american cruise lines baton rouge

• BASEBALL TAILGATING
• LIVVY DUNNE
• SCOTLAND SATURDAYS

#225BATONROUGE

How cruise lines stopping in Baton Rouge this summer will bring visitors to the city

• By Christina Leo
• June 21, 2022

‘When I was a boy,” begins Mark Twain in  Old Times on the Mississippi , his 1875 memoir, “there was but one permanent ambition among my comrades … to be a steamboatman.” Though Twain may never have quite materialized into a full-time river rat (instead becoming the author of the Great American Novel—too bad), he did chart a few journeys up and down Old Muddy in his day, even landing in the “tropical swelter” of Baton Rouge, a fragrant city “clothed in flowers … like a greenhouse.”  

That spirit of adventure hasn’t yet been lost on modern travelers. This summer, even levee-bound landlubbers will see for themselves new vessels from  Viking ,  American Queen Voyages  and  American Cruise Lines  dropping anchor in our downtown port, sending droves of new explorers into our city that marked, for the novelist, the start of “the absolute South.”

Viking, perhaps best known for its grand river tours of Europe, will set sail its first-ever Mississippi River cruises this month with the Viking Mississippi, a brand-new ship accommodating up to 386 guests in 193 staterooms designed to suit its one-of-a-kind style built specifically for the river. The ship—which was built in Houma by  Edison Chouest Offshore —features open verandas for al fresco dining, a 360-degree promenade deck, and the Explorers’ Lounge and Bar with panoramic views of the river. Interior designer and architect  Richard Riveire , a Texas native, says that he relied on memories of his grandmother’s firefly-dotted porch for the unique design, sending an appreciation for the sights and sensations of the journey deep through every detail.

 “We are very pleased at the initial response and support we have received from guests and community partners along the Mississippi River,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, when the new ship was announced.  

Starting this summer, the ship will initially carry passengers on three Baton Rouge-inclusive itineraries: “Heart of the Delta” and “New Orleans and Southern Charms”—both of which also include stops in nearby Mississippi, St. Francisville and Darrow—as well as “America’s Great River,” which travels between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota. With shore excursions showcasing the Old Governor’s Mansion and Capitol Park, plus tours of the  Rural Life Museum ,  USS Kidd , and the Atchafalaya Swamp, travelers can expect their one-day stop in the Capital City to be full of history.

Architectural distinctiveness is also one of the main calling cards for American Queen Voyages’ American Queen vessel, the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built. With Gilded Age-inspired design Twain would have likely recognized (along with a sitting room named in his honor), the ship joins its other Mississippi-bound vessels the American Countess   and the American Duchess in scheduling an 8-hour stop in Baton Rouge during its 9-day “Round Trip New Orleans” itinerary. Motorcoach tours will allow passengers to explore art, food and historical markers in a snapshot of Southern culture.

“Many of our guests have cruised Europe many times but want to deeply discover North America now,” says Michael Hicks, senior director of marketing communications for American Queen Voyages. “We call it the Ameri-cation.”

American Cruise Lines might second that statement, setting sail a Mississippi River fleet of five riverboats this year, including two classic paddlewheelers (American Heritage and American Splendor, newly renovated and redecorated for 2022), plus three new contemporary-style riverboats (American Melody, American Jazz and American Symphony, the latter of which will debut this August), all of which stop in Baton Rouge. With a smaller size accommodating 100 to 190 passengers, these ships offer a more intimate experience, along with local excursions to the  LASM  and  LSU Museum of Art .

“Most of our river cruise guests generally tend to be more mature, retired travelers, and most co me from the U.S. and North America, but we do also have guests of all ages on board, and from around the world,” says Alexa Paolella, public relations manager for American Cruise Lines. “Baton Rouge is a historic and amazing city, and it’s featured along many of our most popular Mississippi River itineraries. From visits to the USS Kidd to explorations of the bayous, there are far too many wonderful attractions to name just one.”

The sentiment is music to the ears of tourism experts at  Visit Baton Rouge , who meet each ship with smiling faces, a mobile information cart, and an offering of Mardi Gras beads.  

“It’s great to see those passengers exploring Baton Rouge’s restaurants and coffee shops and museums,” says president and CEO Paul Arrigo, “and know that they’re going back home and talking about the great time they had here.”

