Grand Heartland Cruise

Arrive in St. Paul and settle into your hotel before exploring the city at your own pace. Walk along Summit Avenue to see one of the nation's longest stretches of preserved Victorian-era homes. Browse more than 500 stores at the Mall of America, or enjoy its indoor theme park and aquarium. You can also visit Minnehaha Falls, where water drops 53 feet over limestone cliffs in one of the city's best-known natural attractions.

Board your riverboat and begin cruising the Upper Mississippi River. Settle into your stateroom, explore the ship, or spend time in the lounges as you travel through changing river landscapes. Walk the open decks for views of limestone cliffs, wooded shorelines, and small towns lining the riverbanks.

Step into 19th-century America in La Crosse, situated on the banks of three captivating rivers. Board the authentic La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler for a cruise along the main channel of the legendary Mississippi River. Your guide will entertain you with facts and trivia about the river as you watch for bald eagles and other wildlife.

Later, admire the beauty of the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, a collection of public gardens celebrating La Crosse’s sister-city relationships with communities around the world.

La Crosse Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
This convenient option will transport you to one of these local favorites.  

La Crosse Area Heritage Center - Welcome to the La Crosse Area Heritage Center! The Center is a curated museum, cultural center, and gathering space which contains exhibits related to the city's multifaceted history. Included are displays about local industries such as logging, steamboats, brewing, and pearl buttons.
Dahl Auto Museum – Learn about the Dahl family's legacy as Ford automotive dealers for over 100 years and spanning 5 generations. Explore the museum’s extensive mascot collection and many beautifully restored classic automobiles from the turn of the century to the present
The Antique Center - In the heart of Downtown La Crosse, the Center is housed in the one hundred-year-old Gantert building, a former furniture store landmark, featuring Corinthian-style Greek columns and the hand-carved solid black walnut staircase. Enjoy perusing Center’s fine display of valuable antiques and unique collectibles
International Friendship Gardens – Admire the beauty of the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, a collection of public gardens which celebrate La Crosse’s sister-city relationships with communities in China, Germany, France, Russia, Norway, Ireland, and Cameroon
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Take in the scenic beauty of the countryside, marked by rolling hills and distant bluffs. Throughout our journey, you'll pass through a series of locks and dams, each a testament to engineering ingenuity. 

Watch as the river bustles with activity: towboats glide by, skillfully maneuvering a variety of commodities like grains, petroleum products, and coal. This lively interplay of technology and commerce set against a natural backdrop offers a compelling view of the region’s economic lifelines.

Dubuque, Iowa, overlooks the Mississippi River and blends classic architecture with walkable streets. Stroll the revitalized riverwalk and wander the city’s quaint avenues, where preserved buildings bring Dubuque’s past to life.

Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator for a unique view of the steep terrain. Immerse yourself in the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium with hands-on exhibits, live wildlife displays, and interactive lessons on river navigation. Travel to the iconic Field of Dreams Movie Site to experience cinematic history or observe local wildlife and plant life along the scenic waterway.

The Dubuque River Walk – Complimentary Excursion
Join your guide on a short walk along the banks of the Mississippi River on Dubuque’s River Walk. As you stroll along this picturesque path, take in sweeping views of the river’s vast waters and admire the diverse wildlife and native plants. Take to ask questions about the Mississippi River ecosystem and how it affects the cities that call its banks home. Your riverside walk will conclude at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, where your guide will leave you to explore at your own pace. Inside, learn even more about the Mississippi and other rivers of the world through hands-on exhibits, live animals, historic artifacts, and immersive multimedia experiences.  
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Step into Davenport, the largest cruise port between St. Louis and St. Paul, and a key city within the dynamic "Quad Cities" where communities blend into a vibrant metro area. The city’s past was shaped in part by the arrival of the first railroad to cross the Mississippi River, linking Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois, just across the water.

The region offers a rich array of attractions, from grand riverfront mansions and acclaimed museums to significant Native American heritage sites and one of the world’s most expansive agricultural exhibitions. At the Smithsonian-affiliated Putnam Museum, gain insights into the area's layered history, culture, and natural environment.

