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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

Creole Queen 4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Tiana's Riverboat Experience

Creole Queen Haunted Halloween Cruise

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Phone 504.529.4567 or 1.800.445.4109 Corporate Office: 4220 Howard Ave. New Orleans , LA 70125 Departure Location: 1 Poydras St. New Orleans , LA 70130

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WELCOME TO CELEBRATION RIVER CRUISES

Cruising season begins april 1, 2024.

Join us while we celebrate our 40th cruising season in 2024! Our 750 passenger paddlewheel boat, the “Celebration Belle” is specifically designed for cruising the waterways of the great Mississippi River, offering casual sightseeing, luncheon and dinner cruises. We offer various cruises to meet any sailor’s enjoyment needs!

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(800) 297-0034 / (309) 764-1952, find us on facebook.

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(800) 297-0034 (309) 764-1952

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2501 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265

Group Sales and Marketing: Susan Yarolem (800) 297-0034 x 204 (309) 764-1952 x 204

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Authentic Riverboat Cruises

On the mississippi, our cruises, sunday blues.

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See the sights & sounds of the river

“Amazing and worth a visit. Took the Christmas dinner cruise and had two hours of fun. Nice meal from an attentive staff to excellent music from their in house band. Sights of the Mississippi at night against the lights of Memphis was awesome and highly recommended.” Luke F.

“This Place is just absolutely Beautiful, It is peaceful and calming and nothing was better then to have My First Cruise on this bus and dance with 2 little girls that I met there and they were really week and I would love to go back!” Nijah H.

“Spent my bday last year on the river and I really enjoyed myself. The food and music were both great. Any couples looking for something new to do in Memphis on a Friday or Saturday night give the dinner cruise a chance.” Omar D.

“We had a good time and the young man who was are first mate was very knowledgeable and did a great job, he was funny!” David C.

“Our group did the evening cruise and had a phenomenal time out on the river. The food was okay, the band was great, and the views out on the river were fantastic. Definitely a fun non-Beale Street option!” Robert L.

“Awesome time, band was great, food and drinks were great!! I highly recommend checking it out. We did the dinner cruise.” S.G.

“My Fiancé and I had a really great time on the Dinner Cruise. The employees were wonderful, the Music was great, and the food was also very good! We will definitely go on another cruise!!” Theresa R.

“Staff was outstanding and so friendly. The ambitious was great. Can't say enough about the entertainment, the kept the audience so involved it was the most fun my wife and I have had in years. Thank you!!” Jimmy H.

“Tour guide is so funny and knows a lot of the history. This is a fun tour where you learn why you Don't swim in the Mississippi!” ML A.

Enjoy Dinner and Music on the River

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Cruise With Us

Upcoming events, welcome to the 2024 season on board the hiawatha, swifties cruise.

Calling all the Swifties out there-join us for a fun filled cruise! Let the fun begin by receiving your Taylor Swift Hiawatha Back Stage pass w/lanyard as you board the Hiawatha and help us celebrate Taylor Swift's ERAS TOUR with a Hiawatha Cruise! The fun continues with games, refreshments, friendship bracelet making and her ERAS TOUR CONCERT on the TV's! Choose your favorite Era - Best Taylor look alike will win a prize! This 1.5 hr. cruise is open to all Swifties! Cruises are scheduled for July 7, July 21 and August 19

All Military Ride Free on July 4!

Join us for a cruise on the beautiful Susquehanna River to celebrate our military personnel! Cruises at 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm on July 4,2024. All military personnel ride FREE! Reservations are highly recommended No refunds or exchanges are available for this cruise.

River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing 1 hour cruise on the Susquehanna River, view the beautiful natural scenery and listen to an audio narration of the rich history of the lumber era. Rates - Adults - $15.00 (Age 13 - 59) - Seniors - $13 (Age 60+) - Children - $10.00 (Age 3 - 12) - Children 2 and Under are Free May, September, and October: Saturday & Sunday June, July, and August: Wednesday- Sunday Our docks are located in the Susquehanna State Park, which has: - Family friendly atmosphere - Free parking - Restroom facilities (all handicapped accessible) - Public boat launch

Dinner Cruise with Eat and Run Catering

Board the Hiawatha for a 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.. cruise on the beautiful Susquehanna River while you enjoy a delicious dinner in our climate controlled main deck. Our caterer will be Eat & Run Catering. Menu includes: Appetizers: Charcutier Board Dinner: Smoked Brisket BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Roasted Veggies Salad/Dressing Lemonade/Iced Tea Dessert Cake Cost will be $35 pp. Children under 2 are Free.

