jazz riverboat cruise

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• American Cruise Lines

American Jazz

Cruise line American Cruise Lines

• Sacramento, California (United States)
• Clarkston WA (Washington)
• Portland OR (Oregon)
• San Francisco (California)

American Jazz current position

American Jazz current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 45.57687 N / -122.37918 W) cruising en route to KALAMA, WA. The AIS position was reported 19 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of American Jazz

American Jazz current cruise is 7 days, one-way from Hayden Island to Clarkston WA . Prices start from USD 5765 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 08 May, 2024 and ends on 15 May, 2024 .

Specifications of American Jazz

•   Itineraries
•   Review
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American Jazz Itineraries

American jazz review, review of american jazz.

The 2020-built/2021-inaugurated MS American Jazz cruise ship is the third newbuild in the American Cruise Lines ' "Modern Riverboat" fleet.

From this class/with the same design are the sisterships American Song (2018), American Harmony (2019), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022), American Serenade (2023).

American Jazz is identified by an IMO number 1295690 (initially 9901685) and is USA-flagged (MMSI 368135920).

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner American Cruise Lines (ACL) is the USA's largest river cruise company (headquarters in Guilford Connecticut) operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on the USA's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes) as well as in cruises along the US East Coast, US West Coast and Florida. All ACL vessels feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor deck spaces, gourmet cuisine, top-quality enrichment program with many complimentary land tours and excursions, highly-personalized service by all-American staff and crew.

All ACL cruise ships are US-flagged (Jazz has MMSI number 368135920) and built by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury (Maryland USA).

Unlike anything seen before along American waterways, the innovative vessel brings a new dimension to river cruising in the USA. American Jazz integrates contemporary design with no sacrificing the comfort that American Cruise Lines is popular for. Quieter, wider, and faster than any other river ship, it is the most environmentally friendly in the industry.

Traditionally for large-sized US riverboats, American Jazz has a fore-located boarding ramp (bow-location on Deck 1) that allows passengers to go ashore at any place along the ship's cruise itinerary route. The ramp has an innovative design being constructed as a retractable gangway (passenger bridge). The technology is often implemented on some of the largest ferries and features an opening bow door.

While other small cruise lines repurpose old casino ships, American Cruise Lines decided to build brand new boats to maintain the company's reputation for premium quality and services. Each of the newbuilds features most innovative design, spacious indoor and outdoor areas. Each vessel is a traditional US built (at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury Maryland), as well as American-flagged and crewed.

Decks and Cabins

ACCL's American Jazz ship has 6 passenger decks (accessible via two elevators) and a total of 99 staterooms . The number of cabin categories is 8. All accommodations are Balcony cabins, with floor-ceiling sliding doors opening onto a private step-out veranda. The boat has no connecting rooms.

Smallest staterooms (including the single-occupancy studio cabins) as sizes start at 250 ft2 (23 m2). Other staterooms are sized between 305-330 ft2 (28-31 m2). Veranda Suites are 405 ft2 (38 m2), Owners Suites are 445 ft2 (41 m2). Riverboat's largest staterooms are two Grand Suites with aft location on Deck 3. Each Suite is sized 900 ft2 (84 m2) and features 2 walls of floor-ceiling windows, a wrap-around balcony (accessed via sliding doors), separate bedroom/seating areas, marble bathroom (with double-sink vanity).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS American Jazz features innovative interior design concepts - from the 4-story glass-walled Vestibule (Atrium) to spacious indoor and outdoor lounges, large open-deck spaces, floor-ceiling windows throughout the vessel. The 4-decks high Vestibule has floor-ceiling windows (portside and starboard) and SkyLight (transparent glass-roof cover) that allows natural light into the ship's interior.

