Upper Mississippi River Cruise

Four Seasons Pre-Cruise Package - St. Louis

Enjoy a one-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, a resort-style hotel on the bank of the Mississippi River and located in the heart of downtown's entertainment district. This Pre-Cruise Package includes breakfast at the Four Seasons Cinder House Restaurant, concierge luggage service, and a Discover St. Louis city excursion which concludes at the ship the morning of your cruise.

Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.

Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and enjoy a 1-night hotel stay in Alton, within a few miles of the ship’s docking location. The evening of your arrival, enjoy a Welcome Reception featuring local culinary specialties, complimentary cocktails, regional wines, and local craft beers.

On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after a complimentary breakfast to begin your Historic Alton Exploration shore excursion. Learn about the history of this city known for its limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River as well as for its role preceding and during the American Civil War. Complimentary transfer to the ship the morning of embarkation are included for your convenience.

Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

Missouri History Museum

Enjoy a guided tour through two of the museum’s most popular exhibits; The 1904 World’s Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward, an event that attracted over 200,000 visitors to the opening day, and Seeking St. Louis, delve into the history of the Gateway City from its founding through the new millennium.

Note: This excursion is only offered on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Discover St. Louis - Complimentary Excursion

This narrated exploration provides you with a wonderful overview of the city, including downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden Sculpture Park, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square, Forest Park, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.  

Note: This excursion is only offered on select cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Discover Historic Alton - Complimentary Excursion

Join your local expert on a guided exploration of one of America’s great river towns. Find out how you measure up to the world’s tallest man during a photo stop at the Robert Wadlow Statue. Discover the Upper Alton Historic District, home to a former military academy. Marvel at the elaborate architecture in the Middletown Historic District, the center of wealth in the early days of Alton. Learn about Alton’s ties to the abolitionist movement at the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument.

Browse the antique shops and boutiques in downtown Alton and stop at the site of the final senatorial debate between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Admire the antebellum Victorian homes at the Christian Hill Historic District and discover the legend of the Piasa Bird, a dragon like beast depicted in a mural painted by Native Americans on bluffs above the Mississippi River.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in Alton.

St. Louis Gateway Arch Experience

Relive the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring over 200 years of history within six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit and explains the westward expansion of the U.S., with an emphasis on St. Louis’ role in that era.

Shaped by the inspired design of Finnish-America architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch monument celebrates the expansion West and the pioneers who made it possible. Since its completion in 1965, millions of visitors have taken a trip to the top to enjoy stunning views. Begin your adventure with our new, interactive pre-boarding exhibits featuring 60s-era animation and Gateway Arch trivia. Then, be transported 630 feet to the top of America’s tallest man-made monument. Or, if you prefer, enjoy the movie Monument to a Dream.

Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO or Alton, IL

The Lewis & Clark Experience

Walk in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they made their historic journey West at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site.  Then continue to the 180-foot Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower which includes an indoor visitor center and a variety of observation platforms for birds-eye views of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

Explore the Great River Road

Travel along The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway before experiencing the best view in the Midwest on the brand-new Grafton Sky Tour, a combination lift and fixed-grip gondola. Then explore the Grafton Winery, an 11,000-square-foot full production winery overlooking four acres of vineyards followed by a private wine tasting. 

Note: Only available on cruises ending in Alton.

Alton Exploration Shuttle

Explore some of the best sites in Alton on this convenient shuttle that runs on a continuous loop. Stops include the Alton Visitor Center, Audubon Center at Riverlands, Mississippi Mud Pottery, Jacoby Arts Center and the legendary Fast Eddie’s Bon Air to savor delicious local favorites and ice cold beer in a fun, casual setting just blocks from the Mississippi River.

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum - Complimentary Excursion

As you arrive in Hannibal, the boyhood home of famous author Mark Twain, relive the author’s experiences that heavily influenced his writings. Visit the actual home that Mark Twain grew up in, which is surrounded by the legendary whitewashed fence of Tom Sawyer. The vivid stories told by Mark Twain come to life at this interactive museum. Visit the Becky Thatcher House, the Huck Finn Home, and the Tom and Huck Statue at the foot of Cardiff Hill. Stop at the Interpretive Center, home to 15 original Normal Rockwell paintings. 

