About Cruises on the Mississippi

Table Of Content

• Authentic Riverboat Cruises
• Why take this tour?
• Explore the Mississippi River
• St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Music Cruise

Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. After dinner, you are free to dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Live entertainment is included on our Dinner Cruises. Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in. Memphis Riverboats' online booking system is easy to use.

American Queen Voyages, which docked in Memphis, shuts down - WREG NewsChannel 3

American Queen Voyages, which docked in Memphis, shuts down.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Authentic Riverboat Cruises

With 11 days, you can discover the Mississippi River Gateway, connecting New Orleans by way of Memphis to St. Louis. With 16 days, you can tour the Grand Heartland from New Orleans by way of Memphis to St. Paul, Minnesota. And with 23 days, on the Complete Mississippi River Cruise, you can traverse the river's full length, adding days in each port from Mississippi, Louisiana and Memphis to Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. On dinner, holiday and themed cruises, anything goes – passengers dress in everything from casual attire to formal wear to get in the spirit. Memphis Riverboats, formerly Memphis Queen Line, was a family business owned primarily by Capt. Jake Meanley and his sister Capt. Dale Lozier. Originally, the business started as the Memphis Queen Line, with the Memphis Queen II, a two-decked sternwheeler, that was built for Capt. Ed Langford in 1955 by the Dubuque Boat and Boiler Works.

Why take this tour?

This is a one-trip meal served by our staff behind the food service area due to COVID-19 restrictions. Due to shortages, the menu is subject to change based on availability.

Explore the Mississippi River

See the sights & sounds of the river by booking a cruise below. The sightseeing cruise is a 90-minute tour that takes you down the Mighty Mississippi with a live historical commentary. This is a great way to see and learn a bit of Mississippi River history while visiting Memphis, Tennessee. His wife Carol, daughter Dale age 13 and, son Jake age 12, all were involved in the family business. Dale’s soon to be husband John Lozier, a student at Memphis State University, was hired in the spring of 1961. The business grew with the completion of the 600 passenger party barge Memphis Showboat in 1964.

You can easily find detail and book cruises on the Viking website. Others still have availability, and you can currently book all the way into 2025 on the Viking website. All cruises operated by Memphis Riverboats depart from 45 S. Riverside Dr., the historic Cobblestone Landing in downtown Memphis. Sightseeing tour ticket prices range from $5 (for passengers 0-2 years old) to $25 (for adults).

Enjoy a night of dinner and dancing on this cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. Indulge in a delicious buffet and share a wonderful dinner with your family or friends, then enjoy live music from the dance floor or the deck. American Cruise Lines also offers a great variety of Mississippi River cruises. With just 8 days, you can explore the Lower Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans or enjoy the Music Cities Cruise, connecting Memphis and Nashville via the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland Rivers.

If you are celebrating a Birthday, you may bring a cake or cupcakes on board. We also ask that you bring the proper utensils and/or plates to accommodate this yourselves. There is no dress code but most our of guests dress casually – semi-formal. Enjoy the music of Adam Ledbetter on piano and David Damm on a variety of instruments. You never know when members of the crew might take up a mic or drumsticks and join them. Memphis-style Pulled Pork BBQ, Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, House Salad, Buns and Dessert.

Today, even with just a couple of hours, you can get the riverboat experience. John passed away in 1988 and Jake and Dale operated the company with the assistance of friend Jimmy Ogle, whom they knew from his earlier days at Mud Island. Capt. Jake and Capt. Dale had great plans for the business since Memphis had become a tourist destination. Capt. Dale’s sons John, and William Lozier became third generation captains and confirmed river rats having worked on ol’ Man River.

Mississippi River shrinking,river boat tourism interest rising - WATN - Local 24

Mississippi River shrinking,river boat tourism interest rising.

Posted: Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

And of course, the boat itself is full of charm, from the decorative gingerbread detailing on deck to the big red paddlewheel in back. Snacks, drinks and alcohol, as well as souvenir photos, are available for purchase on board, and the tours are family-friendly. A beautiful Christmas experience awaits for you aboard. Get into the holiday spirit with a special menu cruise with a live Blues & Jazz Band for your entertainment.