This story originally appeared in  inRegister . To keep up with Baton Rouge business and politics,  subscribe to the free  inRegister@Home  e-newsletter here .

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Sign up for our E-Newsletter

Get your free welcome guide, get the latest scoop from the red stick blog, mississippi river cruises begin sailing with stops in baton rouge.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Info, Karron Alford Director of Marketing & Technology [email protected]

After a year of cancellations, Louisiana’s capital city prepares to welcome passengers this week  

Baton Rouge (March 22, 2021)—Mississippi River Cruises have set sail as current CDC provisions are allowing U.S. based river cruises to return to the waterways. On Tuesday, March 23, Baton Rouge is set to welcome passengers aboard one of American Cruise Lines modern riverboats. This will be followed by the arrival of American Queen Steamboat Company’s arrival on March 27.

American Jazz, the first riverboat to arrive, is scheduled to dock around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23 with an estimated departure time of 5 p.m. Visit Baton Rouge staff members will be there to welcome the passengers that morning. American Duchess, a paddlewheel riverboat with the American Queen Steamboat Company will arrive early on Saturday, March 27. As with all incoming river cruises, times of arrival and departure are subject to change.

Just over a year ago, downtown Baton Rouge’s City Dock saw less traffic as river cruises came to a sudden halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two companies, American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company welcomed their last pre-pandemic riverboats on March 10 and March 11, 2020. In total, Baton Rouge saw a total of 145 riverboat docking cancellations due to the pandemic.

Paul Arrigo, Visit Baton Rouge’s President and CEO says, “The return of the riverboats to our city falls in line with was the data shows us at it relates to the willingness people have to travel. We feel that now with the COVID-19 vaccine being administered we’re in a better position to safely welcome our visitors.”

Between the two companies, American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines, there are a total of seven riverboats scheduled to dock in downtown Baton Rouge throughout the year with an estimated 100 riverboat arrivals this year. The companies are following strict guidelines that may include limited capacity on the riverboats and changes to the passenger’s schedules and tours while docked in Baton Rouge.

Alexa Paolella, American Cruise Lines Manager of Public Relations adds, “American Cruise Lines is delighted to begin operating again on the Mississippi River. American Jazz , our brand new modern riverboat, departed on Sunday, March 21, from New Orleans on a 7 night cruise to Memphis. This follows our resumption of cruises in the Southeastern U.S. on March 13. We appreciate the support of the communities we visit and are proud to be back to work with our local business partners in each port of call. We look forward to visiting and supporting the wonderful towns along the Mississippi River.”

Among those looking forward to the riverboats returning are local business owners and while they’ve been waiting for their arrival; they’ve expressed that timing had to be right to make sure that this is for the long term.

Gabe Vicknair, Assistant Executive Director of the Downtown Development District says, “We are extremely excited to hear the news of the return of the riverboats and are eager to welcome them back. This will be a long awaited and a welcomed boost for downtown businesses.”

Included in through use of this link are images of American Cruise Lines modern riverboats, two of which are debuting this 2021 on the Mississippi for the first time, American Jazz on 3/21/21, and American Melody later this year. Assistance with securing additional images and video are available upon request by contacting, Karron Alford, [email protected] .

About Visit Baton Rouge

The mission of Visit Baton Rouge is to increase visitation to and awareness of the Baton Rouge Area, therefore enhancing economic impact. For more information, log onto www.VisitBatonRouge.com to access all Baton Rouge press releases, log onto VisitBatonRouge.com/media/press-releases .

Karron Alford

Latest Weather Blog

Cruise ship docks in downtown baton rouge, the first in over a year.

BATON ROUGE - It was a rainy but warm welcome for tourists hopping off the American Jazz cruise ship and into their tour bus.

"We are all thrilled to meet and greet and welcome these visitors," said Karron Alford, with Visit Baton Rouge.

Despite the weather, their excitement couldn't be masked. It's the first Mississippi River cruise ship to dock here in more than a year.

"The American Jazz is here. It's a ship with American Cruise Lines. We're very excited to welcome the river boats back," Alford said.

