Early last year, The Meandering Traveler boarded American Cruise Lines’ 180-passenger American Serenade for a voyage on the Lower Mississippi River. Then later in the year, we also sailed on Viking‘s 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Our itinerary route was the Upper Mississippi River. Both types of Mississippi River cruises typically deliver a high level of guest satisfaction.
Yes, the ships were quite different. So were the cruise lines’ products. But tapping into the expertise of a skilled personal vacation planner can help travelers find the best journey to match their specific vacation style and personality.
Also crucial is selecting the best region of sailing to meet your personal interests and activity desires. While Upper and Lower Mississippi sailings are on the same river, the reality is that the two sailing regions are quite different.
As the world’s fourth longest river, the mighty Mississippi stretches 2,300 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the saltwater Gulf south of Louisiana. So, it covers a lot of territory.
Scenery varies sizably. Port destinations reflect different focuses in American history. Even agricultural production along the river can be different.
We looked at highlights for both types of river journeys. Here are some differentiators, as well as some ways the regions may be similar. Both provide unforgettable vacations that can be fulfilling and fabulous in different ways.
(Shown above is the bridge across the Mississippi River at Natchez, MS. Photo courtesy of Visit Natchez.)
From Levies to Scenic Heights
In Louisiana, for instance, it’s a low horizon in terms of visual perspective. Many levies lie along the river banks — protecting farmlands villages and urban areas from the river’s natural flooding.
So, views from the river boat are typically of those green levies, and beyond to farming lands, a plantation house or small town along the riverbanks. It’s peaceful, with many of the enticements for the journey just a bit beyond.
However, in one stretch of Upper Mississippi scenery from Winona to northeast Iowa, the river takes on almost-a-Rhine River-like quality. River cruisers will look out to soaring, rounded bluffs (see photo above) and rolling hills. So, the scenic heights are a draw in and of themselves.
For example, a call at La Crosse, WI, offers the opportunity to visit Grandad Bluff. From this 600-foot-high perch overlooking the city, cruisers can view three states — Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
For the Lower Mississippi, flatter scenery is the rule of thumb. Among the exceptions is Natchez, MS, for example, which is built on bluffs atop the river, as well as Vicksburg, MS, reachable up a hillside. But other ports are typically more at river level or behind levies.
We’ve taken both types of voyages, and our personal assessment is that the Upper Mississippi sports more diverse scenery and greater height variance of landscapes.
Setting Out with Lewis & Clark
No matter where one heads, the river’s ebb and flow over the centuries has hosted some of history’s most significant moments. History rules on Mississippi River cruises, just as it does on European, Egyptian or Southeast Asian river voyages.
In the early 1800s, the famous Lewis & Clark Expedition was authorized by President Thomas Jefferson after the U.S. Congress approved $2,500 in funding for westward exploration. Those interested in learning more might check out the U.S. National Park Service’s summary about how the expedition began.
The journey’s initial phase started in the St. Louis, MO, and Alton, IL, area, where many Upper Mississippi itineraries embark/debark guests today.
Today, when ACL’s guests on an Upper Mississippi sailing are visiting Alton/St. Louis, they might take “The Lewis & Clark Experience” shore excursion, which visits the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site.
Guests will tour a museum dedicated to the planning and journey of the two explorers and their Corps of Discovery. They’ll stroll through five exhibit rooms, view the film “At Journey’s Edge,” and admire an impressive 55-foot full scale replica of the explorers’ “cutaway” keelboat.
Next, they’ll head to the Lewis & Clark Confluence tower, which soars 180 feet above the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. From a variety of viewing platforms here, visitors can view the Mississippi and Missouri rivers from above.
They see where Lewis & Clark began their journey westward to the Pacific. The indoor visitor center also sports interactive exhibits which tell the story of the history, wildlife, and communities along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.
Separately, during guests’ own time prior to embarking the ACL ship, they might opt to tour Alton’s National Great Rivers Museum, which offers a one-hour film about the expedition. The separate Lewis and Clark Boat House Museum in St. Charles, MO, displays exhibits about the famous expedition.
Mississippi River Cruises: Civil War Sites
While the U.S. Civil War of 1861-1865 certainly impacted traffic along many parts of the Mississippi River, the Lower Mississippi, in particular, offers visitors deep insight into key Civil War happenings.
