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Mississippi River Cruises

From northern Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River offers a uniquely American cruise experience. With more than 50 years’ experience and a fleet of 5 ships ranging from steamboat-style paddlewheelers to the newest modern luxury riverboats, American Cruise Lines is the leading operator of Mississippi River cruises.

Our 12 unique itineraries provide guests more ways to explore the Mississippi than any other cruise line, while the sophisticated comfort of our modern riverboats offers the largest staterooms, private balconies, and complimentary excursions at every port.

Receive Free Airfare & Savings up to $1,500* on select Mississippi Explorer Cruises . Expires November 30, 2024.

Historic Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA

Upper Mississippi River Cruise

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN

Music Cities Cruise

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

Tennessee Rivers Cruise

Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN

Mississippi Explorer Cruise

New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN

Ohio River Cruise

Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Knoxville, TN to Nashville, TN

Complete Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN

Grand Heartland Cruise

St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA

Mississippi River Gateway Cruise

New Orleans, LA to Louisville, KY

Grand Ohio River Cruise

Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO

*Offer Valid Only on New Bookings on Select Dates

Mississippi River Excursions

Embark on an unforgettable journey with American Cruise Lines as we navigate the vibrant waterways on one of our Mississippi River Cruises. Experience the unique charm and cultural richness of cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Memphis, each offering a glimpse into America's storied past and musical heritage. Learn more about how to plan your Mississippi River Cruise vacation with American Cruise Lines.

America's Most Awarded Mississippi River Cruise Line

Our Mississippi River Fleet

What Sets Us Apart

Made For You: A Personalized Mississippi River Cruise

Our Modern Riverboats are the newest ships on the Mississippi River. With a guest capacity of 180, our ships promise a more personalized experience than any other cruise line. Crew on American Cruise Lines can get to know you throughout your stay. We pay attention to you and your preferences to ensure your voyage is perfect for you. Our Paddlewheelers, with a classic Americana look, offer guests an authentic and nostalgic journey. Our onboard experts become a part of the experience as they travel with you and narrate your venture both on board and on shore. You’ll even be able to dine with your expert along the way.

Unique Excursions, Local Guides

From New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN, enjoy well-customized excursions, led by engaging local guides who live and work in these great port cities of America’s Heartland. Get a backstage pass to Elvis’ Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. Explore the boyhood town of Mark Twain in Hannibal and be treated to a live show at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville.

Onboard Experience

Get ready to jive where jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll were born. Our amazing onboard musicians will keep you entertained with tunes that echo the river's soul. Feast on the best Cajun and Creole dishes and classic Memphis BBQ, all crafted by our top-notch chefs. Listen to our onboard experts bring the stories of the river to life at every port of call. Each evening, join us for a complimentary cocktail hour, perfect for swapping stories with fellow travelers over a refreshing mint julep. Cheers to unforgettable moments.

All-Inclusive Cruising

No matter which ship you choose, you’ll be staying in the largest stateroom in the industry. With private balconies and numerous common areas, you’ll have the perfect spot to watch the lively banks of this historic river roll by. Everything you’ll need is included with your cruise fare. All food, drinks (including beer, wine, and spirits), gratuities, and featured excursions are at no additional cost to you. And, to make your cruise experience truly all-inclusive, select itineraries offer Free Airfare and premium Pre-Cruise Packages that include a hotel stay and transportation to the ship. So, go ahead, enjoy yourself and see this amazing river in a whole new way, without reaching for your wallet.

Spacious Accommodations

Whether on board a modern riverboat or newly refurbished paddlewheeler, American Cruise Lines is proud to offer the largest staterooms in the industry, with full-size bathrooms, and private balconies offering the perfect vantage point from which to admire the scenic rolling river views. Guests can also look forward to discovering spacious lounges and quiet nooks to gather with fellow travelers.

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Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options.

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• River Cruises

Explore America’s Most Iconic Waterways With the 5 Best U.S. River Cruises

Discover natural and cultural treasures close to home.

You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.

On these voyages, you'll sail with anywhere from 100 to 400 other guests aboard either modern riverboats or classic paddle wheelers that hearken back to a different time. Like their European counterparts, river cruises in the U.S. typically package everything at a single price, including staterooms, meals, guest lectures and enrichment programs, entertainment, and most shore excursions. Some even include pre-cruise hotel stays.

Here are five river cruises that will show you the U.S. in a whole new light.

American Cruise Lines’ Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville

It's hard to choose from American Cruise Lines' 35 itineraries. For arts and culture lovers, the eight-day Music Cities Cruise along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers presents an opportunity to visit several charming cities and towns in the South. The itinerary is offered on four different 180-passenger ships, including the American Serenade and the classic American Splendor paddle wheeler.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum. The next day, the ship travels through the Barkley Lock and past the stunning coves and limestone bluffs of the Cumberland River's Lake Barkley– a view best enjoyed from the balcony of your stateroom. In Dover, Tennessee, guests visit historic Fort Donelson National Park and learn about the garrison's role during the Civil War. The next day, passengers can tour the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Fort Defiance in Clarksville, Tennessee, and cap off the experience with a whiskey tasting at Old Glory Distilling Co. The voyage ends in Nashville, where you can stroll along historic Lower Broadway, visit museums dedicated to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and take in a Grand Ole Opry show. 

