Highlights of the Mississippi Cruise
New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA
Beginning and ending in the lively city of New Orleans, this remarkable journey celebrates the festive culture and deep roots of a region where music speaks universally and history is evident at every bend of the river. Experience comfort aboard our newest ships while enjoying enriching onboard programs that bring each destination to life through expert presentations and regional storytelling tied directly to your itinerary.
Explore captivating port cities, including Natchez, showcasing a distinct mix of African, British, and French influences, as well as Baton Rouge, the heart of Louisiana. Journey to the elegant Oak Alley estate, renowned for its iconic oak-lined avenue, and discover the rich past of Vicksburg, where Civil War battlefields offer insight into one of America’s defining eras. Step inside the grand homes and significant landmarks of St. Francisville, guided by experts who provide a behind-the-scenes perspective. Indulge in authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural origins.
While relaxing on your river cruise, enjoy the attentive service of the crew or unwind on your private stateroom balcony, taking in the serene beauty that surrounds you.
Upcoming Dates & Fares
Itinerary & Excursions
*Exact itinerary & excursions will vary by cruise date
Map & Itinerary Overview
Visit Oak Alley, Vicksburg, Natchez, and more on this round-trip river cruise from New Orleans.
Day 1 - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is a city alive with music, culture, and history at every turn. Explore its vibrant streets, savor iconic cuisine, and soak up the energy of this unforgettable location. A walk through the French Quarter reveals iron balconies, Creole townhouses, and architectural details that reflect the city’s French and Spanish heritage.
The New Orleans jazz legacy thrives, from street musicians to the traditional performances at Preservation Hall, while local restaurants showcase the bold flavors of Creole cuisine. Along the nearby riverfront, the Mississippi’s role in steamboat commerce and trade comes into focus, making this bustling port the perfect starting point for a journey on the river.
Day 2 - Day of River Cruising
Board your ship and wave goodbye to New Orleans as your Mississippi River cruise sets sail. Traveling north, the scenery shifts from the city’s iconic waterfront to the working river corridor. Levees line the banks, cargo vessels move through the channel, and bustling port facilities showcase the river’s vital role in American trade and transportation.
Day 3 - Oak Alley, LA
This stop along the Great River Road highlights the landscapes and stories of the lower Mississippi. Visit Oak Alley, a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion built during the region’s sugar boom and known for its avenue of live oaks. Explore the grounds and wander beneath the oaks that have seen so much history. Step inside the interiors and learn how the property evolved from a working farm into a preserved historic site.
You can also join a Cajun cooking experience, preparing jambalaya as you hear traditional folktales and learn how these recipes have been passed down through generations.
Another option is a narrated boat ride through nearby wetlands, where cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss frame the waterways. From a covered boat, look for wildlife such as alligators, nutria, turtles, and wading birds in this part of the Mississippi River Delta ecosystem.
Day 4 - Baton Rouge, LA
Welcome to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, whose name comes from the French phrase “red stick,” a reference to a boundary marker once used by Native American tribes. The city echoes with the stories of its most notable figures, particularly the bold Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. His political and architectural legacy is reflected in landmarks such as the Old State Capitol Museum, housed in a majestic Gothic-style castle from 1852, and the current 34-story State Capitol, a striking example of Depression-era Art Deco architecture built from Louisiana limestone and adorned with marble.
Discover Capitol Park Museum, where Louisiana’s vibrant culture comes to life, from the sounds of Louis Armstrong to the pageantry of Mardi Gras traditions. Walk in history’s footsteps on a guided exploration of key Civil War sites tied to the Battle of Baton Rouge. Visit Magnolia Cemetery and stand on the very ground where some of the conflict’s most intense moments unfolded.
Follow downtown along the Baton Rouge Riverfront, where modern art, river views, and old architecture blend seamlessly. Browse local shops and experience the dynamic energy of a city shaped by a rich and complex past.
Day 5 - Natchez / Vicksburg, MS
In the heart of Natchez, where the Mississippi River bends, grand homes stand as a testament to the city’s wealth as a major river port. After the French built a fort here in 1716 near communities of the Natchez people, the settlement grew into one of the most prosperous towns along the water. Largely preserved despite early Union occupation during the Civil War, Natchez remains home to one of Mississippi’s most intact collections of iconic residences.
Discover the stunning Rosalie Mansion, known as “Our Lady on the Bluff.” Led by a guide, explore this beautiful home overlooking the water, with elegant interiors and period furnishings that offer a glimpse into Natchez’s past.
