Riverboat Cruises In Iowa And Mississippi
Riverboat Cruises in Iowa and Mississippi
As the largest river in the United States, the Mississippi River spans more than 2,300 miles from Minnesota to Mississippi. Touring the Mississippi River by riverboat allows visitors to experience a bygone era immortalized by author Mark Twain, whether along the scenic shores of Dubuque in Iowa, or past the Civil War landmarks of Vicksburg, Mississippi. From sunset dining cruises to overnight treks and extended tours, a cruise of the river features the sights and sounds of this majestic waterway.
Details About Seating Food Options
Bench seating has two rows down the middle facing out, and the starboard and port sides each have a bench facing out. The craft has a restroom.
While the boat won’t have food and beverages for sale, people can bring their own and tables are available.
Hunt said reservations are preferred, but walk-ups will be accepted.
Some passengers already have signed up, and reservations have been made for some family outings and class reunions.
The boat recently was constructed in Florida to U.S. Coast Guard specifications.
Safety features meet Coast Guard requirements, such as fire extinguishers, adult and children’s life jackets, rescue ropes, lights and ladders, and cell phones, a transmitter that will reach the Coast Guard, towboats, and bridges, and emergency contacts all up and down the river.
The company has hired three experienced and Coast Guard-licensed captains, one of whom operated an excursion boat at Niagara Falls. The captains will make the call on any weather cancellations, such as when there is lightning.
Hunt said the tours were supposed to start in 2020, but were waylaid by COVID-19-related setbacks.
“Sunday’s start is where we wanted to be last year and we would have been except for the pandemic,” he said.
Depending on tourists, they may add another cruise from Nauvoo. They also are considering adding live music.
Another part of their dream would be to obtain an additional boat and offer more trips.
“You can always dream, and we all dream, don’t we?” said Hunt.
Lets Cruise In Leclaire
Come explore the mighty Mississippi River in style, comfort, and convenience! The TWILIGHT, at 126 ft. in length, has the power and accommodations to make your next freshwater cruise one to remember. From 1.5-hour cruises to a 2-day trip, you will find a package thats perfect for your next visit to LeClaire, IA!
Coveted as the the most elegant riverboat to be launched in the last 100 years, the TWILIGHT was carefully designed and built by Captain Dennis Trone to replicate the lavish steamboats popular in the Victorian era. A rounded stern and high attention to ornate detailing plays up your classic riverboat experience.
Your captain, Kevin Stier, is a master of the water. A family affair, Carrie Stier runs the office while their son and daughter all work towards making your experience fun and relaxing. In his spare time, Captain Stier loves traveling, so a breezy, sunny day in the TWILIGHTs Pilot House is his idea of paradise. In fact, youre encouraged to stop by and say hello during your cruise. If youre willing to listen to a story or two from Captain Stier, you may even get to steer the boat!
Mile after glorious mile, youll enjoy the best of the Mississippi with all the ease of modern amenities. Book your TWILIGHT Riverboat cruise in LeClaire today!
Ready to book your Riverboat Twilight cruise today? Lets pick your adventure!
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Absolutely Perfect In All Ways
My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure! From reserving our trip to our final walk to our car after the two day cruise, all was perfect! Staff are amazing, from the Captain to the servers, to the musical entertainers. The food is suburb and generous! Everything is very well organized, from our luggage/hotel in Dubuque/seating for meals, free shuttles in Dubuque, etc! The scenery and info along the way from the captain was wonderful! This was an absolutely perfect two day cruise, and we are going again in Mid October as we loved it so much!!.
Karen V Pella, Iowa
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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The Service By All Involved Was First Class All The Way
We were very impressed by the personal service we received by the staff and everyone involved. The trip was very nice from a sightseeing perspective, interesting from a historical perspective and very relaxing overall. Plus the food was plentiful and excellent. We highly recommend this cruise to everyone!
Denny F Morgan Hill, California
What You Will See On Your Excursion
The pontoon, which will be based at Fort Madison, will be handicap accessible and is Coast Guard-inspected and licensed to seat 48 passengers and two crew members.
Tours will have a variety of recorded music, as well as some narration.
Keokuk tours, like Sunday’s, will take passengers through the lock at Lock and Dam 19, with a historical overview of Keokuk and the building of the dam.
Cruises at Burlington will look at the Great River Bridge and islands up close while providing a lesson in Mississippi River history.
