Mississippi Delta Explorer 2024 Itinerary New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee Viking®

Table Of Content

• Cruise the Mississippi in a Traditional Steamboat or a Modern River Cruise Ship -- You Choose
• Davenport IA (Iowa, Quad Cities) to increase cruise shipping traffic in 2022
• American Cruise Lines: Upper Mississippi River Cruise
• Pre: Twin Cities Discovery
• Night Mississippi River OdysseyDetails
• Complete Mississippi River Experience
• Hannibal, MO

Revel in the charm of “America’s Great River” as you set sail along the Mississippi. Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history. Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music—blues, jazz and soul—the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores. Interest in these kinds of river trips has surged among baby boomers as a more slow-paced, cultural alternative to ocean cruising.

Cruise the Mississippi in a Traditional Steamboat or a Modern River Cruise Ship -- You Choose

But there's no reason why these voyages shouldn't appeal to a broader crowd. Choosing which Mississippi cruise ship is right for you comes down to your budget, your interest in American history or your taste for modern comforts. To get to know them better, I toured ships from all three lines during recent port stops in Minnesota.

Davenport IA (Iowa, Quad Cities) to increase cruise shipping traffic in 2022

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. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. The American Countess lived a previous life as a 1990s casino boat in Iowa.

American Cruise Lines: Upper Mississippi River Cruise

Some common activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and camping by the river. Passengers on the Upper Mississippi may get the chance to hop off and explore Mark Twain's childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, stroll the streets of Iowa's oldest city (Dubuque), or marvel at sacred bluffs in Red Wing, Minnesota. Along the Middle Mississippi, there's Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO-designated Creative City, and Chester, Illinois, the birthplace of Popeye the Sailor Man. 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.

Pre: Twin Cities Discovery

Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate. 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. The next itinerary map shows all visited river ports and in which US state.are they located. The following video highlights Viking Cruises' Mississippi River shore excursion experiences.

Personally, I find the old-timey look a bit corny (they call it "showboating" for a reason), so I was prepared to find a chintzy, budget interior on the Countess. I was wrong — starting with the spacious Grand Lobby, a bright reception area, bar and lounge that wouldn't look out of place in a vintage city hotel. The elegant-but-not-stuffy feel extends to other public spaces, like the River Grill buffet-with-a-view on the bow, and the slightly more formal dining room. People have been leisure cruising on the Mississippi River since the storied days of steamships, showboats and paddlewheelers in the 1800s.

Besides the luxurious infinity plunge pool, a vacationer can enjoy some alone time at the Bow, a sitting area at the front of the boat. The Viking River Cruises ship measures 450 ft (137 m) in length and 75 ft (23 m) in width. The vessel can accommodate 386 passengers in 193 staterooms (served by 148 staff/crew).

A Look at The Mississippi River Fleet for 2024 - Cruise Industry News

A Look at The Mississippi River Fleet for 2024.

Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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. In Natchez, grand homes sparkle like jewels, adorning the bluffs that tower above the river. Since 1716, when the French first built a fort here among the Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth. Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions.

The adjacent Aquavit Terrace has been reimagined for the Mississippi, providing a classic American barbecue experience in a casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Travel to the birthplace of jazz, blues, and rock–n-roll as our talented onboard musicians entertain you with songs born along the river. Dine on the finest Cajun and Creole and mouth-watering Memphis BBQ prepared by our team of master chefs. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour every evening, a time when you can share the day’s adventures with like-minded travelers, while enjoying a refreshing mint julip. My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure!

Mississippi River mayors remorseful over end of cruise company - KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis

Mississippi River mayors remorseful over end of cruise company.

Posted: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Options include round-trip cruises from New Orleans, Lower and Upper Mississippi itineraries, and themed cruises such as Music Cities and Great Smoky Mountains. The River Cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a menu comprising American classics and regionally inspired favorites. It also has Norwegian menu selections culled from Mamsen's, the popular eatery on Viking's oceangoing ships that serves up dishes from the recipe book of Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen's mother, Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen.

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. Viking has only one ship on this river, the upscale, 450-foot Viking Mississippi. The eight-day New Orleans & Southern Charms is the shortest itinerary available, while the 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage covers the entire river, from New Orleans to St. Paul. After American Queen Voyages shut down in February, only two Mississippi River cruise lines currently remain in operation. The challenge modern travelers now face is when, where, and how to go about this iconic American voyage.

Explore “America’s Breadbasket,” the nation’s most expansive and scenic agricultural region. Sail along the Mississippi River, an important region with diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Immerse yourself in the blues with Viking’s Privileged Access Mississippi Delta experience. Explore the oldest city on the Mississippi, Natchez, with over 200 historic Southern estates.