Princess Party Cruise

Princess Party Cruises include 3 characters per cruise and crafts! Come one, come all, and join your favorite princesses for an adventure on the Susquehanna River you won’t soon forget! Each cruise includes three characters, singing, story-time, and personal meet and greet on the lower deck. The party continues on the upper deck with another character, crafts & a snack! Cruise length is 1 hour and are offered at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on each date listed below. Dates: May 21st - Rapunzel, Wayfinder, Scottish Princess June 18th - Tinkerbell, Wayfinder, Mermaid Princess July 23rd - Cinderella and her two Stepsisters July 17th -Anna, Elsa and Beauty Princess Rates - Adult - $15.00 (Age 13+) - Child - $20.00 (Age 3 - 12) - Children 2 and Under are Free

Kid's Night Cruise

Perfect for A Family Night Out - Join us for a good old fashioned ice cream social while you cruise down the Susquehanna River on this hour and a half cruise. - Make your own sundae bar includes: vanilla ice cream, sprinkles, chocolate rocks, cherries, chocolate/caramel/strawberry sauce, and whipped cream! Sundae included in the ticket price. Rates - Adults - $20.00 (Ages 13+) - Children - $15.00 (Ages 3 - 12) - Children Two and Under are Free

Hero Cruise

Kapow! Boom! Wham! Calling all heroes to defend the Hiawatha! Take the hero pledge, practice your hero moves, and enjoy a party on the upper deck with mask making and snacks. Join the Superheroes as they visit the Hiawatha for activities, story-time, and personal meet & greet on the lower deck. The party continues on the upper deck with another character, mask making, snacks, and more! Cruise length is 1 hour and are offered at 5:30p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Dates: June 26th - Spidey, Batman, Heroine out of Time July 17th - Spidey, Spider Girl, Super Girl August 7th - Dr. Strange, Captain America, Red Witch Rates - Adult - $15.00 (Age 13+) - Child - $20.00 (Age 3 - 12) - Children 2 and Under are Free

Dance Party w/DJ Mendez

Saturday, July 20, 2024 8-10 p.m. Tickets- $25 Must be at least 21 years old with valid ID 80's & 90's Dance Party! - Enjoy a 2 hour cruise on the Susquehanna River with DJ Mendez and Drink Specials. - Dress the part for your favorite decade! - This cruise is for Adults 21+ Only

Susquehanna Sips

Grab your lederhosen and get ready to celebrate OktoberFest in style as we welcome Brewery Tours and their knowledgeable and experienced Beer Guides aboard the historic Queen of the Susquehanna! This is a 2-hr. cruise and their Beer Guides will lead you through a guided tasting of marzens, festbiers and Oktoberfests. Ticket price includes all tastings, souvenir tasting glass and snacks!

Great Gatsby Cruise

Step onboard to an Old Time Speak Easy, where clandestine whispers, Flappers and Gangsters abound! Have fun dancing to your favorite Jazz tunes with cocktails reminiscent of 1920! In the Spirit of Prohibition, a password will be required to board the boat and will be provided with your ticket confirmation. Dress for a WILD 1920's evening!! _________________________________

Wing Night Cruise

##Enjoy one of our most popular cruises! - Enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Susquehanna River with delicious fried wings from Boulevard Wing Spot, your choice of 4 sauces, and drink specials! - Ticket includes one dozen wings and a 1.5-hour cruise. - $25 Per Person

Bingo Cruises

Bingo on the Hiawatha! Evening Bingo from 6-8 p.m. on June 3, July 15 and August 5, 2024 Tickets - $25 per person Must be at least 18 years old with valid ID Ticket includes: 2 hour cruise, Up to 10 games of bingo/3 boards per game , light snacks, and one complimentary soda or bottled water. Bingo will be played until 5 minutes prior to the end of the cruise. Prizes: Game 1- $25 Game 2- $25 Game 3- $25 Game 4- $50 Game 5- $75 Game 6-10: Gift Cards, Hiawatha Souvenirs ** Multiple Winners on the same game will play until one winner remains**

Hiawatha Afternoon Tea

Come onboard the Hiawatha and enjoy an elegant Afternoon Tea Party with us! Fancy linens, china cups and saucers will add to the experience. A variety of Afternoon Tea Treats will be served and several different types of tea to try. Menu- Cucumber Sandwiches, Chicken Salad Croissants Scones & Jam Cheesecake Bites, Macarons, Sugar Cookies Learn some interesting facts about Afternoon Tea and proper Tea etiquette (according to the British!). Tea Party games will add to the fun. So, bring your Girl Squad, Gal Pal, Mom, Daughter or Grandmother or come by yourself and enjoy a relaxing 2 hr, cruise on the beautiful Susquehanna River. * All ages are Welcome! Dress code will be anything flowered- add a hat, gloves or a string of pearls for that extra touch of Afternoon Tea Etiquette! ______________________

