Mississippi River Cruises | Viking® (2024)

FAQs

What is the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise? ›

For an 8- or 9-day cruise, the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise is around $4,000 per person in a stateroom.

The best time to cruise the Lower Mississippi is in the spring from April to mid-June, the fall, or the holiday season, September through December, when the temperatures are mild, and humidity is lower than in the summer months.

This epic 23-day exploration of America begins in New Orleans and travels north, visiting new ports of call each day before concluding in Minneapolis.

Operational costs heavily impact pricing, since U.S.-flagged ships must be built in the U.S. and can only employ American citizens, meaning higher wage requirements than on ships operated outside of the country. These factors invariably raise prices, said American Cruise Lines CEO Charles Robertson.

It's down to personal preference and budget. If finances allow, I highly recommend a balcony option. It is worth noting that one morning, you could have an incredible view over the river, but the next day, the view could be of a dock wall and your balcony becomes less important.

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

The itineraries in the Upper Mississippi are the most scenic and often the most popular. However, the cruising season for the upper part of the river is short and sometimes volatile.

Lower Mississippi cruises typically include several itinerary choices, including seven-night round trips from New Orleans. One-way routes of varying lengths operate between New Orleans, Memphis and St. Louis. Popular stops include Natchez, Tunica and Vicksburg in Mississippi and Baton Rouge, Oak Alley and St.

If you're having dinner in the main restaurant or any meal at one of the specialty restaurants, you'll follow a “smart casual” dress code on most nights. This means long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top, or a button-down.

The beauty of a river cruise is that it's a picturesque and easy way to see towns and cities along a river. Typically, the ship drops you off in town, and you can choose to walk around and explore on your own (always my preference) or take a walking tour or bus tour with a group from the ship.

What do you do on a Mississippi River cruise? ›

Highlights of Mississippi River Cruises

Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port.

These cruises are typically between 8 and 9 days long. There are also 5- to 6-day packages that are round trip from New Orleans. Unlike the Upper Mississippi, cruises on the Lower Mississippi are available throughout most of the year, with the exception of mid-January thru late February.

The Mississippi River and its tributaries carry excessively high levels of nutrients that cause a biological dead zone to form at the river mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. This dead zone is referred to as hypoxia, which means very low oxygen in the water.

Generally, Mississippi River cruises are casual and relaxed so your attire can be as well. Bring comfortable clothing and a good pair of walking shoes for shore excursions.

The cost of river cruises can vary quite a bit but typically averages around $300 or $500 (or more) per person per night. That said, there are always some good promotions and offers where the price can decrease by 50% or more, especially if you are okay with booking an interior cabin.

The cost of river cruises can vary quite a bit but typically averages around $300 or $500 (or more) per person per night. That said, there are always some good promotions and offers where the price can decrease by 50% or more, especially if you are okay with booking an interior cabin.

River cruises tend to be a little more expensive than ocean cruising, but also offer more inclusions and other perks. Shore excursions are generally included on river cruises (with premium shore excursions for a fee), but often are not included with base-fare ocean cruise packages.

The average cost is between $500.00 and $2000.00 per person. The price varies based on the destinations, the time a year, the type of cabin you select etc…or even the ship you choose and the package.

Did you realize that once a cruise ship departs the Port of New Orleans, it takes about 7-8 hours to travel down the Mississippi River before getting into the Gulf of Mexico and sailing in international waters?