The Deep South is more than a destination. It is a rhythm that stays with you long after you return home. From the first notes of country music in Nashville to the last echoes of jazz in New Orleans, every stop tells a story that you will feel as much as hear.
At Paramount Cruises, we have explored every corner of the South from the neon-lit honky tonks of Nashville to the soulful streets of Memphis and the vibrant jazz clubs of New Orleans. We are delighted to share why a Mississippi River Cruise with Viking River Cruises, combined with our expertly arranged city stays, is the most immersive way to experience the true heart of America’s South.
About This Holiday
Our Music Cities and Mississippi River Cruise holiday blends three remarkable city stays in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans with a luxurious Viking River Cruise along the mighty Mississippi.
Every hotel, transfer and excursion is carefully selected by our Paramount experts, who have travelled this route themselves. From your first breakfast in Nashville to your final jazz-filled night in New Orleans, every moment is thoughtfully organised for you.
1. Music is at the Heart of Everything
The American South is the soundtrack of the United States.
From country music in Nashville to rock and roll in Memphis and jazz in New Orleans, every city moves to its own rhythm.
Your journey begins and ends in the Music Cities that changed the world of sound. We ensure you have plenty of time to explore each one, whether you are visiting the Grand Ole Opry, strolling along Beale Street or enjoying live jazz beside the river.
This is where musical legends were born and where the music continues every night of the week.
Did You Know:
The Grand Ole Opry has been running weekly shows since 1925 and is the longest-running radio broadcast in the world.
2. Culture and History Flow with the River
The Mississippi River is a living history book that tells the story of America’s past.
Along its banks, you will discover antebellum homes, Civil War landmarks and timeless river towns that embody the warm hospitality of the South.
With Paramount Cruises, you can explore these fascinating places both on land and by river. Your journey may take you to Vicksburg, where the Civil War left an enduring mark, and to Natchez, home to grand mansions and spectacular river views.
Paramount Tip:
In Natchez, visit Stanton Hall to experience beautifully preserved nineteenth-century elegance.
3. Seamless Travel with Paramount Planning
Choosing Paramount Cruises means enjoying a holiday that feels effortless from start to finish.
We arrange your return flights, premium hotels, private transfers and curated excursions so you can simply relax and enjoy every moment.
Once you join your Viking River Cruise, you will experience exceptional service and modern comfort as you sail through America’s heartland. Before and after your cruise, our team ensures your city stays are perfectly located for exploring local attractions, music venues and dining spots.
Ready To Begin Planning:
Speak with our Paramount specialists who know every note, flavour and hidden gem of the South.
4. A True Taste of the South
Food in the American South is a celebration of flavour and culture.
Enjoy hot chicken in Nashville, slow-cooked ribs in Memphis and Creole favourites such as gumbo and beignets in New Orleans.
Your Paramount city stays place you in the heart of each culinary hotspot with easy access to both celebrated restaurants and local favourites. Our team has personally tasted their way across these cities and can guide you to the perfect meal or the best venue for live blues over dinner.
Paramount Tip:
Try Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Memphis. It is a beloved local institution.
5. River Cruising Feels Different
If you have only experienced ocean cruising, the Mississippi offers something unique. The pace is gentler, the atmosphere more personal, and each curve of the river reveals a new story.
Smaller ships mean fewer guests and more time to explore each destination. You will step directly into the heart of towns such as Greenville and Vicksburg, where history, music and Southern charm come together.
River cruising feels authentic. It moves with the landscape rather than around it, and each day brings something new to enjoy.
Did you know:
The Mississippi River stretches for more than two thousand three hundred miles and is one of the most storied rivers in the world.
Music Cities of the South
Nashville – The Heartbeat of Country Music
Begin your journey in Nashville, where neon lights shine above live music bars and country legends echo through every street. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, tour the Grand Ole Opry and immerse yourself in the creative energy that defines this vibrant city.
Memphis – Where Music Made History
Your next stop is Memphis, the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock and roll. Explore Graceland, tour Sun Studio and wander along Beale Street, where live music fills the night air. Do not leave without trying true Memphis barbecue. It is smoky, sweet and unforgettable.
New Orleans – The Spirit of the South
Your journey ends in New Orleans, a city that dances to its own rhythm. Enjoy a jazz cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, stroll through the French Quarter and savour Creole and Cajun cuisine that defines the soul of Louisiana.
Viking’s Onboard Experience
Every Viking River Cruise is designed to offer a seamless and enriching onboard journey through the American South. Guests enjoy one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, providing an authentic introduction to each destination’s music, history and culture.
Onboard, you can stay connected with free Wi-Fi and savour freshly prepared meals featuring regional specialities and classic favourites. Beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and speciality coffees, teas and bottled water are available around the clock.
Your cruise also includes access to enriching lectures, destination performances and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all carefully curated to deepen your understanding of the places you explore.
All port taxes and fees are covered, and onboard gratuities are included, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the rhythm of the South while every detail is taken care of for you.
Paramount Tip:
Spend a free evening on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. The live jazz scene is the perfect finale to your Southern adventure.
Ready to Experience the Rhythm of the South
Whether you are a music lover, a history enthusiast seeking a slower and more immersive way to travel, a Mississippi River Cruise holiday with Paramount Cruises and Viking River Cruises offers the perfect combination.
Paramount Cruises arranges every detail before and after your sailing, including return flights, premium hotels, private transfers and curated excursions. Viking delivers a world-class river cruising experience along the historic Mississippi.
Every journey along the river tells a story. With Paramount Cruises, it becomes your story. Let the music, flavours and spirit of the South carry you away.
FAQs
When is the best time to cruise the Mississippi?
Spring and autumn are widely considered the ideal seasons for cruising the Mississippi. During these months, the temperatures are comfortable, the humidity is lower, and many of the region’s signature music, food, and cultural festivals are in full swing. These seasons also offer some of the most scenic views along the river, with spring blossoms or autumn colours enhancing each port of call.
Are excursions included
Yes. Viking River Cruises includes shore excursions in every port, offering authentic insights into local culture, history, and daily life. These tours may include guided walks, museum visits, historical site tours, or cultural experiences unique to each destination. In addition, Paramount offers guided experiences in Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, ensuring you get maximum value from your time in each city.
Is this holiday suitable for first-time cruisers?
Absolutely. A Mississippi river cruise is an excellent choice for travellers who are new to cruising. The ships are smaller and more intimate, the waters are calm, and the experience is designed to feel relaxed rather than overwhelming.
Do I need a visa for the United States?
Most UK passport holders can apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). The application is simple and should be completed at least 72 hours before departure. An approved ESTA typically allows visits of up to 90 days. We recommend checking the latest guidance before travelling.
What should I expect on board a Viking Mississippi River ship?
Viking’s river ships offer a modern, elegant take on classic American river cruising. Expect spacious staterooms, panoramic lounges, regional cuisine, and a refined but relaxed onboard atmosphere. Viking’s signature service means everything is taken care of, from enriching talks about Southern history to live entertainment inspired by the river’s musical traditions.
