riverboat dinner cruises in new orleans la

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Which New Orleans Dinner Cruise is Best?

This post covers the New Orleans riverboat dinner buffet and jazz cruises.

We include tickets, ways to save, menu items, music, reviews, and information about various lunch cruises.

• Dinner Cruises
• Lunch Cruises
• Other Cruises
• Ways to Save
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

There are two main companies in New Orleans that offer cruise services on the Mississippi River: The Steamboat Natchez and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen.

Each riverboat provides a dinner buffet-style cruise, lunch cruise, and other services.

At least one of these cruise companies offers cheaper tickets or even free admission through various attraction tourist passes available in the city.

If you’re looking to save money on dinner cruises, lunch cruises, and more, make sure to check our post about New Orleans tourist passes for the best deals. 

You do not need to purchase a dinner (or a lunch) to board these vessels.

Alternatively, you can also just buy a small snack on the ship or bring your own snacks onboard.

If you’re much more interested in either a boat tour or a jazz cruise, you can find more details about these less expensive options on our post covering New Orleans Riverboat Cruises .

Taking a riverboat dinner cruise is one of our top 10 things to do at night in NOLA.

What do you wear on a dinner cruise in New Orleans?

On a casual buffet-style dinner cruise, you may dress formally in evening gowns, jewelry, heels, or black suits.

It's recommended not to wear tops, swimwear, or skirts.

What do you wear on a riverboat lunch cruise?

For a riverboat lunch casual dressing is appropriate. You can wear short T-shirts, tops, sneakers, or scandals.

Bright dresses blouses, skirts, and hats go well with a riverboat with a jazz band.

BUFFET-STYLE DINNER CRUISES IN NEW ORLEANS

This section will give a detailed breakdown of the buffet-style dinner cruises offered by Steamboat Natchez (directly below) and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen .

The Steamboat Natchez

Take a memorable trip down the Mighty Mississippi River while a live jazz band performs onboard.

The Steamboat Natchez is associated with GrayLine Tours. This company offers at least two dinner cruises per night as well as a lunch cruise .

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise

Dinner menu.

• $55/Adults | $27.50/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (2-5)
• $102.50/Adults | $51.00/Kids (6-12) | $25.25/Kids (2-5)
• Availability: Monday-Sunday
• Boarding Time: 6:00 pm
• Seating Times: 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm (2 seatings on 1 boat)
• Cruising: 2 hours
• Ticket upgrades can be made
• Purchase tickets or learn more .
• Natchez Tossed Salad
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
• Baked Chicken
• Bayou Seafood Pasta
• Creole Vegetarian Jambalaya
• Herb-Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
• Green Beans Almondine
• Paddlewheel Primavera
• White Chocolate Bread Pudding
• Bananas Foster
• Dinner Rolls
• Coffee and Iced Tea

TIP: Sometimes this cruise is available at a savings .

If you want to learn more about food in New Orleans, check out our list of the 13 must-eat foods of New Orleans  and our pay-what-you-like food tour .

The Steamboat Natchez cannot currently accommodate requests for gluten-free or Kosher meals.

Most of their food also has some form of dairy in it – whether that be cheese, butter or milk – so vegan customers might have some trouble finding something they are comfortable eating on the menu.

Because of this, the Steamboat Natchez allows passengers to bring their own snacks aboard. 

Otherwise, vegetarians might want to stick to the Natchez Tossed Salad and the Green Beans Almondine. 

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise Reviews

Overall ratings for this excursion are pretty good . The majority of guests enjoyed their dining and most customers were very impressed with the live jazz band.

Given how romantic this cruise can be, it’s not too surprising that couples were most likely to leave a positive review.

All cruises begin and end at the Gray Line “Lighthouse” ticket office at 400 Toulouse St. and the Mighty Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter.

There is no changing room.

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen

This company also provides a buffet-style dinner cruise with live jazz music.

