The Mississippi.

United States · The American South

A Mississippi River cruise is a journey through the heart of American history and culture. Sailing past small towns, lush forests, and historic cities like New Orleans and Memphis, you'll experience the charm and heritage of the American South.

Along the way you can explore antebellum plantations and Civil War sites, hear live jazz drift from the riverbank, and taste Southern cooking such as barbecue, gumbo, and beignets. A new generation of beautifully appointed ships has made the Mississippi one of the most rewarding river journeys close to home.

With personalized service and daily stops to discover local traditions, a Mississippi cruise is a relaxing and distinctly American way to explore the country's history and natural beauty, with no passport required.

Plan this journey →

The route: New Orleans–St. Louis
Country: United States
Classic sailing: 8–9 nights
The ships: Paddlewheelers

What you'll remember

Moments along the way.

Moment 01

New Orleans

Jazz, Creole cooking, and the French Quarter as a beginning or a grand finale.

Moment 02

Antebellum Natchez

Grand riverfront mansions and the layered history of the Old South.

Moment 03

Memphis & the blues

Beale Street, barbecue, and the birthplace of American music.

Moment 04

Civil War Vicksburg

The decisive siege and the solemn national military park above a bend in the river.

Moment 05

Southern cooking

Gumbo, barbecue, beignets and pecan pie, the soul of the river at every stop.

Moment 06

The Gateway Arch

St. Louis and its soaring silver arch, the symbolic doorway to the American West.

The route

A sample sailing.

6 stops · New Orleans to St. Louis

Tap a stop to jump to that day · drag to explore

1

Day 1
New Orleans, Louisiana

Board in the birthplace of jazz, with the French Quarter, Creole cooking and live music to send you off.
2

Day 2
Baton Rouge

The state capital and the grand antebellum plantations strung along River Road.
3

Day 3
Natchez, Mississippi

A genteel river town of columned mansions and the layered history of the Old South.
4

Day 4
Vicksburg

Walk the Civil War battlefield and national military park above a decisive bend in the river.
5

Day 5
Memphis, Tennessee

Beale Street and the blues, barbecue by the plate, and Graceland just beyond town.
6

Days 6-8
Toward St. Louis

Quiet upriver miles, small river towns, and the Gateway Arch waiting at journey's end.

Every sailing we book is tailored: this is a starting point, not a package.

When to go

The best time to sail.

The Mississippi gives you two gentle shoulders around a steamy core and a festive close. Here is how we book the year: River Road's gardens in bloom, the upper river's fall color, the humid summer in between, and the towns dressed up for the holidays.

Prime season Shoulder Quieter & better value

March–May

Mild spring days and the gardens of River Road in bloom.

September–November

Warm days, cooler evenings, and fall color along the upper river.

June–August

Hot, humid Southern summer; lively but steamy, with the lowest fares.

December

Festive holiday sailings with the river towns dressed for the season.

January–February

The quietest stretch: limited departures in the cool, grey low season. A good time to lock in the year's prime cabins.

Good to know

The Mississippi cruise questions.

How long is a Mississippi river cruise?

Sailings range from short 4 to 5 night segments to full 8 to 9 night New Orleans to St. Louis voyages, many themed around music, history or food.

When is the best time to cruise the Mississippi?

Spring and fall offer the mildest weather; summers are hot and humid; the holidays bring festive sailings. No passport is required for U.S. travelers.

What is included on a Mississippi cruise?

Your stateroom, all onboard dining, and many shore excursions and onboard entertainment. We confirm exactly what each line includes before you book.

Which ships sail the Mississippi?

A new generation of paddlewheelers and modern riverboats now sail the river. We match you to the line and ship that fit your style.

From the journal

Reading on The Mississippi.

All stories →

Keep exploring

Other rivers.

Let's begin

Ready for
The Mississippi?

We'll handle the ship, the itinerary, and every detail in between.

Plan Your Trip

The Mississippi.