Weather
The best month to take a Mississippi River cruise depends on the weather and season. Autumn is arguably the best season to experience the Mississippi River and its many attractions. With crisp days, gorgeous fall colors, and warm air, early October is a great time to experience the delightful Mississippi. Mid-to-late October can bring potential hazards like heavy rain and chilly temperatures, so planning a cruise around those dates is best avoided.
Early spring is a good alternative when thinking of ideal times to go, along with late spring and early summer when everything thaws and temperatures start to rise. However, these months also bring occasional flooding, which can cause delays and interruptions. Average temperatures for May and June are in the low 80s, making it an ideal month for joyous outdoor activities.
Late summer and early fall also present the opportunity for good weather and experiences, with average temperatures reaching the low-to-mid 90s. While August and the early part of September can present the opportunity for good weather and show the river in its colorful glory, late September and October can bring hazardous weather events that can quickly put a damper on a pleasant voyage.
Therefore, for the perfect combination of wonderful weather, low humidity, and enjoyable outdoor activities, early October is arguably the best month to embark on a Mississippi River cruise.
Location
The location of the cruise is also important to consider when planning the best possible experience. The American Voyager allows US river cruise passengers to travel from St. Louis, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee, offering gorgeous views of lush woodlands, tea plantations and more. This trip has the potential to be a full-fledged adventure, taking travelers down two of the country’s most legendary waterways.
The cities along the way on a Mississippi River cruise have much to offer when it comes to sightseeing and entertainment. Of course, the Mississippi itself presents a wealth of awe-inspiring sights and can be enjoyed from the deck of a cruise ship. Cities like St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans offer unique shopping and dining experiences, sightseeing, and plenty of nightlife.
For the best possible river cruise experience, the American Voyager from mid-September to mid-October is hard to beat. Passengers get to witness cultural and historical sites, and experience a trip through two of the most legendary waterways in the United States.
Events and Attraction
The best time to go on a Mississippi River cruise coincides with prime times for events, attractions, and festivals. The National World War II Museum, located in New Orleans, is hosting a “River Cruise Down the Mississippi” exhibit, which is open year-round. In Memphis, Elvis Presley’s Graceland is a perfect day trip with cultural visits and tours throughout the property.
Entertainment events like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival take place each year towards the end of April and the beginning of May . The music and entertainment draw crowds from near and far, making the streets and venues alive with the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
The festivities of Mardi Gras draw tourists from all over the world to the city every February. Tourists are also drawn to the Memphis in May International Festival, which celebrates Memphis’ international business links with an amazing line-up of events.
The best time for a Mississippi River cruise depends on a combination of factors, but for the best of everything the weather and location have to offer, planning a cruise in the fall is hard to beat.
Activities
Onboard Mississippi River cruise ships, passengers can take advantage of all the amenities and activities available. From yoga classes to guided tours, Mississippi River cruises offer myriad amenities and activities designed to make every voyage more evocative and enjoyable.
For those who enjoy making the most of their river cruises, there are onboard activities for every taste. For example, the American Queen Steamboat Company offers an array of activities, including dance classes, lectures, and culinary classes. Guests can also choose from a variety of spa treatments, or participate in activities such as wine tasting.
Additionally, Mississippi River cruises offer onboard shopping and interesting tours that take travelers to iconic destinations. Passengers can relish in each destination’s culture and cuisine, as the tour guides provide personal insights into the history and culture of the region.
Overall, the combination of activities and amenities available are more than enough to keep passengers enthralled and entertained throughout the best times of the year to embark on a Mississippi River cruise.
Costs
The cost of a Mississippi River cruise also plays a role in determining when the voyage takes place. In autumn, Mississippi River cruises are more popular so the prices tend to be higher. Early spring is a great time of the year to cruise but cabin availability can be limited at that time.
The Mississippi plays host to an array of long and short cruises that can accommodate just about anyone’s budget and travel preferences. Prices are also dependent on the cruise you choose, ranging from modestly priced vessels to luxury liners.
Developing a budget for a Mississippi River cruise can be difficult because of the abundance of choices. To get the best value for your money, research different cruise lines and compare prices to find the right one to suit your needs.
Overall, the best month for a Mississippi River cruise will depend on the amount of money you’re willing to spend and the type of cruise that you want.
Wellness On Board
The best way to keep healthy while on board a Mississippi River cruise is to take advantage of the ship’s wellness center. Here passengers can enjoy a variety of spa treatments and yoga classes, as well as massage therapies and holistic treatments. The wellness centers on many river cruises offer an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
An on-board gym is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle while aboard the boat. Many ships offer high-tech gyms with all the necessary staple equipment and the ability to download cruise-specific workouts from the boat’s app.
No matter the time of year, wellness centers and gyms have everything needed to stay fit and healthy during your Mississippi River cruise. Additionally, passengers can take part in activities such as guided tours, dance classes, and cooking classes, as well as take advantage of nearby walking trails and parks.
Planning Tips
The key to a successful Mississippi River cruise is in the planning. Doing extensive research before your trip is the best way to guarantee the best experience. Ask friends and family members who have been on a Mississippi River cruise before and do your own research on websites like TripAdvisor.
The best way to get the most out of your Mississippi River cruise is to book early. While booking a cruise as close as possible to the proposed “perfect month” may be possible, it is not recommended as the price will likely be higher than if you reserve your cruise well in advance.
Travelers should also look for various discounts or promotions that may be available. Many cruise lines offer discounts for early bookings or for veterans, for example. However, it’s important to look for the fine print and to double check that the deal is legitimate.
Overall, planning a Mississippi River cruise is best done as early as possible and with as much research as possible. Doing so will help ensure that you get the most out of the experience for the best possible price.
Time Management and Organization
Time management and organization are two of the most important components of a successful Mississippi River cruise. Travelers should plan their daily activities and meals in advance, and to make sure they are getting the most out of the cruise they should stick to the original plan.
Onboard activities are usually scheduled throughout the day and some may require reservations in advance. Good time management and activity planning can help travelers get the most out of the cruise and make sure they don’t miss out on anything.
Whenever possible, travelers should avoid back-to-back events and activities. This is a great way to maximize time on the ship and to explore different Locations on the cruise, such as the different ports of call.
Everyday items such as sunblock and insect repellent should also always be on hand and stored in organized fashion, as it is important to remain hydrated and protected from the sun and insects.
Overall, proper time management, activity planning, and organization can make all the difference in making sure you’re getting the most out of your Mississippi River cruise.