More than 50 years of entertaining qualifies this ensemble to offer all ages a good time. The Rivermen show you why the river, Hannibal to New Orleans, is musical in many ways. Expect all-outside staterooms and suites, each featuring a private veranda or French balcony, luxury linens, heated bathroom floors and 24-hour room service. Some of the suites even feature wraparound verandas for expansive river views. Accommodating just 386 guests, you can also expect an uncrowded feel. Beyond the scenery, guests on board the Viking Mississippi will enjoy entertainment that brings the river setting to life, including performances by Delta Blues musicians and guest lecturers.

Seniors, military, youth (13-17) and children (3-12) ride at a discount ranging from $15-$21. Dinner cruise tickets prices range from $15 (for passengers 0-2 years old) to $50 (for adults), with children (3-12) and youth (13-17) ranging from $35-$47. Join us for an Easter Celebration with a live Band. Enjoy this day out on the Mighty Mississippi River for the best views of the city.

Memphis’ identity is reflected in the Mississippi River. Enjoy a little romance with your favorite Valentine aboard the Memphis Riverboats! The cruise includes two-hours on the Mighty Mississippi, music from our House Band and a wonderful buffet. The sightseeing cruise is a 90-minute tour that takes you down the Mighty Mississippi with historical commentary. All options include guided tours in port cities.

Memphis Riverboats Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises

Table Of Content

• Explore the Mississippi River
• Why take this tour?
• Memphis Riverboats Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises
• sightseeing along the famed Mississippi River

Memphis’ identity is reflected in the Mississippi River. Enjoy a little romance with your favorite Valentine aboard the Memphis Riverboats! The cruise includes two-hours on the Mighty Mississippi, music from our House Band and a wonderful buffet. The sightseeing cruise is a 90-minute tour that takes you down the Mighty Mississippi with historical commentary. All options include guided tours in port cities.

Explore the Mississippi River

Currently, your tour is most likely to take place aboard the Island Queen, Memphis Riverboats’ flagship vessel. The 100-foot-long vessel features enclosed, covered and outdoor decks – three decks in total – with ample seating and, on themed cruises, room for dining and dancing, too. The popular Memphis Queen II and other vessels are currently undergoing renovation. The classic choice is the 90-minute Memphis Sightseeing Cruise, which presents a Memphis city tour and riverboat cruise in one. Over the course of your 7- to 10-mile roundtrip journey, you’ll enjoy views of downtown Memphis and the riverfront, Presidents Island and the Wolf River Tributary, a mix of urban and natural scenic views. We offer riverboat cruises in Downtown Memphis on the Mississippi River.

Why take this tour?

Due to failing health, Capt. Ed sold the vessel in 1960 to Capt. Tom Meanley, a reporter-photographer for the Memphis Press-Scimitar. Capt. Tom believed he had bought a summer job as Mississippi River Paddlewheeler pilot. A few years later, a decision was made to expand the company, his summer job became a full-time endeavor, and he decided to leave his position with the newspaper. The tradition of music on the river continues with the sound of modern jazz, big band, blues, and just about everything else from The Rivermen, a four-piece (or more) ensemble.

Memphis Riverboats Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises

This is a one-trip meal served by our staff behind the food service area due to COVID-19 restrictions. Due to shortages, the menu is subject to change based on availability.

Memphis Riverboats Cruises

If you are celebrating a Birthday, you may bring a cake or cupcakes on board. We also ask that you bring the proper utensils and/or plates to accommodate this yourselves. There is no dress code but most our of guests dress casually – semi-formal. Enjoy the music of Adam Ledbetter on piano and David Damm on a variety of instruments. You never know when members of the crew might take up a mic or drumsticks and join them. Memphis-style Pulled Pork BBQ, Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, House Salad, Buns and Dessert.

Tennessee mom vanishes on birthday 'booze cruise' - Fox News

Tennessee mom vanishes on birthday 'booze cruise'.

Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Listen as the captain guides your cruise with historical commentary on the history, legends, and sights of the Mississippi River. It’s a fun night of music for the young and the young at heart! You never know when members of the crew might take up a mic and sing you a song. Our dancefloor is available after dinner if you are so inclined, or you can choose to dance under the stars on the outer decks (no dancing on the tables and chairs, please).

Memphis Riverboats

Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. After dinner, you are free to dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Live entertainment is included on our Dinner Cruises. Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in. Memphis Riverboats' online booking system is easy to use.

