Mississippi River Cruises For Seniors

The #1 Outdoor Activity In La Crosse On Tripadvisor

We took this boat cruise on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The boat was full, but there was plenty of room. Drinks are very reasonable and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. One big plus was the bathrooms were clean and spacious, something I didn’t think I would find on a paddle boat! I would recommend the La Crosse Queen.

We took this cruise with a group and it was a lot of fun! We saw eagles, blue herons, foxes, osprey, along the banks of the Mississippi. We were able to go through the locks, which was lucky since if there is a barge in the area they do not allow this. We are talking about going again in the fall when the leaves are changing and birds are migrating.

We took the Friday night Pizza cruise and enjoyed fantastic views of the Mississippi River. Several people from our group had never been on a river cruise and were amazed. Free Pizza and beer along with cruise for $18.95 is hard to beat! Some questioned the cheap price, but soon found out it was good.

This was an excellent tour. The guide who did the narrative was friendly, fun and knowledgeable about the town and river. We saw bald eagles, a swing bridge, fancy homes, etc. We sat on the top deck which is covered and has open air sides so you get out of the sun and a nice breeze.

Mississippi River Cruise Lines

There are three main cruise lines that offer itineraries along the Mississippi River: Viking River Cruises, American Queen Voyages, and American Cruise Lines. Viking is known for its luxury river, ocean, and expedition cruises to incredible destinations around the world, and the Mississippi itineraries are a newer addition to its wide range of river cruises, offered aboard the new Viking Mississippi ship. American Queen Voyages offers several cruises along the Mississippi on paddle wheel steamboats like the American Queen.

American Cruise Lines has both new, modern riverboats and paddle wheelers, so you can choose your ideal sailing experience depending on your itinerary. These cruise lines all offer similar itineraries along the river, so we recommend looking into the ships and amenities on board and finding what’s included in the rate to help make your decision.

Mississippi River Cruise From New Orleans To Memphis Review And Photos

Note: Queen of the Mississippi was refurbished and renamed American Heritage in 2022.

My first Mississippi river cruise was a silly 20-minute boat ride aboard Liberty Belle at Disney World.

Based on my Huck Finn Disney ride, I really didnt know what to expect on a real Mississippi river cruise. But when I stepped onboard American Cruise LinesAmerican Heritage , the only similarity was the traditional big red paddle wheel.

The week ahead on the Mississippi would cruise through U.S. territory Ive never explored. The cities and towns wed see were totally new to me.

This post takes you along on my Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to Memphis. I hope to inspire you to get onboard and experience the controversial history, regional culture and delicious cuisine in this part of America.

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The Best River Cruises For Active Seniors

One of the most popular activities which active types like to enjoy on river cruise holidays, regardless of age, is cycling. Bicycles are available to hire free of charge with many river cruise lines, with models ranging from simple push bikes to those with satellite navigation and electronic assistance so that you can conserve energy whilst pedalling. Passengers can either cycle around each port of call, or cycle along the river and meet the ship at the next stop.

Hiking is another popular river cruise activity, with guided walks available in many ports. Boutique line, Uniworld, even provides walking sticks for hikers. Kayaking is also available on selected itineraries with several river cruise lines. If you like to stay active even during your time on-board, look out for options to enjoy fitness classes, yoga or for a pool large enough to swim lengths.

Get Out And Mingle The First Night

You might be tempted to unwind in your stateroom the first night, especially if you had to travel a long way to get to your solo cruise and are still feeling tired from the journey. However, spending time in public spaces on the ship is a great way to meet new people and one of the best things to do on a cruise.

Celebrity roofdeck

Strike up a conversation and make some new friends on the very first night of the cruise. Nothing is better than a familiar face when youre traveling solo.

Check the program in your stateroom before you head out to the next activity. You may find events that are solo cruiser friendly.

Casino

Exchanging stateroom numbers is helpful, too, so you can call new friends later on in the cruise to arrange times to meet up for dinner, a drink, or games.

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It Doesnt Get Any Suiter

Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. Theres a reason our ships are the critics darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industrys only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

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What Is The Target Audience For Us River Cruises

While the primary audience for river cruises in the U.S. is older travelers who are retired or semi-retired, American river cruises are becoming increasingly popular with younger couples, families, and multigenerational groups.

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Younger couples often find that the activities available away from ship are exciting and not typically something that can be booked except through the river cruise line. Families traveling on a multigenerational vacation are drawn into river cruising because theres something for every age group, from family bike rides to lounging on the sun deck.

