Mississippi River cruises itineraries are usually separated into the Upper and Lower part of the river. The Upper Mississippi is generally considered to be between St. Louis, Missouri and St. Paul, Minnesota; and the Lower Mississippi is between Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana. Cruises are sometimes combined with other waterways, such as the Ohio River and the Tennessee River.

Since the weather tends to be warmer in the southeastern United States, travel on the Lower Mississippi is available during most of the year; while cruises on the Upper Mississippi are more seasonal and usually only available between June and October.

Are there 3-day Mississippi River cruises?

Many travelers find the experience of Mississippi river cruises to be unique and enriching, allowing them to explore diverse cultures and scenic landscapes.

No. Major river cruise lines like American Cruise Lines and Viking do not offer 3-day itineraries on the Mississippi. Most Mississippi River cruises are 7 days or longer. A few smaller, regional operators may advertise short sightseeing trips, but these are not the same as a full river cruise experience.

Are there 5-day Mississippi River cruises?

Not with the major lines. American Cruise Lines and Viking focus on week-long and longer itineraries. If you’re interested in a shorter trip, the best option is often to join a 7-day cruise and simply disembark earlier, but note that pricing is still based on the full itinerary.

What’s the shortest Mississippi River cruise available?

Typically, the shortest standard itineraries are 7 days. Some specialty or repositioning cruises may be slightly shorter, but if you’re looking for a true Mississippi experience, plan on at least a week on board.

About the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is is one of the longest rivers in the world and the second longest river in the United States after the Missouri River. From northern Minnesota, the Mississippi flows for 2,340 miles and passes through or borders 10 different states before reaching its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico.

The Mississippi River has 12 tributaries. With regard to river cruises, the Ohio River is its major tributary. The two rivers actually meet twice – in Cairo, IL where the mouth of the Ohio River is located and also near Paducah, KY.

Cruising the Upper Mississippi River

As previously mentioned, cruises on the Upper Mississippi are seasonal and only available between June and October, which means options are more limited. Average itinerary length is usually eight to nine days. And the most common itineraries are between St. Louis, MO and St. Paul, MN.

There are also a few cruises available between St. Louis and Ottawa, IL (Chicago), St. Louis and Memphis and round-trip from Red Wing, MN (Minneapolis). Some packages combine travel on the Mississippi with the Ohio River and may include travel to cities, such as Pittsburgh, Louisville, KY and Cincinnati ,OH. However, most of the cruise is on the Ohio River and not the Mississippi. So for those travelers looking for a Mississippi River cruise, these may not be the best option.

The Cumberland River is another waterway that is sometimes combined with a Mississippi River cruise. This river is indirectly connected to the Mississippi through the Ohio River. Nashville and Clarksville, TN are located on the Cumberland River and are featured in a couple of itineraries. These cruises are between St. Louis and Nashville and an equal amount of time is spent on the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers.

Cruising the Lower Mississippi River

There are also several itineraries available on the Lower Mississippi between Memphis and New Orleans. These cruises are typically between 8 and 9 days long.  There are also 5- to 6-day packages that are round trip from New Orleans.

Unlike the Upper Mississippi, cruises on the Lower Mississippi are available throughout most of the year, with the exception of mid-January thru late February. And similar to cruises in Europe, there are themed itineraries available during the winter holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day.

In addition to Upper Mississippi and Lower Mississippi River cruises, there are a couple of itineraries available each year that combine both. These cruises are between New Orleans and St. Paul, MN and are 16 to 22  days long.

Prominent cities often visited on a Mississippi River cruise include:

• New Orleans
• Memphis
• St. Louis
• St. Paul/Minneapolis

Which is better, American Cruise Lines or Viking, for the Mississippi?

American Cruise Lines sails the Mississippi; Viking’s U.S. river product is limited and schedules vary. If you want consistent Mississippi itineraries, ACL is the safer bet.

Which is more upscale?

Viking is known for a contemporary, Scandinavian style and a global river fleet; ACL offers modern riverboats and classic paddlewheelers with a more American-forward style. “Upscale” depends on what you value—design, cuisine, or inclusions.

Which is cheaper?

Pricing varies by sailing date and cabin type. Historically, headline fares can look similar; value comes down to what’s included and the specific itinerary. Compare total trip costs (fare, promos, air, gratuities, excursions).

Who should choose which line?

Pick ACL if you want reliable Mississippi departures, U.S.-focused style, and smaller-ship access. Pick Viking if your dates align and you prefer their design language and brand experience across fleets.

• For further reading, The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America’s Heartland