Two Sun Decks (Lower on Deck 5-aft, and Upper on Deck 6) are fitted with sunbathing and shaded seating areas, putting green, deck-game area (shuffleboard). The ship has 5 lounges (2 with large outdoor terraces), Grand Dining Room (complimentary, glass-enclosed restaurant), Chart Room (Library Lounge), fore-located Main Lounge (deck 4), aft-located Sky Lounge (deck 4), indoor Gym/Exercise Room. The Upper Sun Deck (top-deck) is furnished with comfortable deckchairs and has 3 shaded seating areas plus one SkyLight (glass-roof cover).

The aft-located (on Deck 4) Sky Lounge features premium furniture, floor-ceiling windows, glass-roof cover (SkyLight), direct access to an open-air Terrace (for relaxation and alfresco dining/Back Porch Cafe). Throughout the day, there are served beverages, snacks, freshly-baked cookies, and pastries. Sky Lounge's glass doors open to the Back Porch Cafe (alfresco dining venue) - a spacious Terrace furnished with wicker furniture (armchairs and 4-seat tables). The lounge bar serves water, soda, and light snacks throughout the day. A Complimentary Afternoon Tea service is offered between 3:30-4:30 pm. In the evening, there is a complimentary cocktail hour.

The fore-located (on Deck 4) Magnolia Lounge (aka River Lounge) is the boat's main lounge with floor-ceiling windows and glass-roof cover. It also serves as the ship's show lounge with a central stage, grand piano and ample comfortable seating area full of comfy armchairs and plush sofas. Here are served warm cookies starting at 10 am. The complimentary Afternoon Tea service (with fresh pastries) is at 3:30 pm. The free-drinks cocktail hour is at 5:30 pm. Root beer and ice cream are passed around during the evening show. The evening entertainment includes one show (beginning at 8:15 pm) lasting about 1 hour. The show program could be a live concert, solo performances, music tribute, themed music, movie trivia. The large space for the evening shows is in the room's center. Furniture is daily rearranged (sometimes 2 or 3 times a day) to suit the themed entertainment. This is also the place for the American Cruise Lines' enrichment program, consisting of differently-themed lectures (history, food and wine, literature, etc). Also hosted here are media presentations and the current ACL cruise itinerary and tours-related multimedia presentations and port talks.

The list of the American Jazz ship's main public venues includes:

• (Deck 1) Boarding Ramp/bow, Vestibule/lobby level, Ship's Office, Powder Room, Dining Room Restaurant, Galley/Kitchen & Storage Rooms, Staff & Crew cabins/forward
• (Deck 2) Bow Terrace/observation area with seating, Laundry Room, Lounge/midship-starboard, wellness facilities/aft (Yoga Studio, Fitness Room/indoor Gym)
• (Deck 3) Pilothouse/Wheelhouse, Chart Room Lounge/midship-starboard
• (Deck 4) Magnolia Lounge/forward, with a wraparound terrace, Library Lounge/midship-starboard, Sky Lounge (indoor, aft), Back Porch Cafe (aft, outdoor terrace serving as an alfresco dining venue)
• (Deck 5) Lounge/midship-starboard, Lower Sun Deck/aft
• (Deck 6) Sun Deck with outdoor seating (premium patio furniture) and Mini-Golf Putting Green

Two Lifts (passenger elevators in the Atrium) connect all cabin decks.

Itineraries

American Jazz itinerary program (what is known so far) will be similar to that of the sistership American Harmony. The Mississippi River cruise itineraries leave roundtrip and one-way from homeports New Orleans Louisiana and Memphis Tennessee .

• 7-day "Lower Mississippi River" (Memphis to New Orleans) itinerary's call ports are Memphis (day 1 / embarkation), river cruising (day 2), Vicksburg MS (day 3), Natchez MS (day 4), St Francisville LA (day 5), Baton Rouge LA (day 6), Oak Alley Plantation LA (day 7), New Orleans LA (day 8, disembarkation).
• 7-day "Mississippi River" (roundtrip New Orleans) itinerary's ports are New Orleans LA (day 1 / embarkation), Oak Alley Plantation LA (day 2), Natchez MS (day 3), Vicksburg MS (day 4), St Francisville LA (day 5), Baton Rouge LA (day 6), Houmas House Plantation LA (day 7), New Orleans LA (day 8, disembarkation).