Visit the impressive John Deere Pavilion, where American ingenuity comes to life through interactive displays. Stroll through exhibits of both vintage machinery alongside modern high-tech equipment, illustrating the evolution of innovations that transformed U.S. farming. Here, the story of agricultural progress unfolds, highlighting the Midwest's essential role in feeding the nation.

Davenport Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to:

Putnam Museum - The Smithsonian-affiliated Putnam Museum is dedicated to preserving the region’s treasures through engaging exhibits and collections that explore science, history, cultures, and environments throughout time. 
Mississippi Spoon Gallery - You don’t have to be a spoon enthusiast to appreciate the Mississippi Spoon Gallery. Take a trip back to the Gilded age of silver. The artistry and history depicted in these spoons is incomparable. This one-of-a-kind spoon museum is the largest in the world with collections that include French, German, British, and Egyptian antiquities, the History of Chief Blackhawk, and Colonel Davenport in spoons.  
German American Heritage Center and Museum - A cultural center and museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places with fun and educational exhibits which preserve the heritage of German Americans in the Midwest.  
Visit Quad Cities Destination Center - Visit this 100-year-old repurposed train station included on the National Register of Historic Places. While there, take out a free bike, pick up local information, or purchase some fun QC merch.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

As your voyage unfolds, take in expansive landscapes along the river’s banks—fields stretching toward distant horizons, forests gathered around the winding waterway, and quaint river towns dotting the shores. 

In the inviting lounges on board, enjoy performances from talented musicians who bring the spirit of the Mississippi to life through song. Alternatively, spend the afternoon sharing stories and experiences with fellow travelers, forging connections amidst the backdrop of the river's views. 

Step into the world of Mark Twain in this idyllic river town, where the author’s stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn come to life. Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum to experience life in the 1840s and the events that shaped his legendary writing. 

Stroll the preserved 19th-century streets and join a guided walk with a local interpreter, who brings the town’s story to life through Mark Twain’s own words. Visit Rockcliffe Mansion for stunning views of the Mississippi River, and explore Mark Twain Cave, one of the region’s most famous natural attractions, for an unforgettable underground adventure. 

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum - Complimentary Excursion
As you arrive in Hannibal, the boyhood home of famous author Mark Twain, relive the author’s experiences that heavily influenced his writings. Visit the actual home that Mark Twain grew up in, which is surrounded by the legendary whitewashed fence of Tom Sawyer. The vivid stories told by Mark Twain come to life at this interactive museum. Visit the Becky Thatcher House, the Huck Finn Home, and the Tom and Huck Statue at the foot of Cardiff Hill. Stop at the Interpretive Center, home to 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes
*This excursion is available on the Local Loop

Approaching the banks of St. Louis, Missouri, the skyline and the Gateway Arch rise along the river, marking one of the major Midwestern cities where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet. Located within Gateway Arch National Park, the Arch stands as a symbol of the nation’s westward expansion and remains one of the most recognized St. Louis attractions.

Enjoy a guided, narrated journey through downtown St. Louis, taking in the riverfront, Citygarden, Soulard, Lafayette Square, and Forest Park. Experience the iconic Gateway Arch, explore the pre-boarding exhibits, and ascend 630 feet for breathtaking panoramic views. Then, visit the renowned Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) facility to see the legendary Clydesdales’ stables, the historic Brewhouse, and the Beechwood Aging Cellars, where signature beers are crafted to perfection.

Discover St. Louis - Complimentary Excursion
This narrated exploration provides you with a wonderful overview of the city, including downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden Sculpture Park, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square, Forest Park, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Today is your day to unwind as you glide effortlessly along the mighty Mississippi, surrounded by breathtaking views of cottonwood trees and graceful blue herons.
Engage in captivating enrichment sessions and lively onboard events, or simply savor gourmet cuisine and refreshing cocktails. Whether you're relaxing in our spacious lounges or basking in the sun on the deck, enjoyment awaits at every turn.  As Mark Twain famously said, it's a day with “nothing to hang a worry or a fret upon”—so let go and embrace the adventure.

