Upper Mississippi River Cruises: Viking and ACL!

If you’ve sailed the Lower Mississippi River between New Orleans, LA, and Memphis, TN, you’re not alone. Mississippi River cruises are not only close to home for many Americans but they’re also highly popular. But did you know that the Upper Mississippi River is a quite different, enticing vacation experience?

(Shown in the photo atop this story, comfortable accommodations — such as this balcony stateroom on Viking Mississippi — are among the vacation highlights of an Upper Mississippi river cruise. Photo by Susan J. Young.)

Unique Regional Draws

Sailing between St. Louis, MO, and St. Paul, MN, within the Mighty Mississippi’s northern region, travelers will gaze at rolling hills and soaring limestone bluffs. They’ll view agricultural fields brimming with corn, wheat and soybeans. And they’ll learn about Lewis and Clark, indigenous tribal history, Norwegian heritage, and local culinary traditions.

Throughout the region, eco-attractions also beckon, such as the National Eagle Center, a popular shore excursion during a Red Wing, MN, port call.

Guests also can explore the region’s museums, indulge in artistic programs, or head out on hiking or biking adventures.

“Many travelers on Upper Mississippi cruises enjoy exploring Mark Twain’s hometown — Hannibal, MO,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “But all along this itinerary route, the ship will also traverse river locks, guests can enjoy spectacular views from some scenic overlooks, and quaint small towns and vibrant urban centers await.”

Best of all, both Viking and American Cruise Lines offer enticing itineraries to showcase the best of this Upper Mississippi region for their river cruise guests. Here’s the scoop! 

Mississippi River Cruises – Viking Mississippi

Last summer, The Meandering Traveler sailed on Viking’s “Heartland of America” itinerary on the Upper Mississippi River between St. Louis, MO, and St. Paul, MN. We ventured aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

Despite being the largest river cruise vessel on the Mississippi, Viking Mississippi still feels intimate in many ways. With the exception of the “mandatory” safety drill where everyone gathered in the Living Room (and the line added extra chairs to accommodate all guests), the ship didn’t feel crowded during our voyage.

There were plenty of venues, nooks and crannies for guests to spread out. This vessel also delivers many features that loyal past Viking guests expect. For instance, Viking Mississippi has Scandinavian-inspired interior design and the popular Aquavit Terrace.

In addition, there are a few elements that reflect the aura of the Mississippi River region. One such feature is Mark Twain-related wall art behind the staircase wall near the reception desk.

Upper Mississippi River Cruises

After guests arrive in St. Louis, MO, they’ll head across the river to Viking Mississippi, docked in Alton, IL. The ship’s first port of call is Hannibal, MO.

Most notable as the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, this port also welcomed many 19th century steamboats and flatboats sailing the Upper Mississippi.

Native American tribes also called the region home prior to the arrival of European settlers. And did you know that “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” who survived the Titanic’s sinking was born in Hannibal?

During our Upper Mississippi cruise, many guests acknowledged “not being that familiar” with many of the destinations along this northerly portion of the river. If you sail, you’ll likely find surprises while exploring ashore.

Dairy Farms, Art and Views

On Viking’s 2025 and 2026 “Heartland of the Mississippi” voyages, the ship will call at Burlington, IA. Among the touring options there, guests might head out on an “Art Around Burlington” tour. Alternatively, history buffs love exploring the 19th century Fort Madison.

On another day, Quad Cities, IA, is a popular port of call. Many travelers on our cruise headed to the Deere Pavilion and the John Deere Homes. They returned raving about the John Deere farm heritage associated with that company’s green-and-yellow machines.

Active travelers might, alternatively, take a Quad Cities bike tour, while natural history or science buffs might head for the area’s Putnam Museum.

At Quad Cities, we opted for Viking’s “Iowa Farm Visit” at Cinnamon Ridge Farms. Let’s just say we were impressed to learn about this family dairy farm and its multifaceted and sustainable operations.   

Dubuque and Beyond

This Viking itinerary also includes port calls at Dubuque, IA, one of the state’s few cities laid out among rolling bluffs. We’d suggest that river cruisers explore its charming Cathedral Historic District, dotted with well-preserved buildings and authentic period lampposts.

Another port call, La Crosse, WI, is home to the 600-foot-high Grandad Bluff, a popular lookout point for travelers to snap selfies with scenic landscapes. The area also boasts preserved homesteads that reflect a frontier way of life. 

Red Wing, MN, is the last port call before Viking Mississippi’s voyage concludes in St. Paul. Guests can also book this river cruise vacation in the reverse direction.

At press time, fares for Viking’s “Heartland of the Mississippi” itinerary started at $4,999 per person, double occupancy. But talk with your Pavlus Travel advisor for all the options, depending on your preferred accommodation choice and date of departure.

Mississippi River Cruises: Ahoy, ACL!  

Highly experienced at operating Mississippi River cruises, American Cruise Line (ACL) operates five ships there, the most on the river. They range from steamboat-style paddlewheelers to new, modern riverboats.

All carry fewer passengers than the competition. For instance, some Mississippi River cruises unfold on the 180-passenger American Serenade, a modern riverboat. 

Featuring contemporary styling, this ship has a multi-story glass atrium in the ship’s center. It also has a skywalk, a Signature Sky Lounge with panoramic views; expanded suites; private balconies for all staterooms; a Sun Deck; an outdoor cafe dining option; indoor fitness center and more.

Mississippi River Cruises: ACL Up North 

As guests sail along the Upper Mississippi, they’ll learn about pioneers, indigenous cultures, Mark Twain and the exploratory Lewis and Clark Expedition. Culturally, travelers can delve into the region’s music — everything from ragtime to polka and Norwegian folk music.

Good eats? Well, the mix of regional tastes includes famous Wisconsin cheeses, craft beers and hearty stews.

ACL includes these ports of call on its “Upper Mississippi” itinerary: Hannibal, MO; Muscatine, IA; Dubuque, IA; Winona, MN, and Red Wing, MN, before ending in St. Paul, MN.

Here are some interesting factoids about a few of these ports.

• Winona, MN, is known for its captivating architecture. Travelers touring with ACL can peruse the Beaux-Arts-style Winona County Courthouse, Victorian-era homes, a neoclassical bank building and a basilica with Polish Cathedral-style architecture.
• One claim to fame for Muscatine is that it’s the only spot where the Mississippi River runs east to west.
• At Dubuque, IA, ACL’s wide range of shore excursions include a “Field of Dreams” experience and a “Dubuque E-Bike Experience.”

Well-Rounded Itinerary 

This well-rounded itinerary also includes two days for guests to simply relax aboard while sailing the river. So, guests can “soak in” the scenic views while enjoying onboard dining, enrichment and entertainment.

Guests will discover onboard enrichment programs led by guest speakers; art and app-titude classes; group cooking demonstrations; mixology sessions; trivia challenges; and game shows.

At press time, this ACL itinerary was priced from $5,135 per person, double occupancy.

On some ships including ACL’s American Serenade, the small ship line offers some single balcony staterooms. For instance, those started at $7,165 at press time for the August 6, 2027, “Upper Mississippi” departure.

But they tend to sell out quickly. For all stateroom options, give your personal travel planner a call today.

Important Information from Pavlus Travel