Craft Beer Cruise

Craft Beer Cruises Featuring Pennsylvania Breweries These cruises are strictly 21 years and older, no one under 21 may be admitted. $25 Per Person 1.5-Hour Cruise: 6-7:30 p.m. Ticket includes: Welcome Beer, $3 12oz Tap Takeover- Choose from a variety of beers selected by the brewery, Delicious Snacks each Cruise, Giveaways from the breweries, Meet and Greet with Brewery Representatives, Full bar service also available during each cruise. # Thursday, June 13 - New Trail # Thursday, July 11- Therapy Brewing # Thursday, July 18 - Bald Birds

Dinner Cruise with Hillside Catering

Dinner Cruise Schedule Enjoy a 2 hour cruise and delicious cuisine from a local restaurant! Dress is casual and meals are served buffet style. Cruise is limited to 48 guests and seating will be assigned. If you wish to sit with friends or other family members, please reach out to: [email protected] so your request can be fulfilled if possible. If anyone will be using a wheelchair please let us know so accommodations can be made Full bar service available during each cruise with themed drink specials. **August 23rd or September 27th Price: Per Person $40 Buffet- Seasonal Salad Stuffed Chicken Breast Beef Medallions in Au Jus Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Cheesecake Rolls & Butter Water, Iced Tea, Coffee Price: Per Person $40

Date Night on the Hiawatha w/ Izzy & Isabella

Cruise time is 6-8pm Cruise will feature $3 drafts, Cocktail Specials and LIVE music w/Izzy and Isabella! Rates - Adult - $25.00 (Age 21+)

Hiawatha Adult Halloween Cruise

#Saturday, October 26, 2024 8-10 p.m. Tickets- $25 Must be at least 21 years old with valid ID Hiawatha Adult Halloween Cruise - Prizes for Costumes- Most Unique, Scariest, Prettiest, Best Group. - Enjoy this 2-hour adult-only cruise with for a night of dancing, drink specials, snacks, and more! - This cruise is for Adults 21+ Only - Sponsored by Fog Monster IPA

Kid's Halloween Costume Cruise

Kid's Halloween Costume Cruise Join us for this spooky and fun 1.5 -hour kid's Halloween Costume Cruise on Saturday, October 26 at 1:30 p.m. Activities include crafts, games, music, snacks and candy! Kids 12 and under who come in costume will receive treat bags! Crafts and fun geared to kiddos 12 and under. Rates - Adults- $12.00 (Ages 13+) - Children - $15.00 (Ages 3 - 12) - Two and Under are Free

Hiawatha Cruise Certificates

#*Give the gift of a Hiawatha cruise Please note, gift certificates purchased on this site can only be used for ticket purchases. If you would like to purchase a gift certificate that can be used for souvenirs or refreshments please contact Hiawatha Inc., at 570-220-0528.

Eat & Run Catering Dinner Cruise

Join us for an evening on the Hiawatha with Eat and Run catering for a 6 p.m. - 8 p.m! Cruise the beautiful Susquehanna River while you enjoy a delicious dinner in our climate controlled main deck. Menu includes: Appetizers: Charcutier Board Dinner: Smoked Brisket BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Roasted Veggies Salad/Dressing Lemonade/Iced Tea Dessert Cake Cost will be $35 pp. Children under 2 are Free.

Murder Mystery Cruise

Amore Mortem Murder Mysteries LLC will be performing on three dates this season! June 8th - Last Dance at the 80's Prom August 16- Murder by Moonshine October 19th- Silver Screen Slasher * No Info available yet* Audience participation is involved and Costumes are encouraged! Prizes will be given for the Best Guest Costume and for whomever solves the Mystery. Dinner will be catered by the Hillside Catering and will include: Seasonal Salad Stuffed Chicken Breast Beef Medallions in Au Jus Garlic Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Rolls & Butter Cheesecake Water, Ice Tea and Coffee Don't miss this 3 hr. cruise!! Seating is limited to 48 guests

Brunch on the Hiawatha

Come join us for brunch onboard the Hiawatha! Have an amazing meal and then spend some time enjoying the beautiful Susquehanna river! The Hillside will be catering brunch with the following menu: Spinach Salad Fruit Salad with Mint & Honey Sausage Links Ham, Asparagus & Gruyere Frittata French Toast Casserole with Berries Breakfast Potatoes Assorted Muffins & Pastries Water, Tea, Coffee and Juice Cost will be $30 pp. Children under 3 are Free. The bar will be open and offering Bloody Mary's, Mimosa's and a variety of Draft Beer & Liquor!

