Mississippi Riverboat Cruises: The Boats
Paddlewheeler, modern riverboat or Viking: what each is like on the upper river.
Get Upper Mississippi QuotesMississippi Riverboat Cruises: Which Boat Suits You?
Mississippi riverboat cruises on the upper river use three styles of ship. The scenery and ports are similar; the feel aboard is not. Here is how to choose.
Classic paddlewheeler
Wedding-cake decks, a red paddlewheel at the stern and Victorian-style lounges. American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage carries about 150 guests. For the background, see Sternwheeler Cruises.
Modern riverboat
American Cruise Lines’ newer riverboats have a contemporary look, large windows and balconies, and a bow ramp for landing at simple riverbanks.
Viking Mississippi
A purpose-built ship with Scandinavian design, 193 outside staterooms and 386 guests, marketed to adults.
Life on Board, Upper-River Style
The upper river is calm, so you will barely feel the boat move. Days usually follow a rhythm: a morning arrival, a shore tour or a walk into town, lunch on board, and an afternoon of scenic cruising with a talk from the onboard historian. Evenings bring dinner and music, often with a local performer who joins at one port and leaves at the next.
The lounges facing forward are the best seats for locks and bridges. On a paddlewheeler, the aft deck lets you watch the wheel turn; on modern ships, the top deck gives 360-degree views of the bluffs.
Cabins and What to Ask
- Balconies are standard on many ships here; ask whether yours is a full walk-out balcony or a window.
- Cabins at the very stern of a paddlewheeler can hear the wheel; some people love it, some do not.
- Single cabins exist on some American Cruise Lines ships; ask about solo pricing.
- If anyone in your party uses a wheelchair, ask which landings use a gangway versus a bow ramp.
For the steamboat heritage behind these designs, read Steamboating Cruises. If you are weighing a Mississippi trip against other domestic cruises, Cruising America covers the options.
What Is Usually Included
Fares on the upper river are typically more inclusive than on many ocean cruises. Expect all meals, a selection of guided shore tours, onboard lectures and evening entertainment; some fares also cover wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi and a pre-cruise hotel night. Gratuities, premium excursions and airfare are the usual extras. Policies differ by line and by fare type, so ask our cruise advisors for a side-by-side comparison before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these cruises suit older travelers?
Many guests are retirees: elevators on most ships, short distances between ports, English everywhere and no passport. Ask about the walking involved at landings, which can include a levee or slope.
Is the Viking Mississippi a paddlewheeler?
No. Viking chose a modern design with no paddlewheel, real or decorative. American Cruise Lines offers both modern riverboats and classic-style paddlewheelers.
How many passengers are on board?
The ships on this route are small by cruise standards, from about 150 to 386 guests, so you get to know fellow passengers and crew.
Compare the Riverboats
Tell us what matters most to you on board. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will match you with the right ship and send free quotes.
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