Choosing the Best Mississippi River Cruise to Suit Your Travel Style
Written by Blue Water Holidays - Friday 23rd January 2026
Stretching over 2,300 miles, the Mississippi River winds through ten states, from Minnesota’s headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico, connecting cities, small towns, and generations of stories along the way. For travellers seeking a blend of history, scenery, and comfort, a Mississippi riverboat cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to see the country.
From sampling authentic Memphis barbecue to listening to live jazz performances in New Orleans and admiring intricate antebellum mansions, Mississippi river cruises showcase the rich and varied history of this vibrant southern region.
If you’re thinking of booking a trip to Mississippi but don’t know where to begin, this guide is for you. From history to music and food, we’ve broken down the 5 best Mississippi cruises that suit every travel style.
What are the Best Mississippi River Cruises?
Whether you’re drawn to Civil War history, soulful blues, or the serene landscapes of the Upper Midwest, there’s a style of cruise designed to fit your travel personality.
| Here’s a quick look at the main types of cruises you’ll find in this guide: | |
|---|---|
| History Lovers and Culture Seekers |
Ideal for travellers who want to step into America’s past, exploring grand antebellum homes, Civil War landmarks, and jazz-filled streets along the Lower Mississippi. |
| Foodies and Music Fans |
Perfect for those who travel with their taste buds and playlists in mind, combining live music, iconic cities like Nashville and Memphis, and unforgettable Southern cuisine. |
| Nature Enthusiasts and Scenic Travellers |
Suited to guests who love open skies, rolling bluffs, and quiet river towns, offering some of the most picturesque Mississippi river cruises through the Midwest. |
| Relaxed Travellers and Slow Cruisers |
Designed for those who prefer to take their time, tracing two of America’s great rivers – the Ohio and the Mississippi – on a nostalgic journey aboard a classic paddlewheeler. |
| the Ultimate American Experience |
The grand voyage that travels the entire length of the river, from New Orleans to St Paul, revealing every chapter of the Mississippi’s story in one unforgettable journey. |
The American Cruise Lines Experience
For those looking for the best Mississippi river cruises, American Cruise Lines sets the benchmark. With over 30 years of expertise and a fleet of contemporary riverboats and traditional paddlewheelers, the company combines modern luxury with classic charm. Each vessel carries just 100 to 190 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels personal from the moment you step aboard.
Every detail has been designed with comfort in mind. Spacious staterooms feature large windows or private balconies for uninterrupted views, while observation lounges and expansive sundecks offer ideal vantage points for watching life along the river.
The dining experience celebrates regional flavours. You might enjoy Cajun and Creole dishes in New Orleans, smoky barbecue in Memphis, or freshly baked cornbread as you sail past riverside towns.
Each journey from this renowned Mississippi river cruise line includes lectures from historians, naturalists, and local experts, alongside live entertainment. Evenings are filled with jazz, bluegrass, or storytelling sessions that bring each destination to life.
All cruises include:
- Complimentary daily shore excursions.
- All gourmet meals feature regional dishes.
- Wine and beer with lunch and dinner.
- Daily cocktail hour.
- Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
- Evening entertainment and lectures.
Choosing a Mississippi River Cruise to Match Your Travel Style
Each American Cruise Lines itinerary reveals a different side of the river. Some follow the musical heritage of the Deep South, others drift through nature-rich countryside, while a few stretch the full length of the river for a grand adventure. Here’s how to choose the right one for you.
For History Lovers and Culture Seekers
Memphis to New Orleans
If your perfect Mississippi river cruise includes Civil War landmarks, antebellum mansions, and world-famous jazz, the Memphis to New Orleans voyage is the classic route. Travelling the Lower Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans over 7 nights, you’ll step into the pages of American history, where every port tells a story.