Toy Story Cruise

Join us onboard the Hiawatha with a fun-filled 1 hour Toy Story Cruise!! The lower deck will feature 2 characters from Toy Story with a meet and greet and a short program! Upstairs on the upper deck the party continues with a snack, a Toy Story craft and another character to keep the party hopping! Cruise cost: Adults-$15 Children 3-12 - $20 Children under 2 are Free

Italian Nite Dinner Cruise

Join us for a taste of Italy on October 11th from 6-8pm! Menu includes: Stuffed Shells Meatballs Garden Salad Italian Bread Dessert Water, Lemonade & Coffee, Tea Enjoy the beautiful moon light on the Susquehanna River as you sip a cocktail and relax. # All cruises are subject to river levels and mechanical issues.

Muffins and Mimosa's

A perfect way to start your Sunday! Enjoy the serenity of the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley on this 1.5 hr. cruise while sipping a delicious mimosa and nibbling on a muffin. Ticket price includes the 1.5 hr. cruise, your choice from a variety of muffins and one mimosa! Additional mimosa's will be available for purchase. Book your ticket now!

2024 Season

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Something for Everyone

Hiawatha amenities.

Visit the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, one of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania!

Enjoy a relaxing hour-long cruise on the Susquehanna River. Through narration and music, hear the story of the Hiawatha and learn the rich history of the early days along the river.

Quick Facts

About the hiawatha, nautical miles, seasonal hours, eyewitness news, destination pa: hiawatha riverboat.

She’s known as the queen of the Susquehanna. The Hiawatha Paddlewheel riverboat is one of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania.

Running the Hiawatha

Meet our captains and crew.

Mike Strunk

Darryl Stroble

David Cillo

Venessa Long

Stephanie Campbell

Beez Beasley

Nicole Keefer

Monique wright, get in the know, subscribe our newsletter.

The Hiawatha, Inc. is a 501 C 3 not for profit organization and relies on community sponsors for each and every cruising season. We thank the many businesses for their financial support!

• Daily Cruises
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• Hiawatha Dock Address 2205 Hiawatha Blvd Williamsport, PA 17701
• Mailing Address Hiawatha, Inc. 950 Broad Street Montoursville, PA 17754
• (570) 220-0528

Discover the Beauty

OF THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI

St Paul And Mississippi River Cruise

Explore the Mississippi River—a cultural treasure of America! Spot bald eagles, herons, egrets, and falcons as you travel back in time from St. Paul’s bustling downtown harbor through the Mississippi National Great River Park. Come aboard our riverboat cruises to see the natural marvels Minnesota has to offer.

Featured Twin Cities Riverboat Cruises

Take a peek at these popular, limited-availability Mississippi riverboat cruises.

Lunch & Lock

Sightseeing Cruises

Captain's Dinner Cruise

Sunset Cruise

Margaritas on the Mississippi

Captain’s Dinner Cruise

Sightseeing, Dining & More

Whether you want to simply take in the wonders of the Mississippi or enjoy a delicious meal with your family while sightseeing the colorful scenery, we have the perfect river cruise option for any occasion.

Dining Cruises

Holiday Cruises

Memorable Private Events on the Water

With a unique event venue, make your next private event a day you and your guests will talk about for years to come. Our high-capacity vessels are equipped for entertainment options, delicious menu selections, a fully stocked bar, and other necessities. We have professional event managers on staff that will help you plan unforgettable weddings, school celebrations, corporate outings, and reunions, among other private events.

Wedding Cruises

Prom & Graduation

Corporate Events

Customizations & Services

What Our Clients are Saying

“Hidden Gem! What a fun way to spend some time enjoying this beautiful area. Did the sunset dinner cruise, and oh my, the food is wonderful, the brisket is melt-in-your-mouth good. I almost ate the whole pan. Went with the drink package, worth the money! All the staff was so friendly and helpful. This is a must-do item for anyone that comes to visit. Excellent value and great memories!”

“If you’re going to ride a boat, you should definitely ride one the boats down at Padelford. They have three different boats and a ton of public cruise options. You could go on a public sightseeing, a sunset dinner, a margarita on the Mississippi, a rib dinner, a lunch & lock, the options are endless. All food is created by their Chef John Cooper, who creates all the food with love and care. They also do private events like weddings, corporate events, family reunions, and anything you can think of.”