Because of the pandemic, 145 cruises that were set to drop off visitors along the Mississippi River were canceled. This in turn dried up hundreds of thousands of dollars for local businesses.

"The hardest hit industry during the pandemic has been the hospitality industry. The fact that we have this business coming back in town, or at least a certain amount of business that was lost over the year, is very significant," said Paul Arrigo, CEO of Visit Baton Rouge.

The ships have a smaller number of passengers on board this year in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Trending News

• Five-month-old child dies after alleged cruelty by mother, coroner declares death homicide
• Governor Jeff Landry signs 4 insurance-related bills in hopes of lowering homeowner insurance

"We hope that the number of boats and passengers will increase contingent on the COVID restrictions," Arrigo said.

But tourism officials are still hopeful the boats will bring a boost to the local economy.

"These visitors are making a huge economic impact to our city," Alford said.

Following American Jazz's arrival, the American Duchess cruise ship is expected to dock Saturday. Tourism officials expect each passenger to spend about $158 on average during their stay, which adds up quickly for the local economy.

Desktop News

• Iberville Parish bait, tackle store burns in early-morning fire; investigators say cause...
• Iberville bait, tackle store burns in early-morning fire
• Report: EBR judge rejects plea deal, schedules trial for man accused of...
• BRPD: Teenager taken into custody after shooting adult during argument Monday
• Killian leaders share plan on restoring water to town, whole project could...

Sports Video

• LSU great Haleigh Bryant opts for return to LSU
• Syndey Berzon tosses gem, LSU softball beats Arkansas 1-0
• LSU Baseball falls 7-5 in game three against Auburn, but clinches series
• Jay Clark joins Michael Cauble to talk about LSU Gym's historic season
• Fans welcome LSU Gymnastics team back to Baton Rouge after first NCAA...

• Food & Drink

• Get the newsletter
• Give a gift subscription

Connect WITH US:

#inregister

From the Archives: Garden Party

A new mobile photo booth is bringing 3d-printing action figures to baton rouge, trash talk: litter awareness and steam skills combine to create a cleaner community, giving back: providence road, a neighborhood’s namesake live oak trees form the canopy over wendy and jeffrey carbo’s lush gardens, step inside the floral-filled and boldly patterned spaces created for last fall’s ivy house designer showhouse, open book: inside valorie hart and sara essex bradley’s new title, ‘bohemian soul’, new orleans meets baton rouge in the home on this month’s cover, for art’s sake: opportunities to unleash your inner artist, the creatives: nonprofit organizer and artist chelsea borruano, the new greater baton rouge children’s choir is bringing music education to the next generation of musicians, a two-part exhibition brings fashion designer geoffrey beene’s work home to louisiana, at 98, ruth gascon continues to share her passion for painting, my favorite things: jason andreasen, lsu women’s golf stars ingrid lindblad and latanna stone are attracting national attention, the work of quiet international art star simon röhlen is speaking loudly in baton rouge, aimee’s pretty palate: wedding season sweetness, strawberry fields: fruit-forward recipes to savor the season, zippy’s reveals its expansion with double the bar space, trendy decor and refreshed menu, the good stuff: springtime delights in natchez, sponsored by natchez convention promotion commission, natural selection: bamboo finds for home and wardrobe, local pieces for the pickleball lover in your life, we’re in a denim daze, shine bright with our color of the month for may, w.o.w.: jordan kepper and dustin johnson, w.o.w.: alexis garland and cole lambert, w.o.w.: brogan taj and chase rawson, w.o.w.: courtney king and austin tupper.

• At Your Service May 2024
• Faces of our Community 2024
• Home + Design
• The Party Planner 2024
• Inspire 2024
• Giving Guide 2023-2024
• At Your Service – October 2023
• Welcome: The Official Visitor’s Guide
• Community Events

Rollin’ on the River: Baton Rouge serves as port of call to three major cruise lines

‘When I was a boy,” begins Mark Twain in Old Times on the Mississippi , his 1875 memoir, “there was but one permanent ambition among my comrades … to be a steamboatman.” Though Twain may never have quite materialized into a full-time river rat (instead becoming the author of the Great American Novel—too bad), he did chart a few journeys up and down Old Muddy in his day, even landing in the “tropical swelter” of Baton Rouge, a fragrant city “clothed in flowers … like a greenhouse.”  