Next, travel to Vicksburg National Military Park, where preserved battlefields, towering monuments, and the restored ironclad USS Cairo tell the story of the decisive campaign that helped turn the tide of the war.
Day 6 - St. Francisville, LA
Perched high above the Mississippi River, St. Francisville invites you to step into a world of small-town charm infused with Southern Gothic intrigue. Set on bluffs protected from flooding, this scenic destination connects the lower Mississippi’s estates with the Delta’s natural landscapes.
Visit The Myrtles, an 18th-century estate where history and mystery intertwine. Stroll through the beautifully preserved grounds of Rosedown, known for its expansive gardens and refined architecture.
Explore the Audubon State Historic Site, where the region’s artistic and natural beauty comes to life, then venture to the Port Hudson Historic Site, where pivotal Civil War events unfolded. Wander the district, where Royal Street, century-old churches, and preserved community buildings showcase the town’s character.
Day 7 - New Orleans, LA
Return to New Orleans and enjoy a full day immersed in the rhythm and spirit of the city. Discover the enchanting French Quarter, pausing at Jackson Square on the Mississippi River, just steps from the legendary Café du Monde. Continue to Louis Armstrong Park in the historic Tremé neighborhood, the birthplace of many of the city’s most celebrated jazz musicians.
Delve into the powerful exhibits at the National WWII Museum, where immersive displays bring to life the global scale of the conflict that reshaped the world, highlighting not only influential leaders but also the everyday men and women whose courage defined a generation.
Day 8 - New Orleans, LA
After breakfast, disembark and begin your journey home, taking with you lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the stories and traditions that have shaped life along the river.
Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay in New Orleans, allowing more time to explore its vibrant neighborhoods, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned cuisine at your own pace.
Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Hotel Stay, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area.
On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
As you board the ship, be welcomed by the crew who will ensure that every detail of your journey is seamless. Take the time to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of small-ship cruising.
From panoramic deck views to thoughtfully designed lounges, every corner of the ship offers a chance to relax, socialize, and prepare for the memorable adventures that await.
Come “veiller” (shoot the breeze) with Boudreaux and Thibodeaux as you stir up your very own “ti” (junior) pot of jambalaya in the old Robert Barn by the Cajun Cottages. Be entertained with Cajun folktales while getting step-by-step coaching from a local Cajun jambalaya cook. After dining, enjoy shopping in the Cajun Village, a unique location with specialty crafts and Louisiana items. Should you have a “envie” or craving for a cup of café au lait and beignets, they will be provided to you during the experience.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
From its canopy of 300-year-old oaks to its vast open spaces, Oak Alley's landscape tells the story of a grand southern estate over time. Over 200 years ago, Oak Alley was just a land claim on a map and has since served many purposes, including as a sugar and rice farm, a chicken farm, a cattle ranch, and a country home. Agricultural tycoons, sugar planters, slaves, immigrant laborers, and real estate speculators have traversed its grounds over time.
Today, Oak Alley is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of its inhabitants. Visitors are invited to walk under its iconic alley, explore the exhibits, interact with staff, and leave with a richer, more powerful understanding of its complex history. For the full southern experience, don't forget to take time for a complimentary mint julep.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessibile: Partial
Located on a preserved 18th-century sugar, indigo, and rice plantation, Whitney Plantation features powerful memorials and over a dozen historic buildings—many listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Whitney Plantation Historic District. You will spend time exploring the grounds with an award-winning audio feature that brings to life the stories of those who were enslaved here.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
Step beyond the myths of the American South to experience true-life, first-hand compelling accounts of four generations of Créole women, children, and slaves. Experienced guides transport you into the complex, vanishing world of Créole Louisiana at Laura Plantation, a 200+ year-old sugar habitation. A new, permanent exhibit honors the men, women, and children who were enslaved here, including detailed biographies of former slaves who fought for the freedom in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
Enjoy a delightful class at Eloise Market & Cakery, where you’ll learn the art of baking your very own king cake. Roll out the dough, add the perfect cinnamon sugar filling and decorate it to perfection; then take your creation with you to enjoy. During the rise time, keep the fun going with an exciting game of bingo, complete with prizes for the lucky winners. This hands-on class is perfect for bakers of all levels who want to mix a little skill, a little sweetness, and a lot of fun.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Experience the sights, sounds, and wonders of Baton Rouge, the Capital City of Louisiana. Led by a local expert guide, admire iconic and historical landmarks while exploring many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods on foot. Enjoy fascinating stories of the area’s culture, politics, history, and legends while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature on the route. Walk past the levee, USS KIDD, Louisiana Art and Science Museum, the Capitol Building, and through Spanish Town.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No
Led by an expert historian, explore locations that were critical to the Battle of Baton Rouge and hear about the history surrounding Vicksburg in the Civil War. Visit the historic Magnolia Cemetery and stand upon the very ground where the most intense fighting of the battle took place. Baton Rouge was the most fought over land in Louisiana’s history and this experience will cover not only the Civil War, but the American Revolution and the Florida Rebellion. Although the landscape of Baton Rouge isn’t the same as it was in the 1780s or 1810s, its history will be brought to life by your guide. Visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation, a Baton Rouge city park. Magnolia Mound, unlike other antebellum house museums along the Lower Mississippi, is not your grand mansion. Rather, it’s a simple structure built during Louisiana’s colonial history, and around the time of its Statehood into the Union.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
Join us for a captivating exploration of Baton Rouge, where you'll admire and pass by the stunning architecture of the Governor's Hall, the historic Old Louisiana State Capitol, along with the picturesque Magnolia Mound and other notable landmarks.
