The short answer
The longest regular commercial Mississippi River cruises take about 22 to 23 days and run between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota. Most trips are much shorter, typically 8 to 9 days for a section of the river, with some round trips from New Orleans running around 5 to 6 days. Short sightseeing cruises in river cities last only an hour or two.
No scheduled passenger cruise covers the river from its source in northern Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi runs roughly 2,340 miles, and the cruises that exist focus on the navigable stretches where larger ships can travel.
Typical lengths by section
- Lower Mississippi (Memphis to New Orleans): often 8 to 9 days, and available for much of the year. Some round trips from New Orleans are shorter, about 5 to 6 days.
- Upper Mississippi (St. Louis to St. Paul): usually 8 to 9 days and mostly offered between about June and October.
- Combined voyages (New Orleans to St. Paul): around 16 to 23 days, depending on the line and route.
- Mixed-river itineraries: some cruises combine the Mississippi with the Ohio or Cumberland rivers, adding stops such as Nashville.
Because lines change itineraries, check the current schedule for exact durations.
Why a river cruise takes longer than the drive
Memphis to New Orleans can be driven in about a day, so a week-long cruise may seem slow. The difference is that a river cruise is built around stops and time on the water. Ships travel at modest speeds, spend time in locks on the upper river and dock in towns for excursions. The trip is the point, not the speed. Many passengers say the unhurried pace is the main attraction, with days split between relaxing on deck and exploring ports such as Natchez, Vicksburg or Baton Rouge.
Can you cruise the entire river?
In a strict sense, no. The longest standard voyage spans from New Orleans to St. Paul, which covers most of the commercially navigable river but not the upper reaches beyond that point. Smaller boats may travel further north on certain stretches, but not on regular passenger cruises. If you want the “whole river” feel, the combined New Orleans to St. Paul sailing is the closest option, though it requires more than three weeks.
Short and day cruises
If you don’t have a week to spare, you have options:
- Sightseeing cruises in cities such as New Orleans, St. Louis and La Crosse, lasting roughly one to three hours.
- Short regional trips, such as overnight or two-day steamboat journeys on the upper river.
- Joining part of a longer sailing, though pricing is usually based on the full itinerary, and major lines generally do not offer 3-day trips.
Read more about the options from Mississippi River cruises from New Orleans.
Choosing a length
- A first-time river cruiser will probably be happy with a week to nine days on one section.
- Retirees or those with flexible time might enjoy the 22-day voyage to see both ends of the river.
- Anyone watching their budget should look at how much a cruise on the Mississippi costs, since price scales with duration.
- Anyone watching the calendar should consider the best time of year for a Mississippi River cruise, as the upper river is seasonal.