viking river cruise july 2024

Viking Cruises Begins 2024 River Cruise Season

Viking Cruises has begun its 2024 river cruise season aboard its Viking Longship fleet in Europe. She will sail various itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, and Elbe rivers.

“With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As more curious travelers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe’s iconic waterways.”

NEW WINTER ITINERARY

Treasures of the Danube will run from December 2024 to early March 2025, allowing guests to visit ports along the Danube River between Budapest and Passau.

Guests can also opt for the 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary, launched in December 2023, which travels between Amsterdam and Basel. Winter is a great time to visit these destinations as there are fewer crowds, better access to landmarks, and chances to experience local traditions.

2024 RIVER ITINERARIES 

Rhine Getaway  (8 days; Amsterdam—Basel) – Explore the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, and medieval towns. This journey includes stops in Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel.

Danube Waltz  (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Experience the relaxing thermal baths of Budapest and learn the waltz at a Viennese dance school. Indulge in Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest, and admire the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley. Visit lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau and explore daily monastic life at Göttweig Abbey.

Romantic Danube (8 days; Budapest—Regensburg) – Explore Budapest’s Castle District and the famous Chain Bridge. Visit Göttweig Abbey and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Discover historic Salzburg and enjoy a concert featuring Mozart and Strauss in Vienna. This 8-day journey along the “Blue Danube” offers medieval towns, grand cities, and stunning scenery.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Experience Paris and the Normandy beaches. Explore Rouen’s Gothic architecture and Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. This voyage celebrates France’s history, art, food, and customs.

Lyon & Provence (8 days; Lyon—Avignon) – Experience a painting class in Arles, Roman Provence, Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, and Lyon’s culinary scene. Savor local wines, truffles, and chèvre cheese. This voyage along the Rhône showcases the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall.

Christmas on the Rhine (8 days; Basel—Amsterdam) – Immerse yourself in Christmas spirit in storybook villages. Enjoy yuletide treats, browse festive stalls, and admire the lights of Cologne. This voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer along the Rhine.

Danube Christmas Delights (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Explore cultural capitals, fairy-tale villages, and Christmas markets. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine and admire the Wachau Valley.

Christmas on the Seine (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Enjoy the holiday season in Paris and Normandy. Enjoy festive markets, regional dining, and seasonal treats onboard.

Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon—Porto) – Explore Lisbon, Coimbra, Salamanca, and Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine, fado singing, and a Douro River cruise.

Grand European Tour (15 days; Budapest – Amsterdam) – Explore Rhine Valley vistas, Austria’s Wachau Valley, Vienna’s culture, and Budapest’s cafes. This 15-day journey spans Europe’s iconic rivers.

Will you be sailing with Viking Cruises during their river cruise season? Let us know in the comments!

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital Editorial Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

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Grand European Tour

• From AU$6,495
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• 2024 2025 2026
• Budapest to Amsterdam Amsterdam to Budapest

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Travel through the heart of Europe

Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.

ECONOMY FLIGHTS INCLUDED*

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Budapest

From $849 | 2 Nights

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From $1,199 | 3 Nights

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Post: Amsterdam

From $949 | 2 Nights

Post: Amsterdam Premium

From $1,599 | 2 Nights

Post: The Hague & Amsterdam

From $999 | 2 Nights

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Viking River Cruises Danube

As Europe’s second-longest river and a vital means of transportation for 2,000 years, the Danube is the only major European river to flow from west to east. Experience the elegance and beauty of the Danube River.

Cruises on the Danube run through:

Viking River Cruises Douro River Cruises

Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions.

Cruises on the Douro run through:

Viking River Cruise Elbe River Cruises

The Elbe rises in the Krkonoše Mountains of the Czech Republic, and crosses much of Bohemia, then into Germany. It spans four countries, with most of it in Germany and Czech Republic.

Cruises on the Elbe run through:

• Germany, Czech Republic

Viking River Cruises Gironde / Dordogne / Garonne River Cruises

The Gironde is an estuary in southwest France, located at the meeting of the Dordogne and Garonne. Upstream you’ll find the center of the Bordeaux. This is a beautiful place to experience France!

Cruises on the Gironde / Dordogne / Garonne run through:

Viking River Cruises Irrawaddy / Mekong / Ganges / Yangtze River Cruises

The Irrawaddy is the largest and most important river in Burma (Myanmar). It flows from north to south, through the Irrawaddy Delta, emptying into the Andaman Sea. Along the banks of the Irrawaddy, river cruise guests will see rice growing, fishermen plying their nets, and golden stupas (spires) dotting the landscape.