The journey begins in Memphis, home to Beale Street and Graceland, before sailing to Vicksburg, a city that played a pivotal role in the Civil War. In Natchez and St Francisville, elegant mansions and moss-draped oaks line the streets, while Baton Rouge adds a dose of modern Southern culture. The cruise ends in New Orleans, where jazz spills from every doorway and the scent of Creole cooking fills the air.
Highlights
- Explore Vicksburg National Military Park, one of America’s key Civil War sites.
- Visit the stately plantations of Oak Alley and St Francisville.
- Enjoy live jazz performances in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
- Walk through antebellum mansions in Natchez, steeped in Southern charm.
- Discover the rhythm of Beale Street and the history of Memphis blues.
For travellers drawn to history and heritage, this route offers an unforgettable balance of insight, culture, and music.
For Foodies and Music Fans
Music Cities of the Mississippi
The Music Cities of the Mississippi itinerary is a celebration of sound and flavour. Linking Memphis, Paducah, and Nashville, this voyage captures the essence of American music and cuisine in one immersive experience.
Before boarding this 14-night adventure, guests spend a night in Memphis exploring Sun Studio and the soulful bars of Beale Street. Once underway, the cruise glides through the heart of Tennessee, calling at river towns where bluegrass, gospel, and country still fill local venues. In Paducah, recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City for its arts scene, you’ll find vibrant murals and galleries, while Nashville - the final stop - offers live performances in every corner pub.
Highlights
- Visit Graceland and Sun Studio, where rock and roll was born.
- Sample authentic Memphis barbecue and Nashville hot chicken.
- Experience live country music at the Grand Ole Opry.
- Explore Paducah’s arts district and colourful riverside murals.
- Relax on the deck to the sounds of blues and bluegrass.
If you love music, good food, and Southern hospitality, this cruise will strike exactly the right chord.
For Nature Enthusiasts and Scenic Travellers
Upper Mississippi
Those drawn to wide skies, wildlife, and small-town charm will love the Upper Mississippi cruise. This 7-night northern route, typically between St Louis and St Paul, reveals a quieter, more reflective side of the river.
The voyage begins beneath the Gateway Arch in St Louis and winds north through rolling farmland and limestone bluffs. Stops in Hannibal, Mark Twain’s hometown, capture the spirit of American literature, while La Crosse and Red Wing offer riverside strolls, independent boutiques, and local art galleries. Bald eagles and herons are common sights, especially during migration seasons.
Highlights
- Stand beneath St Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch.
- Visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal.
- Spot eagles soaring over the cliffs of Iowa and Wisconsin.
- Explore the historic riverside towns of La Crosse and Red Wing.
- Enjoy peaceful cruising through the unspoilt Midwestern countryside.
For travellers who crave open space and a slower pace, this itinerary delivers pure tranquillity - a true scenic riverboat on the Mississippi experience.
For Relaxed Travellers and Slow Cruisers
Ohio and Mississippi Adventure
For those who prefer unhurried exploration and a touch of nostalgia, the Ohio and Mississippi Adventure captures the romance of America’s early river routes. Sailing from Pittsburgh to St Louis aboard the Queen of the Mississippi, this voyage combines two iconic waterways and offers a glimpse into the country’s frontier spirit.
The cruise begins on the Ohio River, once the lifeline of America’s westward expansion. You’ll explore Marietta, home to the Campus Martius and Ohio River Museums, before drifting through bluegrass country and the friendly towns of Maysville and Louisville. There’s time to visit the Jim Beam Distillery and enjoy a taste of Kentucky’s finest bourbon. As you join the Mississippi River, history unfolds in Henderson, Paducah, and Cape Girardeau, before arriving in St Louis beneath the gleaming Gateway Arch.
Highlights
- Step back in time in Marietta’s historic museums.
- Hear bluegrass music in Maysville and taste bourbon in Louisville.
- Explore the Civil War heritage of Cape Girardeau.
- Sail aboard an authentic Mississippi paddle boat.
- Finish in St Louis with panoramic views of the Gateway Arch.
