Mississippi River Cruise From New Orleans To Memphis
It would be a week of grisly Civil War battlefield sights and stories, tours of opulent plantations with their costumed glamour and turbulent past. There were strolls through some of Americas cities that grew up along the river. In addition, wed have a chance to indulge in regional southern food that included its French and subsequent Creole and Cajun influence.
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Queen Of The Mississippi
Queen of the Mississippis ambiance and décor of the mid-19th century were accurately duplicated throughout each the four decks, the spacious public areas and all of the cabins. Beautiful ornate woodwork, plush cushioned sofas and chairs and a sun deck with dozens of white wooden rocking chairs were evocative of a small step back in time.
All 150 passengers were mostly seniors and mostly Americans, with a few Brits and Australians. Everyone got into the 1800s spirit even before the complimentary wine was poured at lunch and dinner.
A few men and women were wearing straw or ribboned hats and other small bits of wearable nostalgia. At embarkation, crew members were dressed as though they were sent from Central Casting. Its a Mississippi river cruise thing.
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Memphis, Tennessee
The river cruise price tag included a one-night pre-cruise stay at The Whitney Hotel in New Orleans. This made it very convenient for the cruise line to pick up almost all of their guests from one location in town to go to the port. It also assured that everyone would be on board and checked in well before sailaway time.
Before dinner chimes were even heard, Queen of the Mississippi was underway and headed upstream for an evening port visit.
Riverboat Cruises In Memphis
The Mississippi River provides residents of Memphis, Tennessee, a route for commercial transportation, as well as a waterway for sports activities and riverboat excursions. The climate in Memphis, with an average annual temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit and more sunny days than Miami, Florida, is ideal for cruising on the Mighty Mississippi.
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*price Per Person Including Air From Tus Double Occupancy
Single occupancy Upon Request, Limited Availability.
Deposit: n/a
Roundtrip air transportation to MEM/New Orleans Pick-up/livery service7 nights lodging aboard the American Queen1 night lodging in Memphis1 night lodging in New OrleansAll meals aboard the shipAdmissions & tours as describedServices of a tour directorBaggage handling All taxes and tips for included items
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Sightseeing Cruises On The Mississippi River From Memphis
The classic choice is the 90-minute Memphis Sightseeing Cruise, which presents a Memphis city tour and riverboat cruise in one. Over the course of your 7- to 10-mile roundtrip journey, youll enjoy views of downtown Memphis and the riverfront, Presidents Island and the Wolf River Tributary, a mix of urban and natural scenic views. Your captain narrates the trip, sharing points of interest and historic tidbits along the way, from Mark Twains 19th-century connections to Memphis to Tom Lees heroic rescue on the river in 1925. And of course, the boat itself is full of charm, from the decorative gingerbread detailing on deck to the big red paddlewheel in back. Snacks, drinks and alcohol, as well as souvenir photos, are available for purchase on board, and the tours are family-friendly. Most days, the tours leave at 2:30 p.m., but in high season, a second tour may be added at 5:30 p.m. Check the full Memphis riverboat cruise schedule to book.
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This New Mississippi River Cruise Will Sail Between Memphis And New Orleans And Serve Incredible Southern Cooking
Courtesy of American Queen Voyages
American Queen Voyages is adding a new itinerary along the Lower Mississippi River to its roster this summer, sailing between Memphis and New Orleans, the company shared with Travel + Leisure.
The new itinerary will include nine days traversing the river on the American Queen, including stops in Vicksburg and Natchez in Mississippi, and St. Francisville and Baton Rouge in Louisiana. The trips will depart on June 5, 12, 19, and 26, according to the cruise line.
Guests staying in a Luxury or Owners Suite will also receive additional perks like a complimentary cooking class and brunch hosted by famed southern chef Regina Charboneau at her Natchez cooking school as well as a pre-sail biscuit demonstration and champagne toast.
Throughout the itinerary, the best of southern cuisine is represented with dishes including panko-crusted alligator, pork rind-dusted pan-fried trout, blackened redfish and craft beer fried chicken.
American Queen Voyages takes great pride in bringing a taste of the region to the dining rooms of its paddlewheelers as they churn up and down the Mississippi River, the river cruise lines senior vice president of marketing and sales, Kari Tarnowski, told T+L. The flavors of the cuisine take inspiration from the river and are recreated with local ingredients and techniques unique to the south.