That spirit of adventure hasn’t yet been lost on modern travelers. This summer, even levee-bound landlubbers will see for themselves new vessels from Viking , American Queen Voyages and American Cruise Lines dropping anchor in our downtown port, sending droves of new explorers into our city that marked, for the novelist, the start of “the absolute South.”

Viking, perhaps best known for its grand river tours of Europe, will set sail its first-ever Mississippi River cruises this month with the Viking Mississippi, a brand-new ship accommodating up to 386 guests in 193 staterooms designed to suit its one-of-a-kind style built specifically for the river. The ship—which was built in Houma by Edison Chouest Offshore —features open verandas for al fresco dining, a 360-degree promenade deck, and the Explorers’ Lounge and Bar with panoramic views of the river. Interior designer and architect Richard Riveire , a Texas native, says that he relied on memories of his grandmother’s firefly-dotted porch for the unique design, sending an appreciation for the sights and sensations of the journey deep through every detail.

 “We are very pleased at the initial response and support we have received from guests and community partners along the Mississippi River,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, when the new ship was announced.  

Starting this summer, the ship will initially carry passengers on three Baton Rouge-inclusive itineraries: “Heart of the Delta” and “New Orleans and Southern Charms”—both of which also include stops in nearby Mississippi, St. Francisville and Darrow—as well as “America’s Great River,” which travels between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota. With shore excursions showcasing the Old Governor’s Mansion and Capitol Park, plus tours of the Rural Life Museum , USS Kidd , and the Atchafalaya Swamp, travelers can expect their one-day stop in the Capital City to be full of history.

Architectural distinctiveness is also one of the main calling cards for American Queen Voyages’ American Queen vessel, the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built. With Gilded Age-inspired design Twain would have likely recognized (along with a sitting room named in his honor), the ship joins its other Mississippi-bound vessels the American Countess and the American Duchess in scheduling an 8-hour stop in Baton Rouge during its 9-day “Round Trip New Orleans” itinerary. Motorcoach tours will allow passengers to explore art, food and historical markers in a snapshot of Southern culture.

“Many of our guests have cruised Europe many times but want to deeply discover North America now,” says Michael Hicks, senior director of marketing communications for American Queen Voyages. “We call it the Ameri-cation.”

American Cruise Lines might second that statement, setting sail a Mississippi River fleet of five riverboats this year, including two classic paddlewheelers (American Heritage and American Splendor, newly renovated and redecorated for 2022), plus three new contemporary-style riverboats (American Melody, American Jazz and American Symphony, the latter of which will debut this August), all of which stop in Baton Rouge. With a smaller size accommodating 100 to 190 passengers, these ships offer a more intimate experience, along with local excursions to the LASM and LSU Museum of Art .

“Most of our river cruise guests generally tend to be more mature, retired travelers, and most co me from the U.S. and North America, but we do also have guests of all ages on board, and from around the world,” says Alexa Paolella, public relations manager for American Cruise Lines. “Baton Rouge is a historic and amazing city, and it’s featured along many of our most popular Mississippi River itineraries. From visits to the USS Kidd to explorations of the bayous, there are far too many wonderful attractions to name just one.”

The sentiment is music to the ears of tourism experts at Visit Baton Rouge , who meet each ship with smiling faces, a mobile information cart, and an offering of Mardi Gras beads.  

“It’s great to see those passengers exploring Baton Rouge’s restaurants and coffee shops and museums,” says president and CEO Paul Arrigo, “and know that they’re going back home and talking about the great time they had here.”

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

A new mobile photo booth...

Trash Talk: Litter awareness and...

Spotted: Citronella collection from The...

Trending stories.

Cruise the Historic Mississippi

Few natural landmarks capture the pioneering spirit of America’s Heartland quite like the Mighty Mississippi River

Memphis, TN

Home to the Blues, BBQ, Beale Street and the King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis Presley, this vibrant city is the perfect place to begin your Mississippi River Voyage. Our expert guides will lead you on an exploration of Memphis’s famous music scene, iconic sites such as the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis’s Graceland estate.