Rockcliffe Mansion & Trolley Excursion

Relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s time in Hannibal during this historical trolley tour. Your experienced guide will share the history of Hannibal and take you to places of significance, including the Rockcliffe Mansion, an amazing 13,500 square foot American castle built to overlook the mighty Mississippi River. This excursion will also highlight many of the exciting places which inspired Mark Twain’s famous tales.

A Walk With Mark Twain

Join Richard Garey as Mark Twain and stroll through the streets of Hannibal, the hometown that inspired Mark Twain’s famous literary novels. Learn about its history through the author’s own words and observations and then enjoy a special performance of “Mark Twain Himself” at the Planter’s Barn Theater.

Lee County Agri-tourism Excursion

Enjoy an exploration of two working farms in rural Lee County.  

Stop at the Hinterland Dairy Farmstead Cheese, a working farm where a farmer will tell you about its history, how production works, as well as other insights about life at the farm. Explore the brand new state-of-the-art cheese production facility and learn about the process of cheese making from start to finish. Stop at the onsite shop featuring all Iowa-made products and of course, the cheese!

Visit the Harvestville Farm, a 5th generation family farm. Explore the farm, enjoy a trip through the corn maze, browse through the retail barn, and even take a wagon ride through the acreage. You will have an opportunity to pick up some homemade treats and goods that are either made right there on the farm or by a local vendor.

Historic Fort Madison Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

Step back in time to when the Mississippi River reached to the railway line, when breweries and distilleries reigned supreme, and where a garment district attracted the likes of Chicago gangsters who came to buy their “Hesse” suits during the roaring 20s. Stop at Fort Madison, an active military outpost from 1808 to 1813 and the only known War of 1812 battlefield in the state of Iowa. Visit the Iowa Territorial Prison, the longest continually used penitentiary in the United States, operational from January of 1839 to August of 2015. View the original 1839 cell block which still stands in testament to the frontier justice that was handed out throughout the heartland.

Isabel Bloom Art Experience

Isabel Bloom was an artist raised in Davenport, best known for her concrete sculptures of animals and children. During this guided factory exploration, her legacy comes to life with behind-the-scenes access to every step in the making of each Isabel Bloom sculpture. Ask questions, preview new designs, and offer opinions on future sculptures.

John Deere Pavilion & Davenport Exploration- Complimentary Excursion

Enjoy a stop at the John Deere Pavilion and Store. The company’s rich heritage is chronicled in exhibits, interactive touch screen displays, and equipment dating back nearly 175 years, including antique tractors and giant modern combines. Continue on a narrated city tour of Davenport and learn about the Rock Island Arsenal, Davenport native Bix Biederbecke’s contribution to Jazz, Rock Island’s 1920’s “Crime Lord” John Looney, the area’s beautiful college campuses, and the city’s Native American history.

Black Hawk State Historic Site - Complimentary Excursion

Enjoy a guided tour of the Hauberg Indian Museum. Located in the Black Hawk State Historic Site, this museum interprets the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians who once called it home. During the tour, view full-size replicas of Sauk winter and summer homes, dioramas with life-size figures of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians, and traditional artifacts, including authentic trade goods and jewelry.

Skybridge Walk & Figge Art Museum

Enjoy a scenic view of the city and the Mississippi River as you walk along the Davenport Skybridge, a pedestrian cable-stayed bridge that stands 50 feet tall, 575 feet long and features 99 columns. Follow the bridge to The Figge Art Museum, one of the oldest art institutions in the country, to admire the vast collection of European, American, Spanish, Haitian, and contemporary art.

Delight in Dubuque

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Victorian-era Dubuque during a tour through the town’s many historic attractions. Learn about the architecture, families, and events that made 19th-century Dubuque such a unique treasure. Your guide will lead you through Dubuque's beautiful historic sites, including the Mathias Ham House and The Old Jail Museum.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Take an entertaining and informative journey along the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. The museum’s interactive exhibits will give you an inside look at the Mississippi River's past, present, and future. On this guided tour, learn about the lives of the pioneers, explorers, and artists who once lived along the Mississippi River. Get close to nature, as you make your way through six large aquariums. 

Discover Winona

Enjoy a guided, in-depth exploration of the historic and interesting sites around greater Winona.  Stops include the Winona County History Center, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Garvin Heights lookout with amazing views of this stretch of the Mississippi River valley, and more.

