riverboat cruises from st louis

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Riverboats at The Gateway Arch

50 South L.K. Sullivan Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63102

TripAdvisor Rating:

Not a dinner cruise - snacks, soda & beer available. Interesting history on the bridges & City. Constructive criticism: boat operator, while great, needs to slow down his "narration", slight...

Skip the Boat Ride

Purchased in a combo with the Gateway Arch tour, better deal. It was great to be able to sit down and relax on a hot day. If you were not sitting towards the Arch the view was of nothing. I know it...

Don't bother, it's a waste of money.

Visited: 04/07/2023 4th of July Riverboat Cruise with Fireworks in the evening. Goodness me, what an absolute shambles. We were lucky we walked, as parking was a joke and all cobbled so it isn't...

Cruises: Mar.-Nov., 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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Rolling on the River: Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises

No visit to the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis is complete without a riverboat tour of the Mississippi! Step back in time as you board the Becky Thatcher or Tom Sawyer and take a tranquil tour of the riverfront.

Before interstate highways crisscrossed the nation, people did their luxury traveling by train and steamboat. St. Louis was a bustling river town in the 1800’s with hundreds of steam powered paddlewheelers docked on riverfront! There’s a cool display of what St. Louis looked like back then at the Arch’s new museum –be sure to check it out on your next visit.

Riverboat Cruise at the Arch

The riverboats can take your family on a hour long tour of the riverfront –there’s a sightseeing cruise running every day from March to November.

But if you want to make it really special–book a dinner or brunch cruise! The Becky Thatcher is set up with a double decker dining room and takes visitors on a two-hour tour of the riverfront while you dine on a delicious buffet.

Brunch on the Riverboat Becky Thatcher

Sunday Brunch Cruises are a great way to celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Of course you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the Arch with your family! There’s one or two brunch cruises scheduled every month the boats operates. Check out their current schedule under “specialty cruises” here.   There’s also dinner cruises, dancing cruises, and a couple cruises up to see the lock and dam where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet!

What’s included with my ticket?

Your brunch ticket includes a buffet full of scrambled eggs, blintzes, French toast, sausage, prime rib, stuffed chicken, veggies, pasta, dessert, and coffee, iced tea, orange juice, milk and chocolate milk. Soft drinks, beer and cocktails are available at the bar for an extra charge.

What to Expect on your Riverboat Brunch Cruise

First, you’ll want to reserve your spot early by getting tickets online . Tickets are $45 for adults, $18 for kids 3-12 and free for little ones under 2. 

The boats are docked at the foot of the Gateway Arch. Stop by the ticket office to pick up your tickets by 12:30 — the boat leaves promptly at 1pm!

Then you’ll come aboard and be directed to your seat. Unlike the sightseeing tours, the Brunch Cruise has reserved indoor seating with white linen table clothes. Tables are located by the windows, so you can enjoy the whole cruise from the comfort of the cabin, or pop upstairs to watch from the observation deck. 

The food might be served buffet style, but you’ll also get a friendly waiter to serve your drinks and clear the plates. Don’t worry about standing in line either, the serving staff dismisses diners by table so the buffet isn’t overwhelmed.

And while you wait, enjoy a little Dixieland music!

Where do I park?

Best Photos of the Arch are Here

If you’re looking to get a postcard photo of the Gateway Arch, a riverboat cruise is where to be! You can also get a pretty cool one from the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park over on the East Side, but you don’t need to worry about pesky power lines messing up your shot here. ( Here’s a few more ideas for great photos with the Arch! )

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Mississippi River Cruises

Stretching for 2,350 miles down the United States, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, our new cruises on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer—one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.

Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.

Mississippi Delta Explorer

• PRICE & BUILD

NEW! Heartland of America

New Orleans & Southern Charms

America’s Great River

NEW! The Big Easy to the Gateway City

NEW! Mississippi River Odyssey

Upper Mississippi Explorer

Grand Mississippi Voyage

America’s Heartland

Heart of the Delta

Highlights of mississippi river cruises.

