viking rhine river cruises 2024

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Rhine Getaway

• From $2,999
• 6 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

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 FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from April 1-30, 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 May 31, 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 February 15, 2025. Offers expires April 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to September 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to November 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 April 1, 2024 to April 30, 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 April 30, 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.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

4-Day Spring Sale

• Save $500-$800 per couple
• $25 Deposit
• Up to free International Airfare

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Europe Cruises

With longer port calls and our destination-focused approach, Viking maximizes your discoveries in Europe. From the fairytale castles of the Middle Rhine to the natural beauty of Norwegian fjords, you will gain deep insight into the continent’s cultural and historic riches.

Iconic Western Mediterranean

• PRICE & BUILD

Journey to Antiquities

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures

British Isles Explorer

Viking Homelands

Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada

Mediterranean Odyssey

Empires of the Mediterranean

NEW! Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean

Into the Midnight Sun

Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer

Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes

Iceland’s Natural Beauty

In Search of the Northern Lights

Trade Routes of the Middle Ages

Greek Odyssey

Venice, the Adriatic & Greece

Italian Sojourn

NEW! Cities of Antiquity

Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land

Mediterranean & Italian Sojourn

Italy, the Adriatic & Greece

Ancient Adriatic Treasures

Mediterranean Antiquities

Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities

Mediterranean’s Iconic Shores

NEW! Iberian & Mediterranean Odyssey

Iceland, British Isles & Iberia

In the Wake of the Vikings

Iberian Explorer

Viking Shores & Fjords

Grand Fjords & Iconic Viking Shores

Scandinavia & the British Isles

Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond

Baltic Jewels & the Midnight Sun

Viking Homelands & Majestic Iceland

British Isles & Iceland Explorer

Iconic Mediterranean Treasures

Mediterranean & Adriatic Sojourn

Adriatic & Mediterranean Sojourn

Passage to India

Voyage of Marco Polo

NEW! India & Europe Grand Passage

Viking World Cruise

Viking World Journeys

NEW! Viking World Voyage I

NEW! Viking World Voyage II

NEW! The Mediterranean & South Atlantic

Atlantic Crossing & Mediterranean

NEW! Atlantic & Mediterranean Horizons

NEW! Mediterranean to Caribbean Sojourn

Southern Atlantic Crossing

Atlantic Crossing

Atlantic Ocean Passage

West Indies to Iberia

Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

• Request a Quote

NEW! Mediterranean Discoveries

Highlights of europe cruises.

Europe’s inland waterways and stunning seaside coasts are brimming with old-world treasures. Discover them in celebrated capitals such as Vienna and Oslo, and in delightfully surprising ports, like Bratislava, Slovakia and Skagen, Denmark. From river to ocean, you can find:

• Cologne’s towering Gothic cathedral
• A traditional Sami ceremony north of the Arctic Circle
• Ancient trade routes of the Vikings
• Budapest’s regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge
• Sheep farming and wool production in a Faroese village
• Vintners tending their vines in quintas along the Douro
• The Hanseatic past of historic Bergen
• Kinderdijk’s windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Picturesque Icelandic waterfalls and fjords
• Award-winning beers at Britain’s oldest brewhouse

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

4-Day Spring Sale

• Save $500-$800 per couple
• $25 Deposit
• Up to free International Airfare

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Special Offers
• Amsterdam to Basel
• Basel to Amsterdam

Christmas on the Rhine

• From £2,895
• 8 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Amsterdam to Basel Basel to Amsterdam
• Day 1 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Day 2 Scenic Sailing: Waal & Merwede
• Day 3 Cologne, Germany
• Day 4 Koblenz, Germany
• Day 5 Mannheim, Germany
• Day 6 Strasbourg, France
• Day 7 Breisach, Germany
• Day 8 Basel, Switzerland

Koblenz, Germany

Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a wine heritage that spans centuries; a key ingredient for the warming glühwein that is served from taverns and market stalls during the holiday season. The scent of cinnamon, cloves and spices waft from steaming mugs as the sounds of festivities fill the air from one of the many musical performances, creating a toe-tapping atmosphere. Centered around the Schängel fountain, the Koblenz Christmas market offers all the flavors of the yuletide season from its famous Christmas bakery.

Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine

The Rhine River flows through one of Germany’s most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. This infamous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.

Rüdesheim, Germany

Located in the picturesque Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim is brimming with festive cheer. The vibrant Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with decorated restaurants and bars, is the perfect place to explore and immerse in the spirit of the holiday season. Traditional Rhineland music provides the backdrop to a tankard of Christmas beer. Market stalls offer an array of tasty morsels from various nations, and local artisans demonstrate their talents with displays of unique, handcrafted gifts.

Shore Excursions

Historic Koblenz at Christmas

Take a festive stroll around Koblenz to explore its historic past and visit the Christmas market.

Rüdesheim Festive Market

Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Christmas Market of Nations

Dine in Rüdesheim am Rhein

Raise your glass and give a hearty “Prost!” to a delicious and fun evening.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Ascend to Ehrenbreitstein, set high on a hill with magnificent views of Koblenz and the Eifel Hills.

Medieval Marksburg Castle

Visit Marksburg Castle, the only medieval-era stronghold in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed.

Wine Tasting & Dinner at Eberbach Monastery

Enjoy dinner in a former Cistercian monastery whose lush vineyards have produced wines for centuries.

Wine Tasting & Dinner at Schloss Johannisberg Estate

Enjoy a delicious dinner of German specialties at the site of one of the Rheingau region’s most celebrated vineyards.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Our enhanced air program makes the travel planning process even easier by offering the best flight options at exclusive pricing with industry leading airlines, more control of your flight itinerary, and complimentary roundtrip airport transfers.

Viking Air Travel Services

Should you wish to book your airfares through Viking Cruises, please contact our reservation team. Alternatively, you are welcome to make your own air arrangements.

Flight Offers Terms & Conditions

Applicable for bookings made between 26 December 2023 – 28 March 2024.

• For selected 2025/2026 River voyages in Europe and Southeast Asia, included flights are in Economy Class on Viking’s choice of airline and from selected major gateway cities in Australia and New Zealand: ADL/AKL/BNE/CBR/CHC/CNS/DRW/HBA/LST/MEL/OOL/PER/SYD/WLG.
• A $500pp surcharge applies for peak season flights to Europe. High season is defined as flight departures from Australia/New Zealand from 1 June – 15 September & 10 – 31 December. There is no high season surcharge for Included Flights to Southeast Asia.
• Guests can upgrade to business class or premium economy (booked through Viking) with AU$2,300pp off the Europe and AU$1,400pp off the Southeast Asia business/premium economy airfare. Upgrade flight cost difference is to be paid at the time of flight booking.
• Guest must return their air form to Viking within 14 business days of receiving request for flights, otherwise Viking reserve the right to remove the free air promo and apply the respective in lieu of flights discount. Once flights are booked, guest/agents have 72 hrs to respond otherwise tickets will be issued and then normal change and cancellation fees apply.
• If guest/agent cancels booking once flights are ticketed, an airline cancellation fee of $300pp will apply. Airline cancellation fee will be deducted from guests’ booking deposit, combined with the Viking cancellation fee of AU$100pp, with the remaining funds issued back to guests in the form of a Future Cruise Voucher.
• Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 28 March 2024.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

• Main content

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.

Raw HTML : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

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.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

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.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report