Sean McVeigh/Courtesy of American Queen Voyages
Savour A Day Of Scenic Cruising Along The Majestic Mississippi River As You Journey To Memphis
Today youll watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic or curl up on a plush chair in a cosy corner and relish in the moment of tranquillity. This time is yours to ensure you experience the true fulfilment that river cruising offers all its passengers.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Countess
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Mississippi Holiday Season New Orleans To Memphis
Discover the history and charm of the Lower Mississippi on this special voyage. Stroll to the beat of Christmas jazz, savor Cajun cuisine and shop for festive treasures in New Orleans marvel at Christmas light displays and decorated historic homes in Baton Rouge and Natchez and discover Memphis, complete… Read MoreDiscover the history and charm of the Lower Mississippi on this special voyage. Stroll to the beat of Christmas jazz, savor Cajun cuisine and shop for festive treasures in New Orleans marvel at Christmas light displays and decorated historic homes in Baton Rouge and Natchez and discover Memphis, complete with exclusive Privileged Access to Graceland, decorated for Christmas. Onboard festivities include special celebratory regional dining, seasonal treats and more to celebrate the holidays.
Starting at: $4,349
Top 10 Mississippi Cruises 5 To 7 Days 2022/2023
Save up to 50% on Mississippi Cruises 5 to 7 Days 2022/2023. As a large-scale seller of Mississippi Cruises 5 to 7 Days 2022/2023 River Cruises, we are able to offer you unbeatable prices and unparalleled value. With river cruise volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 50% versus the brochure price!
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Graceful Traditions Of The Era Of Steamboat Travel With Modern
Spacious luxury awaits aboard the American Duchess, a boutique-style riverboat that combines modern day amenities with a nod to the graceful era of steamboat travel. With some of the largest accommodations on the Mississippi River, the ship is home to 83 comfortable staterooms and balconied suites ranging from 180 to 550 square feet. Unique to the American Duchess are her Loft Suites, which feature two stories enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows, two full bathrooms, a comfortable dining area, a beautiful lounge with a queen sofa-bed, a private balcony and an upstairs bedroom.
What Is The Best Mississippi River Cruise
2020s Best Travel Pick Mississippi River Cruise on the Riverboat Twilight. Bottom Line: River cruising is a great option for culture-hungry travelers. Pay attention to the travel package details to get the best value for your money. River cruise lines make researching their adventures fun, with video tours and details to suit the needs
Cruiseinfoclub.com
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Relish A Day At Sea To Partake In The Plethora Of Fun Activities On Board
Whether youre feeling adventurous, need to exercise or simply relax, youre likely to find yourself at one of the ships highlights, the Aqua Park and Sports Complex. Seventeen decks above the sea, surrounded by ocean views all around, at the Aqua Park youll discover a stellar selection of liquid delights. Take the plunge on the five multi-storey waterslides including Free Fall, the fastest drop slide at sea, take a refreshing dip at the two swimming pools or enjoy a soothing soak in the four hot tubs. At the Sports Complex, youll be thrilled with the three levels of action-packed activities challenge yourself with the largest-at-sea ropes course masterfully manoeuvring through this multi-level structure, or walk The Plank, extending 2.5 metres over the ships side!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Norwegian Breakaway
14 March 2023
America’s Heartland St Louis To St Paul
On this enlightening journey on the Upper Mississippi, you will hear stories of pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition walk in the footsteps of Mark Twain and learn about the Norwegian migration. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the rivers intricate lock system. And experience… Read MoreOn this enlightening journey on the Upper Mississippi, you will hear stories of pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition walk in the footsteps of Mark Twain and learn about the Norwegian migration. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the rivers intricate lock system. And experience the regions many cultural treasuresfrom ragtime, polka and Norwegian folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer and hearty stews.
Starting at: $4,799
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Cruises On The Mississippi River
American Cruise Lines launched their brand new, 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi in 2015, dedicated to Mississippi river cruises.
The most traveled Mississippi river cruises are between New Orleans and Memphis or St. Louis. There are also a few full-length New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota or reverse cruise each summer. Journey east of the Mississippi river and cruise the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.
If youre wondering if Mississippi river cruise ships have a casino, the answer is no. Overnight Mississippi river cruise ships do not have a casino. However, an option would be to take a taxi from the ship if the port that you are at has a nearby casino. Just dont miss the boat!
Disclosure: I was a guest of American Cruise Lines aboard the Queen of the Mississippi. As always, all opinions are my own. It was a wonderful week and I heartily recommend this cruise.
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Im the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breathstop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.
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Best Mississippi River Cruises For 2022
0Upper Mississippi River vs. Lower Mississippi River Upper Mississippi River Lower Mississippi River0Top Cruise Ports on the mighty Mississippi RiverWhere 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 VicksburgGet to Know Baton RougeGet to Know New Orleans0What’s it like to cruise the Mississippi River on the riverboats?American QueenAmerican Duchess American Countess
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Our Mississippi River Cruise Comes To An End
I would have been happy to do a southbound turn-around cruise and revisit all the places we saw on the journey north.
As on all seven-night cruises, whether ocean or river, the days went by too fast. Our Mississippi river cruise covered a lot of territory.
