Cruise West offers two week-long, small-ship cruises of the Mississippi River. The first runs from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Memphis, Tennessee, while the second runs from Memphis to Nashville. Guests will visit plantations such as Oak Alley and the Myrtles; they'll also have time to explore historic towns, such as Natchez and the Vicksburg National Military Park. The cruises are casual and intimate, with outside viewing areas and dining areas with picture windows.
Cruise West
2301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 401
Seattle, WA 98121
888-851-8133
cruisewest.com
Blount Small Ship Adventures is a family-owned cruise company that offers a Mississippi River cruise. The Historic Rivers of America Leg 3 does not exclusively take place on the Mississippi; it also explores other historic rivers. However, you'll have at least three days on the river as you explore old cities like St. Genevieve and St. Louis, right past the Arch. Each Blount ship is equipped for up to 96 guests; the smaller ships can pass through narrower waterways, allowing for a different cruise experience than the huge, floating hotels offered by larger companies.
Blount Small Ship Adventures
461 Water Street
Warren, RI 02885 USA
800-556-7450
blountsmallshipadventures.com
Paddlewheel Cruises is a Louisiana-based paddleboat cruise line. The company only offers day or dinner cruises, but tourists are treated to a feast on board an old-fashioned paddle boat. The Creole Queen and Riverboat hosts jazz dinner cruises and a cruise to the Chalmette Battlefield. The Creole Queen is a modern ship, built in 1983, but employs traditional paddle wheel construction. You may also commission the vessel, or one of its rooms, for a private celebration.
New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc.
1 Poydras Street
Riverwak Market Place, Box 39
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-529-4567
creolequeen.com
