At a glance
- Viking Cruises and American Cruise Lines are the main operators on the Mississippi River
- Cruises range from a week to 23-day voyages spanning the entire river
- Prices start from around £2,300 per person for a week, rising to over £10,000 for a full-length sailing
- Some itineraries include pre- or post-cruise land extensions, for example, focused on Graceland, Nashville or Minneapolis
What makes a cruise 'the best'?
Here at World of Cruising, we look out for those if-you-know-you-know details, from the best shore excursions to what’s actually included in your fare, so you can make a truly informed decision about which cruise aligns with exactly what you’re looking for.
The Mighty Mississippi is a long river, running through or bordering 10 US states and offering a vast range of experiences. One person’s perfect Mississippi cruise might focus on following in the blue suede shoes of Elvis; another’s might centre on exploring the lives of literary titans in America’s Heartland. Whatever you’re seeking in terms of pace and attractions, we’ve got you covered.
Which cruise lines sail the Mississippi River?
While dozens of cruise lines operate on European rivers like the Danube or Douro, the Mississippi is a more specialised proposition. Only two major cruise lines offer dedicated itineraries along this historic American waterway: Viking Cruises and American Cruise Lines.
What can I expect from Viking Cruises?
Viking is a name likely to ring a bell for British travellers. It’s renowned for its sleek river ships, which sail European rivers like the Rhine and Seine, as well as those in further-flung locations, such as the Nile and Mekong. Beyond its river fleet, Viking operates ocean ships that explore regions from the Mediterranean to Antarctica.
If you’ve sailed with Viking before, you can expect the same level of service and understated luxury aboard Viking Mississippi as on any of its vessels worldwide. This is a cruise line that prides itself on remarkable consistency, wherever it takes you.
Here are three hallmarks of a Viking Mississippi sailing:
- Viking Mississippi is adults-only, like all Viking ships, with no passengers under 18 permitted onboard.
- You’ll find serene, Scandi-inspired interiors designed to foster cultural curiosity over flash. Think onboard historians in residence and curated libraries rather than Broadway-style shows or casinos, which are typical of some ocean ships.
- Viking takes an all-inclusive approach to pricing. International return flights from regional UK airports, one complimentary shore excursion per port of call and onboard gratuities are bundled into your fare.
What can I expect from American Cruise Lines?
British cruisers may be less familiar with American Cruise Lines, which sails exclusively on American waterways, leaving cruising the rest of the world to other operators.
It leans towards a domestic audience, underpinned by an all-American ethos built on over 50 years of exploring the country’s rivers. That heritage informs everything it does, from operating American-built ships to emphasising its status as an American-owned company.
Here are three key things to know about American Cruise Lines:
- Its ships are small, even by river standards, accommodating under 200 passengers each. Most carry just 80 to 90 guests, creating an intimate onboard atmosphere and allowing access to smaller ports.
- Its Mississippi fleet includes both nostalgic paddlewheelers for a traditional feel and modern river ships, reflecting the breadth of its 21-strong fleet, which sails waterways across 35 US states.
- American Cruise Lines adopts a largely inclusive pricing model. Every port of call includes at least one complimentary shore excursion, onboard gratuities are included and some itineraries offer a pre-cruise hotel stay to ease embarkation day logistics. However, airfare from the UK isn’t included as standard, though the line offers flat-rate domestic airfare within the US.
Best for the Deep South
Why this itinerary?
The Lower Mississippi is immensely popular for cruising, spanning celebrated cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Memphis, as well as smaller yet fascinating destinations like Natchez, Greenville and Vicksburg. Many cruisers choose this stretch to experience Southern hospitality, world-famous festivals like Mardi Gras and the old haunts of blues and rock 'n' roll legends.
What are the best Deep South cruises?
Viking offers several itineraries focused on the Lower Mississippi, ranging from around eight days to over two weeks. These typically include smaller stops such as Darrow, along with big hitters like New Orleans (where sailings often start) and Memphis. Viking frequently stops overnight in these major cities so you can experience their music-led nightlife firsthand. Nashville is also included in some itineraries, either as part of a multi-river sailing combining the Mississippi and Cumberland or as a post-cruise land tour.
