River cruises have become a popular way to explore Europe, and their appeal has only increased over the past few decades. With more travelers looking for unique and intimate experiences, interest in river cruising has surged by 60%, according to recent data from travel advisors. In response, river cruise lines have expanded their offerings, with numerous ships now traversing Europe’s most scenic rivers, including stops in cities like Budapest, Vienna, Basel, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg. These European waterways have long been favorites, but river cruising is not limited to the other side of the Atlantic.
Among the top rivers for cruising, you’ll find the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and even the Nile. Surprisingly, the Mississippi River in the U.S. also makes the list. That’s right—river cruising isn’t just for Europe anymore. The Southeast United States has seen its own surge in river cruises, providing a way to enjoy fall excursions without needing a passport. American river cruises have been part of the travel scene for decades, with American Cruise Lines offering itineraries through the Southern U.S. since the 1970s. Today, their fleet of riverboats and small ships sail across 35 states, offering over 50 different itineraries.
One of the most popular cruises in the Southern U.S. is the nine-day Southeast Sea Islands journey from Charleston to Amelia Island (or the reverse route). This cruise meanders along the Intracoastal Waterway with stops in Hilton Head, Savannah, and Jekyll Island. Passengers sail aboard one of three riverboats, including the newly launched American Liberty. Another option is the eight-day Great Rivers of Florida cruise, a round-trip journey from Jacksonville that navigates the St. Johns River, allowing travelers to explore Green Cove Springs and the Ocala National Forest without ever venturing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Mississippi River cruises are also a hit, offering a variety of itineraries such as the nine-day Lower Mississippi Cruise from Memphis to New Orleans or the nine-day Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville. For those looking for something even longer, the 12-day Mississippi River Gateway Cruise takes passengers from New Orleans to St. Louis. Not to be outdone by its European offerings, Viking River Cruises joined the U.S. river cruise scene in 2022 with the introduction of the Viking Mississippi. This sleek vessel was built specifically for cruising the Mississippi, accommodating 386 guests across 193 staterooms.
Viking’s eight-day Mississippi Delta Explorer is a standout, starting in New Orleans and ending in Memphis. The itinerary includes stops in historic towns like Darrow, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Natchez, making it a cultural and historical journey along one of America’s most iconic rivers. If you’re short on time, Viking also offers a condensed eight-day New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary, which starts and ends in New Orleans but hits many of the same highlights.
Looking ahead to 2025, Viking has something new in store: The Big Easy to the Gateway City, a 15-day cruise from New Orleans to St. Louis. This longer itinerary will visit many of the same towns as the Delta Explorer while adding stops in Paducah and Cape Girardeau before reaching St. Louis. Whether you’re exploring Europe’s great rivers or staying closer to home along the Mississippi, the growing trend of river cruises offers an intimate and leisurely way to travel.