We traveled a total of over 453 miles on the Mississippi River. Next time, Id like to do a repeat of this trip and continue north on the river all the way to St. Paul, Minnesota. Or reverse.
Evening Dinner & Music Cruises
The dinner and music cruise departs from the dock in Memphis every Saturday in the spring. During the summer months, this cruise service expands to include additional weekend dinner cruises. Seasonal entertainment features local music acts, dinner dining and dancing on a choice of the Victorian-style river and showboats, including the Memphis Showboat, and the Memphis Queen II and III. The two-hour dinner cruise includes a buffet with a choice of local barbecue and seasonal side dishes. Bread and a special dessert, Mississippi Mud Pie, is offered on the buffet. Tea and coffee are free with the buffet price, and the ship operates a bar that accepts both cash and credit payments. Reservations are required and may be made by phone. Ticket pricing is by age, but children under three ride and dine for free.
Memphis Riverboats, Inc.
Foot of Monroe and Union Avenues
Memphis, TN 38103
memphisriverboats.net
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Mississippi River Cruise From New Orleans To Memphis Review And Photos
Note: Queen of the Mississippi was refurbished and renamed American Heritage in 2022.
My first Mississippi river cruise was a silly 20-minute boat ride aboard Liberty Belle at Disney World.
Based on my Huck Finn Disney ride, I really didnt know what to expect on a real Mississippi river cruise. But when I stepped onboard American Cruise LinesAmerican Heritage , the only similarity was the traditional big red paddle wheel.
The week ahead on the Mississippi would cruise through U.S. territory Ive never explored. The cities and towns wed see were totally new to me.
This post takes you along on my Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to Memphis. I hope to inspire you to get onboard and experience the controversial history, regional culture and delicious cuisine in this part of America.
Though Its Been More Than 200 Years Since The Founding Of Memphis And The Golden Age Of Steamboats On The Mississippi River There Are Ways To Channel The Yesteryear Experience Today From 90
Memphis identity is reflected in the Mississippi River. If you picture that identity through the lens of history, youll conjure images of paddlewheel steamboats rolling along the river, carrying passengers entertained by on-board musicians and views of the Mighty Mississippi itself, plus cities like Memphis growing up alongside it.
Today, even with just a couple of hours, you can get the riverboat experience. Memphis Riverboats operates sightseeing, dinner and themed cruises daily March through October on Saturdays and Sundays in November and on select dates December through February, including Christmas, New Years Eve and Valentine’s Day Dinner & Music Cruises.
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Discover The Art Of Cajun / Creole Cooking
Exclusively for Tauck guests, prepare to watch, learn and eat! Sit back and enjoy watching the skilled, entertaining chefs at the New Orleans School of Cooking prepare a classic Cajun / Creole meal while learning about the vibrant history of New Orleans cuisine, followed by lunch. It’s the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you’ll never forget, where fun is a primary ingredient in the kitchen. Since 1980, the school has introduced countless visitors to the wonderful food and rich culture of New Orleans and Louisiana with cooking classes in a renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800s in the heart of the French Quarter.
Guided Memphis City Tour With Riverboat Cruise Along Mississippi River
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- Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
This combo tour will help you experience all Memphis has to offer. Our professional humorous guides will help you discover downtown Memphis and the Mississippi river all in one package. You will not leave feeling like you missed out on Memphis. It’s a great opportunity to see it all while you are here. After your City Hour, you’ll have free time to explore Beale Street or stop for lunch on your own before heading to the riverboats.Next, enjoy a cruise on the Memphis Riverboats, a Paddlewheel sail along the Mississippi River. Cruise down the Mississippi River and soak in the sights as you hear interesting commentary from your captain. Pass by Tom Lee Park and learn about its namesake, then discover how Mississippi influenced commerce in Memphis and the surrounding areas along the way.
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Viking Cruises In Memphis
For its inaugural year, Viking is offering three cruises that feature Memphis: Heart of the Delta, Americas Great River and Mississippi Holiday Season. The cruises range in length from 8 to 15 days and start in price from $3,999 to $9,999 depending on the duration. Heart of the Delta and Mississippi Holiday Season focus on the charm of Memphis, New Orleans and the blues-, jazz-, Cajun- and Creole-influenced cities in between, while Americas Great River follows the river from St. Paul, Minnesota, through Memphis to New Orleans.
All options include guided tours in port cities. You can easily find detail and book cruises on the Viking website, but note that some cruises are already selling out for 2022. Others still have availability, and you can currently book all the way into 2024 on the Viking website.
Sowhats it like on board a Viking cruise? Though based on Vikings award-winning Longship® and ocean ship design, and featuring the companys signature Scandinavian aesthetic, the Viking Mississippi was purpose-built for Mississippi River cruising. And, with its build just completed in 2022, it will be the most modern river ship on the Mississippi.