Welcome to Tennessee and the vibrant city of Memphis, a cultural landmark along the Mississippi where musical legacy and civil rights are deeply connected to the river. Walk along Beale Street, home to legendary blues clubs and live venues that carry forward the sounds that shaped the city. Step inside Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, and see where music legends recorded their groundbreaking hits. Then visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel for a powerful, immersive look into the American Civil Rights Movement.

Celebrate the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Graceland, viewing the iconic home, exploring personal artifacts, and tracing the life and influence of Elvis Presley. Take a guided motor coach exploration through downtown Memphis landmarks before returning to the revitalized riverfront.

Memphis City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Relax and let your motorcoach guide show you the highlights of this fascinating city on the bluff. Memphis is located on the Mississippi River at the northern end of the Mississippi Delta where the Blues were born. Its history is linked to cotton and music. Along your exploration, stop at the Lorraine Motel, home to the National Civil Rights Museum and the location where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
The next photo opportunity will be at the famous Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Walk through the Peabody Hotel and see the famous ducks in the fountain. Enjoy some time at the Memphis Pyramid, housing an impressive Bass Pro Shop, a lodge, restaurants and more. During the excursion, you will be driven through the streets of downtown Memphis, passing the Victorian Village, Orpheum Theater, Rock N Soul Museum, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Cotton Row, Beale Street, Lauderdale Courts, and the early home of Elvis Presley.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Memphis Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the captivating city of Memphis at your leisure with our convenient shuttle, making stops at:
Beale Street – One of the most iconic streets in America, Beale Street is three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis.
Edge Motor Museum - Discover the stories behind some of the world’s most iconic cars, including how these cars reflect the eras in which they were designed, built, sold, and driven. 
Memphis Pyramid - Much more than just a retail space, this 535,000-sq. ft. pyramid offers many unique experiences, including the world’s tallest freestanding elevator, an underwater-themed bowling alley, an aquarium, and a variety of one-of-a kind dining destinations.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Beale Street Bound - Memphis Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
One of the most iconic streets in America, Beale Street is three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis. Hop aboard a convenient shuttle which runs continually after dark, so you can enjoy this legendary street as it comes to life.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Discover Tunica, a charming Delta River town where the Mississippi and its levees shape the landscape and daily life. Stop by the riverfront for sweeping views of the water and surrounding farmland, and experience firsthand how this mighty river has influenced the culture, past, and rhythm of the area. 

Among Tunica’s must-see attractions is the Gateway to the Blues Museum, where exhibits showcase the rich musical traditions of the Delta and the artists who defined the blues. Nearby, Tunica RiverPark offers another perspective on the region, with museum displays highlighting the geology, wildlife, and cultural history of the lower Mississippi. Set along a scenic riverwalk, the museum overlooks the water, where visitors can see views from the ship’s dock.

Gateway to the Blues Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Before you trek through blues country, get in a blues state-of-mind at the Gateway to the Blues Museum, set in a rustic train depot, circa 1895. Here, the story of the blues comes to life in all its tormented and anguished glory. Experience interactive exhibits, view amazing artwork, and more, including a recording studio where you’ll learn the basics of blues music with a chance to record your very own blues song.  

Tunica RiverWalk and Museum - Complimentary Excursion
The Tunica River Museum features stunning boat shaped architecture and is just a short walk from the ship. Enjoy a variety of authentic artifacts and exhibits which showcase the history, nature, and culture of the region. Engaging displays illustrate the geologic, natural, and cultural history of the Lower Mississippi River and its current place in American history. On the museum grounds, explore the scenic Tunica RiverPark to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mississippi River right where we dock. The grounds are rich with native wildlife and flora, and the stunning RiverPark Overlook provide breathtaking views of the river and a walking path.

Overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is best known for its pivotal role in the Civil War and its commanding views of the waterway that shaped its past. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park, where preserved battlefields, towering monuments, and the restored ironclad USS Cairo tell the story of the decisive campaign that helped turn the tide of the war.