Passengers at Fort Madison will learn the history of the first U.S. military fort in the upper Mississippi region and how Fort Madison came to be known as Pen City, and get a waterside view of the rare, historic double-deck swing span bridge.
The company plans to offer special cruises for great views of local fireworks shows, with no dates yet put in place.
Each cruise costs $30 per person and is free for children age 5 and younger.
People also can book private charters for parties, family reunions, corporate outings and other special occasions.
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Great River Road: A 3
Weve compiled a three-day itinerary for the Great River Road thats complete with charming river towns, breathtaking natural beauty and unforgettable memories. Whether visitors see every sight along the way or choose a few of their favorites, one things for surethe Great River Road was made for jaw-dropping road trips.
Mississippi River Cruises In Burlington Fort Madison And Keokuk Start Sunday
Regular Mississippi River tours are coming to Burlington, Fort Madison and Keokuk.
Dale Hunt and his partners in Iowa-based Mississippi River Experience will start 90-minute excursions in their 45-foot-long, 12-foot-wide, all-weather pontoon, Legacy, Sunday at the dock near Southside Boat Club in Keokuk.
Owners Randy and Kathy Douglas, now of Utah, Don and Debbie Faulkner, and Dale and wife Cheryl, are Hamilton, Illinois, friends who about 10 years ago, conceived the idea that Nauvoo, Illinois, visitors would enjoy outings on the Mississippi River.
Hunt said they want to provide an enjoyable, informative and affordable way for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and teeming wildlife of the mighty Mississippi, where rivers of migrating birds travel north and south on the Flyway.
Hunt was charmed recently when he “saw a mink popping along the shore, keeping up with the boat I was in.”
Passengers also will learn of the area’s history and the river’s transportation significance.
“We are very pleased to be here and to offer this service to the people of Southeast Iowa,” he said.
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Wonderful Relaxing Two Days
Extremely enjoyable trip. The cruise itself was delightful as you slowly moved up and down the river enjoying the wildlife and listening to the Captain explain the view and history. Unless you are a very big eater you have to be selective as they feed you FIVE times a day. Not only is the food plentiful but it is also very good. The Grand Resort in Dubuque was a nice stay as we had a view of the river. There was adequate time to explore some of the sights In Dubuque. I think we will do this trip again in the future.
Ron S. Tipton, Iowa
Mississippi River Experience Ia/wi Package
Mississippi River Experience IA/WI Cruise
Three Days / Two Nights
Dubuque, IA to Prairie du Chien, WI to experience Historical Prairie du Chien.
Day 1: Cruise from Dubuque, IA to Prairie du Chien, WI
Depart from Dubuque, IA at 10:00 am and arrive in Prairie du Chien, WI at 6:00 pm.
Your day will include:
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner aboard the Belle
- Live Entertainment
- Lodging at the Microtel Hotel or the new Waterfront Hotel
Day 2: Tour Fort Crawford Museum
Your day will include:
- Valley Fish & Cheese Store
- Free time to explore Prairie du Chien however you like!
- Lodging at the Microtel Hotel or the new Waterfront Hotel
Day 3: Cruise from Prairie du Chien, WI to Dubuque, IA
Depart Prairie du Chien, WI at 10:00 am and arrive in Dubuque, IA at 6:00 pm.
Your day will include:
- Lunch and dinner served onboard
- Shuttle from the hotel departs at 9:15 am
- Live Entertainment
- Baked Cranberry Glazed Boneless Breast of chicken
- Homemade Garlic Mashed Potato
- Tossed Spring Salad with Dressings
- 2 Cold Salads
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Are River Cruises Boring
If youre still worried youll be bored on a river cruise , have no fear. River cruises offer the perfect combination of organized activities and free-time, meaning you can make the most of your experience tailoring it to what interests you the most.
Highlights Of The Mississippi River Cruise
New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA
- Pre-CruisePackage and Complimentary Hotel Stay
- Day 1New Orleans, LA
- Day 2Houmas House, LA
- Day 3Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 4Oak Alley, LA
- Day 5New Orleans, LA
Begin in the French Quarter of New Orleans and continue to Baton Rouge and Natchez. Explore the “Gateway to the West” via St. Louis, rock ‘n’ roll to Graceland, view Civil War landmarks, and stroll through the museums and art galleries of Paducah.
