Mississippi Riverboat Cruises

Majestic America Line, the company that operated the only overnight paddlewheel cruise operating in America, will not offer any cruises in 2009. Before its purchase by Majestic, the Delta Queen Steamboat Company was the oldest continuously operating US-flag cruise line - tracing its roots to 1890. The Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and the American Queen featured plush, Victorian-style staterooms and suites, as well as fully working paddlewheels powered by steam. Together, they captured the spirit of the past, offering romantic, nostalgic riverboat cruises.

Activities onboard Mississippi riverboat cruises included talks about the river and its history, kite flying, and lots of musical entertainment. Visits to charming river towns and big cities allowed guests to explore antebellum mansions, Civil War battlefields, museums, and the boyhood home of Mark Twain. Passengers enjoyed delicious American food, award winning entertainment and quaint shops for regional gifts.

The three steamboats had distinct personalities. The Delta Queen cruised the Mississippi since 1947 and is a National Historic Landmark that attracted a loyal following. Small and charming, the Delta Queen was comparable to a warm B&B and is one of the most wonderful cruising experiences found anywhere.

The Mississippi Queen and the American Queen were larger and featured modern amenities like small pools, verandah cabins, and elevators between decks. The luxury of these floating palaces had to be experienced to be believed. Time on these steamboats was as active or as relaxing as you made it.

Mississippi River Cruises from New Orleans

The Delta Queen mostly sails the upper Mississippi, but offered some cruises out of New Orleans. The Mississippi Queen will made 14 seven-night cruises from New Orleans in 2008. Please see the ship pages for full details.

The American Queen offered 21 7-night round-trip cruises from New Orleans in 2008. Explore the Mississippi River with stops including Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge and Oak Alley Plantation. The ship also offered six 7-night cruises to Memphis in 2008.