Ticket prices are a bit more affordable across the board and this cruise is about as long as the service offered by their competitor.

To top it all off, the Creole Queen is included for free or for less money with most New Orleans tourist passes .

Creole Queen Dinner Jazz Cruise

• $55/Adults | $26/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (3-5)
• $95/Adults | $40/Kids (6-12) | $15/Kids (3-5)
• Boarding Time: 6:15 pm
• Seating Time: after 6:45 pm
• Purchase tickets or learn more
• Cajun Caesar Salad (D,W,S,E)
• Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo (D,S,W)
• Fish of the Day (F)
• Louisiana Creole Jambalaya (S,W,D)
• Cajun Baked Chicken (W,D)
• Beef Brisket
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes (D)
• Cajun Seafood Pasta (D,S,W,F)
• Red Beans & Rice (S)
• Fresh Roasted Vegetables
• Paddlewheeler White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce (D,E,S,W)

TIP: The Creole Queen is included for free or at savings with most NOLA tourist passes.

Allergens: Diary(D), Wheat (W), Soy (S), Eggs (E), Fish/Shellfish (F)

Most of the food included on this menu are not gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian.

If you are a vegetarian, you may want to stick with the fresh roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes..

All three options may include some form of dairy such as butter, cheese, or milk.

If you want to learn more about dining in this city, check out our list of the 13 must-eat foods of New Orleans  and our pay-what-you-like food tour .

Creole Queen Reviews

The evening cruise offered by this company is also highly rated. There are a few negative reviews, but positive comments overshadow them.

Several reviewers felt that the music was wonderful . Quite a few guests were also happy with the food quality, indicating that their dining was very tasty.

Couples were far more likely than any other group to enjoy their trip.

Creole Queen Age

Creole Queen was built in 1983 by Halter Marine at Moss Point. She was consecrated in September 1983. 2024 makes her 41.

LUNCH CRUISES WITH BRUNCH OPTION

The following section will focus on New Orleans lunch cruises from the Steamboat Natchez (directly below) and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen .

We will also provide details about a brunch cruise alternative you may want to consider.

Using a tourist pass , you can save money on at least one of these activities.

In addition to its dinner cruise, this company also offers a Daytime Jazz Cruize.

You can either ride along for just the Jazz or purchase the option that adds a buffet-style lunch meal.

Traveling along the Mississippi River, a tour guide will provide several historical facts about NOLA.

In addition to this daily option, you might also want to consider their Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise .

Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise

• $42/Adults | $20/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (2-5)
• $60/Adults | $30/Kids (6-12) | $14.00/Kids (2-5)
• Availability: Monday - Saturday
• Boarding Time - Morning: 11:00 pm
• Seating Times Lunch - Morning: 11:00 am & 12:15 pm
• Board Time - Afternoon: 2:00 pm
• Seating Times Lunch - Afternoon: 2:00 & 3:15
• Southern Fried Fish
• Red Beans & Rice
• Salad Du Jour

Steamboat Natchez Sunday Jazz Cruise

Brunch menu.

• $75/Adults | $37.50/Kids (6-12) | $21.50/Kids
• Availability: Sunday
• Boarding Time: 11:00 am
• Seating Times:
• Grillades and Grits
• Crescent City Eggs
• Turkey Sausage
• O'Brien Potatoes
• Creole Creamed Spinich
• Mini Croissants
• Fruit Salad

As you can see, there are many more options for Sunday brunch than for lunch.

It’s also worth noting that vegans and vegetarians will have the option of Salad du Jour in the lunch cruise and the Natchez tossed salad on the Sunday brunch cruise.

Sadly, there are no foods specifically made to be gluten-free, most of their food is prepared with dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter.

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Lunch and Jazz Brunch Reviews

Most guests leave excellent feedback stating that they loved this musical trip on the Natchez.

Some reviewers have even described their band as “magnificent,” suggesting that the onboard music was absolutely wonderful.