On a guided excursion, explore Vicksburg’s oldest neighborhood, where you can admire the Duff Green Mansion, once a hospital during the 47-day siege, and Tully’s Cave, which reveals how residents survived the bombardment.

Finally, walk through downtown to discover historic architecture, riverfront murals, museums, and local shops that reflect the city’s connection to the Mississippi River.

Vicksburg Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
 Board this convenient shuttle making stops at:

Tully’s Cave – Explore this modern-day replica of the underground shelters used by Vicksburg residents during the Civil War's 47-day siege in 1863.
Local Merchant District – Stroll through downtown Vicksburg and browse a few local shops.
Old Courthouse Museum – Built in 1858, this museum is a national historic landmark showcasing Vicksburg’s cultural heritage over the past 71 years. The museum’s collection includes the original Teddy Bear given to a local child by Theodore Roosevelt, a sash worn by both George Washington and Jefferson Davis during their presidential inaugurations, a vast collection of Civil War artifacts, Native American and pioneer implements, and much more.  
Biedenharn Coca–Cola Museum – This unique museum celebrates the history of one of the nation's most beloved beverages. Built in 1890, the building is the location where Coca-Cola was bottled for the first time in 1894 and features the type of equipment that Joseph Biedenharn used at the time. View Coca-Cola memorabilia, peruse the gift shop, and treat yourself to an ice-cold Coke float.  
Vicksburg Civil War Museum – Visit the Vicksburg Civil Museum and see an impressive collection of weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and other Civil War materials. 
Lower Mississippi River Museum – Experience life on the Mississippi River. Through both interactive and static displays, discover how different communities, farming families, and the US Army Corps of Engineers have all utilized the river in the past and learn about the future for the Mississippi River Valley. Examine the science behind water movement and view some of the river's fish up close in the museum’s 1,515-gallon aquarium.
Catfish Row Museum – Learn diverse aspects about Vicksburg – from its music, history, and storytelling to its vibrant food heritage.
Old Depot Museum – The museum exhibits examine earlier modes of transportation, the Siege of Vicksburg, and many other elements of the city’s history. Inside the museum, you will find railroad memorabilia, a collection of model Civil War gunboats, original war-themed paintings by Herb Mott, a detailed diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, and models of architecture styles employed throughout Vicksburg’s past.  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Vicksburg National Military Park- Complimentary Excursion
A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. Stop at the impressive Illinois Monument, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The exploration concludes at the Visitors Center where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

In the heart of Natchez, where the Mississippi River bends, grand homes stand as a testament to the city’s wealth as a major river port. After the French built a fort here in 1716 near communities of the Natchez people, the settlement grew into one of the most prosperous towns along the river. Largely preserved despite early Union occupation during the Civil War, Natchez remains home to one of Mississippi’s most intact collections of iconic residences.

Discover the stunning Rosalie Mansion, known as “Our Lady on the Bluff.” Led by a guide, explore this beautiful home overlooking the river, with elegant interiors and period furnishings that offer a glimpse into Natchez’s past. Then relax and experience the town the old-fashioned way, by horse-drawn carriage, while listening to tales of the city’s rise as one of America’s wealthiest before the Civil War.

Natchez Local Loop- Complimentary Excursion
Board this convenient shuttle, making stops at:

