Barge ships are popular throughout the Mississippi River, the fourth largest river in the world. Barge cruise ships are small, usually having capacity for no more than 200 people. Some barge cruise ships have cabins on board but most do not. In the river cities along the Mississippi, many inns are available for lodging. The river cities are also known for their shopping, crafts and antiques.
The Niagara Prince is a small ship operated by the Blount Small Ship Adventures. The Niagara Prince has an 84-passenger capacity. The barge ship has 14-day cruises from Chicago, Ill., to New Orleans, La. on the Mississippi River.
Blount Small Ship Adventures
461 Water St.
P.O. Box 368
Warren, RI 02885
800-556-7450
accl-smallships.com
The Julia Belle Swain Steamboat is operated by the Great River Steamboat Co. and has a 150-passenger capacity. The Julia Belle Swain travels from La Crosse, Wis., to either Winona, Minn., or Prairie du Chien, Wis. The trips take between two and three days; cabins are not available on board.
Great River Steamboat Co.
608-784-4882
juliabelle.com
The Spirit of Peoria has a passenger capacity of 150. The small ship has three-day overnight cruises from Peoria, Ill., to St. Louis, Mo. From May to October the ship also has two-day cruises from Peoria, Ill., to Starved Rock State Park. No cabins are available, but passengers can stay in lodges at state park stops.
The Spirit of Peoria
100 Water St.
Peoria, IL 61602
800-676-8988
spiritofpeoria.com
