Thursday, January 29, 2009

Mississippi Cruise Offers: Find The Theme That Suits You Most

By Anthony Herbert

Few holiday experiences can match the sheer delightfulness of living on a riverboat and slowly travelling down the waters, as time goes by. This is especially true in Mississippi cruises.

When deciding on a Mississippi cruise, you have a series of different alternatives. Besides the obvious ones, such as length and itinerary, you should also spare a thought to whether you want a historical or themed trip, and on if you prefer spending time in towns and cities, or in the unspoilt countryside.

A paddle-wheel steamboat is certainly the best way to cruise and at the same time explore the history of the Mississippi River. You get to see the "showboat" amusements of the past. You will visit cities such as New Orleans, Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis, and visit sights such as the latter's Gateway Arch. You will taste excellent Cajun food on board.

There are several paddleboats plying the Mississippi, but the most well-known ones for cruises are the Mississippi Queen, the delta Queen and the American Queen.

Other themed cruises may still have a historical facet, but are more specific. For instance, they could be about the area's musical heritage, or about civil War sites

Alternatives are many - whether you want to explore the customs of the regions' Native American inhabitants, or learn some Bluegrass, you will not be disappointed.

Several cruises are narrated, providing informative history accounts and bringing the Mississippi of olden times to life. Most themes are linked to the region's traditions and glorious past.

Also, don't forget to take the season of your trip into account. Some seasons are better suited for families or couples; others are more appealing to groups of friends, or to those inclining to solitary pursuits.

In a way, seasonal cruises can also be considered to be of the themed sort. Imagine for instance a cruise in autumn, with a plethora of different colours amongst the local forests, and a menu to match the landscape. Game, pumpkin, roasted vegetables and farm-brewed apple cider could be served on your cruse ship's restaurant.

Mississippi cruises are superb ways to explore the history of the Midwest and South. You have lots of alternatives that will please you and whomever you may be traveling with. Regardless of what you want to explore along the Mississippi, there is a cruise that is just right for you.

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