Dinner & Music

Memphis Police set up command unit near river as search for Tamia Taylor continues - WREG NewsChannel 3

Memphis Police set up command unit near river as search for Tamia Taylor continues.

Posted: Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

More than 50 years of entertaining qualifies this ensemble to offer all ages a good time. The Rivermen show you why the river, Hannibal to New Orleans, is musical in many ways. Expect all-outside staterooms and suites, each featuring a private veranda or French balcony, luxury linens, heated bathroom floors and 24-hour room service. Some of the suites even feature wraparound verandas for expansive river views. Accommodating just 386 guests, you can also expect an uncrowded feel. Beyond the scenery, guests on board the Viking Mississippi will enjoy entertainment that brings the river setting to life, including performances by Delta Blues musicians and guest lecturers.

John completed his law degree at Tulane University and became a maritime lawyer in Greenville, MS.  In 2005, William bought out the family business and began to update and refurbish the fleet, now known as Memphis Riverboats. American Cruise Lines' river cruises are serviced by sleek modern riverboats including the American Jazz and the American Symphony. However, select cruises, like the 9-day Lower Mississippi River Cruise, take place on board authentic paddle wheelers like the American Heritage. A total ship redesign of the American Heritage was complete in 2022, ensuring all of its yesteryear charm is supported by the most modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology. The dinner cruise is two hours and includes a BBQ meal, a live request band, and a cash/credit bar. These are typically on Thurday, Friday & Saturday nights.

With 11 days, you can discover the Mississippi River Gateway, connecting New Orleans by way of Memphis to St. Louis. With 16 days, you can tour the Grand Heartland from New Orleans by way of Memphis to St. Paul, Minnesota. And with 23 days, on the Complete Mississippi River Cruise, you can traverse the river's full length, adding days in each port from Mississippi, Louisiana and Memphis to Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. On dinner, holiday and themed cruises, anything goes – passengers dress in everything from casual attire to formal wear to get in the spirit. Memphis Riverboats, formerly Memphis Queen Line, was a family business owned primarily by Capt. Jake Meanley and his sister Capt. Dale Lozier. Originally, the business started as the Memphis Queen Line, with the Memphis Queen II, a two-decked sternwheeler, that was built for Capt. Ed Langford in 1955 by the Dubuque Boat and Boiler Works.

You can easily find detail and book cruises on the Viking website. Others still have availability, and you can currently book all the way into 2025 on the Viking website. All cruises operated by Memphis Riverboats depart from 45 S. Riverside Dr., the historic Cobblestone Landing in downtown Memphis. Sightseeing tour ticket prices range from $5 (for passengers 0-2 years old) to $25 (for adults).

Followed by the addition of the true sternwheeler Belle Carol (named after Mrs. Meanley, of course), a 65 passenger vessel in 1967. Then Capt. Tom designed and built a tug, the Capt. Jake, in his own backyard. He went on to bigger and better when he designed the 65-foot yacht LORAC (“Carol” backwards) with a dream of sailing around the world. Unfortunately Carol Meanley was diagnosed with cancer soon after the boat’s launching in 1975, and passed away before she and Capt. Tom could realize their dream of sailing around the world on the Lorac. Your captain narrates the trip, sharing points of interest and historic tidbits along the way, from Mark Twain’s 19th-century connections to Memphis to Tom Lee’s heroic rescue on the river in 1925.

Today, even with just a couple of hours, you can get the riverboat experience. John passed away in 1988 and Jake and Dale operated the company with the assistance of friend Jimmy Ogle, whom they knew from his earlier days at Mud Island. Capt. Jake and Capt. Dale had great plans for the business since Memphis had become a tourist destination. Capt. Dale’s sons John, and William Lozier became third generation captains and confirmed river rats having worked on ol’ Man River.

Come enjoy a two-hour cruise on Ol’ Man River featuring our Live Entertainment (Blues & Jazz) and a meal. Advance reservations suggested for this evening Memphis cruise! If you are celebrating a Birthday, Anniversary or want to make your night special, check out our celebration package add-ons! This one-hour sightseeing cruise travels along the mighty Mississippi River, allowing you to soak up the scenery at a relaxing, rhythmic pace.