There are some visitors who don’t enjoy the tour portion of this cruise, but most people don’t have any complaints.

NOTE: There are two different ways to save money on this cruise. For more information, please read the Ways to Save section .

Much like its competitors, this company also offers a historic cruise with an optional dinner buffet meal.

This trip is available as either a brunch or lunch cruise, with the first departure at 10:00 am.

Although there isn’t any live jazz on this excursion, they do have bottomless mimosas for only $20 during the morning outing.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Brunch

• Availability: Saturday and Sunday
• Seasonal Fresh Fruit
• Homemade Biscuits
• Chieck and Andouille Gumbo
• Scrambled Eggs
• French Toast & Powered Sugar
• New Orleans Barbecued Shrimps & Creamy Grits
• Home-Style Potatoes
• Spinach Madeline
• Breakfast Sausage
• Crisp Barcon
• Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Although they can’t guarantee any gluten-free meals, vegetarian and vegan diners may find that the vegetable of the day is a perfect option.

Even so, it’s important to note that many of the items prepared for this cruise will be made either with or alongside dairy products such as cheese, milk, and butter.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Brunch Reviews

Most customers very well receive this trip.

Guests loved their experience, describing it as informative and humorous. An overwhelming majority of positive reviews came from couples.

There are a few negative reviews, but an overwhelming majority of guests enjoy this cruise on the Mississippi River.

TIP: This lunch cruise is offered by both the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass and the New Orleans Pass . The dinner buffet is not included, but it can be added on.

LIVE RIVERBOAT JAZZ MUSIC

Both the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen offer live jazz performances on their cruises.

Each company has at least one house band that will perform onboard throughout the trip. 

Steamboat Natchez

You can expect to hear the performance of Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers during the cruise length.

The members of this band are noted for their work on various movie soundtracks, television shows, and albums.

At night, the Dukes of Dixieland will also play a variety of wonderful jazz music.

Much like the Steamboat Stompers, this band is also noted for their performances on television shows, most notably the hit HBO series Treme .

While boarding, calliope music will also be performed for approximately 15 minutes.

This music can be heard from the docks.

Creole Queen Paddlewheeler

This company only offers live jazz music on their dinner cruises, but they’ve also got a great band on hand.

The Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band is known for performing all over NOLA during events such as the French Quarter Festival and the Jazz & Heritage Festival.

This group has become something of a local legend, as they can frequently be seen and heard at various locations throughout the city.

One of the best ways to hear their music is simply to take a dinner cruise on the Paddlwwheeler Creole Queen!

OTHER CRUISES

If you’re not too concerned about getting something to eat while you’re taking a NOLA cruise, there are several dining options to consider.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that each of the lunch and dinner cruises listed above is also available without a meal.

In fact, at least with the Steamboat Natchez, you can bring your own food onboard or purchase small snacks and sandwiches in lieu of the organized meal.

You can also see the city from the water by taking the Algiers Point Ferry across the Mighty Mississippi River.

Alternatively, there are kayak tours through the swamps of Louisiana where you can get a close look at all of the beautiful wildlife in the area.

For more details on all of these opportunities, make sure to read our post about New Orleans Riverboats, Paddleboats and Cruises .

Swamp Tours

If you’re interested in seeing the swamps of Louisiana, there are a few different types of boat tours to consider.

The typical swamp boat tour will take you on a leisurely trip through the swamplands, but there are also airboat tours that are much faster and more exciting. 

To learn more about all of these services, read our post about New Orleans Swamp Tours .

WAYS TO SAVE

If you’re looking for a great deal on tickets for either the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen, there are a few options to consider.

In this section, we will provide all the information you need to save money on this activity.

Both their Historic River Cruise and the Dinner Jazz Cruise are included for free with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass .

You can also take the Historic River Cruise with the New Orleans Pass .

Unfortunately, the tickets offered with these services are only for admission onto the boat and they do not include either lunch or dinner buffet.

