America's Great River 2024 Itinerary St Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana Viking®

Table Of Content

• Inclusive experiences means less time planning, and more time relaxing.
• Related Cruises
• Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise
• Highlights of Mississippi River Cruises
• Highlights of North America River Cruises
• Viking Cruises’ New Orleans & Southern Charms Lower Mississippi Cruise
• Complete Mississippi River Experience Itinerary

The best time to take a U.S. river cruise depends on your personal preferences and the destination. Cruising in the States follows a seasonal pattern, with spring resulting in a higher chance of rain and summer bringing hot and humid weather. Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well. As you make your way from Dubuque to Winona, enjoy the scenic splendor of the Upper Mississippi River from your private balcony. Immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds you, the setting for countless American stories and the inspiration for artists and musicians throughout time.

Inclusive experiences means less time planning, and more time relaxing.

America’s coasts and rivers are our country’s original roads and form a maritime highway that connects almost every major city in the U.S. They traverse our biggest cities and most historic towns, yet also flow through areas more remote than any road. Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. American Queen Voyages offers all-inclusive pricing while your fare on American Cruise Lines includes everything except shore tours and port fees. Viking offers its own inclusive value pricing that covers things such as beverages, lunch, dinner and one complimentary shore excursion.

Related Cruises

From the paddle wheeler, you’ll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria. As you cruise the legendary Mississippi River, our dedicated crew will treat you with gracious hospitality and the utmost care. Enjoy the intimacy and comfort of small-ship cruising, where our crew will quickly learn your name and preferences as you travel with us. Our onboard experts don’t just lecture, they spend time with guests aboard and on shore, giving real insight and depth to each destination visited.

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

From the Great Lakes region to the banks of the Mississippi and the Eastern Seaboard to the Pacific Coast, uncover cities brimming with culture and charm. Viking reveals America’s diverse landscapes and fascinating history on unforgettable river, ocean and expedition journeys. River Cruise Specialists the experience and expertise to provide valuable advice on how to get the best value for your river cruise dollar.

Highlights of Mississippi River Cruises

Some river cruises are all-inclusive, while others offer optional add-ons for certain activities or services. River cruising has become a popular way to explore Europe, Asia, and other regions of the world, with many cruise lines offering a wide variety of itineraries and ship sizes to suit different preferences and budgets. An American river cruise takes you on an intimate journey through the United States' most scenic waterways, including the Mississippi, Columbia, Tennessee and Ohio. Generally, U.S. river cruises make several stops along their way in towns and cities known for their unique food and music scenes, historic sites and cultural treasures. Whether you take a tram to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or sip wine out west in Oregon, there's a U.S. river cruise for every interest. The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland.

American Queen cruise line going out of business - Winona Post

American Queen cruise line going out of business.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

These rivers mark the route of Lewis and Clark and are the only navigable path to the Idaho border. The crew and onboard experts also become well acquainted with guests and can cater to individual tastes and requests. It’s not uncommon that the crew knows each guest by name and that onboard historians share a meal with guests.

American Queen Voyages Shuts Down Due to Pandemic Woes - Travel + Leisure

American Queen Voyages Shuts Down Due to Pandemic Woes.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This eight-day round-trip cruise takes in historic estates, military sites, and comunities bursting with Cajun and Creole culture. After departing New Orleans, the Viking Mississippi stops in the Louisiana towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, which boast Greek Revival mansions, Spanish moss-draped avenues, and even a haunted house. Day four brings travelers to the oldest city on the river, Natchez, Mississippi, home to a rich African American heritage. The next day, guests can learn about one of the most consequential battles of the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park before setting sail for the vibrant capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Viking Cruises’ New Orleans & Southern Charms Lower Mississippi Cruise

Perhaps Muscatine is best known for its history as the largest button manufacturing area in the world. Learn about this idyllic town’s rich past and revel in its natural beauty, led by our engaging local guides. Explore the charming downtown, located only two blocks from our dock, where you peruse local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries. Board your ship and be treated to a special welcoming reception, a chance to mingle with fellow guests as you set sail for the most comprehensive exploration of the Mississippi River available. From New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN, enjoy well-customized excursions, led by engaging local guides who live and work in these great port cities of America’s Heartland.

There are also less river cruises available in the U.S. compared to ocean cruises, so the increased demand drives up the price. Although river cruises in the U.S. can sometimes be more expensive than cruising the rivers of Europe, U.S. residents don't have to worry about paying for visas or international flights. The final cost of an American river cruise depends on factors such as the month you're traveling and the specific cruise line's itinerary details. Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980. If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise.

Rooms average over 300 square feet, with our newest ships having rooms well over 600 square feet. That compares favorably to most other riverboats around the world where rooms can be approximately 180 square feet due to physical limitations on rivers in Europe. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.

You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history. Experience the charm and hospitality of the South with its delectable cuisine, rich history, warm people, and amazing wildlife. Travel through the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay to the impressive Intracoastal Waterway of the Carolinas and Georgia, and the great rivers and turquoise waters of Florida. American Cruise Lines travels on more than 20 rivers on the East Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway of the Southeast, and along the shores of New England, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. Combination Land & Cruise packages take guests to explore our many National Parks. A riverboat is able to dock in the heart of destinations inaccessible to large cruise ships, resulting in an up-close exploration of the small towns and unique cities that define America.

The Alaskan region offers many amazing ways to explore the majestic wildlife, native culture, and stunning scenery from our small ships, including our brand-new Land & Cruise packages. Our Adventure Guides take you through the most pristine geography in the world, including the famous National Parks of Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay. Travel along picturesque coastal landscapes and islands that make up the beauty of New England, from Maine to Rhode Island and into New York. Your small ship takes you past legendary lighthouses and into scenic harbors and charming seaport towns. Immerse yourself in the region’s American history and maritime culture, from lobstering to shipbuilding.