One top Civil War heritage port of call is Vicksburg, MS. Union troops laid siege to the town, located at a key spot along the Mississippi River, between May 18, 1863, and July 4, 1863.
During the 47-day siege, much of the city was destroyed, locals fled underground and into caves to survive, but finally the Confederate forces surrendered.
That Union victory split the Confederacy in two and secured control of the Mississippi River, one important development to help end the war. Today, travelers can explore the Vicksburg National Military Park, operated by the U.S. National Park Service.
What’s the draw? Visitors will view 141 cannons and carriages, 15 historic bridges, nine fortifications, and the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum.
Starting & Ending Points
Lower Mississippi voyages typically operate between New Orleans, LA, and Memphis, TN, or in reverse. At times, they also sail from Memphis to St. Louis, MO, or in reverse, or New Orleans to St. Louise or in reverse. Roundtrips from Memphis or New Orleans are another option.
For instance, American Cruise Lines (ACL) offers an eight-day “Historic Mississippi” itinerary roundtrip from New Orleans, with stops at Oak Alley/Houmas House, Baton Rouge and St. Francisville, LA, as well as one port day for visiting Natchez or Vicksburg, MS.
The 180-passenger American Serenade offers two “Historic Mississippi” sailings on February 16, 2026, and February 22, 2026, with pricing that starts at$4,150 per person, double occupancy. Fares for October or November departures of this itinerary range from $4,320 to $5,330 per person, double occupancy.
In contrast, Upper Mississippi itineraries typically operate from St. Louis to St. Paul, MN, or in reverse. Roundtrips from those ports are also available at times.
Preference: Locks or No Locks
If you desire a river itinerary that includes travel through mechanical locks along the Mississippi, your itinerary pick is important. Definitely look northward.
That’s because the Upper Mississippi has 29 locks and dams that facilitate both cargo and passenger ship movements and manage water levels. In fact, Lock and Dam Number 15 between Rock Island, IL, and Davenport, IA, is the largest roller dam in the world,
The Agricultural Landscape
Both types of Mississippi River cruises — Lower and Upper — will provide views of rich farmland and agricultural production. The reality is that certain crops, most notably corn and soybeans, are visible in fields throughout much of the river’s length.
But for those sailing the Lower Mississippi, they’ll know they’re in the land of cotton. Often, white fluffy cotton blotches are bursting from cotton plants spread over southern farms.
That said, along the entire Mississippi river, a good mix of farming or agricultural-related shore excursions await. For instance, many guests on our Upper Mississippi cruise call at Quad Cities, IA, returned raving about their Viking excursion to the “John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Homes.”
Mississippi River Cruises: Birds Galore
Birdwatchers will find a diverse array of avian species along the entire Mississippi River. Along the Lower Mississippi, those might include Mallards (ducks), Interior Least Terns (shorebirds that nest on river sandbars) and Mississippi Kites, often seen wading and with rookeries in the river’s backwaters.
In addition, magnificent Great Egrets are other wading birds often spotted along the Lower Mississippi. Most majestically, both the Upper and Lower Mississippi regions are home to Bald Eagles, who hunt from tall trees along shorelines.
And one highlight on an Upper Mississippi River cruise is a port call at Red Wing, MN. We enjoyed a Viking shore excursion to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN.
The National Eagle Center is brimming with fascinating exhibits including a strong amount of historical detail related to the U.S. military and its affiliation with eagles.
Also, visitors will view live eagles (see one in the photo above) that can’t be released back into the wild due to injuries. But it’s great to get “up close” to get a better sense of these majestic birds.
In addition, the center’s Cultural Connections Gallery displays a few artifacts and showcases how these majestic birds are considered as sacred in many native American cultures.
In general, Mississippi River cruises provide great viewing action for birders who can’t wait to get out their binoculars and spot a Great Egret, songbird, duck or Bald Eagle.
Mississippi River Cruises: Mark Twain
If you’re interested in exploring the Mississippi’s literary history, one great option is an Upper Mississippi sailing with a stop in Hannibal, MO. That’s the hometown of Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain.
“We offer a lot of Mark Twain excursions in Hannibal, MO, including a ‘Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise,’ ‘Mark Twain Cave Explorations,’ ‘A Stroll with Mark Twain,’ and the visit to the ‘Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum,'” an ACL manager tells us.
American Cruise Lines is also offering many “Mark Twain themed cruises” on the Upper Mississippi in 2026 and 2027. Sailing eight nights from St. Louis, MO, to St. Paul, MN, guests will explore Hannibal on a port day and also encounter a Mark Twain impersonator.