Visit with American Cruise Lines

River Cruising

Take in the scenery as you float past historic towns and breathtaking natural landscapes. Sip coffee or a cocktail from your own private balcony or relax on the sun deck or in one of the many spacious lounges.

Vicksburg, MS

Step back in time and into Civil War history in Vicksburg, a pivotal military location and site of a fierce siege. Take a reflective walk through Vicksburg National Military Park with informative historians and rangers, and visit the over 1,400 monuments dedicated to the War's fallen soldiers.

Natchez, MS

Celebrating its 300th year, Natchez is a city full of history and Southern hospitality. Tour historic homes and gardens and enjoy a special concert in the beautifully decorated music room of the J.N. Stone House mansion.

St. Francisville, LA

Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville radiates quintessential southern charm. Stroll under draping greenery, explore the town's historic center and tour two-century-old antebellum mansions.

Baton Rouge, LA

Discover the history and flavor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's state capital. Explore the natural beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin and tour the cities' most famous attractions, including the Old and New State Capitals and the fascinating, interactive Louisiana State Museum.

Oak Alley, LA

Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is one of the South's most breathtaking mansions. A row of 300-year-old oak trees leads visitors on a path from the classic Greek Revival-style antebellum home to the Mississippi River. Tour the expansive property, then settle in for mint juleps on the west lawn.

New Orleans, LA

End your journey in the Big Easy, New Orleans. Culture, art, music and mouthwatering food abound around every corner in this one-of-a-kind city. Sample Cajun cuisine, admire works at Jackson Square's open air artist colony or visit one of the city’s 45 museums.

Few natural landmarks capture the pioneering spirit of America’s Heartland quite like the Mighty Mississippi River. Spanning 10 states—from Minnesota’s glacial Lake Itasca down to the Gulf of Mexico—this surging riverway runs like a seam through the fabric of North America. A central migration route for countless birds and marine life, a historic source of sustenance for Native American inhabitants and early settlers, and a transformational trade route between the many port cities of the Industrial Revolution and beyond, it’s no wonder that American author and humorist Mark Twain was so enamored by the river. “The Mississippi Valley," he wrote, "is as reposeful as a dreamland, nothing worldly about it… nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon.”

While the Mississippi River spans nearly the entire United States from north to south, arguably its loveliest stretch is the southernmost corridor that extends from the soulful shores of Memphis to the Louisiana bayou. And there’s no better way to behold the majesty of the mighty river—and all its southern charms—than from upon it. American Cruise Lines is pleased to offer this experience throughout 2018 on select 8-day/7-night cruises aboard authentic paddlewheel vessels offering all the comforts of home. With onboard experts to guide you in selecting customized excursions, a variety of performances to keep you entertained while on board, and oversized staterooms featuring private balconies and sweeping views, our award-winning cruise will be your home away from home. Explore the itinerary below to  start planning your Mississippi River getaway today.

Day 1 | Memphis, Tennessee

No matter your musical inclinations, it’s likely that your favorite playlist owes a tip of the hat (or two) to this southwest Tennessee town, the birthplace of the blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll music as we know it. Head to historic Beale Street, which runs nearly two miles from the banks of the Mississippi to East Street, and see why this lively stretch of music venues, finger-licking BBQ joints and rousing nightlife helps this “Official Home of the Blues” keep its name alive year after year. The likes of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and rockabilly legend Jerry Lee Lewis all made their mark on the recording industry here. Walk in their famous footsteps (and hum a note or two) in the studios of the venerable Sun Records, which you can still tour today. From there, hop over to Graceland—former home of "The King" himself, Elvis Presley, where you can tour the Colonial Revival-style estate and soak up the sights and sounds of the world’s ultimate rock ‘n’ roll destination.

Day   2 |  Day of River Cruising

Take in sweeping views of the Mississippi River’s stunning scenery from your own private balcony and enjoy a relaxing day of river cruising.  American Cruise Lines’ ships, Queen of the Mississippi and America , offer passengers an authentic paddlewheeler experience with all the comforts of first-class, modern amenities.  American Song , American Cruise Lines’ newest ship, begins sailing Fall 2018 and represents the very first modern riverboat to cruise America’s great rivers.  Featuring modern styling and design, such as floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a grand four-story atrium and the largest staterooms in the industry, this new riverboat will elevate the standard for U.S. river cruising.