The Jazz ship could be seasonally deployed on the US West Coast to operate Snake and Columbia river cruises.

American Jazz ship's 2023 schedule (February-March and November-December) included ACL's first-ever California voyage (departure February 24th). The 7-night/8-day "San Francisco Bay Cruise" itinerary (roundtrip from San Francisco ) visits four other Californian ports ( Stockton ,  Sacramento ,  Napa , Vallejo ) and ends with an overnight in San Francisco. A pre-cruise hotel package (inclusive of San Francisco Four Season Hotel overnight stay) is optional. The itinerary features scenic cruising in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay (an evening stop in Vallejo), as well as cruising on the Napa River and San Joaquin River.

ACL cruise deals are inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel package, all shore excursions (organized daily), cocktail hour (each evening), cruise accommodation, gourmet meals, Afternoon Tea service, room service (Breakfast only), onboard enrichment and entertainment programs, Wi-Fi (shipwide coverage).

American Jazz - user reviews and comments

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Other American Cruise Lines cruise ships

• ACL American Eagle
• ACL American Glory
• ACL American Legend
• ACL American Liberty
• American Constellation
• American Constitution
• American Harmony
• American Heritage
• American Independence
• American Melody
• American Pride
• American Serenade
• American Song
• American Spirit
• American Splendor
• American Star
• American Symphony
• American West

American Jazz Wiki

The improved ship design allows "bow landings" via a retractable and rotating gangway (passenger bridge) that extends from Main Deck (deck 1) to the dock or directly onto the river bank. This feature is available on all traditional-design US paddlewheel riverboats and provides expanded options for river cruise itineraries unmatched by most newbuild river cruise ships .

The ship has a modern propulsion system consisting of 2x azimuth thrusters ("Z-drives") manufactured by Veth (Holland). These 360-degree rotating propellers (1x forward, 1x aft) provide the boat with greater maneuverability and berthing flexibility.

The ship is powered by 2x Caterpillar marine engines running on low-sulfur diesel. These modern engines require less fuel and produce fewer emissions (COx, NOx, SOx) and soot particles in comparison to other boats on the US river cruising market.

On October 11, 2018, vessel's lower bow (hull section) was moved out of drydock (wheeled out from Fabrication Building No 4) to shipyard's Assembly Launchways. The ship was launched (floated out from drydock) on October 13, 2019 (5 weeks ahead of schedule). After the float-out, the boat was berthed in shipyard’s East Outfitting Basin to receive its upper deck blocks and final outfitting.

Sea trials were successfully completed and on September 1, 2020, the ship was officially delivered to ACL-American Cruise Lines from Chesapeake Shipbuilding. The delivery ceremony was attended by Charles B. Robertson (ACL's CEO and President).

On May 3, 2023, ACL officially announced a dual naming ceremonies - of American Jazz (on Snake River) and American Serenade (on Mississippi River). American Jazz was christened by godmother Stacia L. Morfin (Nez Perce Tourism's CEO) in Clarkston WA , while the 2023-built American Serenade was named by Julia Letlow (Representative for Louisiana State’s 5th Congressional District) in Vidalia Louisiana. Both events were attended by the passengers and crew, as well as ACL executives and VIP guests (state and local officials).