You will make a stop at the New State Capitol & Arsenal, the tallest capitol building in the United States.
Explore its grand hallways, art collections, and panoramic views from the observation deck. Adjacent to the capital, the historic Arsenal provides insight into the military history of the region.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Begin this excursion with a brief city exploration before arriving at the Capitol Park Museum. Learn about the many diverse aspects of Louisiana from Louis Armstrong to Mardi Gras. We will then continue by motorcoach for a narrated exploration as we view the impressive Governor's Hall and the New State Capitol, as well as the Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Begin your excursion with a narrated city exploration with views of the impressive Governor's Hall and the New State Capitol. Admire the Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House. Next, travel to the LSU Rural Life Museum; a museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of materials from the cultures of 18th and 19th-century rural Louisianans. The museum highlights how the rest of the South lived in comparison to those living in the grand mansions and plantations visited throughout this itinerary. Experience life in a rural setting in the early lives of Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn about the differences in the material, social, and economic cultures during this time period as compared to today.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. Stop at the impressive Illinois Monument, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The exploration concludes at the Visitors Center where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Nineteen historical buildings, dating from 1790’s to 1900, are a restored tribute to Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins, a modern 1,800-acre working cotton estate with a computerized farm and gin. Before beginning your exploration, meet the owner who will explain the farming and ginning operations. Participate in picking cotton and removing the seeds and tour a rare, steam engine gin listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
Be seated in the hand-hewn log cabin and listen to narration and the vocalist’s songs highlighting the history of southern plantations, including the Constitution, Emancipation Proclamation, and accurate statistics of the enslaved and planter families. After an enlightening overview of the historical Frogmore owners, explore the cotton fields and authentic cabins to learn the origin of southern cuisine, the day-to-day operations and how their labor force evolved into sharecropping, a way of life for 100 years. Enjoy a complimentary beverage as you browse an original plantation store.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure at the Double C Ranch, perfect for nature-lovers and wildlife-enthusiasts. Aboard your private sport utility vehicle, guided by a local professional, enjoy breathtaking views as you travel through scenic hardwood forest, cattle fields, farmlands, and pine plantations. Back at the ranch, watch in awe during live tomahawk throwing, bullwhip popping, archery, and lasso throwing demonstrations. After, get some pointers on form and technique and prepare to shine and surprise yourself as you give it a try. Take home a survivor certificate and photos to share.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Experience a multitude of National treasures, historic sites, and local points of interest from the comfort of your motorcoach. Natchez boasts more National Landmarks than any other town in Mississippi. Begin your exploration at the mighty Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Your local guide will entertain you with local lore and legends, in addition to historical facts. View historic architectural gems, African American sites, local favorites, and a few quirky place. Complete your experience with a complimentary guided exploration of Historic Rosalie Mansion, so exquisite, she’s known as "Our Lady on The Bluff."
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibile: No
Take a cultural, moving journey through the history of Natchez that goes beyond mansions and tells the stories of African Americans from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to the present day.
Begin with a narrated ride through Natchez, where you will see and learn about places such as "Forks in the Road" and the Rhythm Nightclub Fire site. Then, enter Zion Station Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church for a spiritual musical experience featuring noted Natchez gospel performers.
