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Mississippi River Gateway Cruise
  Varies pp

  • Duration: 11 Nights
  • Destinations: United States

American Cruise Lines | Select dates through 2026

Discover what makes the Mississippi River legendary on this 11-night adventure. 

Board your classic paddlewheeler as you're greeted by the gracious crew, dedicated to making your journey incredible. Explore the French Quarter of New Orleans, brimming with art, music, and culture. Led by local guides, experience the spirit of Baton Rouge and enjoy the grand historic homes of Natchez. Step onto a Civil War battlefield in Vicksburg, before traveling to Memphis to visit iconic Sun Studio, where many famous musicians started their careers. Peruse the fascinating museums and art galleries in Paducah, known as “Quilt City,” and take a tram ride to the top of the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

At the end of each enriching day, retreat to the comfort of the ship and share a delicious meal in the company of an onboard expert! 


  • Our expert travel advisors are some of the best in the industry - and they truly love to travel themselves! They are experienced, highly knowledgeable, and live right in your community.

  • We are a not-for-profit member-service organization dedicated to helping our members explore the world!

  • AAA works with a wide variety of top travel partners to offer exclusive member benefits including discounts, special inclusions, onboard spending credit and more.

Call to Book 800-829-5448
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Included With Your Trip

America’s coasts and rivers are our country’s original roads and form a maritime highway that connects almost every major city in the U.S. They traverse our biggest cities and most historic towns, yet also flow through areas more remote than any road.

That’s why an American River Cruise™ with American Cruise Lines is the perfect vacation opportunity for the discerning traveler.

Additional Information

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp.

Day 4 - Natchez, MS

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. 

Explore on your own or enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. Tour the elaborate homes, 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.

Day 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.

Day 6 - Day of River Cruising

As we make our way from historic Vicksburg to the vibrant city of Memphis, 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.

Day 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 motor-coach 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.

The comfort of your ship awaits at the nearby Beale Street Landing, docked along an impressive, recently renovated city park. Be entertained on board by local musicians as you savor a nightcap.

Day 8 - Day of Cruising

Your cruise is as much about the journey as it is about each destination. Today is a day to revel in the scenery, as along the legendary Mississippi River. Relish the stretches of undeveloped land, beautiful little towns, and magnificent wildlife. As we cruise, listen to our onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the bow.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 12 - St. Louis, MO

End your journey in this unique city with frontier-town roots and Midwest modesty. On your travels home, reflect upon your many wonderful adventures, or choose to explore more in the Gateway to the West.


Departure Dates
Start: July 2, 2024
End: June 1, 2026
Price: Varies pp


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Product Code: AAA-ACL

Please refer to vendor brochure or their website for general information, itineraries and all terms, conditions and responsibility statements. Wi-Fi access may be limited. Applicable AAA benefits apply to first two passengers, are non-transferable, have no cash value if not used, and may not be applied to purchase. Gov’t misc fees/taxes and travel insurance not included. Restrictions and limitations apply. Ask AAA for details. Agency #178-018-521 Job 8882