Upper Mississippi River Cruises 2027
The ships, months and booking tips for next year on the northern river.
Get Upper Mississippi QuotesUpper Mississippi River Cruises 2027: Who Is Sailing
Schedules for upper Mississippi river cruises in 2027 are open for booking. Here is what the lines have published, with no fares quoted because they change daily. Our cruise advisors can price any of these for you.
| Line | Ships on the Upper river | Route and timing |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines | American Melody, American Serenade, American Symphony (modern riverboats); American Heritage (paddlewheeler) | St. Louis–St. Paul, about 8 days, in both directions; summer and fall |
| Viking | Viking Mississippi (386 guests, all outside staterooms) | Heartland of America, 8 days, St. Louis (Alton)–St. Paul; late summer and early fall |
| Full-river voyages | Viking Mississippi and selected American departures | New Orleans–St. Paul or the reverse, two to three weeks |
Ship assignments and dates come from the lines’ own pages and booking listings as of October 2026 and can change.
Choosing a Month in 2027
June and July bring long daylight, full green foliage and the busiest river traffic. Summer heat is usually milder here than on the lower river.
August is warm and settled, and Viking’s season begins around then.
September and October are the most requested months, with cooler air and the bluffs turning color. Our fall foliage page explains the timing.
How to Book Well
- Pick two or three acceptable departures rather than one; it doubles your chances of the cabin you want.
- Ask what is included: shore tours, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and hotel nights differ by line.
- Hold flights until the cruise is confirmed, then book open-jaw into one city and out of the other.
- Consider travel insurance once you have paid a deposit; Cruise & Travel Insurance explains the basics.
To compare the Upper river with other American waterways, see US River Cruising. Every river line is also listed in the Official River Cruise Directory.
Full-River and Combination Voyages
If one week is not enough, longer voyages in 2027 cover the upper river as part of a bigger journey. Viking’s Mississippi River Odyssey runs 22 days between New Orleans and St. Paul, and its 15-day America’s Great River links St. Paul with New Orleans. American Cruise Lines also offers longer sailings on selected dates. These suit travelers with time to spare who want to see how the river changes from the northern bluffs to the Delta; our Lower Mississippi guide describes the southern half.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book upper Mississippi river cruises for 2027?
As early as you can. The upper-river season is short, the ships are small and autumn departures fill first. Booking twelve months or more out is common for September and October departures.
Which ships sail the Upper Mississippi in 2027?
Listings for 2027 show American Cruise Lines’ American Melody, American Serenade, American Symphony and the paddlewheeler American Heritage, plus the Viking Mississippi on Heartland of America. Schedules change, so confirm with a quote.
Are there new ships coming?
American Cruise Lines has said its next new riverboat, American Beauty, is due to begin Upper Mississippi cruises in 2028.
Reserve Your 2027 Upper River Cruise
Tell us your preferred month. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote the 2027 departures that match.
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