The usuals
Naturally, you’ll pack your standard travel essentials: passport, travel documents (including travel insurance with cruise and medical cover), smartphone, sun protection, toothbrush, prescription medication and so on. This guide focuses on what’s specific to cruising the Mississippi, zeroing in on the items you might forget but you’ll be glad you brought.
What to expect onboard
At the time of writing, only two major cruise lines sail the Mississippi River: Viking Cruises and American Cruise Lines.
Both provide basic toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryers, towels and so on – essentially what you’d expect from a hotel. Unless you have a particular preference for your own products, you can leave them at home. If you have any specific questions about what’s available onboard your river ship, it’s always worth checking with your cruise line in advance for peace of mind.
The things you may have missed
Essentials
ESTA or a US Visa: Most Brits will need an ESTA to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This is an automated online authorisation that determines your eligibility to enter the country without a visa. You can apply via the official ESTA website or app; it costs $21 and should be done at least 72 hours before your trip. However, some British citizens won’t be eligible for an ESTA. For example, if you’ve visited certain countries since 2011, you’ll need to apply for a US visa instead.
Health
Medications: Basic medications may be available onboard for purchase, and you’ll often visit cities with pharmacies. Even so, it’s wise to pack a few over-the-counter essentials, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and allergy tablets (especially if you’re sailing in spring). What you probably won’t need is seasickness medication, as river cruising is typically remarkably smooth.
Blister plasters: These are useful to have on hand, considering the amount of walking you may end up doing on your Mississippi River cruise.
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be overly friendly along the Mississippi, particularly in warmer months when visiting ports in the Lower Mississippi (think New Orleans or Baton Rouge).
Electrolyte tablets or powders: These can help you stay hydrated in hot and humid weather.
Hand sanitiser: You’ll be doing a lot of exploring and quite possibly eating on the go as well. Having a travel-sized hand sanitiser is great for keeping your hands germ-free on shore excursions.
Prescription copies: Packing your prescription medication goes without saying, but having paper or digital copies of the prescription itself can make things easier if you need a pharmacy refill or if you encounter customs queries.
Technology
Portable power bank: Ideal for recharging your smartphone on the go, so you don’t have to worry about losing battery on long shore excursions.
eSim: Using an eSim means you can keep your usual UK SIM active for calls and texts while using the digital SIM for data. Many travellers choose this option, as daily roaming fees in the US can add up quickly, and prepaid eSIM packages often work out cheaper.
Handheld fan: While air conditioning is common onboard river ships and in most US venues, an electronic handheld fan is still worth packing for hot days, especially if you’ll be outdoors for extended periods, whether on bayou tours, at festivals or out hiking.
Adaptors: The US primarily uses Type A and Type B plugs. A universal travel adaptor is a practical choice to cover all bases.
Payment methods
Dollars: It’s worth having some local currency on you. Card is widely accepted in large cities and small towns (particularly in tourist-facing establishments), but some local artisans or market stalls may be cash-only. During festivals like Mardi Gras, you may find cash particularly useful considering the numerous small vendors. Plus, remember tipping is common practice in the States, so it’s useful to keep some cash easily accessible.
Travel-friendly bank card: App-based digital banks, also known as neobanks, often offer far better currency exchange rates than traditional banks. Some even provide multi-currency accounts. Depending on your needs, options such as Monzo, Revolut and Starling could be worth considering.
Clothing
Swimwear: Some river ships have plunge pools, so you’ll want to pack a swimming costume if that's the case for your vessel. Note that Viking Cruises typically offers onboard pools, while American Cruise Lines does not, so it depends on who you’re sailing with.
Waterproof poncho or raincoat: Weather along the Mississippi can be unpredictable. Even in a hot Southern summer, bursts of heavy rain are not uncommon.
Light, moisture-wicking clothing: If you’re cruising the Upper Mississippi in the warmer months, temperatures can be high and the air humid. To stay cool, avoid dark colours that absorb heat. Moisture-wicking fabrics such as nylon, bamboo and polyester can also help you remain dry and comfortable.
Dinner attire: The two major cruise lines sailing the Mississippi are American Cruise Lines and Viking Cruises. Both have a relaxed, smart-casual dress code. There’s no need to pack ballgowns or tuxedos, but breezy summer dresses, jumpsuits, crisp button-downs and similar outfits are advisable.
Comfortable walking shoes: Options with a sturdy insole and padded footbed are recommended, as you may do a fair amount of walking, whether across cobbled streets, city pavements or woodland paths.
Extras and accessories
Dry shampoo: High humidity can leave hair limp or frizzy, and dry shampoo is a practical way to freshen up quickly between excursions.
Refillable water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential in hot, humid conditions, and carrying a refillable bottle is an easy, environmentally friendly way to do so.
Day bag: You’ll need a bag for carrying essentials on excursions, from your sunscreen and smartphone to your power bank and water bottle. Crossbody bags, totes, small backpacks and even the classic tourist bum bag (known as a fanny pack in the US) all work well.
Small foldable umbrella: If you don’t fancy carrying a poncho or raincoat, a compact umbrella is a good alternative for sudden showers. While some river ships provide umbrellas, they’re often large and cumbersome, so packing a lightweight, easy-to-stash option is preferable.
Our top tip before you sail?Pack light. You’ll want to leave some room for souvenirs, be it a blues record, a Southern cookbook or a baseball cap.
Here's what else you should know before your Mississippi River cruise:
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