A Mississippi River cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland on the world’s #1 river cruise line. Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:

• Festive French Quarter and Creole cuisine in New Orleans
• Cajun heritage in Baton Rouge
• Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park
• Memphis BBQ, Graceland and appreciation of the Delta Blues
• Steamboat sailings with diverse wildlife sightings
• Mark Twain's boyhood home and America’s literary history
• Up close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle
• Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the pioneering spirit of the Midwest
• Norwegian cultural experience at Vesterheim
• Intricate locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London DDAY & Paris, Rhine & Main Explorer. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by August 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by November 30, 2025. Offers expires August 31, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires August 31, 2024.

NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

Mississippi River Gateway Cruise: New Orleans to St. Louis

This unique itinerary on the Lower Mississippi takes you from the ‘Gateway to the West’ in St. Louis to New Orleans – our original ‘Gateway’ to the Mississippi and America’s Heartland!

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 New Orleans, LA Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. This vivacious city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the city at your leisure.

2 Cruising the Mississippi River Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi.

3 Baton Rouge, LA Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble.

4 Natchez, MS In Natchez, grand homes sparkle like jewels, adorning the bluffs that tower above the river. Since 1716, when the French first built a fort here among the Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth. With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality. Explore on your own or enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon. Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park.

5 Vicksburg, MS Vicksburg is a place of drama. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. The well-fortified connection between river and rail transportation was known as “The Gibraltar of the West.” A narrated exploration of the well-preserved National Military Park battlefield enlivens this powerful story and highlights its significance. President Abraham Lincoln summarized Vicksburg’s importance clearly when he said, “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket… They can defy us from Vicksburg… As valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so.” Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Walk aboard an enormous Army Corps of Engineers towboat. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate.

6 Day of River Cruising As we make our way from historic New Orleans to St. Louis, revel in the sights and sounds of the spectacular Mississippi River. Spend time chatting with other guests in the lounges or enjoy a cocktail on your private balcony.

7 Memphis, TN Welcome to Memphis, a historic city which rises picturesquely up the hillside from the river, adorned with grand oak trees, lush parks, and historic sites that commemorate everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city’s famous BBQ. Choose from an array of customized excursions. Perhaps take a narrated motorcoach excursion to get an overview of this dramatic city. Or indulge in the glamour of the Peabody Hotel. Explore the home, life, and career of Elvis Presley or make your pilgrimage to Sun Studio, where he recorded his earliest smash-hits.

8 New Madrid, MO Originally founded in 1776 by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodriguez, early settlers of New Madrid were required to become citizens of Spain in order to reside here. Today, New Madrid is a living monument to early American history with sites including the Kochtitzky Home, the Trail of Tears, and Veterans Park.

9 Paducah, KY Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. As you walk the streets of this Chickasaw village site, discover Paducah’s rich history. View the Wall-to-Wall Mural Program, a collection of over 50 murals that covers a number of subjects including Native American history, the Civil War, and area landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library. Led by our expert guide, tour this enchanting city with a stop National Quilt Museum.

10 Day of River Cruising Sit back and enjoy the gentle sounds of the paddlewheel as it churns the placid waters of the Ohio River. One of the highlights of this cruise is the chance to watch the ever-changing scenery as it passes by and experience the river, as early explorers did centuries ago.

11 St. Louis, MO St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West." Admire the scenic riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum.

12 St. Louis, MO On your travels back home, reflect on your wonderful memories.

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*Prices may vary due to seasonality

Onboard Experience

The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on. The large staterooms with interior entrances ensure you have a relaxed, private area to watch the river from, or visit any of the many onboard lounges. Daily entertainment will be brought onboard, including musicians, historians and naturalists.

Regionally-Inspired Menus

American Cruise Lines uses fresh, local ingredients to show off the culinary glory of the region you’re cruising in. On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack.

Eagle Society

Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. After 3 cruises, you’ll receive complimentary premium shore excursions. After 10 cruises, you’ll get a complimentary 11th cruise. There are special Eagle Society cruise dates every year. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well.

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St. Louis River Cruises

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America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
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Upper Mississippi River

• Explore the culture of St. Louis
• See Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal
• Witness wildlife and nature
• Admire local artwork in Red Wing

America’s Heartland

• Discover history of the Mississippi
• Explore Dubuque, Iowa
• Experience Mississippi river towns
• Admire local artisan work

Grand Heartland Cruise

• Visit mansions and art galleries
• See the Gateway Arch and St. Louis
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10 Best Rhine River Cruises

Sail past stunning castles, quaint towns, and vineyards on these Rhine River cruises.