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Viking Cruises In Memphis

For its inaugural year, Viking is offering three cruises that feature Memphis: Heart of the Delta, Americas Great River and Mississippi Holiday Season. The cruises range in length from 8 to 15 days and start in price from $3,999 to $9,999 depending on the duration. Heart of the Delta and Mississippi Holiday Season focus on the charm of Memphis, New Orleans and the blues-, jazz-, Cajun- and Creole-influenced cities in between, while Americas Great River follows the river from St. Paul, Minnesota, through Memphis to New Orleans.

All options include guided tours in port cities. You can easily find detail and book cruises on the Viking website, but note that some cruises are already selling out for 2022. Others still have availability, and you can currently book all the way into 2024 on the Viking website.

Sowhats it like on board a Viking cruise? Though based on Vikings award-winning Longship® and ocean ship design, and featuring the companys signature Scandinavian aesthetic, the Viking Mississippi was purpose-built for Mississippi River cruising. And, with its build just completed in 2022, it will be the most modern river ship on the Mississippi.

Seniors Guide To Exploring Europe By River Cruise

With a smaller ship size, seniors can enjoy smooth sailing on a river cruise while enjoying all the bells and whistles of first-class travel. River cruises are perfect for empty nesters and retirees looking for a relaxing holiday to explore European cities.

Basically a luxury hotel on water, river cruises have exploded in popularity in recent years. Statista reports the increase of European river cruises between 2013 and 2018 grew 192%, with an estimated additional 6% by 2022.

These leisurely all-inclusive vacations boast easy planning and seamless execution, especially for seniors looking for convenient travel. Attractions, activities, accommodation, and amenities are all provided with easy access to these vessels.

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Are River Cruises Worth The Money

River cruises are worth the money because they allow you to see a lot of different places in one trip. If youre not going on an all-inclusive cruise, then you must get out and explore as much as possible while still having fun with friends or family.

Most senior cruises have activities perfect for seniors on the same cruise. This makes it easy for seniors to access activities of their choice.

What Sets American Cruise Lines Apart

Highly personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere prevail onboard our modern fleet of ships. Our accommodating, all-American crew welcomes you with an unequaled level of attention. Each evening before dinner, enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as you mingle with other guests to share the adventures of the day. Set your own pace on your vacation and relax in the casual comfort and exceptional care that is the hallmark of cruising with American Cruise Lines.

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I Will Be Travelling Solo

River cruising is perfect for solo travellers as it allows you to travel by yourself, but not alone. Many river cruise passengers travel solo and it is the perfect environment to make new friends and choose how social you would like to be. You can participate in onboard and onshore activities and mingle with likeminded people, and then retire to the privacy of your cabin when you choose.

Many operators discount or waive the single supplement costs for solo travellers as part of the deals they release. Tauck are particularly accommodating and feature special Solo Traveller Savings on all European river cruises. Check the solo pricing on your preferred cruise itinerary on Global Journeys website or sign up to our Global Rewards Newsletter to be notified of specials that may interest you.

Edging a bit further out of strictly river territory, USA River CruisesâNY to Cape Cod trip is a city-side adventure that passes through a marine sanctuary. Historic forts, lighthouses, and also conservation are all part of the itinerary.

For anyone who didnât know there were archipelagos along the northern shore of Long Island Sound, this trip will be an exciting one!

River And Small Ship Cruises In The United Statescruising Close To Home Has Never Been Better

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise noted, prices and offers are in USD, cruise only per person, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes or fees. The displayed prices are based on minimum category riverview window stateroom and applicable only to the sailing date shown. Prices for other dates may vary based on the date and stateroom selected. Other than Hot Deal offers, price does not reflect any cruise line or Premier savings. Where Premier includes prepaid tips in an offer, it applies only to the cruise portion of the trip and not any land portion or shore excursions. To obtain the best price, please use the âGet Quoteâ button or call one of our river cruise and small ship cruise specialists. Certain discounts or prices may require full payment at the time of booking in order to be eligible. We urge you to book early as river and small ship cruises sell out almost a year in advance. Prices and availability may change without notice and are not guaranteed until a deposit is received and applied to your reservation. Call 1-855-255-1200, for complete details. We reserve the right to correct any informational or typographical errors. ©2010-2020 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.

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Chartered Group Theme Cruises

Some of the best cruises for singles over 50 arent marketed as singles cruises at all. Whether your passion involves music, fitness or food and wine, theres a chartered group theme cruise devoted to it. These sailings tend to attract fun-loving groups of singles and solo travelers looking to enjoy a week devoted to yoga, quilting or science and nature.

