Mississippi River Group Cruise Expert

Mississippi River Cruise

The Mississippi River has more American history, American music, and American food per mile than almost anywhere else in the country. Sailing it on a small ship changes the way you understand the country you live in.

I am Cheryl Bailey, co-owner of Yellow Umbrella Travel, based in New Braunfels, Texas between San Antonio and Austin. My husband Shea and I specialize in group river cruises, and the Mississippi is one of our most requested domestic itineraries — particularly from Texas clients who want the river cruise experience without the complexity of international travel.

New Orleans anchors the lower Mississippi with its cooking, its music, and its irreplaceable sense of place. Moving north: Natchez, the wealthiest city in America before the Civil War, where antebellum estates still line the river bluffs. Vicksburg, where a 47-day siege split the Confederacy. Greenville, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta where the blues was born. Memphis, where Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the National Civil Rights Museum sit within a few miles of each other. Mark Twain's Hannibal on the upper river. St. Paul at the northern end, where the river narrows to something almost intimate.

Both American Cruise Lines and Viking Mississippi sail the river, and they are genuinely different products. American Cruise Lines operates more itineraries, more ships, and more sailing lengths — from 7-night Delta sailings to 22-day full-length programs. Viking Mississippi offers the familiar Scandinavian design philosophy and all-inclusive product that European river cruise fans already know, on a purpose-built ship with all-veranda staterooms.

I know which ships to book and which to avoid, which itineraries work best for first-time river cruisers, and how to structure a group contract that gives everyone in your party the best available cabin at the best available price.

For Texas clients: New Orleans is a seven-hour drive from San Antonio or a one-hour direct flight from San Antonio International or Austin-Bergstrom. No passport required.

My planning services are completely complimentary. Call 512-955-1320, Text 512-616-0947, or visit www.yellowumbrellatravel.com.