Winona Local Loop

Running on a continuous loop, this guided exploration shuttle takes you from the ship to Winona's hot spots including history and art museums, historic places with beautiful architecture and stained glass, and to the heart of Downtown so you can shop, eat and stroll at your leisure.

Downtown Winona Walking Experience

Take a 60-minute walk through Winona's historic downtown to see some great architecture, hear some surprising stories, and play a fun game or two.  Bottled water is included.

Winona Boat Exploration

This narrated Winona boat exploration not only entertains but educates about the famed waterway, the history of Winona and its relation to the Mississippi River.  Bring your camera and binoculars to view local wildlife like eagles, deer, turtles, snakes and beaver on this mesmerizing river cruise.

Red Wing Museum Shuttle – Complimentary Excursion

Learn about the fascinating history of Red Wing on this convenient shuttle to the city’s best museums. Visit the Marine Museum, located along the river near the site of the original factory where Red Wing boats and motors were made and launched. Explore their many exhibits which depict one of oldest of the city’s manufacturing industries.

View the world’s largest boot at the Red Wing Shoe Museum, a size 638 1/2 that stands at over 20 feet tall. Explore the museums many intriguing exhibits, including a Norman Rockwell original art gallery, featuring footwear ads from the 1960s. Visit the Goodhue County Museum. Established in 1869, this museum is home to the first county historical society in Minnesota. View exhibits detailing Goodhue County’s rich and vibrant history.

Red Wing City Excursion & Pottery Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Travel back in time, as you tour the beautiful city of Red Wing. Led by our local expert guide, view some of the most impressive Victorian homes of the period, as well as the historic St. James Hotel. Visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and admire the numerous vintage pieces of artisan-crafted stoneware, art pottery, dinnerware, and folk art.

National Eagle Center - Complimentary Excursion

Witness bald and golden eagles like never before, face-to-face! The National Eagle Center offers a unique viewing opportunity that brings visitors within a few feet of these majestic creatures with no barrier in between. This is an experience like no other and one you will never forget.

Disembarkment

St. Paul’s enchanting art galleries, world class museums, and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which showcases gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800’s. End the day by visiting Mounds Park, where visitors are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Four Seasons Pre-Cruise Package - St. Louis

Enjoy a one-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, a resort-style hotel on the bank of the Mississippi River and located in the heart of downtown's entertainment district. This Pre-Cruise Package includes breakfast at the Four Seasons Cinder House Restaurant, concierge luggage service, and a Discover St. Louis city excursion which concludes at the ship the morning of your cruise.

Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.

Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and enjoy a 1-night hotel stay in Alton, within a few miles of the ship’s docking location. The evening of your arrival, enjoy a Welcome Reception featuring local culinary specialties, complimentary cocktails, regional wines, and local craft beers.

On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after a complimentary breakfast to begin your Historic Alton Exploration shore excursion. Learn about the history of this city known for its limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River as well as for its role preceding and during the American Civil War. Complimentary transfer to the ship the morning of embarkation are included for your convenience.

Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

Disembarkment

St. Paul’s enchanting art galleries, world class museums, and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which showcases gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800’s. End the day by visiting Mounds Park, where visitors are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Red Wing Museum Shuttle – Complimentary Excursion

Learn about the fascinating history of Red Wing on this convenient shuttle to the city’s best museums. Visit the Marine Museum, located along the river near the site of the original factory where Red Wing boats and motors were made and launched. Explore their many exhibits which depict one of oldest of the city’s manufacturing industries.

View the world’s largest boot at the Red Wing Shoe Museum, a size 638 1/2 that stands at over 20 feet tall. Explore the museums many intriguing exhibits, including a Norman Rockwell original art gallery, featuring footwear ads from the 1960s. Visit the Goodhue County Museum. Established in 1869, this museum is home to the first county historical society in Minnesota. View exhibits detailing Goodhue County’s rich and vibrant history.

Red Wing City Excursion & Pottery Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Travel back in time, as you tour the beautiful city of Red Wing. Led by our local expert guide, view some of the most impressive Victorian homes of the period, as well as the historic St. James Hotel. Visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and admire the numerous vintage pieces of artisan-crafted stoneware, art pottery, dinnerware, and folk art.

