If you’re looking at cruising the Mississippi, you really have two choices: American Cruise Lines or Viking. A few smaller companies do offer shorter trips of three or four days, but those are more regional outfits and not the focus here. For most travelers planning a weeklong or longer itinerary, American and Viking are the names you’ll be choosing between. Before we get into the options, let’s get to know the mighty river that sets the backdrop for these sailings.
The Mississippi is divided into two main sections for cruising. The Upper Mississippi runs between St. Louis, MO and St. Paul, MN while the Lower Mississippi stretches from Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA. Because of the warmer weather in the southeast, Lower Mississippi cruises operate most of the year, while sailings on the Upper Mississippi are more seasonal and generally limited to summer and early fall.
At 2,340 miles, the Mississippi is one of the longest rivers in the world and second only to the Missouri River in the United States. It passes through or borders 10 states before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, and along the way it connects with 12 tributaries. For river cruising, the most significant is the Ohio River, which meets the Mississippi in both Cairo, IL and near Paducah, KY.
American Cruise Lines has been sailing the Mississippi for decades with a fleet that combines traditional paddlewheelers and a new generation of modern riverboats, each carrying around 180 guests. Smaller ships mean a more intimate onboard atmosphere, service that feels personal and excursions that highlight American heritage in a localized way. American also operates the widest variety of Mississippi itineraries, from classic weeklong Lower Mississippi sailings to longer voyages that branch onto tributaries like the Ohio or the Cumberland River. Staterooms vary by ship, with many offering private balconies, though not every cabin has one.
Fares with American tend to be more inclusive than with Viking, covering not just meals and Wi-Fi but also cocktails, gratuities and a selection of for-purchase shore excursions at different activity levels, making them accessible for a wider range of travelers. Onboard, guests can expect more entertainment options than Viking typically provides, from local performers to enrichment programs that bring regional history and culture to life.
Viking is newer to the Mississippi, launching its first ship stateside in 2022. The Viking Mississippi is the largest vessel on the river with space for 386 guests and a design that mirrors the line’s European fleet. Every stateroom comes with a veranda, and the ship itself features multiple dining venues, spacious lounges and indoor-outdoor viewing areas that feel in line with a boutique ocean ship.
Programming is another strength. Viking brings its trademark cultural approach to the Mississippi with guest lecturers, cooking demonstrations and curated excursions that highlight the region’s history, music and food. For travelers who have sailed with Viking in Europe or on the oceans, the Mississippi experience will feel familiar and consistent.
The itineraries are more limited compared to American, though Viking does offer some longer sailings such as the 15-day Big Easy to the Gateway City from New Orleans to St. Louis (Alton) voyage. Where Viking excels is in consistency and scale, but the tradeoff is a larger, less intimate environment. With fewer itineraries and one ship on the river, the options are narrower than what American provides. For travelers loyal to Viking, the Mississippi offers a way to experience the brand closer to home, though those seeking variety or a smaller ship atmosphere may find American the better fit.
American Cruise Lines vs Viking: A Comparison
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American Cruise Lines
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Viking Mississippi
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| Ship Size | Small (~180 guests) | Large (~386 guests) |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, personalized service. | Modern, refined, more group-oriented. |
| Ship Style | Mix of traditional paddlewheelers and modern riverboats. | Contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired design. |
| Itinerary Variety | Broad: Upper & Lower Mississippi plus tributaries like the Ohio and Cumberland. | Fewer routes, focused on the Mississippi with some longer voyages. |
| Inclusions | Meals, Wi-Fi, cocktails, gratuities and one included excursion (additional options for purchase at different activity levels). | Meals, Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and one included excursion in every port (additional options for purchase). |
| Onboard Entertainment | Broader mix with local performers and enrichment programs. | Destination-focused lectures and cultural programming. |
| Industry Recognition | Multiple US river-specific awards for service, excursions and small ships. | Frequently ranked among top global cruise lines. |
| Lead-In Pricing | Standard Balcony – $5,995 (9 days / 8 nights, New Orleans to Memphis) | French Balcony – $6,299 (8 days / 7 nights, New Orleans to Memphis) |
| Balcony / Veranda Pricing | Deluxe Balcony – $6,600 Premium Balcony – $6,995 Veranda Suite – $8,290 |
Veranda – $6,299 Deluxe Veranda – from $6,499 Penthouse Veranda – from $7,799 |
For this comparison, we looked at sample 2026 sailings.
- American Cruise Lines: Lower Mississippi River Cruise, 9 days / 8 nights, sailing one way from New Orleans to Memphis aboard American Melody.
- Viking: Mississippi Delta Explorer, 8 days / 7 nights, sailing between New Orleans and Memphis aboard Viking Mississippi.
Who Comes Out on Top?
- If you value intimacy, variety, and a distinctly American feel, American Cruise Lines may be more favorable. Its small ships allow for personalized service, a relaxed pace and more frequent departures across both the Upper and Lower Mississippi.
- If you prefer modern design, Viking’s cultural programming and the consistency of a global brand, Viking holds the edge. It’s also a strong option for travelers who may already be loyal to Viking’s European or ocean products and want a familiar experience closer to home.
Both lines offer a comfortable way to explore its history, culture and landscapes – the difference is simply in how you want to experience it. No matter which ship you choose, you’ll be tracing one of America’s most storied waterways and seeing the river that has shaped so much of the country’s past and present.
So, is your ideal Mississippi cruise defined by variety and heritage or by sleek design and familiar programming? The choice is yours.
This article was originally published at River Cruise Advisor.