Singles who crave live concert experiences and the chance to hang out all week with their musical idols will enjoy the variety of music cruise offerings, including Sixthmans Broadway Cruise, the Outlaw Country Cruise, the 80s Cruise and the Soul Train Cruise.

And, yes, single cruisers who want to combine vacation and dating can look at group travel targeted to solo travelers in their age range. These singles theme cruises offer group dining, cocktail parties and other events, so single travelers can meet and mingle onboard and onshore.

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What Is The Cost Of A Mississippi River Cruise

The cost for Mississippi river cruises for seniors varies depending on the length of your cruise. Mostly, the average price is $1,500 per person but can go as high as $2,000 for luxury travel.

If you only need something simple like an overnight trip with dinner, plenty of options are available at much lower prices.

Booking early and last-minute deals saves you money. Usually, if you book ahead of time, youll get better rates than when booking just before departure.

Booking late has two outcomes. You can pay higher fares because there arent many seats left or you get better deals because the line requires filling the spaces.

Even so, keep in mind that the cost of cruising may depend on other factors like the period of cruising, the number of cruises on board, and the type of ships on the cruise line.

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I Want Suitable Onshore Excursions

Every operator offers shore excursions that you can choose to partake in, and youll find a variety to suit different interests and fitness levels. Most river cruise lines will offer leisurely walking options for their day tours and will provide information on the expected activities beforehand, so you can decide if the excursion is suitable for you. You can also ask your Cruise Director if you are unsure.

If you prefer a faster pace, then along with their gentler options Uniworld also offers Lets Go hiking and biking shore excursions. Nordic walking poles and bicycles are available complimentary for guest use. Avalon Waterways have also added Active options to their Avalon Choice program for 2019, giving guests more ways to tailor their holiday.

Whichever excursion you decide to join you will generally be provided with a portable headset so that you have a bit more flexibility to go at your own speed. You dont have to be next to your guide every step of the way to get the most out of their commentary and can, to a certain degree, choose your pace.

Dinner Brunch & Holiday Cruises On The Mississippi River From Memphis

For an upgraded experience including a meal, entertainment and extended time on the river opt for one of Memphis Riverboats dinner, brunch or themed cruises. The signature Memphis riverboat dinner cruise features Memphis-style pulled pork and all the fixings, plus a full cash bar and live music. It leaves at 7:30 p.m. and stays out for about 2 hours. But check the full reservations calendar for a variety of dinner, themed and holiday cruises that combine food, drink and entertainment with the riverboat experience: From Sunday Jazz Brunch, Easter Lunch and a Mothers Day cruise to a Fourth of July Fireworks celebration, Midnight Booze Cruise and Riverboat Queens, which hosts a full drag show on board, youll find plenty of riverboat tours to choose from whether youre looking to cruise with family or friends.

Where do I board? All cruises operated by Memphis Riverboats depart from 45 S. Riverside Dr., the historic Cobblestone Landing in downtown Memphis.

How do I book? While walk-up tickets are available as space allows , the company recommends booking in advance for weekend sightseeing tours, and always booking in advance for any dinner cruise. Memphis Riverboats’ online booking system is easy to use.

What should I wear? Dress casually for sightseeing cruises. On dinner, holiday and themed cruises, anything goes passengers dress in everything from casual attire to formal wear to get in the spirit.

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The Best River Cruises For People With Limited Mobility

People with limited mobility should plan carefully when choosing both the ship and the destination to ensure that their needs can be accommodated.

Solo travel is generally not an option, as passengers with limited mobility will need an able-bodied companion to help them. Passengers who can walk a little generally fare much better than those who are wheelchair bound, as getting on and off the ship isnt always possible in a wheelchair and staff may not always be able to assist.

How Much Are River Cruises

European river cruises run between $200 and $500 per night for an all-inclusive trip, according to Cruise Critic. Typically more expensive than ocean cruising, you can expect to average a total of about $2,500 for a 7-day cruise. Expect cruises during peak season between mid-May and late-September, to have a higher price tag.

*Cruise lines were selected based on the volume of interest for luxury and budget European river cruises.

Cruises around the Rhine or Danube rivers tend to be the most affordable routes. Holiday cruises in November or December are off-peak and preferred by price-sensitive travelers. During booking, inquire about extra costs for gratuities, port charges, and alcoholic beverages onboard.

Note that river cruises wont cover things like visas, airfare, or medical insurance. Build-in these additional costs and visa processing time in your initial river cruise plans.

Check entry requirements for each city you plan to port frequently. In January 2021, travelers in 57 countries who currently travel around the EU without a visa requirement will need to acquire an ETIAS visa waiver. Find out if you will need an ETIAS.

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