“I had such a nice experience on my excursion! The crew was polite. The boat was clean. It’s awesome to be able to have a cocktail and snack while doing the tour. It was really nice. Thank you for a great time!”

“The service was very good, as well as the food. We had a good time.”

“It was a beautiful fall evening on the river! Our first margarita cruise with Padelford. Our new tradition. Great food and service. We enjoyed every minute. Then we bought their captain’s hats and took lots of pictures. We had a ball! Can’t wait to go back. Plus, we met new friends!”

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The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The 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

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

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.

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Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

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

Length: Eight days 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

Length: 15 days 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.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

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:

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• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
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The River: Paddlewheelers, especially wooden ones, are a special kind of boat; here’s a tutorial

The riverboat captain is a storyteller, and Captain Don Sanders will be sharing the stories of his long association with the river — from discovery to a way of love and life. This a part of a long and continuing story.

By Capt. Don Sanders Special to NKyTribune

The paddlewheel on the Rafter CLYDE, my 53-foot sternwheeler, is said to be one of the very few authentic wooden paddlewheels remaining on the Mississippi River System. Now, there are many external, stern-mounted “spinners” on various riverboats, large and small, but except for a very few, CLYDE included, most incorporate materials other than the stuff derived from trees. 

Other boats boasting of all-wooden paddlewheels, not counting particular necessary steel, structural parts, includes the likes of the BELLE of LOUISVILLE, W.P. SNYDER, JR., DELTA QUEEN, LONE STAR, and the GEORGE M. VERITY. All these boats were constructed early-to-midway in the last century; with the BELLE and the SNYDER already past the century mark. The QUEEN, too, is fast approaching that milestone age.   

Since the first steamboat came down the Ohio River in 1811, a sidewheeler named the NEW ORLEANS, with a paddlewheel on either side instead of at the back of the boat, wood was the material used. After all, a vast forest covered much of the route of the New Orleans, and paddlewheel parts could be easily fabricated along the way, if necessary. Wood remained the raw material of choice well into the 20th Century when steel and aluminum began replacing wood for its strength and lesser weight. But by then, paddlewheels had enjoyed their brief time in the sun and were all but obsolete and replaced by metal propellers except for a few excursion, overnight, casino, and pleasure sternwheelers. 

Even wooden paddlewheels must have certain parts made of metal for the strength only that material can offer. Iron was used in the early years until steel replaced the softer and more brittle metal. Those parts are namely, the Shaft, Flanges, Circle bands, and Stirrup and other bolts. 

In the days before I tested for, and was awarded an Inland Mate’s license by the U. S. Coast Guard, one question usually asked on the exam was: “Name all the parts of a paddlewheel.” Was I disappointed when that question failed to appear on my test! 

I might add that wood is still the preferred material in an otherwise all-metal wheel, and those parts being the “Buckets,” the boards pushing through the water giving a vessel forward or reverse thrust. Most greenhorns might call them “paddles.” They’re not; they’re “Buckets.”

Radiating out from the Shaft like spokes in any wheel are a paddlewheel’s “Arms.” Bolted to circular Flanges, wheel Arms attach to the Shaft. On a wooden wheel, White Oak, preferred for its strength, is the traditional material of choice. On metal wheels, angle, tubular, or channel stock replace wood. 

Buckets are traditionally attached to the Arms with U-shaped “Stirrup Bolts” which fit around the Arms and penetrate holes drilled through the Bucket Boards. Between the Buckets and the washers and nuts on the Stirrups, a piece of wood or metal plate adds strength and buffers the tension between the bolts and the boards. These are known as “Battens.” 

“Circle Fillers” are the curved wooden pieces between the metal bands that bolt to the metal Circles. However, the Circles are never bolted to the Arms if they are the outermost set of Circles. The Arms closest to the Buckets need to be as tight as possible, for this is the section of the paddlewheel taking all the pounding and beating.

Only in Circles closer to the Shaft are they bolted to the Wheel Arms. Consequently, there must be a way of adjusting the tension on the parts of the outer section of the propulsion unit. Wedge-shaped oak pieces called “Keys,” allow for such tightening.