Day 3 | Vicksburg, Mississippi

Just over 40 miles west of Jackson and perched on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, the small city of Vicksburg offers an experience with equal parts genteel southern charm and profound historical significance. With its enviable position overlooking a bend in the river, Vicksburg was a center of strategic importance as the Civil War erupted in 1861, quickly becoming a Confederate command center. In 1863, following a 47-day siege that is now considered one of the key battles of the entire war, General Grant ultimately took control of Vicksburg in what would be a crucial victory for the north. The city remained under Union control through the end of the war. Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park and explore the more than 1,400 monuments and other markers that denote the people who lived and fought here during this important time in the nation’s history.

Day 4 | Natchez, Mississippi

Among the oldest modern settlements on the lower Mississippi River, this petite town located about 90 miles north of Baton Rouge is steeped in southern charm. Natchez is credited with having the greatest number of well-preserved antebellum homes, untouched during the Civil War and carefully preserved to this day. Many can be toured, like the Longwood Plantation, which remains incomplete to this day due to the urgency of the Civil War during its construction. With over 1,000 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and 13 National Historic Landmarks, there’s plenty of history to explore here. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the city’s wildlife preserves, natural parks and riverways that beckon from every corner of the small town. When looking for a place “where the river is wide and history runs deep,” as they say here, look no further than Natchez for a tranquil escape.

Day 5 | St. Francisville, Louisiana

Slow down and experience the charms of true southern plantation life in this small parish of fewer than 2,000 residents. It’s been called “one of the most beautiful small towns in America,” and it’s easy to see why: sprawling plantation homes, like the dazzling Rosedown Plantation, pepper a verdant landscape of lush gardens that lie beneath canopies of southern live oaks. There’s seldom a modern distraction to break the spell. Visitors also head to the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge to behold the local flora and fauna, and tour the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum to learn ever more about the history of this quiet and well-preserved river town. 

Day 6 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

As southern cities go, it’s tough to beat Louisiana’s capital—home to a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, numerous theaters, museums, galleries and, of course, the Louisiana State University main campus and stadium complex where the proud Tigers of the SEC run more than 30,000 strong. As a melting pot of cultures, Baton Rouge boasts a strong Creole and Cajun heritage that permeates everything from its cocktails and cuisine to its artistic sensibilities. Behold the vibrant stained glass in Louisiana’s Old State Capitol building, witness the World War II-era USS Kid, explore the attractions of city center, view Civil War relics at Capitol Park Museum or grab a bite near the riverfront. Baton Rouge offers an abundance of diversions along the winding lower corridor of the Mighty Mississippi.

Day 7 | Oak Alley, Louisiana

Arguably the most photographed plantation in the state of Louisiana, if not in all of the south, Oak Alley invites you to step back in time. Known as “The Grande Dame of the Great River Road,” the plantation occupies 25 luxuriant acres along the west bank of the river in quiet St. James Parish. A double row of 300-year old oak trees form a canopied alley that stretches nearly a quarter of a mile toward the centerpiece, the main house—a Greek Revival beauty built in 1839 and meticulously restored to its original grandeur today. Tour the antebellum mansion, explore the lush and romantic grounds, then cool off on the porch with a proper mint julep for a true taste of southern plantation life.

Day 8 | New Orleans, Louisiana

From Bourbon Street to the Garden District, the “Big Easy” is among the country’s most truly unique destinations, juxtaposing French-Creole influences with antebellum architecture, and decorous southern charm with a sense of playfulness and revelry that is unmatched. Founded in 1718, the city sprang to life around the Vieux Carré, known today as the French Quarter—viewed by many as the heart and soul of New Orleans. Bar hop and window shop your way around, or head to Jackson Square to browse a variety of local artwork on display. A steady supply of beignets and hurricane cocktails can help fuel your sightseeing, or for a little more sustenance, you’ll find no shortage of southern and Cajun favorites around every corner, from Gumbo and Boudin to a good old fashioned crawfish boil. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Cruise the Lower Mississippi with American Cruise Lines

The Editorial Staff of Smithsonian magazine had no role in this content's preparation.