National Eagle Center - Complimentary Excursion

Witness bald and golden eagles like never before, face-to-face! The National Eagle Center offers a unique viewing opportunity that brings visitors within a few feet of these majestic creatures with no barrier in between. This is an experience like no other and one you will never forget.

Discover Winona

Enjoy a guided, in-depth exploration of the historic and interesting sites around greater Winona.  Stops include the Winona County History Center, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Garvin Heights lookout with amazing views of this stretch of the Mississippi River valley, and more.

Winona Local Loop

Running on a continuous loop, this guided exploration shuttle takes you from the ship to Winona's hot spots including history and art museums, historic places with beautiful architecture and stained glass, and to the heart of Downtown so you can shop, eat and stroll at your leisure.

Downtown Winona Walking Experience

Take a 60-minute walk through Winona's historic downtown to see some great architecture, hear some surprising stories, and play a fun game or two.  Bottled water is included.

Winona Boat Exploration

This narrated Winona boat exploration not only entertains but educates about the famed waterway, the history of Winona and its relation to the Mississippi River.  Bring your camera and binoculars to view local wildlife like eagles, deer, turtles, snakes and beaver on this mesmerizing river cruise.

Delight in Dubuque

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Victorian-era Dubuque during a tour through the town’s many historic attractions. Learn about the architecture, families, and events that made 19th-century Dubuque such a unique treasure. Your guide will lead you through Dubuque's beautiful historic sites, including the Mathias Ham House and The Old Jail Museum.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Take an entertaining and informative journey along the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. The museum’s interactive exhibits will give you an inside look at the Mississippi River's past, present, and future. On this guided tour, learn about the lives of the pioneers, explorers, and artists who once lived along the Mississippi River. Get close to nature, as you make your way through six large aquariums. 

Isabel Bloom Art Experience

Isabel Bloom was an artist raised in Davenport, best known for her concrete sculptures of animals and children. During this guided factory exploration, her legacy comes to life with behind-the-scenes access to every step in the making of each Isabel Bloom sculpture. Ask questions, preview new designs, and offer opinions on future sculptures.

John Deere Pavilion & Davenport Exploration- Complimentary Excursion

Enjoy a stop at the John Deere Pavilion and Store. The company’s rich heritage is chronicled in exhibits, interactive touch screen displays, and equipment dating back nearly 175 years, including antique tractors and giant modern combines. Continue on a narrated city tour of Davenport and learn about the Rock Island Arsenal, Davenport native Bix Biederbecke’s contribution to Jazz, Rock Island’s 1920’s “Crime Lord” John Looney, the area’s beautiful college campuses, and the city’s Native American history.

Black Hawk State Historic Site - Complimentary Excursion

Enjoy a guided tour of the Hauberg Indian Museum. Located in the Black Hawk State Historic Site, this museum interprets the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians who once called it home. During the tour, view full-size replicas of Sauk winter and summer homes, dioramas with life-size figures of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians, and traditional artifacts, including authentic trade goods and jewelry.

Skybridge Walk & Figge Art Museum

Enjoy a scenic view of the city and the Mississippi River as you walk along the Davenport Skybridge, a pedestrian cable-stayed bridge that stands 50 feet tall, 575 feet long and features 99 columns. Follow the bridge to The Figge Art Museum, one of the oldest art institutions in the country, to admire the vast collection of European, American, Spanish, Haitian, and contemporary art.

Lee County Agri-tourism Excursion

Enjoy an exploration of two working farms in rural Lee County.  

Stop at the Hinterland Dairy Farmstead Cheese, a working farm where a farmer will tell you about its history, how production works, as well as other insights about life at the farm. Explore the brand new state-of-the-art cheese production facility and learn about the process of cheese making from start to finish. Stop at the onsite shop featuring all Iowa-made products and of course, the cheese!

Visit the Harvestville Farm, a 5th generation family farm. Explore the farm, enjoy a trip through the corn maze, browse through the retail barn, and even take a wagon ride through the acreage. You will have an opportunity to pick up some homemade treats and goods that are either made right there on the farm or by a local vendor.

Historic Fort Madison Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

Step back in time to when the Mississippi River reached to the railway line, when breweries and distilleries reigned supreme, and where a garment district attracted the likes of Chicago gangsters who came to buy their “Hesse” suits during the roaring 20s. Stop at Fort Madison, an active military outpost from 1808 to 1813 and the only known War of 1812 battlefield in the state of Iowa. Visit the Iowa Territorial Prison, the longest continually used penitentiary in the United States, operational from January of 1839 to August of 2015. View the original 1839 cell block which still stands in testament to the frontier justice that was handed out throughout the heartland.

