Mississippi River Cruises Offer a Bit of American History and Charm
“Ol' Man River ” just keeps rolling along, virtually
unchanged by time, unlike the scenery that flanks it
and the visitors who enjoy a Mississippi River cruise.
Since the Mississippi River courses down the very heart
of America, cruising on this river is like revisiting
a time when things moved more slowly and life was less
stressful like the world Mark Twain wrote about in the
tales of Huck Finn.
With its snarly, groping branches in every direction,
the Mississippi River courses for nearly 3,000 miles.
The landscape along its cruise path shifts from craggy
bluffs and deep woods to sandy white beaches and sleepy
bayous. Much along the path of a Mississippi River cruise
is just as native American Indians and early pioneers
traveled them in birch bark canoes and keelboats and
flatboats.
Today, steamboats, houseboats, barges and paddleboats
are among the main vehicles used for Mississippi River
cruises ; the river is one of America 's original natural
“highways”. There have been many changes along the shoreline
– much to explore and experience. For the untrained
traveler, before embarking on a Mississippi River cruise
it is best to seek professional guidance from your local
AAA club. Some of their services include helping you
find out how to start, what transportation sources to
use and what to see and do while you are here. Click
here and discover the travel services provided by your
local AAA club.
Re-discover America on a RiverCruise
The Delta Queen steamboat, a national historic landmark,
and two other steamboats serve as a steady source of
Mississippi River cruises . One of the most popular
of these cruises, stops at charming, quaint ports like
Natchez and New Orleans, Hannibal and St. Paul. A hybrid
of American beauty and history, the steamboats offer
a number of itineraries, from Civil War and other themed
cruises to being a unique way to view the fall foliage
at a full eight miles an hour. Some have wood paneled
and classically furnished staterooms, but also have
the modern conveniences of air conditioning, private
bath facilities and wall-to-wall carpeting. Their lounges
offer an antique look, replete with crystal chandeliers
and other touches from the past. It's a great way to
re-discover America. Contact your local AAA club for
assistance in finding the best Mississippi River cruise
for you. Enter your zip code to view all of AAA's
travel options on your local AAA Club website.
A Variety of River Cruises to Choose From
One paddleboat cruise down the Mississippi River originates in La Crosse,
Wisconsin. The boat is a replica of one used in the early 1900s and is one of
the few still in operation. Another stays close to the port of New Orleans,
taking passengers on a cruise past the historic French Quarter and to the site
of the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. One hour harbor cruises and dinner jazz
cruises are also available, trekking a shorter distance up the river. Houseboat
cruises down the Mississippi River also originate in La Crosse and explore
national wildlife refuge area, wetland forests and traversing sand bars. This
is a shorter cruise focusing on the upper Mississippi River.
Enter your zip code
above to begin
planning your cruise
with AAA Travel. Explore having fun!
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