The timber in a wooden Paddlewheel is expendable and is expected to be needing periodic replacement with water, driftwood, and time taking their toll on the natural fibrous, former tree trunks. CLYDE’s Wheel Arms are “rough-cut,” full-size two-by-fours not found on the rack at the Big Box stores. Every piece on the Wheel is custom-cut. Rick Starker of Dream Woodworks in Vevay, Indiana, has to find a lumber supplier with a supply of White Oak that Rick has to cut and plane into size.    I’m confident that “green” oak is hard on Rick’s planer. Yet, each piece is milled to the exact dimensions every time I drive to Vevay to pick up a new batch. I try to dry the “green” wood before painting and using it, but sometimes I need to use it before curing. I’ve never noticed any difference. As Captain Wagner so often reminded me when I wanted to get too particular:

“We’re building (or painting) paddlewheels; not pianos.”   

As rumored, the lovely CLYDE., the most authentically-built small sternwheeler on the river, is seeking a new owner. The perky paddlewheeler has done worn out its present one and looking for another to carry on the fun and traditions only a boat like the CLYDE can provide. Until that time, though, I am continuing to spruce-up the lovely lady.

As there are a few pieces, yet, needing attention in the Paddlewheel – any volunteers? Just leave a message on my phone. I will be inside the Wheel, and I never take it with me to spoil the tranquility only hammering and sawing oak replacement paddlewheel parts can offer.

Captain Don Sanders is a river man. He has been a riverboat captain with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and with Rising Star Casino. He learned to fly an airplane before he learned to drive a “machine” and became a captain in the USAF. He is an adventurer, a historian, and a storyteller. Now, he is a columnist for the NKyTribune and will share his stories of growing up in Covington and his stories of the river. Hang on for the ride — the river never looked so good.

2 thoughts on “ The River: Paddlewheelers, especially wooden ones, are a special kind of boat; here’s a tutorial ”

Love the paddlewheel stories. I loved cruising on the Delta Queen 30+ times.

Really have Learned more about Paddlewheels than I need to know at this stage. Capt. Don does have a real talent for explaining what he is talking about.

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Holding 185 passengers, the American Splendor paddlewheel has been cruising the Mississippi River since 2016. You’ll enjoy the comforts of the most spacious staterooms, plus enjoy seven lounges onboard.

Similar to its sister ship the American Heritage, the American Splendor is designed to provide you modern comforts while surrounded by classic elegance and river cruise hospitality.

Cruises on the American Splendor

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Thinking About a Mississippi River Cruise? There’s One Big ‘If.’

Though operators are building ships, and towns are investing in landings and other infrastructure, fluctuations in the river’s flow, exacerbated by climate change, are hampering sailings.

By Rowan Moore Gerety

Rowan Moore Gerety spoke to civic leaders, cruise passengers and several cruise-industry businesses focused on the Mississippi River.

Tom Trovato and his wife, Trish, paid more than $20,000 and waited two years to experience Viking’s inaugural cruise up the Mississippi River. Leaving in September 2022, it was supposed be a two-week excursion from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minn., a trip of some 1,800 miles.

They never got past Memphis.

Low water levels, caused by drought, narrowed the river’s main shipping channel to allow only one-way traffic, first stalling their boat, the Viking Mississippi, and then ultimately aborting the trip.

Though they got a full refund, the Trovatos, who live in Surprise, Ariz., have no plans to try again.

“If I live to be 125, it might be on my bucket list,” said Mr. Trovato, 79.

The Mississippi River is central to American identity, with all the contradictions that entails. It’s an artery that sustained Indigenous cultures for thousands of years — “Mississippi” derives from the Ojibwe for “great river” — and it marked the frontier from which Lewis and Clark set out to find a route to the Pacific. The river’s alluvial deposits and deep waters formed the basis of prosperity for generations of farmers, and brought perdition to vast numbers of enslaved people who toiled along its banks and feared little more than being “sold down the river.”

For many people, particularly baby boomers reaching their retirement years, a cruise along the Mississippi River is a dream trip. But it’s becoming harder to make it come true. Though operators are building new ships, and towns and cities are investing in infrastructure to welcome boat traffic, cruises on the Mississippi face mounting challenges from an increasing number of droughts and floods.

Decades of forest and wetland destruction, dam construction and dredging have added to natural fluctuations in the Mississippi’s flow. Now climate change has only heightened the river’s tendency for dramatic seasonal shifts in water levels, frequently rerouting ships and causing delays.

Just late last month, in St. Paul — the final port for the Trovatos’ original itinerary — rising Mississippi River levels forced the closure of shoreline roads , bridges and parks . The river rose 20.17 feet above its banks before cresting, the seventh major flood in St. Paul since 2010, according to the National Water Prediction Service, and the eighth highest crest recorded.