This cruise is perfect for travellers who want to paddle boat down the Mississippi River and enjoy the gentle pace of a bygone era, complete with fine dining and fascinating storytelling along the way.
For the Ultimate American Experience
Complete Mississippi
If you’ve ever dreamed of a trip down the Mississippi River from its mouth to its source, the Complete Mississippi is the ultimate voyage. Covering 10 states over three weeks, this journey connects the bustling South with the serene Midwest, showing every face of America’s most famous river.
Starting in New Orleans, the cruise explores Louisiana’s plantation country before continuing north to Memphis, St Louis, Hannibal, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll see the contrasts that make the Mississippi so compelling, from the grandeur of Oak Alley to the quiet simplicity of Red Wing. By the time you reach St Paul, you’ll have experienced everything from jazz and blues to wildlife and wide-open plains.
For details of this cruise, please contact our team for more information.
Highlights
- Tour antebellum plantations and Civil War sites along the Lower Mississippi.
- Visit Graceland and enjoy live blues in Memphis.
- Cruise past St Louis’ Gateway Arch and explore the city’s cultural scene.
- Step into Mark Twain’s world in Hannibal.
- Spot bald eagles and herons from your balcony in the Upper Mississippi.
For anyone seeking the most complete Mississippi River cruise, this itinerary captures the river’s soul, a sweeping journey through the heart of America.
Planning Your Mississippi River Cruise
When is the best time to visit Mississippi?
The best time for a Mississippi River cruise is from April to October, when river conditions are calm and temperatures are pleasant. Spring brings blooming magnolias and cooler weather, while autumn paints the riverbanks with vibrant colour. The summer months are lively but warm, especially in the South, so early or late season departures often offer a more comfortable experience.
Typical Routes and PortsMississippi itineraries fall broadly into three categories:
Whether you prefer jazz-filled cities or quiet riverside communities, each route reveals a different side of the river. |
Choosing the Right CruiseTo choose the best sailing, think about what excites you most. If you love heritage, Memphis to New Orleans is ideal. Music lovers will find their rhythm on the Music Cities of the Mississippi cruise, while those craving space and scenery will feel at home on the Upper Mississippi. The Ohio and Mississippi Adventure is perfect for a slower pace, and the Complete Mississippi offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey from start to finish. When you book through Cruising Holidays, we’ll tailor your experience to make it seamless - from arranging pre-cruise stays in New Orleans or Memphis to adding return flights and transfers. Our close relationship with American Cruise Lines means you’ll receive personalised advice and peace of mind every step of the way. |
Ready For Your Mississippi Adventure?
A Mississippi river cruise isn’t just a holiday; it’s a passage through history, music, and culture that shaped a nation. Whether you’re gliding past the cotton fields of the Deep South or watching eagles soar over Midwestern cliffs, you’ll experience the river that inspired generations of storytellers and travellers alike.
Each itinerary, each stop, each moment on deck brings you closer to the spirit of America, all from the comfort of your riverboat.
For the best advice, trusted operators, and tailor-made itineraries, contact our team at Cruising Holidays. We’ll help you find the best Mississippi river cruises and craft a journey that perfectly matches your travel style.
FAQs
Whilst the Mississippi is spectacular all year round, we think that the best months are April to October. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and colourful scenery, while summer brings longer days and lively ports.
Itineraries range from seven-night cruises such as Memphis to New Orleans to three-week journeys like the Complete Mississippi, which sails from New Orleans to St Paul.
They do indeed! American Cruise Lines operates both sleek modern riverboats and classic paddlewheelers such as the Queen of the Mississippi, giving guests the chance to enjoy a nostalgic paddle boat down the Mississippi River experience with all modern comforts.
Departures typically begin in New Orleans, Memphis, St Louis, or St Paul, depending on itinerary length and direction.
Absolutely. Because transport, accommodation, dining, and excursions are all included, a Mississippi river cruise often provides excellent value, plus the pleasure of unpacking once and watching the landscapes come to you.