A river cruise that takes you from Minneapolis to New Orleans offers a unique way to explore America's heartland. A Mississippi River cruise allows you to visit many different towns and cities along the river, which you may not be able otherwise.
A mississippi river cruise can be enjoyed by American guests or visitors from other countries. It is a wonderful way to get a better understanding of the culture, history and heritage that make these areas so special. These itineraries often include multiple days of cruising so that you can take in every city and port as much as possible.
The Mississippi, running for 2,340 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico's mouth, is the US's second-longest river. Its 12 tributaries come from all over the US, making it one of America's most beautiful rivers.
There are many itineraries to choose from, with the most common being on the Upper Mississippi River, which runs between St. Louis and St. Paul, or on the Lower Mississippi River, which runs between Memphis and New Orleans.
The Mississippi's upper portion has itineraries that run all year. But, those at the lower end of the river operate in the fall or winter. In the summer, the Mississippi is prone to storms, extreme temperatures, and mosquitoes.
The river is calmer in the winter and fall, and it's not as hot and humid. It's also less likely to have a lot of precipitation, which can cause the river to become muddy and difficult for ships to navigate.
You can also choose from a number of itineraries that combine the upper and lower parts of the Mississippi, including an 8-day Upper Mississippi River cruise or a 15-day Grand Heartland cruise. These itineraries can take you through 10 different states and include a variety activities.
The Mississippi is a large river, so it can take a while for the water level to change, which may affect your sailing plan. The water levels are usually lowered by the US Army Corps of Engineers, so it is important to check with your cruise operator to ensure that you have a good idea of when your ship will be able to sail.
Operators have contingency plans that can prevent you from losing your trip due to weather problems. You can also sail on the Ohio River with some ships, so your whole river cruise won't be affected by changes in the Mississippi level.
Enjoy a range of enrichment activities aboard a Upper Mississippi cruise. You'll also be able enjoy special guest lectures and other onboard enrichment activities that will allow to you fully immerse in the history of the area. Also, you'll be able see some of the famous sites Mark Twain used to inspire his works.
FAQ
Where should my cruise take me?
If you are interested in visiting different ports of call, you should consider where you want to visit. This information can also be used as a way to narrow down your search. For example, if history is your passion, you may choose to cruise to destinations such as Alaska, Bermuda or Canada. If you are more into beaches and water sports, you might want an itinerary that includes destinations such as Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Panama, Hawaii, Tahiti, etc.
What is a cruise vacation like?
One way to best describe a cruise vacation is that it is an all-inclusive, all-inclusive experience. All amenities are available, including entertainment, dining options, spas, and excursions. It's more than just a place where you can sleep and eat. You only need to bring your sense of adventure.
How does cruising work?
A deposit is required to reserve a cabin for a cruise. It can range from $50-$100. Your balance is due 30 days before departure. Check into your cabin after you arrive at port. You may then participate in one or more of the many activities onboard.
Statistics
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
- You'll need to budget around $80 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. (travel.usnews.com)
- If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, adding up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. (travel.usnews.com)
- In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills — for alcohol and soft drinks — and gratuities are applied to spa treatments. (cruiseline.com)
External Links
How To
How to Book a Cruise
Booking a cruise through a travel agency is the best way to do so. You will need to arrange for your trip, book accommodation, make payment arrangements and handle insurance issues. The agent will take care of you throughout the process and ensure you get the best deal.
There are many methods to save money. Many people prefer to buy their tickets directly from the cruise line by going direct to them. Do this and make sure to check out the various deals offered by cruise lines. Compare them with the price you would pay if booked through a travel agent. Another option is to use a specialist online comparison site like CruiseCompare.com. Enter your details to see which companies have the lowest prices. You can then book the one that best suits your needs.
If you're willing to do some research, there are other options. One option is to look online for companies that offer package deals where you can combine airfare and accommodation. There are lots of websites offering packages like this.
You could also ask friends and family members about their experiences with different cruise lines. They might be able to give you advice about how well-suited a particular cruise is for you.