Farther south, Memphis had made its $40 million Beale Street Landing the centerpiece of a larger redevelopment of parks and trails snaking along six miles of Mississippi shoreline. Last year, more than half of the 128 scheduled cruise ship landings there were canceled, mostly because of low water levels that made it impossible for the boats to reach the dock.

In July 2021, an overnight passenger riverboat visited Kimmswick, Mo., for the first time in 125 years, when the 341-foot American Duchess docked at its new landing. The town was expecting the cruise industry to boost tourism in the area. But the American Duchess was also the last cruise to dock there. There hasn’t been enough water for boats to come back until recently: The Viking Mississippi was finally scheduled to land in Kimmswick on Monday, but this time, the water was too high.

“We’re just seeing climate impacts stack up,” said Colin Wellenkamp, the executive director of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative , a coalition of local governments along the river. “We used to see them every 10 to 15 years, now we’re seeing them where they just don’t quit.”

‘Demand’s not going anywhere but up’

Despite the pandemic, when most travel worldwide was at a costly standstill, bookings on river cruises in the United States rose 25 percent from 2019 to 2022, according to data from AAA, the automobile owners’ group that also tracks air and cruise travel. An analysis by the market research firm Grandview Research in 2022 projected continued growth of more than 20 percent a year for U.S. river cruising through 2030, largely on the strength of the Mississippi River cruises.

River cruising “took off first in the European rivers, but it’s always been really built on American travelers,” said Charlie Robertson, an owner and chief executive of American Cruise Lines , the dominant operator on the Mississippi. Both American and Viking , a major player in Europe and Asia, are already booking Mississippi cruises into 2025, and building new ships to serve this market. Though the parent company of the third Mississippi cruise operator, American Queen Voyages, declared bankruptcy earlier this year, citing difficulties recovering from the effects of the pandemic, American Cruise Lines purchased all four paddle wheelers in its fleet.

“Demand’s not going anywhere but up,” Mr. Wellenkamp said. “Everybody wants to see the historic Main Street, and everybody wants to see this ecological icon Mark Twain wrote about.”

In Kimmswick, the new landing had local leaders dreaming of a return to the town’s roots as a key stop for Mississippi steamboats. After years spent building sandbag levees to protect Kimmswick — three major floods threatened the downtown since 2015 — and building a landing to accommodate 40-foot swings in the river’s flow, drought severe enough to threaten the town’s economic prospects seemed unthinkable.

“​​How can you be a river-facing city if you don’t have any riverboats?” said Phil Stang, Kimmswick’s mayor.

Powerfully unpredictable

The Mississippi basin extends to 32 states and two Canadian provinces, moving a staggering 600,000 cubic feet of water a second into the Gulf of Mexico. Even in its historic state, it could be powerfully unpredictable, with flows that oscillated by as much as 60 feet in the space of a season. T.S. Eliot called the river “a strong brown god — sullen, untamed and intractable.”

Today, much of the river has been remade as a maritime highway, with locks, levees and revetments designed to control its flow and stop floodwaters.

“When the river wasn’t leveed, it would flood 100 miles back into farmland,” said Lee Hendrix, who got his start as a deckhand on a towboat in 1972 and has spent the last 50 years working on the river . “Now, the levees don’t allow that.” As a result, the river’s swings are growing more intense. “It’s undeniable that it’s more volatile in terms of how rapidly it can rise and fall,” Mr. Hendrix said.

He spent last summer sharing Mississippi lore and trivia with passengers as the American Queen’s onboard “Riverlorian.” As the boat sailed past sandbars that went on for miles, he found himself grateful to be in a position with no responsibility for logistics. “There were a lot of docks we couldn’t get to,” he said.

Planning can blunt the impact of these disruptions — American Cruise Lines doesn’t schedule its tallest boats to sail the upper Mississippi, where sailing under some bridges during high water is impossible. The boats themselves are changing, too, to designs that can slip beneath low bridges, motor upstream against strong currents and get to shore in shallower waters. “Our basic design parameter is that if the tow boats can go, we can go,” said Mr. Robertson, the chief executive. “Because the Army Corps will move heaven and earth to allow the towing industry to keep moving.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers runs patrol teams and a dredging operation to maintain a navigable channel at least 300 feet wide and 9 feet deep. In recent years, the Corps has added more structures along the riverbanks called “chevrons” that allow high water to better flush out sediment that blocks the channel. Nevertheless, drought conditions have extended seasons when dredging is required.