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum - Complimentary Excursion

As you arrive in Hannibal, the boyhood home of famous author Mark Twain, relive the author’s experiences that heavily influenced his writings. Visit the actual home that Mark Twain grew up in, which is surrounded by the legendary whitewashed fence of Tom Sawyer. The vivid stories told by Mark Twain come to life at this interactive museum. Visit the Becky Thatcher House, the Huck Finn Home, and the Tom and Huck Statue at the foot of Cardiff Hill. Stop at the Interpretive Center, home to 15 original Normal Rockwell paintings. 

Rockcliffe Mansion & Trolley Excursion

Relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s time in Hannibal during this historical trolley tour. Your experienced guide will share the history of Hannibal and take you to places of significance, including the Rockcliffe Mansion, an amazing 13,500 square foot American castle built to overlook the mighty Mississippi River. This excursion will also highlight many of the exciting places which inspired Mark Twain’s famous tales.

A Walk With Mark Twain

Join Richard Garey as Mark Twain and stroll through the streets of Hannibal, the hometown that inspired Mark Twain’s famous literary novels. Learn about its history through the author’s own words and observations and then enjoy a special performance of “Mark Twain Himself” at the Planter’s Barn Theater.

Missouri History Museum

Enjoy a guided tour through two of the museum’s most popular exhibits; The 1904 World’s Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward, an event that attracted over 200,000 visitors to the opening day, and Seeking St. Louis, delve into the history of the Gateway City from its founding through the new millennium.

Note: This excursion is only offered on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Discover St. Louis - Complimentary Excursion

This narrated exploration provides you with a wonderful overview of the city, including downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden Sculpture Park, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square, Forest Park, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.  

Note: This excursion is only offered on select cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Discover Historic Alton - Complimentary Excursion

Join your local expert on a guided exploration of one of America’s great river towns. Find out how you measure up to the world’s tallest man during a photo stop at the Robert Wadlow Statue. Discover the Upper Alton Historic District, home to a former military academy. Marvel at the elaborate architecture in the Middletown Historic District, the center of wealth in the early days of Alton. Learn about Alton’s ties to the abolitionist movement at the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument.

Browse the antique shops and boutiques in downtown Alton and stop at the site of the final senatorial debate between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Admire the antebellum Victorian homes at the Christian Hill Historic District and discover the legend of the Piasa Bird, a dragon like beast depicted in a mural painted by Native Americans on bluffs above the Mississippi River.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in Alton.

St. Louis Gateway Arch Experience

Relive the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring over 200 years of history within six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit and explains the westward expansion of the U.S., with an emphasis on St. Louis’ role in that era.

Shaped by the inspired design of Finnish-America architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch monument celebrates the expansion West and the pioneers who made it possible. Since its completion in 1965, millions of visitors have taken a trip to the top to enjoy stunning views. Begin your adventure with our new, interactive pre-boarding exhibits featuring 60s-era animation and Gateway Arch trivia. Then, be transported 630 feet to the top of America’s tallest man-made monument. Or, if you prefer, enjoy the movie Monument to a Dream.

Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO or Alton, IL

The Lewis & Clark Experience

Walk in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they made their historic journey West at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site.  Then continue to the 180-foot Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower which includes an indoor visitor center and a variety of observation platforms for birds-eye views of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

Explore the Great River Road

Travel along The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway before experiencing the best view in the Midwest on the brand-new Grafton Sky Tour, a combination lift and fixed-grip gondola. Then explore the Grafton Winery, an 11,000-square-foot full production winery overlooking four acres of vineyards followed by a private wine tasting. 

Note: Only available on cruises ending in Alton.

Alton Exploration Shuttle

Explore some of the best sites in Alton on this convenient shuttle that runs on a continuous loop. Stops include the Alton Visitor Center, Audubon Center at Riverlands, Mississippi Mud Pottery, Jacoby Arts Center and the legendary Fast Eddie’s Bon Air to savor delicious local favorites and ice cold beer in a fun, casual setting just blocks from the Mississippi River.