The Best Time to Cruise the Mississippi River
The best time to cruise the Mississippi River is during the months of spring (March, April, May) or fall (September, October, November) to avoid the extreme hot and cold temperatures in summer and winter. The Mississippi is so long that giving overall advice can be difficult, as the temperatures in Minnesota are much colder than those in Louisiana on the same day. Additionally, there is a higher chance of flooding in the spring and a potential need to reroute or reschedule.
The upper Mississippi region
Upper Mississippi
The Upper Mississippi refers to the portion of the river upstream/roughly north of St. Louis, Missouri. In this region, the summer heat is not as intense as further south, while early spring and late fall bring cooler temperatures. Winter is most definitely not advised, since the temperatures will reach extreme lows and there may be snow. Autumn tends to be a travelers' favorite, not only because of the great temperatures and low likelihood of rain, but also for the beautiful colors that paint the shores and bluffs of the Mississippi. If you are hoping to take a family vacation during summer when the kids are on a break from school, the upper Mississippi is a better option than the lower, since the temperatures will not be as extreme as in the south.
Lower Mississippi
The Lower Mississippi refers to the portion downstream/roughly south of the confluence of the Ohio River and Upper Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois. While cruising this part of the river, you can expect higher temperatures, so winter and even a holiday cruise are popular times to visit. Summertime is only for those who love the heat, since the temperatures will linger over 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day with high humidity. Spring and fall both provide more enjoyable temperatures and offer different scenery. The spring provides new life and flowers blooming across the fields as they get ready for summer, and during autumn, the leaves will begin to fall and change to beautiful colors.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
