Scenic view of Nashville skyline and pedestrian bridge reflecting in the Cumberland River at sunrise.

American Cruise Lines

Mississippi Explorer Cruise

US Rivers

Sailing Itinerary

Pricing

Per person, starting from

Book This Cruise

An advisor confirms everything with you.

Trip Details

Departs: October 2, 2026

Returns: October 13, 2026

Departure Port: New Orleans

Ship: American Heritage

Before You Decide

6 cruises leaving the same week

Other ships and other routes of about this length, from ports near this one.

See alternatives ↓

Speak With A Specialist

Ready to Book?

Our travel experts are standing by to help plan the perfect getaway. Call us, or send a note and we will come back to you.

Call 213-998-7123 Ask About This Cruise

Your Ship

American Heritage

A 2015 paddlewheeler that spent her first seven years as Queen of the Mississippi

Aboard

Built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, US-flagged and American-crewed
Sailed as Queen of the Mississippi until she was refitted and renamed in 2022
84 staterooms, 19 of them built for solo travelers and 18 of those with balconies
The red stern paddlewheel is decorative; diesel engines do the actual work
Runs the Knoxville-to-Huntsville Great Smoky Mountains land-and-cruise package
A second home on the Lower Mississippi, round trip from New Orleans

More About American Heritage

Ashore

Where You Stop

New Orleans

US Rivers

America's Rivers

The Mississippi, the Columbia and the Snake aboard small ships that dock in the middle of town: no passport, no flight over an ocean, and a different American city every morning.

Best Time to Go: April to November, with fall color on the Mississippi in October
Typical Length: 7 to 15 nights

Read the Full Guide

Compare Alternatives