New Orleans, LA to St. Louis, MO
- Pre-CruisePackages and Complimentary Hotel Stays
- Day 1New Orleans, LA
- Day 2Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 3Natchez, MS
- Day 5Day of River Cruising
- Day 6Memphis, TN
- Day 7New Madrid, MO
- Day 8Paducah, KY
- Day 9Day of River Cruising
- Day 10St. Louis, MO
- Day 11St. Louis, MO
Witness the dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River and treat yourself to Blues and BBQ. Guests can choose their perfect itinerary whether aboard an American riverboat or authentic paddlewheeler.
St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA
- Pre-CruiseComplimentary Hotel Stay
- Day 1St. Paul, MN
- Day 2Winona, MN
- Day 5Fort Madison, IA
- Day 6Hannibal, MO
- Day 7St. Louis, MO
- Day 8St. Louis, MO
- Day 9Day of River Cruising
- Day 10Memphis, TN
- Day 11Day of Cruising
- Day 12Vicksburg, MS
- Day 14Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 15New Orleans, LA
Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO
Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN
Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN
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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.
About La Crosse Queen Cruises
Cruise back in time and explore the Upper Mississippi with us! The La Crosse Queenis a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the early 1900s. Cruising out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States today. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with sternwheels that are her only means of propulsion.
The La Crosse Queen has a split sternwheel, and each half is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors, which turn the paddles. The split paddlewheel gives the Queen greater maneuverability and dependability. This is in contrast to most Mississippi River paddlewheelers in operation today that have a free wheeling paddlewheel at the stern of the boat for visual effect, but have traditional screw-type engines hidden for their real means of propulsion.
The La Crosse Queen is U.S. Coast Guard inspected for safety and is licensed to carry up to 149 passengers.
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Enjoy One Of A Kind Tours
Take a trip down the mighty Mississippi with your hosts at Maiden Voyage Tours. One of Iowas hidden travel gems our tours prove to be great fun for young and old tourists alike. We welcome you to take a ride down the river with one of our knowledgeable guides. Find out more about our fun GUIDED RIVER TOURS.
Our Hours are Wednesday Sunday: 11:00 am & 3:00 pm BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE
Highlights Of The Mississippi
âEverything was wonderful. I cannot remember having such a great time. The entire staff was great and so accommodating. I loved this trip. I have been on cruises on big ships and there is no comparison. It was so much nicer on a smaller boat. We had the chance to meet and probably had a meal, a drink or excursion with almost everyone on board.â
â Cindy E. – Frederick, MD
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Is It Worth Getting A Balcony On A Cruise Ship
The extra price for a balcony is worth it if youll put it to good use. Your ship design places balcony rooms on higher decks. This means rooms with balconies have better views, especially on river cruises where lower rooms are close to the water line. If you want the extra space offered by a balcony room.
F’s Food Food And Fun
Excellent team from the captain to the crew provide a relaxing time..The chefs do an excellent job and there is more great food than you can imagine. This is the most organized and professional staff that we have ever experienced. No detail is overlooked.
Igs Crown Point, Indiana
The face of the water, in time, became a wonderful book- a book that was a dead language to the uneducated passenger, but which told its mind to me without reserve, delivering its most cherished secrets as clearly as if it uttered them with a voice.
And it was not a book to be read once and thrown aside, for it had a new story to tell every day.
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Mississippi River Cruises Everything You Need To Know
Thinking about what options you have for Mississippi River cruises? These are fantastic adventures and are really a lot of fun. Fact is, people have wanted to travel up and down the Mississippi River ever since Mark Twain wrote Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Life on the Mississippi. This river has been one of Americas endearing symbols of Americas waterways ever since. The romance of this cannot be truly appreciated unless you take a Mississippi River cruise. The river is 2,320 miles long and goes from Lake Itasca in upstate Minnesota to Pilottown, La., before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Wouldnt it be fun to take a cruise on this historic river?
Those wanting to experience river boat travel on the Mississippi have several companies to choose from. However, two major ones stand out: the American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines. These are also the only two that offer journeys lasting more than a couple days as their trips take at least a week to reach their destinations.
The American Queen
The American Queen Steamboat Company returned to the Mississippi River in 2012, and it now offers various cruises between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn. The company promotes its cruises as some of the most sedentary vacations one can sign up for. Passengers will enjoy their trips on a 436-passenger American Queen boat that possesses a beautiful Victorian décor. Cruises cost from about $2,100 and up. This cost includes all meals and entertainment.
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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