At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee or reverse
- From:
- $3,499
- Time of Year:
- January - December
Embark on an 8-day journey aboard the 386-guest Viking Mississippi on the Mississippi Delta Explorer cruise. Discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand estates of the Lower Mississippi, and explore charming towns along the river that preserve the early history of the American South. Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian roots, and pay tribute at the Vicksburg battlefield. Enjoy the flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, along with Memphis’s famous barbecue, while celebrating musical legends in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.
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Mississippi Delta Explorer Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: New Orleans, Louisiana
Step aboard your ship and settle into your stateroom. Known as the birthplace of American jazz, New Orleans is alive with energy, especially along the iconic, balcony-lined Bourbon Street. In the heart of the French Quarter, soulful rhythms fill the air, particularly during the city’s lively Mardi Gras celebration. Founded by French colonists in 1718, New Orleans was once a territorial capital before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Its distinctive St. Louis Cathedral—named after King Louis IX of France—is the oldest cathedral in the United States. The city’s vibrant culture and tantalizing Creole cuisine are shaped by a rich blend of French, African, and other influences.
Day 2: Darrow, Louisiana
The Lower Mississippi region is home to a collection of historic mansions, with Darrow serving as the gateway to these grand estates, each carefully preserved to honor the early history of the American South. Here, stately homes stand alongside moss-draped oaks and expansive farm fields, creating a picturesque riverscape. One can easily imagine steamboats and other vessels once delivering supplies to these grand doorsteps. Today, many of these properties are designated National Historic Landmarks, celebrated for their impressive architecture, scenic landscapes, and the legacy of those who cared for the homes and surrounding lands.
Day 3: St. Francisville, Louisiana, United States
St. Francisville, with over 140 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits along one of the Mississippi’s most historic bluffs. The town is often described as “two miles long and two yards wide” due to its origins on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809, it is the oldest town in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. Interestingly, many of St. Francisville’s buildings were relocated upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the settlement was devastated by years of flooding, preserving the town’s unique history.
Day 4: Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic Southern estates in the country, with over 200 beautifully preserved homes lining its streets. Founded in 1716 by French colonists, it is the oldest city on the Mississippi River, named after the Natchez tribe that once inhabited the area. Due to its prime location, Natchez became a key crossroads for Native American and European cultures. Notably, it served as the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace, an overland route to Nashville that enabled traders to bypass the powerful upriver currents. Today, Natchez retains the charm of small-town America.
Day 5: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Nestled on a high bluff where the Yazoo River meets the Mississippi, Vicksburg embodies Southern heritage and charm. Incorporated in 1825, the city’s strategic location on the river made it a vital port. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln famously called it “the key to the South.” The city proved to be the site of one of the war’s most significant battles—the Battle of Vicksburg—where the Confederates ultimately surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Today, the Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the rolling green fields and grand monuments that commemorate this pivotal moment in history.
Day 6: Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville, Mississippi’s largest river port, sits at the highest point along the Mississippi River between Vicksburg and Memphis. While its rural setting may seem humble, the city boasts a rich and diverse artistic heritage. Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, was born here, and Greenville has been home to several notable authors, including the esteemed historian Shelby Foote. The city is also deeply rooted in blues music; legendary songwriter W.C. Handy was inspired to popularize the genre after witnessing pioneering musician Prince McCoy perform at a local dancehall. Nearby Indianola is the birthplace of the iconic B.B. King, further cementing the region’s musical legacy.
Day 7: Scenic Sailing: Lower Mississippi
The Lower Mississippi is brimming with diverse birdlife and stunning landscapes, from dense forests and vibrant wetlands to a mosaic of fertile farmlands. This stretch of the mighty river is not only a haven of natural beauty but also a treasure trove of history and culture, inspiring timeless works of literature and music that reflect its deep-rooted legacy.
Day 8: Memphis, Tennessee
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers as you head home, or extend your adventure by exploring further with one of our exciting extensions.
