A minneapolis to new orleans river cruise is an exceptional way to experience the beauty and charm of America's heartland. Sailing along the Mississippi River will allow you to explore many cities and towns you might not otherwise get to experience.
Whether you're an American guest or a visitor from outside of the US, a mississippi river cruise is an amazing way to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history that makes these places great. These itineraries often include multiple days of cruising so that you can take in every city and port as much as possible.
The Mississippi is the US's longest river, with 2,340 miles of flow from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Its 12 tributaries originate from all over the United States, making it one the most scenic and varied rivers in North America.
There are many itineraries available. The most common is on the Upper Mississippi River between St. Louis & St. Paul or on the Lower Mississippi River between Memphis & 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. The Mississippi is vulnerable to severe weather conditions, storms, and mosquitoes during the summer.
During the fall and winter, the river is much calmer and you'll find that it isn't as hot or humid. You're less likely it will receive heavy precipitation which can make the river difficult for ships and cause it to become muddy.
You can also choose between a variety itineraries that combine upper and lower Mississippi Rivers. These include an 8-day Upper Mississippi River cruise (or a 15-day Grand Heartland) cruise. These itineraries are available in 10 states and offer a variety of activities.
The Mississippi is a huge river. It can take quite a while for the water to rise or fall, which could impact your sailing plans. The US Army Corps of Engineers lowers water levels, so it is important that you check with your cruise operator for an estimate of when your ship can 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.
On an Upper Mississippi cruise, you'll be able to enjoy a wide range of onboard enrichment activities and special guest lectures that will help you immerse yourself in the history of the region. You'll also have the chance to visit the locations that inspired Mark Twain. He used the river as a backdrop to many of his most popular works.
FAQ
Should I book my cruise before or after booking my airfare?
It all depends on where you're traveling. You will have more flexibility when it comes to dates if you book your cruise early. A cruise could be planned around summer months in Europe, for instance. To avoid paying high season prices, book your cruise if you're going to Asia or South America.
What can you expect on a cruise?
Fun is the most important thing. Don't be afraid to have fun.
There will be plenty of activities to suit everyone's interests. There are always people who want to talk to you if your bored.
Cruising is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself. It's not all about seeing as much as you can.
There are many cruises that you can take, from short European trips to long Pacific voyages. The duration of the trip is determined by what you wish to accomplish during your vacation.
Why don't you book your cruise early?
It is not always necessary to book your cruise in advance. Sometimes, it is cheaper to wait until last minute. Don't wait to book if you want to save money. You will be able to avail of exclusive deals and promotions from cruise lines.
Are there any drawbacks to cruising
Consider these things when weighing the pros and disadvantages of cruising. Some people may not wish to spend their whole vacation on a boat. Some may prefer to stay on the beach or in a hotel. Still, others may feel uncomfortable being away from land for so long. These concerns can be overcome by choosing a cruise that allows for plenty of time on the shore.
Is there an all-inclusive cruise?
It is not possible to cruise on all-inclusive ships as they do no offer meals for passengers with dietary limitations. They also do not provide room service, laundry services, or other amenities such as pools, gyms, spas, etc.
Some cruise lines offer "all-inclusive", which covers everything but alcohol. These packages generally include airfare, hotel accommodations or entertainment.
Can I bring my pet to the train?
Most cruise lines allow pets to travel on board. There are limitations. It is important that you ensure your pet is able to travel. You should not allow pets that are too sick to travel onboard. Secondly, you cannot bring any animals on board unless they are service dogs. Service dogs can be trained to help disabled persons. You can't bring any type or dangerous animal to board.
Where do cruises begin?
Cruise vacations typically begin in Miami, Florida. It has both international ports and airports, so cruises leave from Miami. These two locations permit passengers to explore South America and Europe.
Statistics
- You can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip. (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)
- You'll need to budget around $80 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. (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)
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How To
How can you plan your first cruise?
A cruise planning process is similar to any other trip. There are many things you need to consider such as where to go and what activities to include, costing, and budgeting. If you're new at cruising, there are key differences in planning your first cruise. You won't want anything to miss because cruises are typically longer than land vacations (upto 3 weeks). These tips can make your vacation easier.
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Book at least six months prior to departure. You can save money and avoid crowds by booking early. Additionally, you will have ample time for research on the ship, itinerary and ports as well as activities. You may even be able to find a bargain on airfare.
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Pick a destination. It doesn't really matter what port you choose, just choose one that appeals. There are many reasons people love to cruise to different destinations. Some people love exploring cities while others enjoy relaxing onboard. No matter what boat you are on, it is important to remember the type of destination that you wish to visit. The Caribbean is the most popular destination, followed closely by Europe or Alaska.
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Book a suite. Suites include extra space, a private terrace, and additional amenities. These rooms are generally available for $100-$300 per evening, depending on how big your room is and if there are any suites available during your sailing date.
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Check the weather forecast - Cruising is often associated with warm tropical climates. You should also check the weather forecasts of the ports on the day you plan to visit them. The ocean is unpredictable, especially in places like Alaska or Antarctica, so it's best to know how bad the weather could potentially be before booking your cruise.
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Be light-weight - Pack only 10 items when packing for a cruise. No need to take too many clothes or shoes with you. It's better to pack only what you actually need in small bags. Consider layering clothing since you won't always have access to laundries onboard.
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Read reviews before you purchase tickets. It is important to understand what their cancellation policies are, as well as the pricing policies.
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These must-see locations are not to be missed. Make sure to visit each port at the very least once. Each has its unique charm and culture, so take advantage of all the local sites.