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

Interactive world cruise map, home | cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips, baton rouge usa.

Baton Rouge River Center: American Cruise Lines and American Queen both operate riverboat cruises that visit Baton Rouge and disembark at the Baton Rouge River Center, which is located at 275 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. A short walk to most attractions.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital city, is a vibrant mix of Southern charm and metropolitan energy. With a rich history and stunning natural beauty, Baton Rouge is a must-visit destination for tourists.

One of the city's most popular attractions is the Louisiana State Capitol, a beautiful art deco building that stands 450 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the city. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the building's history and architecture, or simply admire the stunning stained glass and murals.

The USS Kidd, a World War II destroyer, is another popular tourist spot. The ship is now a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into life at sea during the war. Visitors can explore the ship's decks, cabins, and engines and learn about the sacrifices made by the crew.

For those interested in the city's history, a visit to the Shaw Center for the Arts is a must. The center is home to several museums, including the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, which showcases the state's natural and cultural history through interactive exhibits and collections.

Baton Rouge is also surrounded by lush green spaces, including the Shaw Nature Reserve, which is a great place to hike, fish, or simply relax in nature. The Louisiana State University Lakes are also popular with tourists, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and bird-watching.

For foodies, Baton Rouge is a gastronomic delight, with a wide range of local cuisine that features flavors influenced by the city's Cajun, Creole, and Southern roots. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee, as well as fresh seafood, BBQ, and more.

In conclusion, Baton Rouge is a city with something for everyone, from its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained and enchanted during your visit.

There are several excursions that can be taken from Baton Rouge, including:

Louisiana State Capitol: This is a large building located in Baton Rouge and is known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.

USS Kidd Veterans Memorial & Museum: This is a museum located in Baton Rouge and is dedicated to the history of the USS Kidd, a destroyer that served in World War II.

Shaw Center for the Arts: This is a large arts center located in Baton Rouge and is known for its performance and visual arts exhibitions.

Louisiana Art & Science Museum: This is a museum located in Baton Rouge and is dedicated to the arts and sciences, with a focus on the history and culture of Louisiana.

Louisiana State University: This is a large university located in Baton Rouge and is known for its vibrant campus culture, academic programs, and research initiatives.

Home | Privacy Policy

Baton Rouge cruise port

Canada and usa rivers.

• Coordinates 30.443, -91.188
• LOCODE USBTR
• Local Time 2024-05-08 17:32

Baton Rouge cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise

This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

Ohio River Cruise

These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

Music Cruise on the Cumberland River

These seven-night American river cruises from Nashville to St. Louis also on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi will take you to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum and then heads on to St. Louis for a celebration of blues music.

Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise

Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.

Lake Michigan

On this eight-day cruise roundtrip out of Chicago on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grande Mariner , you'll visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, home to historic homes and plenty of rocking chairs as well as Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin's Door County, where you'll see lighthouses and plenty of yachts.

Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to New Orleans

See—and eat—the highlights of New Orleans—from beignets to po' boys—before setting sail on American Cruise Line's America Song . You'll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.

Maine Coastal Cruises

Maine Windjammer Association's Lewis R. French is a dramatic 21-passenger schooner that offers two- to six-night cruises in the summer and through the month of September out of the town of Camden, Maine. The schooner, which dates back to 1871 and is a National Historic Landmark, has no engine, and powers through Penobscot Bay just with the wind in its sails. You can help out with the sails, and watch for porpoises and eagles.

Newport, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Cruise

This sailing yacht, the Arabella , may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes. The five-night sailings in July, August, and September let you travel to the area's loveliest beaches under billowing white sails.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This seven-night cruise on American Cruise Line's Independence sails round-trip out of Baltimore to Oxford, St. Michael's, and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit coastal fishing villages and eat plenty of hard-shell blue crabs, and get to visit Baltimore's famed aquarium.

Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise

This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Line's American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.

Savannah to Baltimore

Cruise one of our favorite 12-day American river cruises in the Southeast on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grand Mariner and you'll spend your days exploring Beaufort by horse-drawn carriage and wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina as the port town of Annapolis. Read on to discover the best cruise to take every month of the year .

The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .

latest in US News

Biden's labor secretary could be forcing taxpayers to foot $32B...

