Mississippi River Cruises & Ships
Travel made your way ™
| Trip Name | From | Days | Next Departure | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Cities Cruise | $4,915 | 9 | Aug 12, 2025 | Set sail on a 9-day cruise on the American Symphony from Memphis to Nashville, traversing the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers—Immerse in local music, nightly entertainment, and Southern cuisine amid America's heartland's scenic beauty. |
| Upper Mississippi River | $5,635 | 9 | Aug 06, 2027 | Explore the segment of the Mississippi River on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis American Symphony. Begin in St. Louis, Missouri, and through Alton, Hannibal, Muscatine, Dubuque, Winona, and Red Wing. Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home, explore historic towns, and marvel at the diverse landscapes. |
| Complete Mississippi River | $15,890 | 23 | May 22, 2026 | Discover the Mighty Mississippi on a 23-day cruise covering 10 states aboard American Melody. Immerse in history, culture, and cuisine from New Orleans to Minneapolis, exploring charming ports along the way. |
| Historic Mississippi River Cruise | $4,255 | 8 | Nov 28, 2025 | The American Melody hosts this 8-day Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans. Explore historic plantations, Civil War sites, and charming towns. Immerse in the rich culture, cuisine, and music of the Deep South. |
| Lower Mississippi River Cruise | $4,610 | 9 | Jun 02, 2026 | Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Heritage from New Orleans to Memphis, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns along the Mississippi River. Experience rich history, music, and southern hospitality. |
| Lower Mississippi River Cruise | $4,295 | 9 | Aug 19, 2025 | Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Heritage from Memphis to New Orleans, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns along the Mississippi River. Experience rich history, music, and southern hospitality. |
| Mississippi Explorer | $7,275 | 12 | Mar 10, 2027 | Set sail on a 12-day Mississippi river cruise aboard the American Symphony, from New Orleans to Memphis, visiting Southern landmarks like Oak Alley, Houmas House, and Vicksburg National Military Park. Explore Baton Rouge's history, Natchez's antebellum homes, and Cleveland's musical heritage. |
A Mississippi River cruise offers a unique journey through America's heartland, combining scenic beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Here are some of the highlights you can experience while cruising Mississippi River sites with Adventure Life:
Festive French Quarter in New Orleans: Discover the vibrant atmosphere, jazz music, and Creole cuisine in this iconic district.
Cajun Heritage in Baton Rouge: Explore the unique blend of French, Spanish, and African cultures that define Cajun heritage.
Civil War History at Vicksburg National Military Park: Visit this historic site to learn about one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War.
Memphis BBQ and Graceland: Savor world-famous Memphis BBQ, tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland, and immerse yourself in the Delta Blues.
Steamboat Sailings with Diverse Wildlife: Enjoy traditional steamboat rides while spotting diverse wildlife along the riverbanks.
Mark Twain's Boyhood Home: Visit Hannibal, Missouri, to see the home of Mark Twain and delve into America’s literary history.
Bald Eagle Sightings: Get an up-close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle, in its natural habitat.
Gateway Arch in St. Louis: Marvel at this architectural wonder and explore the pioneering spirit of the Midwest.
Intricate Locks and Dams of the Upper Mississippi: Learn about the engineering marvels that control the flow of the mighty Mississippi River.
Mississippi River cruise costs vary based on the vessel and itinerary length. Contact us for a quote based on what you would like to see and do in the region.
The best time to enjoy cruises on 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 many cruises on the Mississippi River.
The top 10 destinations you can visit on a Mississippi River cruise are Red Wing by Minneapolis, Dubuque, Bettendorf, Hannibal, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Memphis, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, and of course New Orleans!
Mississippi River cruises are a great value if you're hoping to really explore the whole region and get to know the local culture, food, and historic destinations that have shaped the mighty Mississippi. These cruises are definitely geared towards more mature audiences, so while inquisitive teens might enjoy these, they are crafted with adults in mind who enjoy activities like walking and biking tours, city & historic tours, nature experiences, and museums. Our cruises on the Mississippi River are not ideal for families with young children who are looking for a lot of onboard entertainment for kids of all ages.
At 2,340 miles in length and up to 11 miles across at its widest point, the Mississippi River is the longest and most important river in North America, covering more than one million square miles and pulling in water from tributary rivers in 33 states. But even the mightiest river in North America has humble origins - in a babbling brook that you could easily skip across!
In the US, every school-age child learns how to spell it - M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. But where did the name come from? The name "Mississippi" actually owes its origins to the indigenous Anishinabe people (Ojibwe Indians), who called the river the "Messipi,” meaning "Father of Waters" or "Big River."
