzzing city of New Orleans could be considered the cultural capital of the state and one of the most exciting cities to visit in the American south while you enjoy your Mississippi River cruise - from the French Quarter to lively Bourbon Street, experience the true heart and flavor of Creole culture here, especially during JazzFest and their renowned Mardi Gras celebrations.

Culture and History of the Mississippi River

Much of American history and culture has bloomed on and near the river. Playing a major role in the Civil War, and WWI, as well as American cultural classics like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by the sorts of Mark Twain, who could be easily considered in the top 3 most influential American writers of all time. Over fifty thousand years ago the Central United States was covered in water by an inland sea that drained south through what is known nowadays as the Mississippi River.

How to Choose the Perfect Mississippi River Cruise for You

The Mississippi is such a long river, winding through a huge variety of destinations, that it's important to prioritize what you want to see and do on your cruise to help choose the best one for you. These are some of the most important factors to consider when selecting your cruise:

What's it like to cruise the Mississippi River on the riverboats?

Step back in time to a bygone era when you board one of our hand-picked riverboats: The American Queen, American Duchess, and the American Countess.

These classic paddle wheelers combine elegance, luxury, and comfort with authentic southern style and charm. You will feel like you are stepping into a Mark Twain novel!

Each of these boats hosts between 100-500 passengers with multiple cabin options, all of which are stately and spacious.

Large dining areas, panoramic upper decks, and classy entertainment spaces offer you an unparalleled experience onboard, complemented by top-notch service and gourmet locally sourced cuisine reflective of the culture and gastronomy of the area you're visiting.

FAQs: Mississippi River

How much does a Mississippi River cruise cost?

Mississippi River cruises cost between $1,300 and $5,000 per person, but the average price of a Mississippi River cruise is about $2,400 per person for a 9-day itinerary.

What is the best Mississippi River cruise line?

American Queen Steamboat Company features the jewels of the Mississippi River - the American Queen, American Duchess, and the American Countess. These classic paddleboats are exactly what you think of when you imagine a Mississippi River cruise - combining luxury, fine dining, comfortable and spacious accommodations, exciting itineraries and one-of-a-kind entertainment that highlights the regional culture and talent. All of our Adventure Life cruises are aboard one of these unparalleled vessels.

What is the best time of year to take a Mississippi River cruise?

The best time to cruise the Mississippi River is during the months of spring (March, April, May) or fall (September, October, November) to avoid the extreme hot and cold temperatures in summer and winter. The Mississippi is so long that giving overall advice can be difficult, as the temperatures in Minnesota are much colder than those in Louisiana on the same day. Additionally, there is a higher chance of flooding in the spring and a potential need to reroute or reschedule.

What destinations do Mississippi River cruises visit?

The top 10 destinations you can visit on a Mississippi River cruise are Red Wing by Minneapolis, Dubuque, Bettendorf, Hannibal, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Memphis, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, and of course New Orleans!

Are Mississippi River cruises worth it?

Mississippi River cruises are a great value if you're hoping to really explore the whole region and get to know the local culture, food, and historic destinations that have shaped the mighty Mississippi. These cruises are definitely geared towards more mature audiences, so while inquisitive teens might enjoy these, they are crafted with adults in mind who enjoy activities like walking and biking tours, city & historic tours, nature experiences, and museums. These are not ideal for families with young children who are looking for a lot of onboard entertainment for kids of all ages.

Why is it called the

At 2,340 miles in length and up to 11 miles across at its widest point, the Mississippi River is the longest and most important river in North America, covering more than one million square miles and pulling in water from tributary rivers in 33 states. But even the mightiest river in North America has humble origins - in a babbling brook that you could easily skip across!

Why is it called the

Every school-age child learns how to spell it - M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. But where did the name come from? The name "Mississippi" actually owes its origins to the indigenous Anishinabe people (Ojibwe Indians), who called the river the "Messipi", meaning "Father of Waters" or "Big River."