Mississippi
United States
One of America's defining rivers, the Mississippi runs nearly 2,300 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. River cruises typically sail either the Upper Mississippi, between the Twin Cities and St. Louis through a landscape of forested bluffs and historic river towns, or the Lower Mississippi, between St. Louis and New Orleans through the plantations and music heritage of the Deep South.
Most ships here are American-crewed paddle-wheel-style riverboats, a deliberately old-fashioned style of cruising built around live music, Southern cooking, and porch-lined decks rather than spas or casinos. Fall, for foliage on the Upper Mississippi, and spring, for magnolia and azalea season on the Lower Mississippi, are the most popular sailing windows.
Ports of Call
St. Paul, Minnesota
The Upper Mississippi's northern embarkation point, St. Paul pairs a historic downtown along the riverfront with easy access to its twin city, Minneapolis, and the surrounding Twin Cities arts and dining scene.
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Tucked between the river and steep bluffs, La Crosse is a gateway to the Driftless Area's dramatic scenery, with river cruise excursions often heading up Grandad Bluff for sweeping valley views.
Dubuque, Iowa
One of the oldest cities on the Upper Mississippi, Dubuque retains a well-preserved 19th-century downtown, along with the Fenelon Place Elevator, one of the world's shortest and steepest scenic railways.
Davenport, Iowa
Part of the Quad Cities, Davenport sits directly on the riverbank and hosts the Figge Art Museum along with a lively riverfront district, a common stop for excursions into the surrounding Quad Cities region.
Hannibal, Missouri
The boyhood home of Mark Twain, Hannibal preserves much of the riverfront town that inspired his writing, including his family home and the caves he fictionalized in Tom Sawyer.
St. Louis, Missouri
A common turnaround or embarkation point between the Upper and Lower Mississippi, St. Louis is marked by the Gateway Arch on the riverfront, with a historic downtown and rich brewing and jazz heritage nearby.
Memphis, Tennessee
The birthplace of the blues and home to Sun Studio and Graceland, Memphis is a highlight of Lower Mississippi itineraries, with Beale Street's music clubs drawing cruisers ashore after dark.
Natchez, Mississippi
One of the oldest settlements on the river, Natchez is known for its concentration of antebellum mansions, many open for tours, reflecting the cotton wealth that once flowed through the port.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Lower Mississippi's signature port, New Orleans blends French, Spanish, and Creole heritage in the French Quarter, with jazz clubs, Garden District mansions, and Cajun and Creole cuisine rounding out most itineraries.