When you return to the motorcoach, learn about the Parchman Ordeal and how it forged the way for economic progress for African American citizens of Natchez. This well-told, enlightening experience will include a visit to the Natchez Museum of African American Culture, where the exhibits underscore the importance of the stops along this American Cruise Lines exclusive experience. Refreshments will be served at 1729 Gallery, a local gathering spot.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Join a local guide for a unique and unforgettable experience combining the history and culture of Natchez with the opportunity to taste some of the most iconic cocktails of the region. On a guided exploration, admire the architecture and design of two historic sites. Start with champagne at The Towers and savor a family libation in 100-year-old Rock Crystal glassware, personally served to you by the owners of this magnificent mansion. Peruse the owners' private collections of decorative arts and antiques and enjoy your libation in the lush gardens. You may hear about family legends with a secret julep recipe revealed.
Continue to Historic Linden, an early suburban villa, where you will have the chance to try a classic southern cocktail - milk punch. Dating back to the 18th century, this libation is made with brandy, milk, sugar, and nutmeg. Delight in the rich and smooth taste while learning about the legends of Linden built in 1790.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Board this convenient shuttle, making stops at:
- Fort Rosalie & Trading Post - Fort Rosalie was built by the French in 1716 within the territory of the Natchez Native Indians and it was part of the French colonial empire, becoming the first settlement in present day Natchez, Mississippi. Walk the hallowed grounds of the long-gone fort and enjoy perusing the gift items of the modern trading post.
- Historic Natchez in Photos - Visit the Stratton Chapel Gallery in downtown Natchez behind First Presbyterian Church. View an outstanding collection of photographs taken from as early as 1860, including family portraits, steamboats, and street scenes.
- Main Street & Franklin Street - Explore the few one-of-a-kind antique shops or just walk among the many beautifully restored historic buildings of this lovely town.
- Historic Natchez Bluffs & Gazebo - Sitting 200 feet above the banks of the Mississippi River, the Gazebo offers the best vantage point from which to take in the river’s natural splendor.
- Rosalie House - Visit Rosalie, an antebellum mansion in downtown Natchez. Excursions begin at the top of every hour. Make sure to wear your lanyard for complimentary entry.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Relax and enjoy the most majestic way to see Historic Natchez. Before planes, trains, and automobiles, horses and buggies owned the roads. Today, we go back to those days. Your certified guide, who will fully narrate this experience, will serve as our history buff, storyteller, comedian, and carriage driver. Travel through the Historic District and hear stories about the famous grand mansions and antebellum homes that made Natchez the wealthiest city in America before the Civil War. See up close the first structures and churches established and the stories that captivate them. Continue through the heart of downtown and get the scoop on the best shopping spots and restaurants for exploring on your own. Visit City Hall and National Park Service Historical sites, viewing the first jail in the Natchez territory. Get a behind-the-scenes look at many fascinating sites not available on any other excursion.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No
Led by a local Civil War historian with over thirty years of research and study on the subject, travel to Port Hudson, the site of the longest true military siege in American history, lasting forty-eight days, one day longer than the siege of Vicksburg. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Vicksburg is the key.” If Vicksburg was the key, then Port Hudson was the lock.
Visit Fort Desperate, a surviving earthen fort, where you can see rifle pits and cannon emplacements, all while learning about its history. Visit the park museum where original artifacts and flags from the siege are on display and enjoy interpretive programs presented by park staff and volunteers, such as the firing of Civil War era cannons and/or muskets.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
St. Francisville is a beautiful small town, set high on a ridge above the Mississippi River. Begin your journey at the St Francisville Museum. Explore two cemeteries, three churches, and a Jewish synagogue, all dating back to the 19th century. Hear the fascinating history of St. Francisville and Bayou Sara as you view the beautiful historic homes along Royal Street. Stops include the West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum, Grace Episcopal Church, Grace Catholic Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and Royal Street.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
Enjoy a hands-on experience in the gallery and at several outbuildings, including a home exploration, a cooking demonstration with samples, a blacksmith demonstration, a short exploration of the grounds, and a museum visit.
