Mississippi towns retain their colonial flavor

Mississippi Cruises Online

The Mississippi is the main cruising river in the United States, a legendary waterway that crosses a dozen states. The Mississippi River serves as the natural border of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The banks of the Mississippi - here you can find historical monuments from the Civil War, the birthplace of the blues and attractions that are mentioned in classic American literature, including Mark Twain's famous novel On the Mississippi.

Over the past few years, cruises on the Mississippi have been considered a rather rare and inconsistent occurrence. Due to a number of natural disasters, chief among them the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as well as the global financial crisis, the river cruise industry on the great American river fell into decline. However, since 2009, cruise traffic on the Mississippi has shown signs of recovery.

And 2012 promises to be a landmark year for cruises on the Mississippi. This year the first cruise of the American Queen steamship after large-scale reconstruction work is planned. This ship was built in 1995, and in 2011 it was completely modernized. Today, the American Queen is known as the largest river steamship in the world. Mississippi cruises on American Queen start at $990 for a three-day trip.

Another ship that is in some ways the American Queen's namesake, the Queen Of The Mississippi will set off on its debut Mississippi cruise in 2012. This ship is half the size of the American Queen. It will offer seven-day cruises.

A distinctive feature of Mississippi cruises is the abundance of vintage ships on the routes and small family businesses that are cruise operators. Among the companies offering unique signature Mississippi cruises in 2011 are Seattle-based Cruise West and Blount Small Ship Adventures, formerly known as American Canadian Caribbean Line.

The main ports on the Mississippi are considered to be the cities of the traditional American South, where the most striking are the “city of Elvis” Memphis, the capital of country music, the city of Nashville and the famous port at the mouth of the river, carnival New Orleans.

Many travelers associate the word “cruise” with huge ocean liners sailing from one tropical island to another. However, there is another type of cruise that is almost as popular among tourists - a river cruise. The ships that make such cruises are usually much smaller in size than the hulks that ply the seas and oceans. They are better suited to traveling along rivers, from one interesting attraction (or city) to another. Review of the best river cruises in the world:

Cruise on the Duero River

The banks of the Duero River are not as famous or as popular among tourists as some other “cruise” destinations in Europe, but this is not because they are not worthy of attention. The route of a wonderful, albeit not very long, cruise passes along and past picturesque vineyards and medieval villages. This option is a good choice for those who like to travel away from the “tourist mainstream”. River cruises usually begin in the Portuguese city of Porto, at the mouth of the Douro River, and include stops along the shore with excursions to local vineyards, castles and churches.

Mississippi River Cruise

The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world. It flows through the heart of America, and its banks boast some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country. Many Mississippi cruise ships are designed to resemble vintage paddle steamers, giving many tourists the feeling of traveling back in time to a time when life was slower and more relaxed. Depending on the specific itinerary of a particular cruise ship, stops may be made in various towns and larger cities, including St. Louis and Louisville. Excursions during the tour also depend on the route. The excursion program may include visits to plantations and trips to historical sites associated with the Battle of New Orleans. The length of river trips also varies, ranging from a few hours to three-week (and even longer) tours.

River cruise in the Indian state of Kerala

Travelers who want to experience the beauty and charm of Kerala can book a Kerala river cruise tour. Sailing along the region's many canals and charming lakes, passengers on small cruise ships can easily get a feel for how the locals live. The mixing of fresh river water and water coming from the Arabian Sea has created a unique ecosystem in Kerala. Several types of boats are available to travelers, including the famous traditional ketuvalam boats (the owners hire local rowers) and motorized reed boats.

River cruise on the Volga

The Volga is the longest river in Europe. Many consider it the national river of Russia. Depending on the tour, during a cruise on the Volga you can visit St. Petersburg and Moscow or travel around the cities of the Golden Ring. Setting out on a journey down the Volga, tourists have a unique opportunity to compare modern Russia with what it was many centuries ago. The excursion program of the cruise (also depends on the chosen tour) may include trips to the ballet and circus or visits to the palaces of Peterhof.

River cruise on the Rhine

Rhine cruises are some of the most popular river cruises in Europe. And this is not surprising, because the Rhine flows through the territory of several countries, each of which, in turn, is popular among tourists. Among these countries, and. Many people believe that the most beautiful Rhineland landscapes are located in Germany, between Koblenz and Bingen am Rhein. There are many attractions in this area, including famous medieval castles, famous vineyards and picturesque towns, looking at which you feel as if you have stepped into the pages of a fairy tale book. Among the river cruises on the Rhine offered by tour operators, there are both very short ones, literally half a day, and longer ones, the duration of which reaches eleven days or more.

