Mississippi River Cruises

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the iconic Mississippi River, stretching from the serene landscapes of northern Minnesota to the vibrant gulf. With more than 50 years' experience, American Cruise Lines allows you to explore this legendary waterway on your terms, choosing from 12 thoughtfully crafted itineraries designed to showcase the best of America’s heartland.

Whether you prefer the nostalgic charm of paddlewheelers or the modern elegance of luxury riverboats, you’ll enjoy spacious staterooms with private balconies and complimentary excursions at every port, making your Mississippi river cruise as comfortable and enriching as it is memorable.

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American Melody, an American Riverboat small cruise ship gliding along the Mississippi River, surrounded by lush greenery on the nearby shore.

Historic Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $800

8 Days / 7 Nights

From

$3,630

$3,230

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A historic plantation in Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation, has two story pillars on all sides, grand porches, and is set amongst beautiful grounds and gardens with a red brick pathway with large oak trees on each side leading to the front door.

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,000

9 Days / 8 Nights

From

$4,295

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A distinguished older man impersonating Mark Twain with white hair and a white mustache, wearing a white suit and bow tie, showcasing a refined and classy appearance.

Upper Mississippi River Cruise

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,200

9 Days / 8 Nights

From

$4,610

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A live concert at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where a male singer and his band performs in front of a large crowd of hundreds of people.

Music Cities Cruise

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,000

9 Days / 8 Nights

From

$4,295

$3,795

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

A large black cannon in the middle of Shiloh National Military Park in Savannah, with large trees and an American flag on a tall flag pole in the distance.

Tennessee Rivers Cruise

Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,500

9 Days / 8 Nights

From

$4,295

$3,545

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A historic plantation in Louisiana, Houmas House Plantation has two story pillars on all sides, grand porches and is set amongst beautiful grounds and gardens. There are pink, purple, and orange colored flowers in the foreground, and a small pond along the right side of the land.

Mississippi Explorer Cruise

New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,500

12 Days / 11 Nights

From

$6,360

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A red cable car descends a forest hill overlooking the Ohio River and a Pittsburgh cityscape featuring a brideg with a yellow truss in the middle and several skyscrapers under a partly cloudy sky.

Ohio River Cruise

Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $2,000

9 Days / 8 Nights

From

$4,610

$3,610

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A view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the flatland below with several trees, accompanied by a bright yet cloudy sky. In the top left corner, there is a text overlay on a blue box that reads "Land & Cruise Package".

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Knoxville, TN to Nashville, TN

12 Days / 11 Nights

From

$6,795

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The historic St. Francisville landmark the Rosedown, a yellow house with bright green shutters and two-story white pillars with a brick pathway surrounded by perfectly trimmed bushes and large trees leading to the red door.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $2,000

23 Days / 22 Nights

From

$15,890

$14,890

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

A man with a camera photographs a brick path at Oak Alley Plantation, with countless large trees perfectly in line on each side from a balcony.

Grand Heartland Cruise

St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA

Save up to $1,200

16 Days / 15 Nights

From

$11,030

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American Heritage, an American Cruise Lines Paddlewheeler decorated with patriotic red white and blue bunting flags on the front railings, docked along the Mississippi River in Paducah, KY letting passengers off from the front of the ship.

Mississippi River Gateway Cruise

New Orleans, LA to Louisville, KY

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,200

12 Days / 11 Nights

From

$6,360

$5,760

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

Multiple tables and chairs line the blue American Riverboat deck floor with the view of the St. Louis Gateway Arch and several skyscrapers in the background.

Grand Ohio River Cruise

Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,600

16 Days / 15 Nights

From

$8,075

$7,275

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

*Offer Valid Only on New Bookings on Select Dates

Mississippi River Excursions

Embark on an unforgettable journey with American Cruise Lines as we navigate the vibrant waterways on one of our Mississippi River Cruises. Experience the unique charm and cultural richness of cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Memphis, each offering a glimpse into America's storied past and musical heritage. Learn more about how to plan your Mississippi River Cruise vacation with American Cruise Lines.

America's Most Awarded Mississippi River Cruise Line

Our Mississippi River Fleet

American Melody

American Symphony

American Serenade

American Heritage

American Splendor

What Sets Us Apart

A close up of the back of the American Heritage classic paddlewheeler, showing intricate detail of the red and white paddle wheel and a large red banner with "American Heritage" in gold letters outlined in black on the third deck railing.

Made For You: A Personalized Mississippi River Cruise

Our Modern Riverboats are the newest ships on the Mississippi River. With a guest capacity of 180, our ships promise a more personalized experience than any other cruise line. Crew on American Cruise Lines can get to know you throughout your stay. We pay attention to you and your preferences to ensure your voyage is perfect for you. Our Paddlewheelers, with a classic Americana look, offer guests an authentic and nostalgic journey. Our onboard experts become a part of the experience as they travel with you and narrate your venture both on board and on shore. You’ll even be able to dine with your expert along the way.

An Elvis Presley exhibit at Graceland in Memphis, with two of his iconic white outfits displayed in glass cases with a wall filled with his records and posters.

Unique Excursions, Local Guides

From New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN, enjoy well-customized excursions, led by engaging local guides who live and work in these great port cities of America’s Heartland. Get a backstage pass to Elvis’ Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. Explore the boyhood town of Mark Twain in Hannibal and be treated to a live show at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville.

A close up view of a person holding a bowl of Crawfish Etouffee served on American Cruise Lines.

Onboard Experience

Get ready to jive where jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll were born. Our amazing onboard musicians will keep you entertained with tunes that echo the river's soul. Feast on the best Cajun and Creole dishes and classic Memphis BBQ, all crafted by our top-notch chefs. Listen to our onboard experts bring the stories of the river to life at every port of call. Each evening, join us for a complimentary cocktail hour, perfect for swapping stories with fellow travelers over a refreshing mint julep. Cheers to unforgettable moments.

A man and woman smiling while each holding a glass of champagne, sitting around a small table in a lounge aboard an American Cruise Lines small ship.

All-Inclusive Cruising

No matter which ship you choose, you’ll be staying in the largest stateroom in the industry. With private balconies and numerous common areas, you’ll have the perfect spot to watch the lively banks of this historic river roll by. Everything you’ll need is included with your cruise fare. All food, drinks (including beer, wine, and spirits), gratuities, and featured excursions are at no additional cost to you. And, to make your cruise experience truly all-inclusive, select itineraries offer Free Airfare and premium Pre-Cruise Packages that include a hotel stay and transportation to the ship. So, go ahead, enjoy yourself and see this amazing river in a whole new way, without reaching for your wallet.

A Veranda Suite on an American Cruise Lines American Riverboat with a white bed with two blue throw pillows, two blue and white paintings above the bed, two accent chairs at the foot of the bed with a small end table that has a plant on top of it, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to a balcony with scenic views of the Mississippi River.

Spacious Accommodations

Whether on board a modern riverboat or newly refurbished paddlewheeler, American Cruise Lines is proud to offer the largest staterooms in the industry, with full-size bathrooms, and private balconies offering the perfect vantage point from which to admire the scenic rolling river views. Guests can also look forward to discovering spacious lounges and quiet nooks to gather with fellow travelers.