What to Know About Mississippi River Cruises

American queen voyages' upper mississippi cruise from st. louis to minneapolis.

History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature.

After departing St. Louis, the cruise arrives in Alton, Illinois, where guests can play golf on championship courses, explore the National Great Rivers Museum , or just stroll around the town's historic districts. Day three brings passengers further upriver to Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, from which the author drew inspiration for several of his novels. On day four, the ship stops at Bettendorf, Iowa, for a hop-on hop-off tour of museums, artist studios, the German American Heritage Center , and the Quad City Botanical Center . In Dubuque, Iowa, guests can take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, billed as "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway". Day nine, finds the the ship at La Crosse, Wisconsin, famous for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. The final port is Red Wing, Minnesota, home to beautifully preserved artisan workshops, factories, and pioneer-era architecture. After disembarking, passengers can explore nearby Minneapolis before going home.

American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

This eight-day fall foliage-themed cruise takes leaf peeping to a new level. The round-trip voyage out of New York City takes nature lovers through the heart of the Hudson Valley  –  swathed every fall in a blanket of bright orange, red, and yellow. Whether you sail on the classic 48-stateroom American Star or the 100-passenger American Eagle , you'll enjoy a stunning display of colors from the comfort of your balcony. On shore, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to the highest waterfall in the Empire State , walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in the world , and visit the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park and author Washington Irving in Sleepy Hollow.

Viking Cruises’ New Orleans & Southern Charms Lower Mississippi Cruise

This eight-day round-trip cruise takes in historic estates, military sites, and comunities bursting with Cajun and Creole culture. After departing New Orleans, the Viking Mississippi stops in the Louisiana towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, which boast Greek Revival mansions, Spanish moss-draped avenues, and even a haunted house . Day four brings travelers to the oldest city on the river, Natchez, Mississippi, home to a rich African American heritage . The next day, guests can learn about one of the most consequential battles of the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park before setting sail for the vibrant capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship then returns to New Orleans, where guests can stay longer or catch a flight home.

Courtesy of Viking

UnCruise Adventures’ Rivers of Adventure & Wine Columbia and Snake River Cruise

Spotting wildlife and sipping wine go hand-in-hand on this UnCruise Adventures expedition around the Pacific Northwest. The seven-night round-trip journey from Portland isn't your typical leisure cruise. Instead, passengers get to go on rainforest hikes, rafting adventures, winery visits, and scenic kayaking excursions through dramatic canyons.

After the champagne departure from Portland and a stop at Astoria, Oregon, the ship passes through the Columbia River Gorge. Passengers can disembark for a guided hike, then return for a wine tasting with the ship's sommelier. The gourmand adventures continue with an excursion to Walla Walla, Washington, which includes visits to olive oil makers, chocolatiers, and family-owned wine cellars. Day five begins at the mouth of the Palouse River, where guests can kayak or paddleboard. The next day, passengers can visit Columbia Hills State Park and Rowena Plateau on foot or by skiff boat while enjoying river dips, farm-to-fork delights, and a wine tour and tasting. Guests then disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for whitewater rafting or a relaxing winery tour. The adventure ends with a farewell dinner back at Portland.

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• There are currently no cruises scheduled for this date. If you would like to book a Group Event, please call 1(800) 261-8586 .

CLOSED INDEFINITELY

Due to the order from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stemming from the outbreak of COVID-19, BB Riverboats is closed until further notice. We will be closely monitoring the virus and its impact on the Commonwealth of Kentucky. When new directives are passed along by the Governors Office that allows us to open up, we will do so. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call our office at 800-261-8586 , and a member of our team will return your call as quickly as possible. Please note, that due to the nature of this epidemic, there will be delays in returning your call. Rest assured, that we will return your call as quickly as possible and we will remedy any issue you face. You can also email us at [email protected] , but the same delays will be expected. BB Riverboats and the Bernstein Family wish all of you and your families the very best during this trying time for our community. We fully anticipate returning to our normal operation of business after this passes and hope to see all of you onboard when that time comes.

JULY 25 th – AUGUST 1 st

SUMMER CRUISE TOUR!

Journey aboard Daily Cruises Starting At $ 31

Cincinnati's Official          Riverboat Cruise Line Since 1979

Featured Cruises

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Experience the nation's largest light, art, and projection mapping experience as you cruise through the downtown riverfront. Enjoy drink specials, live music from one of our house bands, and a front row seat!

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