The river cruise has become a very trendy kind of vacation today, and especially so on the Mississippi. Whether it is just for a short few hours, for a week or even a month, a boat cruise can be a very exhilarating as well as tranquil holiday.

A Mississippi cruise can be of many kinds, depending upon the chic, the size of the vessel, the number of passengers, the theme, the cost and the length. The most common distinctions are the deluxe cruises vs. budget cruises, nature vs. city cruises, steamboat vs. modern boat, and the kind (honeymoon, historical, senior, singles, etc).

There are indeed a lot of options for the discerning traveler looking for a Mississippi cruise. The river, which runs from Minnesota to Louisiana, is the second longest in the United States and also the fifth longest in the world.

A Mississippi cruise can be in an old fashioned steamboat that will bring you back to the nineteenth century, or it can be in a modern, opulent cruise ship that offers state-of-the-art extravagance.

Paddleboats are probably the most iconic and representative craft for Mississippi river cruises, and it is in fact a truly remarkable experience to voyage on one of these refurbished grand ladies of the nineteenth century. But it is not the only way to navigate on the Mississippi.

It is a truly ideal environment for all kinds of different pastimes, from a romantic night to cocktail parties, singles parties, tracing the steps of Civil War events, a business symposium, or even a marriage!

Many Mississippi river cruises follow a distinct theme throughout the trip, and both the on-shore sightseeing and the on-board entertainment are geared towards the themes. Whether you are a naturalist, a civil war buff, a jazz lover, a nostalgic for the days of steamboats and railroads, or an architecture fan, you will be able to find the cruise that interests you.

The principal ports of departure and arrival are New Orleans, Memphis, Chattanooga, St. Louis, Galveston and Pittsburgh. A Mississippi cruise can be either a round-trip or just one way, between two ports of call.

Pricing for a Mississippi cruise varies enormously, mainly depending on the kind of trip (luxury, midrange or budget) but of course also no the length, on the included extras, and on the overall package. Often discounts can be had for groups such as families.

On the Internet you will find a wealth of information and tips on how to find the perfect river voyage for you. Once you have all the information you need, you can choose the right option for you at travel agencies, through the Internet or directly at the cruise lines’ offices.