overnight riverboat cruises new orleans

America’s last authentic overnight steamboat

The legendary Delta Queen invites you aboard to experience a nostalgic return to America’s past!

Step aboard this historic vessel and into another century, when steam-powered paddleboats churned up and down the waterways of America. Adorned with teak handrails, Tiffany-style stained glass and crystal chandeliers, the Delta Queen’s grand decor exudes lavish Victorian charm.

The Delta Queen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She is also a National Historic Landmark, a member of the National Maritime Hall of Fame, and most recently designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Once the renovation process is complete, the Delta Queen will return to the waterways of America’s Heartland and Deep South, giving passengers the opportunity to experience the rivers from America’s only authentic 1927 overnight paddlewheel steamboat.

At this time, the historic vessel is securing resources to begin major renovations so she can once again invite passengers to relive the age of Mark Twain and his cast of river characters.

Don’t miss your chance to escape to an era of elegance and grandeur aboard the Delta Queen! Be the first to receive updates about the Delta Queen’s renovations and future sailings by signing up for updates here and following us on Facebook and Twitter .

Don’t miss the boat!

We appreciate your patience as the Delta Queen secures the necessary funds and resources to begin our extensive renovation process. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as soon as it’s possible to do so.

To stay in the loop, please sign up for updates here .

Mississippi River Cruises

Overnight Cruise On The Mississippi River

Julie Green

| December 29, 2022

Overnight cruises on the Mississippi river give you a chance to see much more than you would be able to see on any other kind of overnight trip in the United States. You basically get to take a trip through history when you hop on one of these river boats, and you can actually book one of these trips at almost any point during the year. The only time when these kinds of cruises are not available is during the last few weeks of the year. Anyone who decides to go on a riverboat trip down the Mississippi for a night will get everything they need when it comes to a fine dinner, entertainment, beautiful sights and a lesson in the cultural history surrounding the river. Let’s take a look at some of the finer aspects of this kind of vacation and what you will be able to see while on the river.

The View from the River

You will be able to see many different aspects of America’s past as you cruise down the river for even just one night. The Mississippi River goes through the soul of the country, and there are many historical sights that have significant value to the country when it comes to the Civil War and other important parts of American history. Whether you are passing under one of the four bridges near Memphis or you are entering the mouth of the river in Mississippi, there are definitely many different sights to take in while you are on the water. Some parts of the river have glaciers, while other parts of the rivers contain swampy areas. The type scenic view that you are going to have really depends on where you are going to be along the river.

What Activities are Available on the River Boats?

There are many different reasons as to why someone may want to hop on one of these river boats. If you are a fan of birds, then you may enjoy the eagle watching season that runs from January to April. There are also plenty of fishing trips that run during the summer months, and you can decide whether you want to bring your own pole or use a pole from one of the experts on board. Live bands on these river boats tend to play blues and jazz more than anything else, and they are always able to give you the feeling of being in the old south while you are enjoying your dinner.

Types of Mississippi River Boats

There are a few different types of boats that are used for cruises down the Mississippi River, but the most popular option is definitely the paddlewheel river boat. This is the type of river boat that has the large wheel on the back of the boat that actually paddles everyone through the river. In addition to the large paddlewheel boats, you also have the option of hopping on a boat that looks like a smaller version of the kinds of cruise ships that you would see in the ocean. The type of boat you decide to ride really depends on whether or not you want the authentic Mississippi River experience.

Where to Hop on Board

The great thing about the Mississippi River is that there are ten different states that are connected to this legendary river. If you are going to take a ride down the Mississippi for the night, then you could get on board anywhere from Minnesota to Mississippi. One thing to remember here is that you can only gamble on riverboats found in certain states. However, there are so many other things to do on your overnight river boat cruise that you will not be bored for one single minute!

ABOUT JULIE

My name is Julie Green and I am the head writer, content contributor, and chief, cook, and bottle washer too! My goal is to provide you information about the Mississippi River.

It’s a wonderful place that I call home. I’d like to think I know a thing or two about this area!! Please stop by often and pay us a visit.

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American Queen Steamboat Company Cruises from New Orleans

The American Queen and American Duchess are modern steamboats in the American Queen Steamboat Company fleet. They offer cruises on the Mississippi River and its surrounding tributaries. See the full schedule of departures from New Orleans below.

The American Queen features American regional cuisine in two restaurants, a small pool, all-American staff, daily lectures by the Riverlorian, showboat-style entertainment nightly, and nightly dancing to swing, big band and Dixieland jazz music.

The video above is an excellent tour of the American Queen. See the size and style of the ship. Tour staterooms, entertainment and dining.

Your cruise fare includes shore excursions in every port, one-night luxury hotel stay and transfers before the cruise, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, and complimentary wine and beer with dinner.

New Orleans to Memphis One-Way

7-night Mississippi River cruises on American Queen or American Countess. One-way from New Orleans to Memphis (Tennessee). Visit Nottoway (Louisiana), St Francisville (Louisiana), Natchez (Mississippi), Vicksburg (Mississippi) and Greenville (Mississippi). • 2024 departures: February 11, February 24, March 9, March 23, April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, June 16, August 25, September 8, September 14, September 22, October 6, October 19, November 2, November 16, November 30, December 14.

Round-trip from New Orleans

7-night Mississippi River cruises on American Countess or American Queen. Round-trip from New Orleans to St Francisville (Louisiana), Natchez (Mississippi), Vicksburg (Mississippi), Baton Rouge (Louisiana) and Nottoway Plantation (Louisiana). • 2024 departures: February 17, February 21, December 28, December 29.

5-night Mississippi River cruises on American Countess or American Queen. Round-trip from New Orleans to St Francisville (Louisiana) and Nottoway Plantation (Louisiana). • 2024 departures: February 17, February 21.

Roundtrip New Orleans

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and festivities of New Orleans
• Discover the largest standing antebellum mansion in the South
• Admire the architecture of the stunning Garden District.
• Visit charming pre-war homes and ports along the Mississippi River
• Urban Exploration
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Mississippi River
• North America
• United States
• New Orleans
• Gulf of Mexico
• St. Francisville

Full Itinerary

Day 1: new orleans, louisiana, day 2: new orleans, louisiana | embark.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Nottoway, Louisiana

Day 4: st. francisville, louisiana, day 5: new orleans, louisiana | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

American Countess

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $250 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 71 days prior to departure by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, or check

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• American Queen Steamboat Company - Terms and Conditions 2022 - American Queen Voyages

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
• 4 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Unlimited Wifi
• Gratuities to Onboard Crew
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
• In-Room Dining
• Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
• Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
• Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
• Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
• Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
• 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Mandatory Gratuities

We Love to Talk Travel

Why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• New Orleans, Louisiana to New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans & Southern Charms

• From $3,499
• 6 Guided Tours
• Dates & Pricing

New Orleans & Southern Charms Map

Sample the flavors of the Old South

The Lower Mississippi overflows with charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites. Sample the bustling French-flavored port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savor gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as traditional Southern fare. Join us, and see why local Cajuns say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: The Best of “The Big Easy”

Pre: New Orleans Discovery

Post: Best of the Bayou: Acadian Lafayette

Post: The Best of “The Big Easy”

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