“While we’re dredging less, our crews are out there on the river for a longer time,” said Shawn Sullivan, the strategic planning coordinator for the Corps’ St. Louis district. “I don’t know what normal is anymore.”

Carefully timed trips

Carol Coletta leads Memphis River Parks Partnership , the nonprofit that manages Beale Street Landing. The group anticipates a $700,000 revenue shortfall from landings this fiscal year, and is looking for ways to modify a second landing that can welcome boats even when the river is at its lowest. “We have to anticipate that this could persist,” Ms. Coletta said, “and if it does persist, then we cannot count on boat dockings for revenue.”

For cities smaller than Memphis, the hit can be much deeper. “If you’re a town of 800 people and a boat of 250 shows up, you’re going to feel that in your economy,” said Mr. Wellenkamp, of the Cities and Towns Initiative. “We have cities that 20 percent of their economy is captured from the riverboats stopping in, and we have cities where 60 percent of the economy is captured from riverboats stopping in.”

Cindy Anderson, who owns the travel agency USA River Cruises, says she’s gotten more careful in advising customers when to visit the region. “We have people ask us, and I say, ‘Springtime is fabulous,’” she said. Vendors have shifted their offering, too. The whole Mississippi, from St. Paul to New Orleans, was a popular itinerary Ms. Anderson used to sell year round; now it’s only available for a few months in the summer.

“That’s a very long and expensive cruise to book if you have to cancel it,” she said.

Even as cruise traffic on the Mississippi has grown, Ms. Anderson says much of her business has shifted to the Columbia River, in the Pacific Northwest, where large dams and meltwater from high peaks modulate seasonal changes in flow.

“We don’t have any water issues on the Columbia River — it never closes down, it never floods,” she said.

Ms. Anderson compared the unpredictability of Mississippi River itineraries to European rivers, many of them crisscrossed by historic bridges that offer little clearance for cruises to pass when waters are high. There, operators often ferry passengers between segments of a trip on chartered buses. But, Ms. Anderson said, most guests will expect refunds for an itinerary full of transfers by what cruise operators often call “motor coach.”

“Because they didn’t really get a cruise, they got a bus trip,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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American heritage cruising into marietta next week.

Pictured is the paddle wheel on the rear of the American Heritage sternwheeler. The boat will be docking in Marietta on July 24. (Photo provided by American Cruise Lines)

MARIETTA — Marietta will be visited by a paddlewheeler next week.

American Cruise Lines’ paddlewheeler, American Heritage, will arrive in Marietta on July 24 and its passengers will disembark at 8 a.m., according to American Cruise Lines’ Public Relations Manager Alexa Paolella.

She said the American Heritage is currently on a Grand Ohio River Cruise traveling from St. Louis to Pittsburgh that started July 13 and will end in Pittsburgh on July 26.

According to Paolella the Grand Ohio River Cruise is a 16-day cruise and it can sail in either direction between Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

According to American Cruise Line’s website, once the passengers arrive in Marietta they will have their choice of complimentary tours, a trip to the Castle Historic House Museum; a Marietta Local Loop Excursion which involves a visit to the Campus Martius Museum and the Children’s Toy and Doll Museum; a guided walking tour of Marietta’s Earthworks; a Harmar Heritage walk that shows off Fort Harmar and the Henry Fearing House; and a guided exploration of Mound Cemetery.

The American Heritage paddlewheeler travels down the Mississippi River. The American Heritage will be stopping in Marietta for the day on July 24. (Photo provided by American Cruise Lines)

Paolella said the tours are offered continuously throughout the day so passengers can usually go on more than one.

She said the boat will leave Marietta at 11 p.m. Wednesday and its next stop will be Moundsville, W.Va.

According to Paolella, the boat can hold up to 150 people and the number of passengers on the boat right now is slightly less than that. She said the American Heritage offers almost every passenger a private balcony and for the rooms that don’t have one they have picture windows that open.

The website said the American Heritage first set sail in 2015, and according to Paolella all of the paddlewheelers had some renovations in the last couple of years.

She said they “were all redone with interior design in 2022.”

Pictured is a view of St. Louis from the deck of the American Heritage paddlewheeler. The boat will be coming to Marietta on July 24. (Photo provided by American Cruise Lines)

According to Paollella, the number of American Cruise Lines’ stops in Marietta will increase next year. She said American Cruise Lines boats will stop in Marietta eight times this year and 14 times in 2025.

She said this is due to the company switching Marietta from a half-day stop in 2023 to a full-day stop in 2024 and because they will be offering more of their 9-day long Ohio River cruises, on which Marietta is a stop, in 2025.

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