Lower Mississippi River Cruises
New Orleans to Memphis blues
Cruise the Lower Mississippi River by Small Ship
The Lower Mississippi carries small ships through a stretch of American history that reads like a survey course condensed into a few hundred river miles. New Orleans anchors one end, its French Quarter and St. Louis Cathedral — the oldest cathedral in the country — rising from the banks where French colonists first settled in 1718. Memphis anchors the other, the city where Beale Street blues and Sun Studio’s early rock and roll recordings left a permanent mark on American music.
Between them, the river passes through some of the South’s most atmospheric stops. Darrow, Louisiana is the gateway to the grand antebellum estates of the Lower Mississippi, their moss-draped oak allees visible from the water. St. Francisville, with more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, sits on a narrow bluff above the river, its streets lined with structures that were physically moved upriver after the original settlement of Bayou Sara flooded in the 1920s. Natchez, the oldest city on the Mississippi, founded by French colonists in 1716, preserves more than 200 antebellum homes and sits at the southern end of the Natchez Trace. Vicksburg, on the high bluff where the Yazoo River meets the Mississippi, was called “the key to the South” by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and its national military park still preserves the battlefield above the river.
Itineraries run 7 to 11 nights, with the core New Orleans to Memphis sailing running 8 nights. Longer Grand Heartland and Complete Mississippi voyages extend north through St. Louis all the way to St. Paul. Sailings run year-round, with the widest selection from late spring through fall.
Lower Mississippi River Cruises FAQs
What ports does a Lower Mississippi River cruise visit?
The core 8-night New Orleans to Memphis itinerary calls at New Orleans, Darrow, St. Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, and Memphis, with some sailings operating in reverse. Longer voyages extend the route north to St. Louis and beyond.
New Orleans is the starting point for most sailings. Is there time to explore the city before boarding?
Many travelers arrive a day or two early, which is well worth it. The French Quarter, the Garden District, the National WWII Museum, and the city’s restaurant and music scene all warrant more time than a single port day allows. Your agents can help arrange pre-cruise hotel nights in New Orleans when booking.
What is the Natchez Trace, and why does it matter on a river cruise?
The Natchez Trace was the major overland route between Natchez, Mississippi and Nashville, Tennessee, used by traders and settlers who floated goods downriver on flatboats and then walked or rode north rather than fighting the strong upriver current. It is one of the oldest roads in North America, and Natchez itself preserves the southern terminus of the route.
Is the Lower Mississippi a year-round destination?
Sailings run throughout the year, which makes it a strong choice for travelers who want a domestic river cruise in winter or early spring. The region’s warm climate, the concentration of cultural and historical attractions, and the popularity of the New Orleans gateway make it one of the most accessible American river cruise destinations in any season.
How do I choose between the 8-night and longer Mississippi itineraries?
The 8-night New Orleans to Memphis sailing covers the cultural and historical highlights of the Lower Mississippi. The 15-night Grand Heartland and 21-night Complete Mississippi voyages continue north through St. Louis to St. Paul for travelers who want the full length of the river. Call 800-578-1479 and our agents will help you match the right itinerary to your schedule.