Courtesy of the Missouri Division of Tourism

The Mississippi Queen riverboat takes a voyage near Cape Girardeau on the Mississippi River. There are several boats that take cruises on the river, from day trips to several-night journeys.

The idea of taking a cruise in landlocked Missouri might seem improbable, but Mississippi riverboats make water excursions a possibility.

Majestic America Line’s American and Delta Queen vessels forge through St. Louis, Hannibal, Cape Girardeau and New Madrid highlighting historic events, landmarks and profiles. The Delta Queen, built in 1926, is a National Historic Landmark and has carried Presidents Hoover, Truman and Carter on excursions.

The Delta Queen offers a more intimate setting with room for only 174 guests. The American Queen is the world’s largest river-cruise ship with a guest capacity of 436. Guests can expect to pay anywhere from $1,999 to $4,399 for a seven-night trip. Angela Trinidad, national account representative for Majestic America Line and Windstar Cruises, said the cruises focus on relaxation and attract mostly retirees.

Nelda McCrory, 82, has gone on four riverboat cruises with her husband, Knox, and describes them as pure pleasure, first-class and having fabulous meals.

"My husband normally drives, and on the cruises he has the freedom of not driving and being able to just sit and watch the scenery," McCrory said. "He takes his harmonica and jams on the deck with other musicians."

Optional port calls offer educational opportunities for passengers, and for those who don’t want to walk, there are onboard diversions such as libraries, arts and crafts or just sitting back. "A lot of it is just sitting out on the deck and watching the world go by," McCrory said.

Themed cruises such as "Legends of the River" stop in areas with museums rich in river heritage, "Remembering the Civil War" tours famous battlegrounds, "Fall Foliage" pleases the eye, and "Old-Fashioned Cajun Holidays" embrace you with gingerbread cookies and all things fitting for a Louisiana holiday. But don’t worry: Cookies are available on the other cruises, too.

"They had nice cookies out all the time that you could eat," McCrory said.

If a seven-night cruise isn’t your style, the Gateway Arch Riverfront in St. Louis offers cruises that tour the skyline and back within one to a few hours. Meals are offered on board, and tours run a few times a day. These child-friendly excursions run anywhere from $12 to $40 a person.

For more information on riverboat cruises, visit www.gatewayarch.com and www.majesticamericaline.com.

Advertisement

Get your brain and body in shape. Food Wednesdays, Pulse Sundays and Sports daily. 13 weeks of everyday delivery for as little as 29¢ a day. Get the Tribune. Get a lot.