At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip New Orleans
- From:
- $3,630
- Time of Year:
- February - June; October - December
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Mississippi River journey that begins and ends in the vibrant city of New Orleans, a place where music pulses in the air, cultures blend, and history whispers from every corner. From your pre-cruise hotel check-in to the final farewell, your voyage unfolds along the legendary Mississippi River aboard a modern, comfortable riverboat, offering a seamless transition from land to water and a chance to soak in the slow, majestic rhythm of America’s greatest river.
As the ship glides away from New Orleans, expect a warm welcome reception, drinks in hand, and the first tastes of soulful live music, jazz and blues with roots in the very river you’re traversing. This is not just a cruise; it’s a journey through the cultural heartbeat of the South, where every bend in the river reveals a new story. By day three, you’ll arrive at the stately Oak Alley Plantation, where a grand avenue of ancient oak trees leads you to a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion, a striking example of Southern antebellum architecture and a tangible link to a complex, layered past.
The itinerary continues to the capital city Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where history and modern Southern life converge. Explore the Old State Capitol and other historic sites, stroll downtown with its distinctive architecture and charm, or venture on a narrated swamp boat ride to witness the natural beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands. Mid-journey, you’ll visit Natchez, Mississippi and Vicksburg, Mississippi, two destinations rich with heritage. In Natchez, antebellum homes dot the bluff above the river; many of these magnificent townhouses survived the Civil War and now tell stories of a bygone era. In Vicksburg, the powerful legacy of the Civil War comes alive at the Vicksburg National Military Park, where guided tours recount the decisive siege that shaped the nation. You’ll also touch down in St. Francisville, Louisiana, a quiet, historic cotton-port town whose quiet streets and moss-draped oaks evoke the gentler, slower side of the South. Here, strolling through the historic district or exploring local mansions and charming shops gives a sense of the region’s layered past outside the grand plantation estates.
Throughout the cruise, whether you’re relaxing in the spacious comfort of your cabin or mingling with fellow travelers at evening jazz performances and cocktail hours, you’ll feel enveloped in the hospitality and warmth of Southern traditions. Savor genuine Cajun and Creole cuisine, dishes steeped in a rich heritage that reflects the diverse cultural mix of Louisiana, and soak up river views, slow-changing landscapes, and gentle breezes from private balconies or the ship’s lounge.
When you return to New Orleans at the end of the cruise, the city’s vibrant energy, from jazz-filled streets to historic neighborhoods, will stand in fresh relief, made even richer by the weeks you spent floating through the South’s storied heart. This cruise doesn’t just transport you geographically, it immerses you in time, culture, and the enduring spirit of the Mississippi River.
Historic Mississippi River Cruise Highlights
- Sailing round-trip from New Orleans, with a seamless pre-cruise hotel stay included.
- Iconic Oak Alley Plantation tour, featuring its world-famous canopy of 300-year-old oak trees.
- Immersive Baton Rouge experience, including historic architecture, museums, and optional swamp tours.
- Historic Natchez exploration, with well-preserved antebellum homes and cultural landmarks.
- Vicksburg National Military Park, bringing Civil War history to life through guided battlefield tours.
- Charming St. Francisville, known for its quiet streets, historic estates, and small-town Southern character.
Historic Mississippi River Cruise Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: New Orleans, LA
Welcome to New Orleans, celebrated globally for its endless nightlife, live music, and distinctive cuisine that mirrors its background as a blend of French, African, and American cultures. This lively city is an ideal starting point for your historic river journey. Check into your hotel and prepare for an enchanting exploration of this city. Wander down avenues shaded by trees, enjoy a carriage tour through the French Quarter, ride a streetcar to the beautiful Garden District, or explore the famous National World War II Museum.
Every Mississippi itinerary includes a Hotel Stay, ensuring a smooth transition to boarding the ship and exploring the surrounding locale. On the cruise’s morning, gather in the hotel lobby, and we will take you to the ship to start your cruise. All your bags will be transferred directly from the hotel and placed in your cabin aboard the ship, making the beginning of your river experience seamless and worry-free.
