A river cruise that takes you from Minneapolis to New Orleans offers a unique way to explore America's heartland. Sailing on a Mississippi River cruise will give you the opportunity to explore several different cities and towns along the river that you might not otherwise be able to see.
A mississippi-river cruise is great for Americans and visitors. You can spend multiple days cruising to enjoy every port and every city.
The Mississippi, which flows for more than 2,340 miles between northern Minnesota and the Gulf of Mexico, is the longest river in the United States. Its twelve tributaries, which flow from all across the country, make this one of America's most scenic rivers.
There are many itineraries, but the most popular one is the Upper Mississippi River that runs between St. Louis-St. Paul and St. Paul.
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. The Mississippi is vulnerable to severe weather conditions, storms, and mosquitoes during the summer.
Winter and fall are more calm and the river isn't quite as hot or 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.
A variety of itineraries combine the upper/lower parts of the Mississippi River. These itineraries are available in 10 states and offer a variety of activities.
It is a large river so it can take time for the water levels to change. This may impact your sailing plans. The US Army Corps of Engineers will usually reduce the water levels. It is therefore important to talk to your cruise operator about when your ship may be able sail.
Some operators have contingency programs in place in the event of an unexpected drop in river level. This will ensure your trip does not get disrupted by bad weather. Some ships can also sail on Ohio River so you won’t lose your entire river cruise due to changes in the Mississippi River's level.
A cruise to the Upper Mississippi will allow you to take part in a variety of enrichment activities, as well as special guest lectures. These will allow you to fully immerse yourself into the history and culture of the region. You'll also be able to view the sites that inspired Mark Twain, who used the river as a backdrop for some of his most popular works.
FAQ
Do I need to dress up for a cruise?
No, you don’t have to be dressed in formal wear or fancy attire. You just need to be comfortable and ready relax.
These four factors affect the cost of a cruise.
The main factors that influence the price of a cruise is the time you are willing to spend on it, whether you choose an all-inclusive or a shorter package, the number of people you plan to bring, and the type of cabin booked.
Is a cruise all-inclusive on a ship?
It is not possible to cruise on all-inclusive ships as they do no offer meals for passengers with dietary limitations. There is no room service, laundry service, or other amenities like spas, pools, gyms, etc.
Some cruise lines do offer "all-inclusive" deals that cover all aspects of the trip, including alcohol. These packages often include airfare, hotel accommodations as well entertainment and beverages.
Statistics
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (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)
- You can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip. (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)
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How To
How to book a cruise
A travel agency can be the best way for you to book your cruise. You will need to arrange for your trip, book accommodation, make payment arrangements and handle insurance issues. The agent will help you through the whole process and negotiate the best price.
There are many methods to save money. Some people opt to directly go to the cruise company and purchase their tickets there. You can compare the prices of different offers and check them out against what you would have paid if you had booked through a travel agency. You can also use an online specialist comparison site such as CruiseCompare.com. You can simply enter your details on the website to find out which companies offer you the best price. You can then book the one that best suits your needs.
There are many other options available, if you are willing to do some research. You could search online for a company that offers a package deal, where you can combine flight and accommodation. There are lots of websites offering packages like this.
You might ask family members and friends to share their experiences with various cruise lines. They may be able to offer advice on how suitable a particular cruise is for your needs.