Discover Relaxing Beauty on Mississippi River Cruises

If you're looking for an American cruise adventure, hop on one of many Mississippi River cruises and spend your vacation on the 'Ol Miss.

Due to the massive size of the Mississippi River, you can start your Mississippi River cruise from many different states. You can take off in St. Louis, Mississippi or Tennessee, to name a few. If you're not sure where to start your trip, start in a city that you've never been to or would like to see. Then you can fly into the city and spend some time there before you leave on your cruise.

Mississippi River cruises are not as large as ocean-based cruises. They also don't require you to make a minimum of a three day commitment. You can enjoy a Mississippi River cruise for a couple of hours, a day or several days. It really depends on how much money you want to spend and how much of the river you'd like to see. Different parts of the river offer different cultural experiences. For example, if you stop at one of the southern most ports, you'll be able to enjoy some fantastic Cajun food. If you're headed north, you can stop in St. Louis and see the famous Gateway Arch.

A five day New Orleans tour, for example, gives passengers five days to explore a lively part of this country's past. When the boat stops at individual ports, passengers can take Cajun cooking classes, walk through old battle grounds, walk through old historical buildings including plantations and go shopping. This tour runs during Mardi Gras. Reservations for trips during this holiday fill up very quickly.

If you've already been to the south, head to Minneapolis, Minn., which is also along the Mississippi River. Here guests can visit the St. Paul Cathedral and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Mississippi River cruises really run the gamut of American culture.

You can also find a small trip on a charter boat for less than $50. Trips that are five days or longer typically start at more than $1,000. You can find deals on the larger trips. One way to get a good deal is to go on your Mississippi River cruise during the off season. For these cruises, the off season starts in October and goes through Christmas.

Experience the Four Seasons on a Mississippi River cruise

Your Mississippi River cruise experience will change depending on when you decide to take your trip. The Mississippi River is full of beautiful foliage, which makes a fall Mississippi River cruise simply delightful.

During a Thanksgiving Mississippi River cruise, expect to experience quintessential southern hospitality. A trip to the French Quarter in New Orleans is a festive experience that shouldn't be missed. Hanging out on Mississippi River cruises is a fantastic, warm way to spend a Thanksgiving holiday.