Other Ways to Save

If you’re looking for another way to save money on a New Orleans dinner cruise, make sure to check both Living Social and Groupon .

As of the time of this post, each service offers cheaper tickets to both the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler and the Steamboat Natchez.

While other savings and tourist passes are only good for admission, you can actually save money on full dinner/lunch/brunch cruises with either of these services.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we've done our best to provide all the information you'll need to decide which riverboat cruise you'd like to take, you might have specific questions of your own you need help with.

Thankfully, our New Orleans Travel Tips group on Facebook is the perfect place to look for those answers. With more than 40,000 members, there's always someone willing to provide help.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips provided by members of our group:

• This reader wanted to know if there were jazz tours with no need to pay for dinner. There are, and we've talked about them above. Here's what others had to say.

2. This member sent in some general tips for visiting New Orleans. She enjoyed the evening riverboat cruise she went on. Note that if you want to do a walking tour, you can find one here .

3. This reader was looking for some family-friendly places to visit in New Orleans. This post is quite long and has a number of suggestions of things to do. Here are just a few of them:

For even more information about dinner cruises, or about anything at all in the New Orleans area, please feel free to ask for advice on the Free Tours By Foot New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook page.

We hope you enjoy your visit!

RELATED POSTS:

• Help Choosing a Swamp Tour
• Which Plantation Tours are Best?
• Things to Do in New Orleans

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Mississippi River Dinner Jazz Cruise

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. See details

Historical River Cruise

View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore. See details

Weekend Jazz Brunch

Enjoy delicious brunch delicacies as you cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River while listening to the lively sounds of a traditional New Orleans Jazz band See details

Valentine's Day River Cruise

Mother's Day Bubbly Brunch

Fourth of July Celebration Cruise

SEE DETAILS

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Steamboat NATCHEZ

• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) | P: (504) 569-1401 | F: (504) 587-0708
• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) P: (504) 569-1401 F: (504) 587-0708
• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) P: (504) 569-1401 F: (504) 587-0708
• Neighborhood: French Quarter

11am - 1:30pm, 2pm - 4:30pm, 6pm - 9pm cruise times. check schedule

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Harbor jazz brunch and dinner jazz cruises on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a unique visit to the engine room to see the workings of 100-year-old steam engines, it is timeless.

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Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Dinner Cruise

Savor the beauty and romance of the new orleans skyline aboard the last authentic steamboat on the mississippi river as smooth jazz fills your ears by the world-acclaimed dukes of dixieland..

The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience while soaking up the beauty of New Orleans.

Step aboard one of last authentic steam-powered sternwheelers for a memorable cruise around New Orleans on the Mississippi River. Hear stories of the Big Easy's rich history, sit back, relax and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the world-acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland fills your ears. This 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter will take you along the graceful Mississippi River. Optional dinner is available for advance sale. 

Tour departs nightly at 7:00pm. Boarding begins at 6:00pm. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding.

Sightseeing Cruise (without meal) = $50.00 per adult

Sightseeing Cruise with Dinner = $95.00 per adult

Please note: there are two seating times for dinner. The first dinner seating is from 6-7:15pm and the second dinner seating is from 7:45-9pm. Check with the hostess upon boarding for dining assistance.

Dinner Jazz Cruise - Served Buffet Style

NATCHEZ Tossed Salad - Mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, red onions & croutons with sugar cane vinaigrette & served family style

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo - Made with a traditional Louisiana roux, served with rice

Baked Chicken - Served with a Mushroom Ragout

Bayou Seafood Pasta - Crawfish tails & Shrimp tossed in a white wine & garlic parmesan cream sauce with penne

Creole Vegetarian Jambalaya - A flavorful, traditional red jambalaya with a dash of Southern heat

Herb-Garlic Fingerling Potatoes - Fingerling potatoes roasted with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic

Green Beans Almondine - Southern style green beans topped with toasted almond slivers