Day 2: Cruising the Historic Mississippi River
Board your ship and receive a warm greeting at our Welcome Reception. This is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and enjoy the scenic views as you spend the afternoon cruising along the majestic Mississippi, a river woven into the fabric of American history and culture. Delight in the entertainment provided by onboard performers, who will bring to life the music that originated from the river itself, encapsulating the soul and spirit of the regions it touches.
Day 3: Oak Alley, LA
This iconic Southern estate is renowned for its oak-lined avenue, stretching majestically towards the Mississippi River. Built in the early 19th century, this Greek Revival mansion exudes charm with its grand architecture and lush gardens. Be transported back in time as you explore the meticulously preserved interiors and learn about the land’s history, including its role in the sugar industry.
Enjoy an afternoon narrated boat ride through the Manchac Swamp, a privately owned wildlife refuge. Relax on a covered, comfortable boat with plenty of room to move and clear views from every seat. Swamp wildlife—especially the “jumping gators”—often come within a few feet, responding to the captain’s call. Keep an eye out for nutria, ibis, turtles, herons, raccoons, egrets, and more.
Day 4: Baton Rouge, LA
Named for an ancient landmark, Baton Rouge’s French title from 1699 translates to “red stick” and mirrors the city’s extensive history. As the capital of Louisiana, it resonates with the stories of notable figures who have left their mark here, especially Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Delve into his impactful career at the Old State Capitol Museum, built in 1852, and make a stop at Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, a striking edifice of granite and marble.
Wander through the famous downtown districts, taking in the flourishing art, architecture, and natural beauty along the way. For those seeking to explore further, consider a narrated boat excursion through a Louisiana swamp, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s natural landscape.
Day 5: Natchez, MS / Vicksburg, MS
In Natchez, elegant residences gleam like gems on elevated land overlooking the river, with roots tracing back to a 1716 French stronghold. The town’s grand 19th-century homes, spared by the Civil War, preserve a rich collection of pre-war architecture. Each building tells a unique story, creating a downtown that embodies southern charm and hospitality. Visitors can tour historic townhouses, explore a working cotton estate, and enjoy the scenic river views from the bluff.
Meanwhile, Vicksburg, known as “The Gibraltar of the West,” played a pivotal role in the Civil War, a story vividly recounted at Vicksburg National Military Park. The siege and fall of Vicksburg in 1863 marked a strategic Union victory, emphasized by President Lincoln’s declaration, “Vicksburg is the key…” Guided tours at the park detail the military strategies and human stories that shaped this critical battle. Exploring Vicksburg provides a profound connection to American history, complemented by the scenic beauty of the Mississippi River.
Day 6: St. Francisville, LA
St. Francisville, a storied cotton port has the best view from the high banks over the river. This picturesque town traces its origins to the early 19th century, a time when it flourished under Spanish rule in West Florida before American settlers claimed it, weaving it into the fabric of the United States.
St. Francisville invites you to wander through its history, whether you prefer to venture alone or join one of many engaging guided tours. Explore the Historic District, where grand mansions stand as testaments to the town’s past wealth and elegance, surrounded by eclectic boutique stores. The landscape shifts from towering cottonwoods to majestic oaks, their limbs draped in the ethereal beauty of Spanish moss, creating a scene that captures the essence of the South’s timeless allure.
Day 7: New Orleans, LA
Welcome to New Orleans, where jazz fills the air, and every street corner has a story to tell. Wander through the French Quarter, where charming balconies and hidden courtyards invite you to sit, sip, and people-watch to your heart’s content. Savor some beignets at Café du Monde and indulge in a bowl of gumbo or a po’ boy sandwich, because in New Orleans, there’s no such thing as too much good food. And don’t forget to explore the fascinating exhibits at The National WWII Museum, where history comes alive in the heart of this vibrant city. From the sounds of jazz to the rich flavors of Creole cuisine, New Orleans promises an unforgettable experience.
Day 8: New Orleans, LA
Disembark in the city that doesn’t just claim jazz; it lives it. After eight days of cruising along the historic Mississippi River, our journey has concluded, but you will be left with lasting memories and a new appreciation for the river’s history. As we disembark for the last time, the Mighty Mississippi and the serene landscapes we’ve encountered offer a quiet goodbye.