Fort Rosalie & Trading Post - Fort Rosalie was built by the French in 1716 within the territory of the Natchez Native Indians and it was part of the French colonial empire, becoming the first settlement in present-day Natchez, Mississippi. Walk the hallowed grounds of the long-gone fort and enjoy perusing the gift items of the modern trading post. 
Historic Natchez in Photos - Visit the Stratton Chapel Gallery in down¬town Natchez behind First Presbyterian Church. View an outstanding collection of photographs taken from as early as 1860, including family portraits, steamboats, and street scenes.
Main Street & Franklin Street - Explore the few one-of-a-kind antique shops or just walk among the many beautifully restored historic buildings of this lovely town.
Historic Natchez Bluffs & Gazebo - Sitting 200 feet above the banks of the Mississippi River, the Gazebo offers the best vantage point from which to take in the river’s natural splendor.
Rosalie House - Visit Rosalie, an antebellum mansion in downtown Natchez. Excursions begin at the top of every hour. Make sure to wear your lanyard for complimentary entry.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Natchez Landmark Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Experience a multitude of National treasures, historic sites, and local points of interest from the comfort of your motorcoach. Natchez boasts more National Landmarks than any other town in Mississippi. Begin your exploration at the mighty Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Your local guide will entertain you with local lore and legends, in addition to historical facts. View historic architectural gems, African American sites, local favorites, and a few quirky places. Complete your experience with a complimentary guided exploration of Historic Rosalie Mansion, so exquisite, that she’s known as "Our Lady on The Bluff."
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: No

Welcome to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, whose name comes from the French phrase “red stick,” a reference to a boundary marker once used by Native American tribes. The city echoes with the stories of its most notable figures, particularly the bold Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. His political and architectural legacy is reflected in landmarks such as the Old State Capitol Museum, housed in a majestic Gothic-style castle from 1852, and the current 34-story State Capitol, a striking example of Depression-era Art Deco architecture built from Louisiana limestone and adorned with marble.

Discover Capitol Park Museum, where Louisiana’s vibrant culture comes to life, from the sounds of Louis Armstrong to the pageantry of Mardi Gras traditions. Walk in history’s footsteps on a guided exploration of key Civil War sites tied to the Battle of Baton Rouge. Visit Magnolia Cemetery and stand on the very ground where some of the most intense moments unfolded.

Follow downtown along the Baton Rouge Riverfront, where modern art, river views, and old architecture blend seamlessly. Browse local shops and experience the dynamic energy of a city shaped by a rich and complex past.

The Battles of Baton Rouge - Complimentary Excursion
Led by an expert historian, explore locations that were critical to the Battle of Baton Rouge and hear about the history surrounding Vicksburg in the Civil War. Visit the historic Magnolia Cemetery and stand upon the very ground where the most intense fighting of the battle took place. Baton Rouge was the most fought over land in Louisiana’s history and this experience will cover not only the Civil War, but the American Revolution and the Florida Rebellion. Although the landscape of Baton Rouge isn’t the same as it was in the 1780s or 1810s, its history will be brought to life by your guide. Visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation, a Baton Rouge city park. Magnolia Mound, unlike other antebellum house museums along the Lower Mississippi, is not your grand mansion. Rather, it’s a simple structure built during Louisiana’s colonial history, and around the time of its Statehood into the Union. 
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Baton Rouge City Experience – Complimentary Excursion
Join us for a captivating exploration of Baton Rouge, where you'll admire and pass by the stunning architecture of the Governor's Hall, the historic Old Louisiana State Capitol, along with the picturesque Magnolia Mound and other notable landmarks. 
You will make a stop at the New State Capitol & Arsenal, the tallest capitol building in the United States. 
Explore its grand hallways, art collections, and panoramic views from the observation deck. Adjacent to the capital, the historic Arsenal provides insight into the military history of the region.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Capitol Park Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Begin this excursion with a brief city exploration before arriving at the Capitol Park Museum. Learn about the many diverse aspects of Louisiana from Louis Armstrong to Mardi Gras. We will then continue by motorcoach for a narrated exploration as we view the impressive Governor's Hall and the New State Capitol, as well as the Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

The Myrtles - Complimentary Excursion
At first glimpse Myrtles, built in 1796, envelopes one with a complete sense of peace and tranquility. However, it is reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America. Surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass, open-pierced frieze work crown molding, Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, Carrara marble mantels, gold-leafed French furnishings and ghosts.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Conclude your voyage in this iconic, jazz-infused destination. After breakfast, disembark and begin your journey home, or choose to extend your stay to further explore this incredible city. Stroll through the French Quarter, admired for its ornate architecture, soak in the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street, and visit Jackson Square, a dynamic center of art, music, and local culture.