New Orleans Steamboat Company

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• About this activity

Daytime Riverboat Jazz Cruise

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Cruise on an authentic steam-powered sternwheel paddleboat
• View historic sites along Mississippi River & French Quarter
• Live Jazz performed by Steamboat Stompers
• Opportunity to walk through the boat's massive engine room
• Intriguing commentary from your guide about local landmarks

Activity location

• 400 Toulouse Street
• 70130, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Wed, Apr 24 $42
• Thu, Apr 25 $42
• Fri, Apr 26 $42
• Sat, Apr 27 $42
• Sun, Apr 28 -
• Mon, Apr 29 $42
• Tue, Apr 30 $42
• Wed, May 1 $42
• Thu, May 2 $42
• Fri, May 3 $42
• Sat, May 4 $42
• Sun, May 5 -
• Mon, May 6 $42
• Tue, May 7 $42
• Wed, May 8 $42

11:00AM Sightseeing Cruise Only

• Activity duration is 2 hours 2h 2h

11:00AM Sightseeing Cruise (No Meal)

2:00PM Sightseeing Cruise Only

2:30PM Sightseeing Cruise (No Meal)

11:00AM Cruise w/ Lunch First Seating

• Food and Drinks

11AM-12PM Lunch Seating

11:00AM Cruise w/ Lunch Second Seating

12:15-1:15PM Lunch Seating

2:00PM Cruise w/ Lunch First Seating

2-3PM Lunch Seating

2:00PM Cruise w/ Lunch Second Seating

3:15-4:15PM Lunch Seating

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Scenic jazz cruise on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
• What's excluded What's excluded Beverages

Know before you book

• Children 5 and younger are complimentary for the cruise only; children 1 and younger are complimentary for the cruise with lunch.
• The boat is wheelchair accessible only on the main deck, where food, bar service, and restrooms are located.
• Calliope concert starts 45 minutes prior to cruise departure.
• Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.

Please Note: Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and/or general maintenance, all cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the newly renovated Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.

What you can expect

Welcome aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS!

The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat addition to our family. Make sure you check out all four decks. The top deck view is a site to see!

The Riverboat “CITY of NEW ORLEANS,” uniquely New Orleans - welcome aboard!

Hop aboard an authentic steam-powered sternwheel paddle boat bound for the Mississippi River and waterfront views of New Orleans. While you cruise, experience the magic of days gone by as the live jazz band sets the tone with catchy tunes and Dixieland favorites.

Your cruise departs from the historic French Quarter and travels down the mighty Mississippi to show you the ever-changing skyline of New Orleans and its bustling port, one of the busiest in the United States. Kick off the day with a calliope concert powered by the Natchez 's steam-powered whistles and then watch as the crew casts off the mooring lines to begin your voyage.

From the open deck or the climate-controlled interior of the historic Natchez , listen to stories about historic events, like the thrilling Battle of New Orleans. Pass by scenery that helped inspire Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer .

Along the way, enjoy an authentic calliope concert, featuring live music by the Steamboat Stompers jazz band, and consider enhancing your experience by adding a buffet of authentic Southern cooking. For the full experience, you can also opt to enjoy lunch onboard. Featuring a variety of Cajun favorites and New Orleans classics, this buffet-style meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected

Safety measures

• Individually wrapped food options available

American Jazz

On the Mississippi River since 2020, the American Jazz will be moving to the Columbia River in 2023. It is one of the latest in U.S.-built cruise ships. Staying true to the American Cruise Lines’ small ship point of view, all 190 guests aboard the American Jazz will enjoy large staterooms, luxury common areas, and the best locally-inspired cuisine.

Like the American Harmony, its sister ship, the Jazz will include the new Grand Suite category. 800 square feet of unprecedented luxury, including wraparound private balcony and room for a small cocktail party or private dinner. The American Jazz will also feature a 4-story glass-enclosed Atrium with a large skylight in the center of the boat.

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Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Brunch Cruise

Welcome aboard the most unique blend of "real new orleans", combining a two hour cruise on the iconic steamboat natchez, with traditional live jazz from the steamboat stompers, and a mouth-watering new orleans brunch..

On this Sunday brunch cruise, travel along the Mississippi River while enjoying live jazz music and savoring a lovely tableside brunch. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat will whisk you away to the romance and ambiance of yesteryear. Don't forget your camera, as you'll see amazing panoramas of New Orleans' skyline!

Departs every Sunday at 11:30am. Boarding begins at 11:00am. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding.

What's included?