Courtesy of Riverside Luxury Cruises

River cruising has grown in popularity in recent years, with new lines offering unique ways to experience Europe’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, Douro, Seine, and, of course, the Rhine. “The Rhine River is famous for castles, cathedrals, historic sites, and medieval towns, offering majestic scenery as you travel through several European countries. You feel as if you’ve traveled back to a different time in our world,” Travel + Leisure A-list advisor Olga Placeres says.

On most Rhine River cruises, guests can explore on their terms, making this a great trip idea for multi-generational travel. From family-friendly trips to beer-focused itineraries to festive holiday cruises, here are 10 of the best Rhine River cruises for every type of traveler.

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

7-night Enchanting Rhine Cruise

Cruise expert Placeres named AmaWaterways one of her favorite river cruise lines. This family-owned and operated line offers all-inclusive river cruises with a range of shore excursions for both active and relaxed travelers. Several Rhine River cruises are available, and a few include the Moselle and Main Rivers. Christmas market cruises and wine-focused itineraries are also offered.

The Enchanting Rhine cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland, where passengers board their vessel (while the specific ship varies depending on the dates, all carry fewer than 170 guests). In Breisach, Germany, guests can choose a wine country bike tour, walking tour, or hike in the Black Forest. The cruise continues to Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and Rüdesheim, with options each day for active or relaxed excursions. The scenic Rhine River Gorge area is a highlight, and there are visits to Cologne and Düsseldorf before arriving in Amsterdam.

Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

11-day Rhine and Main Explorer Cruise

Placeres also recommends Viking Cruises, which was established by Torstein Hagen in 1997 and operates river, ocean, and expedition cruises across all seven continents. Viking’s Rhine River cruises range from eight to 15 days, and itineraries go beyond the Rhine to include the Main, Moselle, and a voyage that goes across the North Sea to Norway’s fjords.

The Rhine and Main Explorer begins in Nuremberg and continues to Bamberg for a walking tour through the winding streets of the medieval city. Cruise highlights include palace tours in Würzburg, local Bavarian culture and food in Marktheidenfeld, scenic sailing on the Main River, touring the charming French city of Strasbourg, and admiring Germany's famous Black Forest. The tour ends with two nights in Basel, where you can take a tour of the city and enjoy cheese fondue.

Adventures by Disney

8-day rhine river cruise.

Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, but they also offer adults-only (18+) experiences on Europe’s rivers. Instead of setting sail on a Disney Cruise Line mega ship, these itineraries use AmaWaterways river ships for a more intimate experience with a maximum of 156 guests. Travel writer Terry Ward took her six and seven year olds and her 18-year-old niece on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise in July. “I can confirm it’s a trip with total multigenerational appeal,” Ward says. “There were always multiple options for shore excursions — something to interest passengers across the board.”

“During a port of call in Germany’s Black Forest region, for example, we could choose a toboggan run through the forest with time spent carving wooden toys and learning to make butter, visiting Europa Park, or enjoying the medieval old town of Riquewihr.” Ward tells T+L, “On several nights, Disney’s Adventure Guides whisked the kids off to the lounge for their own fun — maybe a Disney movie and dinner or games — so the adults could try the chef’s tasting table or enjoy a quieter dinner. Teens had their own tables for dinner if they wished.” Ward added, “The Adventure Guides hailed from some of the countries we sailed through, so traveling with them in Europe felt a bit like being along for the ride with an in-the-know friend.”

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

8-day Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts Cruise

After nearly a century in European tourism, the Globus family of brands launched Avalon Waterways in 2004, and it was ranked among the top river cruise lines in the world by T+L readers in 2024. Avalon’s Rhine River cruises range from five days to 11 days; several include the Moselle, and they offer seasonal Christmas market cruises.

The Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts cruise is a round-trip cruise from Amsterdam offered in the spring, with a beer expert on board to host lectures, beer tastings, and food and beer pairings. The ship heads to Rotterdam for a walking tour, bike ride, or a guided excursion to Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe” with over seven million tulips. In Antwerp and Ghent, guests can choose between bike or walking tours, while guided tours in Willemstad take guests among centuries-old buildings. In Amsterdam, guests can take a guided canal cruise followed by a Dutch beer experience.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

8-day Rhine River Valley Cruise

Founded in 1976, Uniworld is a luxurious, all-inclusive cruise line that offers itineraries on Europe's famous rivers. Uniworld's Rhine River cruises start at eight days, but travelers with more time can combine the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers on a 25-day, eight-country cruise.

