A Mississippi River Cruise through America’s legendary music cities is more than a holiday, it is a journey through the rhythm, history and soul of the Deep South. From the first notes of country music in Nashville to the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, this Mississippi River Cruise brings the soundtrack of America to life. Unlike ocean cruising, a Mississippi River Cruise holiday offers a gentler pace.
At Paramount Cruises, we have explored every corner of the American South, from the neon-lit honky-tonks of Broadway in Nashville to the soulful streets of Memphis. While the allure of the Mississippi River is timeless, the way you travel it has evolved. We believe that a Mississippi River Cruise with Viking River Cruises, combined with our expertly arranged city stays, is the most immersive and seamless way to experience the true heart of America.
About This Mississippi River Cruise
Our Mississippi River Cruise combines three iconic music cities, Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, with a luxurious Viking River Cruise along the mighty Mississippi River.
Every hotel, transfer and excursion is carefully selected by our Paramount specialists, who have experienced this journey first-hand. From your first breakfast in Nashville to your final jazz-filled evening in New Orleans, every detail is thoughtfully arranged so you can travel with complete confidence and ease.
1. Music Is the Soundtrack of the River
The American South is the soundtrack of the United States, and the Lower Mississippi is its main artery. This journey is not just about seeing these cities; it is about hearing them.
Nashville: Begin in the world-famous Music City, with time to visit the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio broadcast in the world, before your cruise begins. Memphis: Walk down Beale Street, where the blues and rock ’n’ roll were born and the music spills out into the night. New Orleans: End your journey where jazz was born. From brass bands to intimate jazz clubs, music here is a way of life.
Paramount Tip:
Spend a free evening on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. It offers a more authentic live jazz scene than the French Quarter and is the perfect finale to your Southern adventure.
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. A Modern Mississippi River Cruise Experience
For many years, cruising the Mississippi meant travelling on older, traditional paddlewheelers. Viking has completely changed the narrative.
The Viking Mississippi is the largest and most modern ship on the river, hosting just 386 guests in clean, elegant Scandinavian surroundings. Unlike traditional vessels, every single stateroom features a private veranda or French balcony, ensuring you never miss a moment of life along the riverbanks.
Familiar Viking features elevate the experience, including the Aquavit Terrace for relaxed al fresco dining and an Infinity Plunge Pool, amenities once unheard of on the Mississippi.
The Paramount Difference:
While other operators offer small-ship experiences, Viking brings the consistency, comfort and service standards of a world-renowned river cruise brand, perfectly matched with Paramount’s expert planning before and after your cruise.
Paramount Tip:
In Natchez, visit Stanton Hall to experience beautifully preserved nineteenth-century elegance.
3. History That Flows with the Current
The Mississippi River is a living history book. As you sail, you trace the paths of Civil War soldiers, cotton barons and literary giants who shaped America.
In Vicksburg, stand on the bluffs of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battlefields. In Natchez, the oldest established city on the Mississippi, explore grand antebellum mansions and spectacular river views.
Paramount Tip:
Visit Longwood in Natchez, a remarkable octagonal mansion whose construction was halted by the Civil War in 1861, leaving its upper floors hauntingly unfinished.
Ready To Begin Planning:
Speak with our Paramount specialists who know every note, flavour and hidden gem of the South.
4. A Celebration of Southern Flavour
Food in the American South is not just sustenance — it is culture.
On board, Viking’s culinary programme blends American classics with regional specialities, but the true magic happens ashore.
Memphis: Barbecue is essential. Whether you prefer “wet” ribs brushed with sauce or “dry” ribs seasoned with spices, the flavours are smoky, sweet and unforgettable. We recommend Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, a beloved local institution. New Orleans: Indulge in warm beignets dusted with powdered sugar or savour a bowl of gumbo, a dish that perfectly reflects the city’s French, African and Spanish influences.
Your Paramount city puts you right in the heart of each culinary hotspot, with easy access to both celebrated restaurants and local favourites.
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.
5. Seamless Travel with Paramount Planning
The geography of the Mississippi is vast. The river stretches over 2,300 miles, and travelling between music hubs such as Nashville and the port of Memphis requires expert coordination.
With Paramount Cruises, your holiday feels effortless from start to finish. We arrange your return flights, premium hotels, private transfers and curated excursions, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment.
Once on board, Viking enhances the experience further with one complimentary shore excursion in every port, from guided museum visits to active experiences, providing valuable cultural context at every stop.
Music Cities of the South
Nashville – The Heartbeat of Country Music
Begin your journey in Nashville, where neon lights glow above legendary music venues, and the sound of live country drifts through the streets day and night. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, tour the iconic Grand Ole Opry, and soak up the creative energy that has made Nashville one of America’s most influential music cities.
Memphis – Where Music Made History
Memphis is where the blues found its voice and rock ’n’ roll was born. Step inside Graceland, stand in the recording rooms of Sun Studio, and wander along Beale Street, where live music brings the city to life after dark. No visit is complete without sampling authentic Memphis barbecue, smoky, rich and deeply rooted in Southern tradition.
New Orleans – The Spirit of the South
Your journey concludes in New Orleans, a city unlike any other. From jazz drifting through the streets to steamboats gliding along the Mississippi, the rhythm here is unmistakable. Enjoy a jazz cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez, stroll through the historic French Quarter, and savour Creole and Cajun cuisine that captures the very 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 or a traveller seeking a slower, more immersive way to explore the USA, a Mississippi River Cruise with Paramount Cruises and Viking River Cruises offers the perfect balance of luxury and discovery.
Our specialists handle every detail before and after your sailing, while Viking delivers a world-class river cruising experience on one of the most iconic rivers in the world.
Call our Paramount specialists on 020 7947 0270 to begin planning your bespoke American adventure.
Explore our Mississippi River Cruise Holidays | Speak to our Paramount Specialists
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.