One ACL departure by the 180-passenger American Melody on October 2, 2026, starts at $5,995 per person, double occupancy. Here’s a look at all the cruise dates for this Mark Twain option.
“But be sure to contact a skilled personal travel planner for questions,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “Our planner will ensure you receive the lowest guaranteed fare, plus handle and manage your booking with no added service fee.”
Cuisine: Southern, Cajun & Creole
Many visitors choose a Lower Mississippi voyage for one reason: the traditional flavors and dishes of the U.S. South plus Cajun and Creole influences in cuisine.
Of course, Lower Mississippi voyages also typically begin or end in New Orleans, a foodie’s paradise. We love to taste the Creole gumbo, etoufee (Cajun soup), jambalaya, fresh crayfish or tasty beignets!
Along the itinerary route, filled with southern charm and history, guests can taste traditional Southern dishes both onboard the ship or during select shore excursions. For instance, guests might tour a historic Louisiana or Mississippi plantation mansion and sip and savor at lunch there.
And of course, farther up the river, delicious Memphis BBQ also beckons!
In Search of Musical Legacies
Lower Mississippi voyages also offer the ability for guests on a pre- or post-cruise stay to enjoy the sounds of New Orleans’ historic Preservation Hall, as well as jazz concerts and other musical events.
For voyages with a port call in Cleveland, MS, we’d suggest guests consider booking a “Grammy Museum Mississippi” shore excursion. During our ACL cruise, we loved gazing at the glittery/glam clothing worn by famous artists on Grammy Award nights. We also viewed the actual Grammies themselves and perused exhibits about musical artists.
Some Lower Mississippi River cruises begin/end in Memphis, TN, also a hot spot for musical fans. Beale Street, the heart of the city’s music scene, is home to blues clubs and live music venues.
Most notably, a popular Memphis shore excursion is a visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home. Now a museum, it showcases his life’s story, personal items and legacy in music. Presley’s outdoor grave site and those of family members are also viewable.
Upper Mississippi sailings often begin or end in the St. Louis area. River cruise guests might venture to the city’s National Blues Museum during free time ashore on a pre-cruise stay.
Plantation Homes, Stately Mansions
If travelers desire to visit plantation or antebellum mansions, a Lower Mississippi sailing is the best choice. For instance, in Natchez, one such historic site is Longwood (see photo below).
But along the entire length of the river, travelers can head out to visit residential districts with stately homes. For example, en route back to our Viking ship in Quad Cities, IA, we toured a lovely historic district and enjoyed seeing the various architectural styles from Victorian and early 20th century eras.
We’d suggest reviewing both ACL and Viking itineraries for the Mississippi River. Learn what types of tours are offered in individual ports of call. Then chat with a skilled personal travel planner to help select the best journey.
Best Time to Sail
The Lower Mississippi has a long range of voyages each year. While summer travel has its pluses such as festivals, special events and lush landscapes, it also can be a time of heat, humidity and mosquitos. Thus, many travelers like to cruise the Lower Mississippi river during spring (April and May) and fall (October and November).
So, readers interested in a springtime foray up the Lower Mississippi might check out ACL’s “Mississippi Explorer Cruise,” a New Orleans-to-Memphis sailing on American Serenade. One voyage departs April 7, 2026, and at press time, voyages (including complimentary airfare) were priced starting at $8,555 per person, double occupancy.
Farther north, on the Upper Mississippi, high water during spring and early summer means certain river vessels can’t always fit below select bridges along the river. Thus, many of these northerly Mississippi river cruises are scheduled between August and October.
For example, Viking Mississippi operates one June 27, 2026, departure from Alton, IL, to St. Paul, MN, an also offers five departures in both directions during August 2026. Those Viking sailings, at press time, started at $5,995 per person, double occupancy.
The Whole Shebang
“For those who say, ‘I want to do it all on the Mississippi River,’ there are great options for that too,” emphasizes Pavlus’ Steudle. Both ACL and Viking offer full Mississippi River cruises that encompass both the northern and southern regions.
So, if you’d like to experience the cuisine, history, culture, music and more along this river, use the contact information below and start planning your river vacation on the Mighty Mississippi. Soon, you’ll feel akin to a modern-day Mark Twain or Lewis & Clark!
Important Information from Pavlus Travel