The eight-day Rhine River Valley cruise boards in Nuremberg and cruises to Bamberg where guests can choose a walking tour, nature park hike, or brewery tour. In Würzburg, an 18th-century palace tour or wine tasting are options; additional stops include Miltenberg, Mainz, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg, and Breisach, before disembarking in Basel.

8-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure Cruise

This century-old, family-owned company offers travel experiences in more than 100 destinations, ranging from small-group tours to river cruises. Tauck’s Rhine River cruise itineraries range from eight days to the 15-day Grand European Cruise that covers nine countries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.

The eight-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure is a Tauck Bridges family cruise designed for guests of all ages. The cruise departs from Basel, and the next day, guests travel by rail to Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne to ride the world’s steepest cog-wheel train. In Strasbourg, there’s a French sing along and chocolate tasting. The family-focused fun continues at stops in Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, and Cologne before the ship reaches its final stop. In Amsterdam, guests can take a canal cruise, visit a windmill, or taste local cheeses.

Courtesy of Scenic

8-day Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise

This Australian-founded company established in 1986 offers river cruises, ocean voyages, and expeditions to the polar regions. Billed as an ultra-luxury, five-star cruise line, Scenic offers special Rhine River itineraries that feature Christmas markets or focus on topics like wine and food.

The Rhine Christmas Markets cruise begins in Amsterdam with options of a walking, biking, or canal tour before setting off for Cologne, where guests can see the magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral, visit a brewery, and browse the Christmas markets. In Baden-Baden, a famed German spa town, browse the markets or soak in thermal waters. Koblenz, Mannheim, and Strasbourg are additional stops on this holiday-themed itinerary.

Emerald Cruises

Courtesy of Emerald Cruises

8-day Jewels of the Rhine Cruise

Emerald, founded in 2013, specializes in luxury river and yacht cruises. Emerald's Rhine River cruises include an eight-day voyage and an 11-day cruise that includes the Moselle.

The Jewels of the Rhine cruise starts with two nights in Amsterdam, where guests can take a bicycle tour or canal cruise before the captain’s dinner. Then, it's off to Cologne and the charming cities of Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Freiburg, where castles, historic churches, and half-timbered buildings await. The ship arrives in Basel for the end of the cruise the next day.

CroisiEurope

Courtesy of CroisiEurope

5-day Rhine in Flames Cruise

Founded in 1976 in France, CroisiEurope is the largest European-based river cruise line. The company also offers sea voyages and canal barge cruises. Their budget-friendly river cruises include some shore excursions, and Rhine River cruises vary in length from three days to two weeks or longer.

The five-day Rhine in Flames cruise boards in Strasbourg for a night of cruising. The next day in Rüdesheim, excursion options include a train ride to a wine cellar followed by a visit to the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments or a gondola lift to the Niederwalddenkmal and vineyard hike. The next day is the main event as the ship sails towards Trechtingshausen for the famous Rhine in Flames fireworks show. The ship arrives in Mannheim for an optional visit to Heidelberg and later a gala evening before sailing back towards Strasbourg.

A-Rosa Cruises

Courtesy of A-ROSA Cruises

6-day Rhine Legends Cruise

This German company has been cruising the Rhine River and its tributaries since 2009. The family-friendly line has a kids club and family suites with plenty of room to spread out. Their river cruises range from four to seven days, and there is a fee for most excursions.

The five-day Rhine Legends cruises the Middle Rhine round-trip from Cologne. In Rüdesheim, guests can tour the countryside on a bike or train tour. Stops in Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz provide more ways to explore the beautiful region, before the ship returns to Cologne for disembarkation.

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America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise

This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

Ohio River Cruise

These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

Music Cruise on the Cumberland River

These seven-night American river cruises from Nashville to St. Louis also on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi will take you to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum and then heads on to St. Louis for a celebration of blues music.

Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise

Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.

Lake Michigan

On this eight-day cruise roundtrip out of Chicago on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grande Mariner , you'll visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, home to historic homes and plenty of rocking chairs as well as Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin's Door County, where you'll see lighthouses and plenty of yachts.

Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to New Orleans

See—and eat—the highlights of New Orleans—from beignets to po' boys—before setting sail on American Cruise Line's America Song . You'll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.

Maine Coastal Cruises

Maine Windjammer Association's Lewis R. French is a dramatic 21-passenger schooner that offers two- to six-night cruises in the summer and through the month of September out of the town of Camden, Maine. The schooner, which dates back to 1871 and is a National Historic Landmark, has no engine, and powers through Penobscot Bay just with the wind in its sails. You can help out with the sails, and watch for porpoises and eagles.

Newport, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Cruise

This sailing yacht, the Arabella , may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes. The five-night sailings in July, August, and September let you travel to the area's loveliest beaches under billowing white sails.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This seven-night cruise on American Cruise Line's Independence sails round-trip out of Baltimore to Oxford, St. Michael's, and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit coastal fishing villages and eat plenty of hard-shell blue crabs, and get to visit Baltimore's famed aquarium.

Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise

This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Line's American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.

Savannah to Baltimore

Cruise one of our favorite 12-day American river cruises in the Southeast on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grand Mariner and you'll spend your days exploring Beaufort by horse-drawn carriage and wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina as the port town of Annapolis. Read on to discover the best cruise to take every month of the year .

The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .

Mississippi Rivertowns Experience 2024

St. Louis, MO, USA

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About this trip

Reserve online or print the Mississippi River Towns 2024 brochure and mail to:

PO Box 751 Bellevue NE 68005

A tour no one else has!  Join us on the fantastic journey into the past, with visits to spectacular rivertowns along the Mississippi!  From gorgeous buildings, to fantastic Main Streets, you'll 

experience life at a little slower pace as you journey along the river.  The towns you'll experience include Dubuque, Galena, Moline, Hannibal, Le Claire, and you'll end up in St. Louis! 

Mississippi River Towns Tour

Day 1 - >>Dubuque City Tour >>Miss River Museum >>Convivium Urban Farm Your first rivertown is Dubuque! Enjoy an amazing city tour followed by a visit to the National Miss. River Museum! Then visit Convivium Urban Farmstead where you'll tour the farm and then enjoy a spectacular farm to table dinner. Finally, travel to Galena! Check into your stunning downtown hotel, the DeSoto House! (D)

Day 2 - >>Shop Galena >>Moline/ Sights This morning enjoy a great breakfast before heading out to the shops Galena is known for! If shopping isn't your thing, enjoy a city tour full of great sights and interesting history. This afternoon, drive along the Mississippi River to Moline! Once arrived you'll take in the visitors center where you'll hear about the fascinating history of Moline and the Quad Cities! You'll have time to get dinner with friends and enjoy the town before retiring to the hotel! (B)

>>Buffalo Bill LeClaire Museum

>>Twilight River Cruise

Your first stop this morning is the Buffalo Bill museum, full of interesting river history along with an old steamboat! After lunch, enjoy a real steam powered towboat for a relaxing river cruise aboard the Twilight! The beautiful scenery and wildlife along the Mississippi is stunning on a beautiful summer day!  Finish the night off with a spectacular meal in Hannibal! (B, D)

Day 4 - >>Hannibal Tour >>Mark Twain Cave >>St. Louis City Tour >>Farewell Dinner Today, tour Hannibal! Your local guide will explain the history behind the famous rivertown including the life of Mark Twain and the story of Huckleberry Finn! You'll also get to explore Mark Twain's cave! Then, you're off to St. Louis! Enjoy a fascinating tour of the city including a delicious foodie stop that will leave your mouth watering. Finally, enjoy an authentic italian meal on the Hill, St. Louis' little Italy neighborhood! (B,D)

Day 5 - >>Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis This morning, visit the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis! You won't believe your eyes when you see the intricate details of the mosaic tiles covering every surface! Then, traverse the plains as you head back to Omaha! There is no other tour like this! You're sure to have a head full of memories and maybe a few bags full of gifts you found along the way! (B)

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What’s included

• Hotel Accomodations
• Transportation Private Motorcoach
• Guide Service
• Activities Included in Itinerary
• Admissions Included in Itinerary

What’s not included

• Gratuities Guide & Driver ($4-$5 per day)

Available Packages

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