NYC cosmetics store that doubled as fencing operation busted with...

Disgraced NYC urologist convicted of sick abuse including using...

Video of aliens spotted in Vegas is totally 'authentic,' expert...

Jewish mom outraged over anti-Israel protesters yelling at NY...

Flight attendants smuggled $8M in drug money through JFK in...

Marjorie Taylor Greene bid to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson...

Coast Guard cutter intercepts 52 Dominican, Haitian migrants...

Wealthy white louisiana residents win right to split from baton rouge and form their own city.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A group of wealthy white Baton Rouge residents have won a decades-long battle to split from the majority-black city to form their own suburb following a state Supreme Court ruling.

After reversing a lower court’s decision on Friday, the Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in favor of the incorporation of St. George, which will form in southeast Baton Rouge.

“This is the culmination of citizens exercising their constitutional rights. We voted and we won,” Andrew Murrell, one of the leaders of the St. George campaign, said in a statement following the victory.

“Now we begin the process of delivering on our promises of a better city,” he added. “We welcome both our friends and foes to the table to create St. George.”

Much like the case with Central — the last incorporated city to be born in East Baton Rouge Parish — the St. George initiative began with hopes of residents starting a new school district before ultimately deciding to create their own city.

Although the St. George supporters failed to garner enough votes in 2015, four years later, the initiative won the election before it was stalled by a lengthy court battle, the New York Times reported.

Sharon Weston Broome, the mayor-president leading the combined Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish governments, had sued the St. George organizers, arguing that the split would siphon more than $48 million in annual tax revenue from the local government.

The opposition also argued that St. George would not have the proper budget to operate on its own.

Justice William J. Crain, the author of the majority opinion, disagreed with the city’s assessment and claimed that a thriving St. George could even become an asset to the declining Baton Rouge.

Despite her longstanding position, Broome conceded the battle on Friday following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The NAACP, however, maintained its fears that the formation of St. George will negatively impact Baton Rouge’s majority black community.

“The St. George plan poses significant risks to our education system, threatens the continuity of critical programs, and challenges community representation,” the local chapter of the NAACP said in a statement Monday. “The creation of a new municipality introduces considerable uncertainty around funding allocation for our schools, jeopardizing the cornerstone of our community’s future: education.”  

During a news conference Monday at the St. George Fire Department headquarters, Murrell promised the residents that the new city’s officials will work to finally set up a new school district as he acknowledged the challenges to come.

“Number one, we created a city. We have not created a school district,” Murrell said. “They are two distinct separate animals. They have separate budgets, separate leadership structures.

“But I would be dishonest if I didn’t tell you what’s next on the agenda would be the creation of the St. George school district, which is long overdue in a parish that is near dead last in a state that is near dead last in the country in education,” he added.

Before the new government can get started, however, Gov. Jeff Landry must appoint the city’s first mayor and city council members.

Residents will vote for their new leaders in the next election cycle, according to the city’s website.

Share this article:

Advertisement

BRPD: Man dies after being shot by juvenile during argument

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A man has died following a shooting on Clayton Street in Baton Rouge.

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, Sherderick Jones, 46, was shot around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6.

Investigators said Jones was rushed to a hospital and later died from his injuries.

The situation began with an argument between Jones and a 14-year-old male, police said. They added that the teen obtained a gun and shot Jones.

The teen was taken into custody when officers arrived at the scene of the shooting.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information that can help investigators is urged to contact the BRPD Violent Crimes Unit by calling the number (225) 389-4869 or the Capital Region Crime Stoppers by calling the number (225) 344-7867.

Click here to report a typo.

Copyright 2024 WAFB. All rights reserved.

Louisiana’s booming hemp industry may soon be gone

‘Grease’ actress who played Sandy’s cheerleading friend dies

5-month-old baby dies from suspected Shaken Baby Syndrome; mother arrested

Boy Scouts of America changing name to be more inclusive after years of woes

Latest news.

Summer-like heatwave gets halted by Friday cold front

CRIME STOPPERS: 2020 murder unsolved; loved ones seeking answers

Crews to close I-12 East at I-10/I-12 split Friday night

Springfield man facing 100 counts of animal sexual abuse, child porn charges