Cruises on the Irrawaddy / Mekong / Ganges / Yangtze run through:

Viking River Cruises Moselle River Cruises

Flowing through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, the Moselle River is known for the excellent wines produced along its banks as well as for its picturesque medieval castles.

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Viking River Cruises Nile River Cruises

The longest river in the world, the Nile flows through eleven countries. Its 4,258 mile long waterway flows north into the Mediterranean Sea.

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Viking River Cruise Rhine

Flowing from the Swiss Alps to Holland’s North Sea, the Rhine is perhaps most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks.

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Viking River Cruises Rhône River Cruises

An important inland trade and transportation route since Greek times, the Rhône River flows south to the Mediterranean, through the orchards and vineyards of the Rhône Valley.

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Viking River Cruises Seine River Cruises

The Seine rises just northwest of Dijon and flows in northwesterly through Paris before emptying into the English Channel at Le Havre. It’s one of Europe’s great historic rivers and since the early Middle Ages has been considered the river of Paris.

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Experience spring in the Netherlands! There are millions of reasons to explore these waterways all around the Netherlands – all of them bright and colorful.

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Viking River Cruises Great Lakes & Canada

Discover natural wonders: from outstanding beauty to historic cities and a deep connection to nature, the Great Lakes are an undiscovered treasure, boasting stunning national parks best explored via tranquil kayaking and hiking. This area is also rich in culture, with world-class museums, vibrant cities and areas steeped in First Nations traditions.

Viking River Cruises Mississippi

The Mississippi River is close to home, playing an important role in America’s history, commerce and culture. What better way to see and experience it than with Viking Cruise’s providing panoramic views of riverside scenery.

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All fares are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect promotional savings, are for new bookings only, are subject to availability, and must be booked by September 1, 2019. Promotional savings in categories F-B on the December 21st sailing and categories C-D on the December 27th sailing only. *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco is based on availability in class of service. Offer may be combined with applicable 3rd guest in stateroom offer but may not be combinable with other offers. Port, security, and handling charges of $149 per person are additional. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Call for details. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

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CLUB WYNDHAM TRAVEL

10-night passage to eastern europe, multiple sailings dates in july 2024 - july 2026 | viking river cruises.

Enjoy 10 nights of adventure on the Danube River. Departs from Bucharest, Romania.

Cruise Details

Sail to lands rich in traditions. See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including the 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruisetour.

Package Includes:

8 Ports | 5 Country | 8 Excursions | One-Way

What to Expect:

• 8 shore excursions
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Day 1: Bucharest, Romania 
• Day 2: Bucharest, Romania 
• Day 3: Ruse, Bulgaria 
• Day 4: Vidin, Bulgaria 
• Day 5: The Iron Gate (scenic cruising) & Golubac, Serbia 
• Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia 
• Day 7: Osijek, Croatia 
• Day 8: Kalocsa, Hungary 
• Day 9: Budapest, Hungary 
• Day 10: Budapest, Hungary 
• Day 11: Budapest, Hungary

Your Club Wyndham Travel Advisor can book this cruise along with any additional travel needs you may have for this vacation including flights, car rental, hotel stay, or even an activity.

Reserve Your Cabin Today - Call 800-732-0203

Call 800-732-0203

PlusPoints is a payment option for PlusPartner owners that entails a combination of points and out-of-pocket charge towards select Club Wyndham Travel bookings. PlusPoints can be used for the first two passengers in a cabin and allows owners the flexibility to use less points than listed and a larger out-of-pocket amount towards the reservation. PlusPoints is subject to change and availability. A PlusPoints booking will be charged a non-refundable $69 PlusPartner point exchange fee. Points may not be rented during the Express Reservation window.

Cruise and rates are subject to change and availability. Rates are listed per person based on double occupancy per cabin and includes port charges. Flights, gratuities, incidental expenses, and government taxes are not included. At least one shore excursion at every port and Wi-Fi are included. Coffee, tea and water for breakfast and beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are included. Travelers are responsible for all required travel documents, including but not limited to passports or travel visas. Minimum age requirements may apply. Special feature is listed per cabin and is subject to change and minimum bookings. Travel is arranged by Club WyndhamTravel, 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821.

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Romantic Danube

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Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-800-207-7286 or request a quote today., spring sale.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

DEPARTURE GATEWAYS

Air fare offer applies to select gateways; air fare offer may vary across gateways and itineraries; call for details.

Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

2024–2026 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR SAVINGS: Offer applies to bookings made from March 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in CA dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024: Pay in full by April 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025: Pay in full by July 31, 2024. 2026: Pay in full by January 15, 2025. Offers expires March 31, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to August 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to October 2024 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in CAD dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and for CA residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings made March 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024, are subject to availability; may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Credit and Viking Referral Rewards. Special cruise fares are based upon published full cruise fares; cruise fares do not include prepaid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full cruise fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Viking River Cruises CA gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. All fares include cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information on  Airline Luggage Restrictions  or to learn more about allowances and general airline information visit  Airline Information & Restrictions . AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 CAD per person or Business Class air from $4,499 CAD per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires March 31, 2024.

NOTE:  North American flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

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Viking celebrates start of 2024 river season in Europe

Post date: Mar 21 2024

Date: Mar 21 2024

By: Travelweek

LOS ANGELES — Viking kicked off its 2024 European river season yesterday with its award-winning fleet of Viking Longships setting sail throughout the region.

Accommodating 190 or fewer guests, the company’s river fleet of sister ships sail a variety of itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle and Elbe rivers. 

New this year is the 10-day Treasures of the Danube , which sails between Budapest and Passau from December 2024 until early March 2025, giving guests the chance to call on ports along the Danube River during the winter months. Guests can also explore the Rhine River during the winter season with the 10-day Treasures of the Rhine , which debuted in December 2023 and sails between Amsterdam and Basel.

On what to expect this year, Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, said: “With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination. As more curious travellers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe’s iconic waterways.”

Sailing March through December, some of Viking’s other popular river itineraries in Europe include:

• Rhine Getaway (8 days, Amsterdam-Basel): Highlights include calls in Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, with guests exploring turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals and medieval towns along the way.
• Danube Waltz   (8 days, Budapest-Passau): Guests will enjoy a steam at a Budapest thermal bath, learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school, visit Göttweig Abbey and explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau.
• Romantic Danube (8 days, Budapest-Regensburg): While on this journey, guests will visit Budapest’s Castle District, cross the famous Chain Bridge, explore Göttweig Abbey, make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots, visit historic Salzburg, and enjoy two days in Vienna.
• Paris & the Heart of Normandy   (8 days, Paris roundtrip): Guests will dock in the heart of Paris, visit Normandy’s beaches, explore Giverny and the house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked, all while on this exciting itinerary.
• Lyon & Provence   (8 days, Lyon-Avignon): While on this journey, guests will take an Arles painting class, explore the world’s largest Gothic palace at Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes and hunt for truffes. 
• Christmas on the Rhine (8 days, Basel-Amsterdam): Guests will immerse themselves in the spirit of Christmas as they journey through storybook villages, sample yuletide treats and admire the twinkling lights, wine cellars and markets of Cologne. 
• Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days, Lisbon-Porto): Highlights include exploring two of Iberia’s oldest university towns – Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain – as well as a hotel stay in Lisbon.
• Grand European Tour (15 days, Budapest-Amsterdam): Considered Viking’s most iconic itinerary, this tour traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers and includes such highlights and sampling the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley and learning the Viennese waltz at Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud.

For more information go to www.viking.com .

Tags: Lead Story, Viking

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Great Lakes Cruises

Discover natural wonders: from outstanding beauty to historic cities and a deep connection to nature, the Great Lakes are an undiscovered treasure, boasting stunning national parks best explored via tranquil kayaking and hiking. This area is also rich in culture, with world-class museums, vibrant cities and areas steeped in First Nations traditions.

Great Lakes Collection

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Highlights of great lakes cruises.

America’s Great Lakes are a little-known, unspoiled wonderland, boasting diverse natural beauty, scenic wildlife and some of the most interesting cities in North America. Over 750 miles across with 10,000 miles of coastline, the Great Lakes cover an area twice as large as Pennsylvania. Glide silently by kayak past otters in Georgian Bay, hear the roar of Niagara Falls, hike through verdant old forests or visit Canada’s prominent museums to marvel at art inspired by these shores. Here are some highlights you may experience during your journey:

• Explore the largest freshwater ecosystem on earth—the Great Lakes
• Watch for wildlife, from bald eagles to moose, bears and beavers
• Hike through stunning forests in this pristine environment
• Learn about Canada’s colonial past and the St. Lawrence River
• Kayak in stunning Georgian Bay—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• View the world-class collection of the Milwaukee Art Museum
• Explore tranquil, scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Transit engineering marvels like the Welland Canal and Soo Locks

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The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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