Mekong River Cruise

The Mekong River flows through the territories of Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. During a cruise along the Mekong you will find an interesting “mix” of modern cities and “floating villages” that have not changed at all over the past centuries. Depending on the itinerary, the cruise may include visits to amazing sights such as the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia or the floating villages and bustling markets of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. Mekong River cruises are one of the best ways to get to know Southeast Asia.

River cruise on the Danube

For many, a cruise on the Danube has already become a dream come true. The Danube, the second longest river in Europe, flows through the territory of nine countries: Germany, and Ukraine. Depending on the tour, the trip can last from one day to a week or more. During this time, cruise ship passengers can see medieval castles and impressive fortresses, as well as some of the most beautiful European cities. For example, the program of some tours includes stops in the Hungarian Budapest, the Austrian Vienna and the Slovak Bratislava.

Yangtze River Cruise

The Yangtze is the third longest river in the world and the longest river in Asia. Its course passes close to many interesting and world-famous Chinese attractions, including the famous Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges). While traveling along the Yangtze, cruise ship passengers have the opportunity to see some of the region's most picturesque landscapes and take part in excursions to interesting coastal sites such as ancient temples and ancient "ghost towns". The Yangtze and its surrounding areas are also home to a significant number of critically endangered plant and animal species. On the river itself, these include, first of all, Chinese alligators and river dolphins. The duration of cruises is usually from four to thirteen days.

Amazon River Cruise

Wild and practically unspoilt by human civilization, the Amazon River has attracted the attention of travelers for centuries. This “waterway” allowed past explorers to penetrate into the most remote corners of the dense tropical jungle, which were almost impossible to reach by land. In those days, only the bravest and most desperate dared to go on such journeys, but, fortunately, today it has become much easier to follow in their footsteps. There are many cruise ships sailing along the Amazon River. Accommodation on board varies from the most modest to the most luxurious. The walls of the cabins of some ships are made almost entirely of glass so that travelers can admire the beauty of nature without leaving the air-conditioned room on deck. The Amazon River flows through eight countries in South America. The routes of larger ships are limited to the section of the channel between the Brazilian ports of Manaus and Belem. Smaller boats go much further, often reaching the Peruvian jungle city of Iquitos and stopping in little-explored areas of the Peruvian Amazon.

River cruise on the Nile

It makes sense to go on a manual cruise along the Nile, if only because Egyptian civilization was born and grew on the banks of this river. It's no surprise that there are so many historical sites in the immediate vicinity of the river, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. More than four hundred cruise ships sail along the Nile, so travelers have plenty to choose from. Some ships even have swimming pools, sun decks and spas. Meals and some excursions are usually included in the tour price. On average, Nile cruises last from three to seven days. The most popular section is between

November 30 is the birthday of Mark Twain, a classic of American literature and writer.
and journalist. Samuel Langhorne Clemens (real name of Mark Twain) was born on November 30
1835 in Missouri, in a small village called Florida. Aged
At the age of four, he moved with his parents to the neighboring port city of Hannibal.

Samuel Clemens spent his childhood in this city, where he graduated from school and worked
pilot on the Mississippi River, and later created his world-famous works.
Since 1863, the resident took the creative pseudonym Mark Twain, which is in the language of sailors
meant “to measure a depth of two (fathoms),” safe for swimming.

Mississippi gave Mark Twain many colorful characters and entertaining stories.
He later said that while sailing as a pilot, he “studied every imaginable type of human
natures, which are only possible to meet in fiction, biography and
historical literature."

Hannibal inspired the writer to create the fictional town in The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".
As a child, I had a book that contained both stories, I re-read
it many times and I couldn’t even imagine that I would see it with my own eyes
places described in your favorite book.

The city of Hannibal is located on the hills. This wooden lighthouse is located on the top
one of them is named after Mark Twain.

I climbed the steps to its foot to admire the city from above
bird's eye view.

There, at the top, I saw blooming cacti for the first time.

Missouri is south and in October it is summer-like warm.

In the center of the city rises the large Cardiff Hill, on which
monument to the literary heroes of Mark Twain: Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Two boys,
one of whom in torn pants, goes in search of the next adventure.

On the day we arrived in Hannibal, we took a trip on a tourist boat,
made in the style of those that plied the river in the time of Mark Twain.
There was only one excursion on the cruise schedule that day. Tourist season
ended and there were few people willing to take a walk along the Mississippi.

Music was playing on the pier, like in those ancient times when ladies in long dresses
and feathered hats walked hand in hand with gentlemen in tailcoats and bowler hats
embankment, waiting for the moment when it will be possible to climb the bridge to the deck
steamship.

Tickets were sold in a small building on the pier where the store was located
souvenirs.

"Mark Twain, Port Hannibal. Welcome aboard!" was written at the entrance.

I wanted to take away a book from here, the same one I had in childhood: two
the story is in one binding, but the store didn’t have one like that.

