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All-Inclusive Mississippi River Cruises Explained

Cruising the Mississippi River is one of the most memorable ways to explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of America’s heartland.

From charming river towns to grand plantations and vibrant cities, all-inclusive Mississippi River cruise packages offer a stress-free, immersive experience with comfort, enrichment, and easy budgeting.

Planning a quick weekend or a week-long voyage? Below is exactly what’s included, realistic pricing, what drives cost, how to compare lines, and the key questions to ask so you can book with confidence.

What Is an All-Inclusive Mississippi River Cruise?

An all-inclusive Mississippi River cruise rolls most major trip expenses into one upfront fare so you can relax and enjoy the journey. These cruises typically include:

  • Accommodations in comfortable staterooms or suites
  • All meals, often gourmet quality
  • Beverages (including alcoholic options on some cruises)
  • Shore excursions and guided tours
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Wi-Fi and gratuities (varies by cruise line)

The all-inclusive model keeps costs predictable and minimizes surprises, though premium excursions, top-shelf beverages, and travel insurance may be extra depending on the line.

Popular All-Inclusive Cruise Durations

3-Day Mississippi River Cruises

  • Perfect for: Quick getaways or first-time river cruisers.
  • Typical Itinerary: Roundtrip from New Orleans with stops at nearby towns like St. Francisville and Natchez.
  • Inclusions: Meals, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, and some drinks.
  • Estimated Price: $1,200 – $2,000 per person.

5-Day Mississippi River Cruises

  • Perfect for: Travelers wanting a more immersive regional experience.
  • Typical Itinerary: Roundtrip from New Orleans or Memphis with stops at Baton Rouge, Oak Alley Plantation, and Vicksburg.
  • Inclusions: Gourmet dining, daily excursions, guided history tours, and sometimes premium beverage packages.
  • Estimated Price: $2,500 – $3,500 per person.

7-Day Mississippi River Cruises

  • Perfect for: Comprehensive exploration of the Mississippi River’s history and landscapes.
  • Typical Itinerary: One-way cruises from New Orleans to Memphis or reverse, or upper Mississippi routes from St. Louis to St. Paul.
  • Inclusions: All meals, premium drinks, expert-led shore excursions, pre-cruise hotel stays, and onboard cultural programs.
  • Estimated Price: $3,800 – $5,500 per person.

What’s Typically Included in All-Inclusive Mississippi Cruises?

  • Comfortable Staterooms: Many with river views or private balconies.
  • Fine Dining: Regional specialties such as Creole, Southern BBQ, and classic American fare.
  • Unlimited Beverages: Some cruises include wine, beer, soft drinks, and specialty coffees.
  • Enriching Shore Excursions: Guided city tours, plantation visits, Civil War sites, and music history stops.
  • Onboard Entertainment: Live jazz, lectures, cultural demonstrations, and performances.
  • Wellness Amenities: Fitness centers, walking tracks, and sometimes spa services.

How Much Do Mississippi River Cruises Cost?

Expect a typical range of $400–$800 per person, per night, depending on line, cabin type, and season.

  • Short breaks (3–4 nights): ~$1,200–$2,800 per person
  • Mid-length (5–7 nights): ~$2,500–$5,500 per person
  • Extended (8–14 nights): ~$5,500–$10,000+ per person

Solo travelers may see a single supplement of 25%–100%+ depending on the sailing and cabin category.

What Affects Your Total Cost?

  • Cabin category: Interior/river-view vs. balcony suites; size and deck location can move the price significantly.
  • Seasonality: Spring and fall (peak demand) often price higher than late summer or shoulder dates.
  • Inclusions by line: Some include premium drinks, gratuities, Wi‑Fi, and pre-cruise hotels; others price these a la carte.
  • Excursions: Included tours vs. paid premium experiences (e.g., private tastings, small-group history tours).
  • One-way vs. roundtrip: One-way itineraries may add transfer or open-jaw flight costs.
  • Promotions: Early-booking discounts, past-guest offers, and airfare credits can lower net cost.
  • Taxes/fees/insurance: Port charges, travel insurance, and onboard service fees vary.

How to Compare Cruise Packages (Buyer’s Checklist)

  • Total value: Fare + taxes + gratuities + Wi‑Fi + drinks + excursions. Compare the all-in number, not just base fare.
  • Itinerary fit: Lower vs. Upper Mississippi, one-way vs. roundtrip, and time in port vs. scenic cruising.
  • Cabin details: Square footage, balcony, bathroom layout, noise/deck location.
  • Excursion quality: Group size, accessibility, expert guides, and whether multiple tour choices are included.
  • Onboard vibe: Classic paddlewheel vs. modern ships; enrichment (lectures, music, cuisine) that matches your interests.
  • Dining & beverages: Specialty venues, regional menus, included alcohol policy, and dietary accommodations.
  • Accessibility & mobility: Elevator access, tendering vs. dockside, walking intensity of tours.
  • Policies: Deposit, final payment date, change/cancellation terms, and price-protection or reprice options.
  • Reputation: Reviews, safety record, and service consistency across ships.

Cruise Lines Offering Mississippi River Packages

  • American Cruise Lines: Known for luxurious ships and fully inclusive pricing.
  • American Queen Voyages: Offers classic paddlewheel experiences with included tours and drinks.
  • Viking River Cruises: Entering the Mississippi market with sleek, modern river ships and European-style service.

Each cruise line offers its own version of all-inclusive perks, so it’s worth comparing packages to see which best matches your travel style and budget.

Booking Tips

  • Book early (6–12 months): Best cabin selection and early-booking offers.
  • Watch for specials: Air credits, reduced deposits, solo supplements waived, or onboard credit.
  • Be flexible on dates: Shifting by a week can cut hundreds per person.
  • Check policies: Favor refundable deposits or lines with future cruise credit flexibility.
  • Bundle smart: Pre-cruise hotel and transfers can be cheaper through the line—and simpler.

10 Questions to Ask Before You Book

  • What exactly is included in the fare (drinks, Wi‑Fi, gratuities, premium excursions)?
  • Which excursions are included vs. paid, and how large are the tour groups?
  • What are the cabin dimensions, balcony type, and deck location?
  • Are there mobility-friendly options for tours and ship access?
  • What is the deposit, final payment date, and cancellation/refund policy?
  • Is there price protection if the fare drops after I book?
  • What are the typical guest demographics and onboard dress code?
  • Are there solo traveler offers or reduced single supplements?
  • What are average daily temperatures and water levels for my travel dates?
  • Can I add travel insurance, and what does it cover?

Final Thoughts

An all-inclusive Mississippi River cruise package offers a deeply rewarding way to experience America’s heartland with easy budgeting and curated experiences. With clear pricing, a handle on what drives cost, and the right questions in hand, you’ll be ready to pick the itinerary, ship, and cabin that deliver the best value for your travel style.

From the jazz and cuisine of New Orleans to the Civil War history of Vicksburg and the riverfront charms of the Upper Mississippi, your cruise can be as relaxed or as immersive as you want—simply choose your dates, compare inclusions, and book with confidence.