Pasta Primavera - Vegetarian Entree on request - Zucchini, squash, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes in zesty basil pesto *GF/Vegetarian*

White Chocolate Bread Pudding - A soufflé of local Leidenheimer French bread in rich custard with a decadent white chocolate sauce

Bananas Foster - New Orleans original! Fresh sliced bananas sautéed in butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon & rum. Served warm atop vanilla ice cream

Dinner Rolls -- Community Coffee & Iced Tea included

Menus are subject to change by season & availability. We proudly serve primarily Louisiana & domestic seafood items. Some menu items may, at times, contain imported crawfish & fish.

What's included?

• 2-hour Paddle-wheel Boat Cruise
• Calliope Concert
• Entertainment by the Grammy Nominated Dukes of Dixieland
• Optional Dinner (if selected)
• Engine Room is Open for Self Guided Tour
• Local taxes
• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Drinks (available for purchase)

Please note

• The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place.  You'll get the same authentic experience of a grand paddlewheeler on a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi!
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• The Steamboat NATCHEZ cruises rain or shine.
• Owner reserve the right to substitute a similar vessel should the NATCHEZ become unavailable.
• Please Note: Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and/or general maintenance, all cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the newly renovated Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.  
• In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
• The Steamboat NATCHEZ is handicap accessible. However, access to the top & bottom decks are by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment. 
• Cruise is suitable for wheelchairs, but restrooms stalls are not wide enough to accommodate and there are no elevators on board.
• Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
•  You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity at our Lighthouse Ticket Office for your boarding ticket.   

What to bring

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New Orleans Steamboat Company

Steamboat NATCHEZ

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STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ CRUISES RESUME NOVEMBER 14, 2023

The Steamboat NATCHEZ, owned by The New Orleans Steamboat Company, is the last authentic Steamboat on the Mighty Mississippi River.  

The Steamboat NATCHEZ Dinner Jazz and Daytime Jazz cruises run daily, year-round, in the style of authentic steamboats on the Mississippi River in New Orleans for centuries!  Cruising on the Steamboat NATCHEZ includes Steam Engine Room visitation, calliope, live jazz, and optional Creole food and local beverages.

Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality… Steamboat Style!

Welcome Aboard

RESERVATIONS

Experience a spirit of adventure aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Steamboat NATCHEZ as she takes you on a journey down the mighty Mississippi.  See captivating views of the French Quarter fade into the distance as the joyful tunes of traditional jazz carries you down the river.  Stroll the multiple decks, explore the beautiful refinished interiors and savor the leisurely two-hour cruise that will give you panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along the way, with live narration.

JAZZ LUNCH & SUNDAY BRUNCH CRUISES The Steamboat NATCHEZ is home to the "Best" Lunch/Brunch cruises on the Mississippi River.  Fun and scenic, our cruises feature live jazz music, New Orleans style cuisine, and a cash bar for cocktails.  

DINNER JAZZ CRUISES In a city full of great places to dine, dinner aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ is truly a unique dining experience.  Our dinner features a buffet of New Orleans classics in a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying a memorable evening on the Mississippi River.  Sip a refreshing cocktail while live Jazz brings refined sophistication to our onboard entertainment. 

WEDDINGS The Steamboat NATCHEZ is a perfect venue for your special occasion.  - Did you know our Captains can officiate your wedding?  Check out our wedding page for more details!

SPECIAL OCCASIONS Celebrating something special?  Let us know - we specialize in proposals, anniversaries, and birthday parties.

The Steamboat NATCHEZ is uniquely New Orleans - WELCOME ABOARD!

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Southern heritage and quaint towns

Discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi, and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history. Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay your respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savor delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebrate musical legends in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Memphis Rock & Soul

From $999 | 2 Nights

Post: The Best of “The Big Easy”

Post: Best of the Bayou: Acadian Lafayette

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The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

Raw HTML : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
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• The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

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