Maybe this is for the better; I doubt I would re-read it.

An interesting inscription on a children's T-shirt: - Future captain of "Mark Twain". Do not miss
walk!

The steamer's ladder was fixed to the forecastle - this is a traditional American design,

the Missouri state flag flew from the flagpole.

We boarded the Mark Twain and the ship, sounding its farewell whistle, set sail
from the pier.

There was a restaurant downstairs that could be rented for weddings.
and other celebrations.

There were a lot of empty seats on the upper deck. I went up the steps
and saw...Mark Twain.

One of the passengers with a mustache and gray hair looked surprisingly like the writer.
If I didn't know for sure that Mark Twain had no direct descendants, I would
I thought it was his close relative.

The Mississippi River experiences unusually high levels at times during navigation season
water, as a result of which the bridge in the city of Hannibal becomes an insurmountable obstacle
for cruise ships.

This walk reminded me, with the only difference that
The banks of the Mississippi in the Hannibal area are not as picturesque as in Wisconsin.

The city has the Mark Twain Museum, located in the house where the writer grew up. In 2012
year it celebrated its centenary and received visitors from all fifty states
and about sixty countries around the world.

And finally, a photo from the “I Was Here” series.

Now I see all the shortcomings of the video taken during a walk along the Mississippi,
but, unfortunately, I can no longer correct them.

Mississippi River Cruise

An exciting journey along the Mississippi will bring a lot of unforgettable impressions to even the most experienced travelers!

Cruise route:

	New Orleans
	Oak Alley
	Baton Rouge
	St. Francisville
	Vicksburg

Mississippi cruise program:

Day 1. New Orleans
The city of Great Freedom, where you can feel an incredible atmosphere of carelessness and ease of perception of the world around you. The French Quarter is the oldest in the city; the spirit of French antiquity reigns here. The famous Bourbon Street is a real gem of the French Quarter, where you can enjoy good music, works of art and a variety of Louisiana cuisine. In the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter lies the famous Jackson Square, designed by architects inspired by the Place des Vosges in Paris. Various “witchcraft objects” are considered a characteristic local element, such as a cult place and the grave of the Voodoo queen, Mary Laveau, in the Saint-Louis cemetery. In essence, Marie Laveau is the spirit of New Orleans. It was here that the most powerful interpenetration of African and European cultures took place.
Welcome cocktail from the captain and introduction to the crew. Dinner.

Day 2. Oak Alley
Oak Alley Plantation is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Oak Alleys are often called "The Grand Dame of the Great River Road." A quarter mile of overhanging giant oak trees with a 300-year history grow together with their gnarled crowns and branches to form a stunning living arch. The resulting sensations will make you return to the film “Gone with the Wind.” Learn about the history of the Great House and taste a mint julep (a drink made from cognac or whiskey with water, sugar, ice and mint), a traditional drink in the region.

Day 3. Baton Rouge
Arrival in Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. Experience the rich Southern lifestyle, including Mardi Gras and the Creole and Cajun lifestyle.

Day 4. St. Francisville
Arrival in the town of Saint Francisville, which is located in the Mississippi River Delta. The main street, Royal Street, is reminiscent of the French colonial era, with its ancient markets, unique handmade shops and, of course, music records. Visit to the old covered market and shopping street where art and precious items are displayed.

Day 5. Nanchez
Natchez is a city of Pilgrimage, where there is no bustle or rush. Natchez was very popular among wealthy people in the antebellum era. Their mansions remain to this day, such as the magnificent and luxurious Stanton Hall, the least damaged during the Civil War. Melrose Plantation, a brick mansion on the river, former headquarters of US troops during the Civil War - Rosalie Manson, home of William Johnson. Visit Eola Hotel for shopping.

Day 6. Vicksburg
Vicksburg is a city that uniquely combines local culture, character, arts, adventure and Southern hospitality. Tour the significant antebellum Anchuka Mansion, which means "happy home" in the Choctaw Indian language. The well-known Coca-Cola was bottled in Vicksburg, at which time the process of its production began. Now there is a museum here. Departure to the Battlefields Museum, dedicated to a major military operation of the American Civil War.

Day 7. On board

Day 8. Memphis.
Memphis was founded on May 22, 1819 and is considered a very young city. W. K. Handy sang one of the streets of the city called Beale Street in one of his songs, so many music lovers consider Memphis the birthplace of the blues. The Lorraine Hotel is one of the most amazing places: M. L. King was assassinated in one of its rooms. Today, an interesting museum is open here, which is entirely dedicated to the famous fighter for the rights of all African Americans. Other popular city attractions include the Brooks Art Gallery, Confederate Park, Chucalissa Indian Village Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Industry, the Victorian Quarter, and the Memphis City Museum.