Highlights: In Natchez, guests savour classic Southern soul food along with an a cappella gospel performance, while in Baton Rouge, they can explore the Atchafalaya Basin by airboat, with the chance to spot alligators along the way.
Price: At the time of writing, prices start from around £3,700 per person, including flights.
American Cruise Lines also offers Lower Mississippi itineraries ranging from about a week to 12 days, with some itineraries including multiple sailing days. Stops often include St Francisville, Baton Rouge, Tunica, Memphis and New Orleans. On certain itineraries, guests can opt for an immersive two-night stay at The Guest House at Graceland.
Highlights: For those on the Graceland pre-cruise extension, the Graceland Archives Department presents rare Elvis items, revealing a side of the King rarely seen by the public. On the cruising segment, highlights include Manchac Swamp tours near New Orleans and horse-drawn carriage rides in Natchez.
Price: At the time of writing, prices start from approximately £2,300 per person for a week, excluding UK flights.
Best for the Midwest
Why this itinerary?
The Middle and Upper Mississippi touch several Midwestern states – including Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. If you want to experience this stretch of the USA, a river cruise is an excellent way to do so. You’ll be taking the route less travelled, visiting cities often overlooked by travellers but full of character. From Wisconsin cheese and the St Louis craft beer scene to the hometowns of Mark Twain and F. Scott Fitzgerald, there’s plenty to discover along the way.
What are the best Midwest cruises?
Viking offers a Heartland of America itinerary, visiting ports such as St Louis and Hannibal in Missouri, La Crosse in Wisconsin and St Paul in Minnesota, with the option to add a post-cruise land extension to Minneapolis.
Highlights: Viking guests receive privileged access to cultural institutions along the Mississippi. In Hannibal, this includes behind-the-scenes insight into rare items at a museum dedicated to Mark Twain, not usually on public display. Other highlights include visiting the National Eagle Center in Red Wing and exploring Taliesin in Wisconsin, home and studio of the defining American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Price: At the time of writing, prices start from around £5,300 for eight nights, including flights from the UK.
American Cruise Lines also offers itineraries covering the Upper Mississippi. Key differences include a full day of sailing and ports such as Muscatine in Iowa and Winona in Minnesota, known for its dramatic bluffs.
Highlights: Standout excursions include visiting the Field of Dreams filming location in Dubuque, exploring Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal and kayaking or canoeing through the forested backwaters of Winona to observe local wildlife.
Price: At the time of writing, fares begin at around £3,700 for eight nights, excluding flights from the UK.
Best for the whole Mississippi
Why this itinerary?
Sailing the entire Mississippi is an incredible odyssey, offering a true sense of just how varied the US is. You’ll see landscapes shift from Midwestern bluffs to Southern bayous, passing through cities and towns, each with its own distinct identity. It’s a journey through the nation’s musical heritage, with the chance to eat your way downriver – from Midwestern apple pie served with cheese (yes, it’s a thing) to Memphis barbecue or Creole cuisine.
What are the best cruises to experience the whole Mississippi?
Viking offers multiple itineraries spanning the full river from St Paul to New Orleans, ranging from 15 to 22 days. Along the way, you’ll encounter a carefully curated selection of experiences, each revealing a different facet of American life across both the Midwest and Deep South.
Highlights: Expect a mix of unmissable sites, from the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the motel where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, to following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark in Illinois, alongside glimpses of everyday life on Midwestern farms.
Price: At the time of writing, fares begin at around £10,600 per person, including UK flights.
American Cruise Lines similarly offers an itinerary that stretches the length of the river over an immersive 23 days. Throughout this journey, guests explore the history, heritage and ecology of the US in depth.
Highlights: Experience the many ways America tells its story, from viewing the murals of Cape Girardeau in Missouri to watching a performance by Mark Twain himself, or at least, a local actor bringing the author’s words to life.
Price: At the time of writing, prices start at around £10,100 per person, excluding international flights.
What else should you know before you book?
If you're in need of a little more information before making your decision and booking your Mississippi River cruise, these guides might help:
Enjoyed this story?
Choose World of Cruising as a Preferred Source on Google News to keep up to date with our latest articles
Set as preferred source
