GUILFORD, CT—January 27, 2025, American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce 2025 will be the most exciting season ever on the Mississippi River. This year, the Line is operating five riverboats sailing 12+ itineraries on the Mighty Mississippi and tributaries year-round. The company’s Mississippi offerings range from 8 to 51 days and include an array of authentic American experiences in 10 states from New Orleans, Louisiana to St. Paul, Minnesota.
American Cruise Lines’ Mississippi season officially opens on February 21st aboard the award-winning American Serenade, sailing American’s classic 9-Day Lower Mississippi River Cruise from New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN. New 2025 itineraries feature a brand new 12-Day Mississippi Explorer Cruise (Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA), and several exclusive itineraries on the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio Rivers, including a new 16-Day Grand Ohio River Cruise (Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO). 2025 Mississippi offerings also showcase two of the longest U.S. River cruises on the market, the new 51-Day Great United States; and the 36-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise (these Extended Cruises sail the entire Mississippi or major sections of the River, in addition to other U.S. waterways).
American is the only river cruise line offering U.S. River cruises aboard both classic paddlewheelers and new modern riverboats. The company’s world-class riverboats are less than half the size of other riverboats and deliver the most personalized river cruise experiences available along the Nation’s most iconic waterway. Highlights include visits to Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Mark Twain’s boyhood home; off-the-beaten path adventures from Cajun Swamp safaris to ATV treks; explorations of classic American landmarks like the St. Louis Arch and Vicksburg National Military Park; and deep cultural dives into music, cuisine, and history. 2025 cruises exploring the Mississippi also include holiday and themed cruises, from Mark Twain to Culinary to Civil War and Christmas cruises, and even a National Parks cruise visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
American’s 2025 Mississippi River Itineraries:
8-Day Historic Mississippi River Cruise (roundtrip from New Orleans, LA)
9-Day Lower Mississippi River Cruise (Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA)
9-Day Upper Mississippi River Cruise (St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN)
9-Day Music Cities Cruise (Memphis to Nashville, TN)
9-Day Tennessee Rivers Cruise (Nashville to Chattanooga, TN)
NEW: 12-Day Mississippi Explorer Cruise (Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA)
12-Day Mississippi River Gateway Cruise (New Orleans, LA to Louisville, KY)
9-Day Ohio River Cruise (Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA)
NEW: 16-Day Grand Ohio River Cruise (Pittsburgh, PA to St Louis, MO)
12-Day Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cruise (Knoxville to Nashville, TN)
16-Day Grand Heartland Cruise (St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA)
23-Day Complete Mississippi River Cruise (New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN)
American’s 2025 Theme Cruises & Holiday Cruises
NEW 2025 Extended Cruises: the 51-Day Great United States Cruise and 36-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise are the longest U.S. River cruises available; sailing the complete Mississippi or major sections of the River, as well as other U.S. waterways.
All cruises feature included Pre-Cruise hotel stays plus onboard enrichment and entertainment, shoreside excursions, private transportation, fine cuisine, Wi-Fi, complimentary cocktails, and more. 2025 Cruise Fares include Tips & Gratuities and Port Charges & Fees. All cruises also offer guests the opportunity to purchase Flat-Rate Domestic Airfare and select 2025 sailings offer Complimentary Domestic Airfare. Cruises operate in both directions.
American Cruise Lines is the country’s most awarded river cruise line. Recent awards include Cruise Critic’s 2024 award for Best for Solo Travelers, Travel Weekly’s 2024 Magellan Award for Best Mississippi River Cruises, and four 2025 USA Today 10Best Awards for Best River Cruise Line, Best Alaska Cruises, Best Boutique Cruise Line, and Best Cruise Line for Shore Excursions.
About American Cruise Lines: American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A. with 21 small ships exploring the Mississippi River and waterways around the country. The company’s award-winning fleet and domestic itineraries build on a 50-year history of delivering curated all-American explorations. Today, the company offers luxury river cruise experiences in 35 states and operates the only 100% U.S. flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world, all sailing exclusively in the U.S.A.
