If you are planning to cruise the Mississippi River, you might be wondering which companies operate on the river. There are many options. Here, you will find information on the Viking River Cruises, the American Queen Steamboat Company, and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Learn more about each company's unique offerings and services. These tips should help you make the right decision. Keep in mind that you can always make adjustments to your itinerary once onboard.
Lower Mississippi River
There are many reasons you should take a Lower Mississippi River Cruise. This area of the Mississippi River is located from St. Louis to Minneapolis-St. Paul and includes classic river towns as well as wildlife refuges. Visitors to this region can spot countless species of land animals, fish, and birds. When the temperatures are cooler and the scenery changes with seasons, it is the best time to visit.
If you are interested in the history and culture of the region, you can book a shore excursion that incorporates a stop in a historical site. Your guide will share insider information and connect you with the local culture through onboard speakers. Memphis, the home of Elvis, has music history museums, Sun Studios and a tour of Graceland. Vicksburg National Military Park is another destination you can visit on a Lower Mississippi River cruise. Here, you will learn all about the Civil War. Beautiful architecture and antiques can be found in antique shops in St. Francisville and Natchez, which are rich in history and culture.
Mark Twain Riverboat
A Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or travel with your family. The bar is fully stocked and guests are treated to historical commentary. You will also be able to purchase refreshments from the concession stands. From May through October, the cruise runs three times daily. You can take a sightseeing cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat from Hannibal.
This historic riverboat features three decks, the bow has chairs and the upper deck is a vantage point for viewing the landmarks. Lower level's wheelhouse has sleeping quarters, a sink and is used as a living space. Stephen Stanton (Disney voice actor) plays the Mark Twain's Captain and has a close connection to the riverboat's namesake.
American Queen Steamboat Company
The American Queen Steamboat Company offers holiday tours that allow you to explore the Civil War and the history the river. The holiday cruises include a festive gala and bonfires on the levee, holiday decorations, and performances. While cruising along the Mississippi, you can learn about the events that led to the Civil War's end. American Queen Steamboat Company announces that you can get up to $2000 off your stateroom booking when you book with them. Additionally, they offer cruise discounts and new bookings.
Cruises include a five-course meal aboard, while the American Queen and American Duchess offer exceptional dining experiences. The Astoria Dining Room of the American Empress has gilded columns. It also boasts marble floors and crystal chandeliers. The American Duchess is a more intimate dining room with rich accents. Listen to the daily talks by the onboard historian. The Chart Room looks like a bridge imitation, with a massive ship's wheels as the centerpiece.
Viking River Cruises
The Viking Mississippi, a riverboat with 193 staterooms that was custom-built for cruises on Mississippi River, is the Viking Mississippi. Among its destinations are St. Paul and the Twin Cities, the National Eagle Center in Red Wing, and La Crosse, Wisconsin and Dubuque, Iowa. Viking cruises also visit Red Wing, Minnesota, which is famous for its footwear company and Native American history. The cruises terminate in St. Louis. Viking passengers have the chance visit the Gateway Arch or the Anheuser-Busch brewery.
The Viking Mississippi will sail its maiden season in June and draw seven hundred sixty passengers. This is the Viking Mississippi's first full sailing season. It will travel to seven states including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Natchez and Vicksburg. Additionally, it will visit Memphis and Tennessee. In addition to the Mississippi, Viking will also make stops in Arkansas and Louisiana, as well as in Missouri and Illinois.
FAQ
What is a cruise vacation like?
An all-inclusive vacation on a cruise ship is the best description. You are taken care of at all times. All amenities are available, including entertainment, dining options, spas, and excursions. It's not only a place to rest and eat, but also a chance to have fun and relax. You only need to bring your sense of adventure.
Can my pet be brought onboard?
Most cruise lines allow pets to travel aboard. However, there are limitations. First of all, you must make sure that your pet is healthy enough to travel. Pets who are too sick or unable to travel should not be allowed on board. You cannot bring service dogs or any other animals to board. Service dogs are trained in order to aid people with disabilities. You cannot also bring any dangerous animal aboard.
Where do cruises begin?
Most cruise vacations start in Miami, Florida. It has both international ports and airports, so cruises leave from Miami. These two locations enable passengers to travel throughout South America and Europe.
Statistics
- 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)
- *20% Gratuities Apply on Free Unlimited Open Bar; Free Specialty Dining. (ncl.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (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)
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How To
How to stay safe while aboard a cruise vessel
On a cruise ship, there are many things you should know before embarking on your journey. To avoid getting into trouble, you must know how to behave onboard. Here are some safety tips that will help you enjoy your trip.
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Always be aware of what is happening around you. People are more likely to be together when they're eating on a cruise ship than anywhere else. You're often surrounded by people who are eager to talk and eat. It can be easy to get distracted. You shouldn't allow this to distract you away from the important things you need to do. If you see someone doing something dangerous, like smoking or drinking alcohol, tell them politely to stop.
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Always keep your room key close to you when you board the ship, and hand over your room key to the person checking you in. This way, they'll know where to find you if anything happens to you. You should also have your passport on you.
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Keep valuables away from prying eyes. Most cabins have drawers under their beds. You can store important documents such as passports and credit cards. Make sure that nothing valuable is visible from plain sight. Place your bags in the closet.
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Keep hydrated. Cruise ships provide plenty of water, but sometimes it's hard to remember to drink enough. Make use of the free bottled water provided throughout the ship. Try to avoid getting dehydrated. Dehydration makes you tired and cranky, leading to fights or accidents.
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Listen to announcements carefully. Announcements are displayed everywhere, including on TV screens. They include safety procedures and emergency exits as well as weather reports. These announcements will be of great importance. They could save your life.
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Never leave your cabin unlocked. No matter how kind a crew member might seem, your cabin should be locked. Thieves can often get in through unlocked doors. A crew member can grant permission to use the restroom.
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Do not go overboard by yourself. If you fall overboard, it takes time for the ship's crew to rescue you. Your body may be attracted by sharks and other sea creatures. It is best to wait for help.
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Never smoke inside the elevator. These elevators are pressurized, meaning smoke can build up quickly. If you feel dizzy and lightheaded, it is best to get out immediately. It doesn't necessarily mean that breathing is safe, even though the outside air is clean.
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Know the evacuation procedure. Every year, thousands are killed in elevator accidents. In an emergency, you should follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
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You should be familiar with fire drills. Fire drills happen regularly, usually once per day. During a drill, everyone on deck has to evacuate. Follow the crew members' directions. Once the drill has been completed, return back to your cabin.
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Ask questions before you accept food or drink. Cruisers often experience food poisoning. Many people don't realize that certain foods aren't safe to eat while onboard a ship. Raw oysters, for example, are not allowed on most cruise ships. If you aren’t certain whether or not the food that you’ve been served is safe for you, please politely decline to accept it and find another meal.
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Use the pool with caution There have been numerous instances of people accidentally falling into the pools. This is a common occurrence. You may also slip and fall on the deck. So always wear proper footwear and pay attention to your surroundings.