Rollin’ Down the River: New Orleans to Nashville on the Mississippi

As river cruising booms in popularity, it’s no surprise that the Mississippi has become a dream destination for cruisers longing to explore North America. Cutting through America’s Deep South, the river offers cruisers the perfect opportunity to experience a comforting slice of Southern hospitality.

Things To Do in New Orleans

Ask any traveller to describe New Orleans and chances are the word ‘vibrant’ will figure in there somewhere. Nicknamed the ‘Big Easy’, the city is home to the raucous parades of Mardi Gras, around which time you will hear the Cajun phrase that has become the unofficial motto of New Orleans: ‘Laissez les bons temps rouler!’, or ‘Let the good times roll!’.

Stepping off your cruise on the Mississippi River, prepare to embrace New Orleans’ old-school charm with a streetcar ride. Take the family along the St Charles line, home to the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world, and see the sights of the city from smooth mahogany seats that remain from a day long before plastic seating and aluminium handrails.

Make a stop along the neon-lined promenade of Bourbon Street, where non-stop authentic jazz entertains everyone who walks through the doors of the world-famous Maison Bourbon. With past celebrity patrons including Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra, and Franklin Roosevelt, The Old Absinthe House also offers a haven steeped in 200 years of history.

No trip to New Orleans’ French Quarter is complete without a visit to Preservation Hall, a cornerstone of traditional New Orleans Jazz since 1961. Jazz music is just one of the many gifts that New Orleans has given the world, and guests can enjoy intimate, acoustic concerts on any of 350 nights a year.

If lunch is on your mind, no onshore dining represents New Orleans better than the po’boy sandwich, constructed from an expert blend of crusty French bread, sliced roast potatoes and gravy rich with braised beef. All self-respecting restaurants in the French Quarter will dish up a fine po’boy, but asking a local for their favourite neighbourhood haunt will guarantee the best of the best.

Things To Do in Memphis

As the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis and music go hand-in-hand. Whether you consider yourself a Rock ‘n’ Roll fan or are looking for the perfect shore excursion, no cruise on the Mississippi River is complete without a pilgrimage to Graceland, home of Elvis Presley. Gain insights into how The King spent his days, view the walls lined with gold and platinum records, and catch a glimpse of his iconic sparkling jumpsuits. Petrolheads can also get their kicks at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, home to over 20 of his vehicles.

Those who prefer strumming their tunes should head to the Gibson Guitars Factory, where luthiers have handcrafted some of the finest guitars in the world since the early 1900s. Why not then explore Beale Street, the musical mecca at the heart of downtown? Musicians like B.B. King and Willie Mitchell have performed here since the 1860s, and the street’s historic bars house a heady mix of blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, and gospel performances.

Memphis is almost as famous for its barbecue as it is for its music, boasting over a hundred BBQ joints to soothe your appetite. Slow-roasted pulled pork and tangy slaw piled on bread, half-and-half ribs, a side of smoky barbecue beans – spots like Leonard’s Pit Barbecue are Memphis institutions, serving the best barbecue grub since 1922. And if you’re looking for a different flavour, you can find soul food a-plenty with fried chicken and waffles, mama’s recipe meatloaf, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, and side helpings of cornbread and collard greens.

Things To Do in Nashville

With streets named Music Mile and Music Row, it’s no surprise that Nashville has been known as ‘Music City’ since the 1800s. Music flows through the veins of the city, and on your cruise on the Mississippi River, you will find live music every day of the year at any of the city’s 130 live music venues.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the largest popular music museum in the world, or take a tour of the iconic RCA Studio B on Music Row, where the likes of Elvis, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison have laid down their tracks. The Ryman Auditorium is often referred to as the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’ and stars like Patsy Cline have lit up its stage since 1892. As a spiritual home for the many talented songwriters who flock to the city to record, Nashville also lets cruisers see them in the spotlight at the world-famous Bluebird Café, where singer-songwriters take the microphone each evening.

Lovers of food and drink will discover more than they could dream of as they explore Nashville. Feeling virtuous? Sip on sweet tea. Got a thing for bourbon? Head to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery – the oldest distillery in the United States. New micro-neighbourhoods also foster a booming restaurant scene, with tacos, jambalaya, po’boys, sushi, pizza and pancakes all available. The city’s trademark dish, though, is Hot Chicken – emphasis on the ‘hot’!

Cruising the Mississippi FAQs

What is the Best Time to Cruise the Mississippi River?

The best times of year to take a cruise on the Mississippi River are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as these periods promise the best of the mild, pleasant weather, avoiding the stifling heat of summer. Fewer crowds, more full river foliage, and festival dates also make these periods the best time to cruise.

What Cruise Lines Go Down the Mississippi River?

The cruise lines that regularly offer cruises on the Mississippi River are Viking River Cruises and American Cruise Lines.

Find Your Dream Mississippi River Cruise With Bolsover

The Mississippi River is truly a magical fly cruise experience, weaving through these beautiful cities and offering guests the opportunity to enjoy all the history, culture, and delicious food that they have to offer. If you’re hooked on this American dream, let Bolsover Cruise Club help you find the perfect cruise on the Mississippi River! 

If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.