Explore the unique home where Audubon resided. Audubon Historic Site is located on Oakley Plantation where John James Audubon lived and worked 1821, completing or beginning 32 of his bird paintings while in residence. During this time, he was commissioned to teach illustration to the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Pirrie, owners of Oakley. Although his engagement was brief and there is no record of his success in teaching Miss Pirrie, Audubon worked on several of his paintings while in the lush, natural, and peaceful setting of Oakley, filling his sketch pad with notes and drawings for his famous series of bird illustrations.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
Join this unique exploration of the Louisiana State Penitentiary and Museum at Angola. Explore the rich history of one of the nation's largest maximum-security prisons. Get a rare look into Angola's legacy, once known as “the bloodiest prison in America”, and its impact on both inmates and the community. Learn about the iconic "Red Hat," worn by inmates assigned special duties. Serving as a symbol of the inmate’s responsibility and status within the prison system, the hats marked them as trusted members of the prison's workforce and, in some cases, as part of Angola's famed rodeo events. Explore the barn where the Persian horses are used in Angola's renowned rodeo. Visit the site of the P.A.W.S program, which trains dogs to assist veterans with PTSD, offering a heartwarming glimpse into the transformative power of rehabilitation.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
Explore and learn about the legacy and lineage of the Turnbull family at Rosedown and Catalpa. On the National Listing of Historic Landmarks, Rosedown is located in one of the most historic corridors of South Louisiana. The presence of the Mississippi River along its shores created rich soil overtime which proved extremely valuable during the cotton boom. As you stroll through this grand estate, local guides will regale you with stories of the families who lived there and plantation life in the 1800s. Enjoy exploring one of the few and largest privately maintained formal gardens of the 19th century.
Visit Catalpa and hear from Mary, a descendant of the original owners. She will host you in her gracious home filled with the treasures of five generations and recount stories of the family and growing up in this beautiful place. Fine portraits, exceptional antiques and beautiful old china, porcelain and silver are original to either Catalpa or Rosedown, home of the owner's grandmother. Conclude your exploration with a special beverage that has been served for years at Catalpa.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
Experience a traditional Louisiana Cochon De Lait serended by local musicians. Cochon de lait is the centuries-old Cajun heritage, centered on cooking a whole pig over an open hardwood fire, infused with Native, French, African, and Caribbean influences and celebrated across Cajun country. Delight in the flavors of slow-roasted cochon, Louisiana boudin, traditional potato salads, seasonal vegetables, as well as bread, crackers, and sauces to accompany dishes. As tradition, there will be an opportunity for dancing after the feast.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
At first glimpse Myrtles, built in 1796, envelopes one with a complete sense of peace and tranquility. However, it is reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America. Surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass, open-pierced frieze work crown molding, Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, Carrara marble mantels, gold-leafed French furnishings and ghosts.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
Board this convenient motorcoach, making stops at:
- Town Hall - Access to local boutiques, bookstore, and coffee shop for an experience that supports local artists and purveyors.
- Audubon Market, Elliot’s Pharmacy, and Patrick’s Jewelry - Forgot something at home? No worries, everything you need can be found at either the Audubon Market or Elliot’s Pharmacy. While you're here, don’t forget to pick up something for your loved ones at Patrick’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts.
- Sage Hill / Post Office - Local store for gifts / Post Office.
- West Feliciana Museum, Away Down South Gift Shop - Located in the town’s former hardware store, learn about the fascinating history of St. Francisville, or stop in for a refreshing treat at Away Down South Gift Shop.
- Grace Church and Cemetery - Built in 1860, you can stroll the grounds or explore the historic cemetery of one of the state’s oldest surviving Protestant churches.
Activity Level: Partial | ADA Accessible: Yes
Get a flavor for this dynamic region aboard this shuttle which runs on a continuous loop. Drop off points include:
- Caeser's New Orleans, a few blocks from Bourbon Street and centrally located near a variety of specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Jackson Square set in the heart of the French Quarter overlooking the Mississippi River and across the street from the world-famous Café Du Monde.
- The Old U.S. Mint which today houses the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the Louisiana Historical Center.
- Louis Armstrong Park, located in the Tremé neighborhood, birthplace of many of New Orleans' most famous jazz musicians.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
The National WWII Museum illustrates the epic and global scale of the war that changed the world. Exhibits not only highlight the role of world leaders, but also the everyday men and women who found the strength and courage to accomplish the extraordinary. Personal artifacts and multimedia installations give life to the pages of history, offering a visceral understanding of the era's triumphs and tragedies. From the solemnity of the Holocaust Memorial to the valor of D-Day landings, every corner of the museum resonates with heroism and human resilience.
Activiy Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel General Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.