• Tip or gratuity

Please note

• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller / pram accessible
• Public transportation nearby
• Infants must sit on your lap
• The riverboat cruises rain or shine
• The riverboat is handicap accessible. However, access to the top & bottom decks are by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.
• Cruise is suitable for wheelchairs, but restrooms stalls are not wide enough to accommodate and there are no elevators on board.
• Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
• Infant seats unavailable
• Please note that both the New Orleans Steamboat Company and Gray Line New Orleans share the 'Lighthouse' ticket office - you must go to the 'Gray Line' window to redeem your voucher for tickets. Please make sure that if you intend on participating in the buffet brunch portion of this tour, you must select the option that states it is "with brunch". Owner reserve the right to substitute a similar vessel should the NATCHEZ become unavailable. Periodically, Steamboat NATCHEZ will be out of service for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and general maintenance. All cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels. 

What to bring

  contact info, (504) 569-1401, [email protected], gray line new orleans, 400 toulouse st new orleans, la 70130 usa, useful links, let's connect.

Steamboat NATCHEZ - Daytime Jazz Cruises & Lunch Option

This two-hour Mississippi River cruise from the heart of the French Quarter shows you why the city was founded on the beautiful crescent of the lower Mississippi River. Let us show you New Orleans, one of the world's most active ports, from the best view in the city - aboard The Steamboat NATCHEZ!

Upgrade your cruise experience with our "Party Package" which includes a two-hour cruise, Lunch Buffet (1st seating option),  three alcoholic beverages from our special drink menu  (unlimited soft drinks and juice for children), a decorated reserved table in an air-conditioned dining room, and a sweet treat.

Departures Monday – Saturday:

MORNING CRUISE

Boarding Times:  11:00am Dockside:  11:00am - 11:30am Cruising:  11:30am - 1:30pm

Please note, we have two lunch seatings - First Lunch Seating:  11:00am - 12:00pm  Second Lunch Seating:  12:15pm - 1:15pm

AFTERNOON CRUISE

Boarding Times:  2:00pm Dockside:  2:00pm - 2:30pm Cruising:  2:30pm - 4:30pm

Please note, we have two lunch seatings - First Lunch Seating:  2:00pm - 3:00pm  Second Lunch Seating:  3:15pm - 4:15pm

Sunday - Please refer to Sunday Jazz Cruise - Sightseeing & Brunch options available

Cruise Features:

• Group Rates  available for 10 or more adults
• Optional Casual Lunch  sampler - prepared fresh on board ( menu subject to change due to availability )
• Optional upgrade to a "party package experience" - includes a meal, a reserved and decorated dining table, three alcoholic beverages for adults (unlimited soda & juice for anyone under 21), lanigappe items, and a special sweet treat!
• Live narration of historical facts and highlights of the port
• Calliope concert at 10:45 am 
• Riverboat Gift Shop for souvenirs
• Beverage packages available for purchase at check-out
• Children under 6 cruise free with paid adult
• Departs daily from the Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jax Brewery in the French Quarter
• Cocktail, beer and wine options are available for purchase onboard
• Duke Heitger's Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio plays each Harbor Cruise
• Non-smoking vessel-both indoors and on the outside decks

All menu items are prepared in a common kitchen.  Steps are taken to minimize the likelihood of exposure to airborne gluten elements, but our menu is not recommended for those with gluten-sensitive disorders.  We can recommend items on our menu that are not prepared as gluten inclusive. For vegan or vegetarian guests, we can recommend those items not inclusive of meat ingredients or animal products. We are unable to prepare separate individual meals for these preferences/needs.

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Mississippi River Dinner Jazz Cruise

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. See details

Historical River Cruise

View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore. See details

Weekend Jazz Brunch

Enjoy delicious brunch delicacies as you cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River while listening to the lively sounds of a traditional New Orleans Jazz band See details

Valentine's Day River Cruise

Mother's Day Bubbly Brunch

Fourth of July Celebration Cruise

SEE DETAILS

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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