Viking & American Cruise Lines Mississippi Comparison
By Aaron Saunders
River cruises span nearly every corner of the globe. While the term often conjures images of European castles and storied capitals, North American travelers have an equally compelling option closer to home: the Mighty Mississippi.
Immortalized by 19th-century American author Mark Twain, the Mississippi River has served as a central artery of life and settlement in the United States for thousands of years. Long before steamboats arrived, Native American communities thrived along its banks. Today the Mississippi winds through a sweeping cross-section of American culture and history — from New Orleans and its atmospheric French Quarter in the south, to the musical legacy of Memphis in the middle reaches, and onward to the multifaceted city of St. Paul in the north. Over the past two centuries, the Mississippi and its tributaries served as crucial military corridors during the Civil War and were also at the heart of the country’s wealth and industrialization (and our nation’s complicated past with slavery), fueling dramatic growth in trade, transportation, and urban development, as steamboats, railroads, and factories transformed riverside towns into thriving commercial hubs.
Today, the scenery along the Mississippi and its tributaries can be striking, with rolling hills and lush, green banks framing the waterway. It’s also a river teeming with barges, freight vessels, and ferries; it is not hard to imagine it in Twain’s era when passenger steamers, with their stern wheels rolling, raced from port to port. Some towns along the river reflect enduring industry and resilience, while others hint at faded prosperity — quiet reminders of a bygone era.
Spend a week on the Mississippi and you’ll encounter a landscape of contrasts. Some sights are beautiful, others more sobering. Yet every journey along this storied river leaves visitors with a deeper sense of America’s history — and few depart untouched by the experience.
Operating on the Mississippi, however, is no easy feat — and there’s a reason only two major cruise lines currently base ships there: American Cruise Lines and cruise juggernaut Viking.
First, to operate along the coastal and inland waters of the United States, a ship has to be built and flagged in the U.S. Most U.S. shipyards simply don’t have the experience that European ones do in building these vessels, so constructing one can be an expensive process. Though there are exceptions of course.
Impressively, American Cruise Lines designs and builds all of their ships entirely in the US — at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland. They currently have a fleet of more than 25 river and coastal vessels; with plans to soon reach 30.
Viking, together with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, had to partner with a company called Edison Chouest Offshore, better known for servicing the deep-sea oil community, to construct its only vessel on the Mississippi. The process was complicated enough that, at this point, Viking has no confirmed plans to build any other U.S.-flagged ships, though it does operate its expedition fleet (Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris) on the Great Lakes on sailings between the U.S. and Toronto, Canada. (On the other hand, American offers several Great Lakes itineraries all on the U.S. side of the Lakes aboard the new 130-passenger American Patriot, between Buffalo and Syracuse, Buffalo and Milwaukee, and round-trip Milwaukee.)
Further, river cruise lines offering Mississippi River cruises (and other U.S. coastal and river itineraries that don't visit foreign ports) must staff their vessels with all-American crewmembers, which sounds easy but becomes difficult as American crewmembers are presented with the realities of working seven days a week aboard a ship. Desertion is common, and training is often done on the fly.
Both lines are affected by this; we had service gaffes on both voyages that would be unthinkable on an oceangoing ship, from a waiter who showed up too stoned to work and later was fired; to rotating through four (yes, four!) cabin stewards in a single weeklong voyage as each subsequently deserted the vessel in port.
Despite these occasional happenings, both lines offer a strong product on this legendary waterway. And even if you think you know what the Mississippi has in store for you, you’re probably mistaken. It is at once backwards and innovative; historic and contemporary; urban and remote.
Which line should you set sail with for your own Mark Twain-esque journey?
Here’s our list of differentiators between these two respected and popular cruise operators. American Cruise Lines has been on the rivers the longest, but competitor Viking has quickly caught up.
There are things I like about each line, and things I feel each line could improve upon.
QUICK SUMMARY: Comparing Viking & American Cruise Lines on the Mississippi
In a nutshell …
Differences Between Viking & American Cruise Lines on the Mississippi
- Viking has one ship on the Mississippi; American Cruise Lines has 5 vessels on the Mississippi.
- Viking's Mississippi vessel is larger with more amenities (like a shallow pool, large library and multiple restaurants); American Cruise Lines' Mississippi river boats are spacious, but carry 50% fewer passengers.
- American Cruise Lines' ships have a small gym; Viking's ship does not.
- American Cruise lines offers more Mississippi itinerary choices than Viking.
- American Cruise Lines has dedicated cabins for solo travelers; Viking does not.
- American Cruise Lines’ fares include a pre-cruise hotel stay on all itineraries; Viking does not.
- As a predominately Europe-based cruise line, Viking offers an experience with more of an international flair — for example, the Scandinavia decor of the ship and past passengers' European travels.
Similarities Between Viking & American Cruise Lines on the Mississippi
- Both utilize American crews and American-built ships.
- Both focus on soft adventure and touring.
- Both cater to a mature, adults-only passenger base.
- Both of their standard weeklong Mississippi itineraries are similar.
- Both lines include wine and beer at dinner; though American also includes cocktails at mealtime and alcoholic beverages before dinner and after dinner too.
- Average pricing for both is similar.
Points of Comparison Between Viking and American Cruise Lines on the Mississippi
How Many Ships Sail The Mississippi?
Viking
Viking currently has just one vessel, Viking Mississippi, in operation on the Mississippi.
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines currently operates five vessels on the Mississippi River, including three of the line’s new modern riverboats:
- American Serenade
- American Symphony
- American Melody
And two classically-styled paddlewheelers:
- American Splendor
- American Heritage
How Many Mississippi Itineraries Are Offered?
Both Viking and American Cruise Lines offer weeklong Mississippi itineraries as well as longer 10-, 12- and 14+-night journeys too.
Viking
10 for 2026, including land and cruise packages.
American Cruise Lines
17 for 2026, including land and cruise packages.
LEARN MORE: Here's an overview of American's many Mississippi itineraries.
Maximum Capacity?
Viking's sole ship on the Mississippi carries more than twice the number of passengers than American's more intimate ships accommodate.
Viking
Carries a max of 386 passengers:
Viking Mississippi (built 2022)
American Cruise Lines
These four carry a max of 180 passengers:
- American Serenade (built 2023)
- American Symphony (built 2022)
- American Melody (built 2021)
- American Splendor (built 2016; renovated in 2022)
This one carries a max of 150 passengers:
- American Heritage (built 2015; renovated in 2022)
How Many Crew?
Viking
- Viking Mississippi: 147 American crewmembers.
American Cruise Lines
American's average guest/crew ratio is 3:1, with approximate crew numbers below.
- American Serenade, American Symphony, American Melody: 43-50 American crew.
- American Splendor: 57 American crew.
- American Heritage: 50 American crew.
Cabin Size?
Both American Cruise Lines and Viking offer standard double-occupancy cabins that are far more spacious than the standard rooms on your average oceangoing cruise ship.
All of American Cruise Line’s newest riverboats on the Mississippi (American Serenade, American Symphony and American Melody) offer 100% private balcony accommodations. Now, Viking Mississippi, and American’s two Mississippi paddles, American Splendor and American Heritage, offer balconies on most cabins, with the other rooms outfitted with river-view windows. Neither line sells inside windowless cabins.
(Note, compared to the compact cabin size of its Europe River vessels, cabins on Viking's Mississippi boat are downright spacious.)
Viking
- Viking Mississippi: 268 sq. ft to *1,024 sq. ft. (*when combining two 612 sq. ft. suites together); most have balconies and some have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.
American Cruise Lines
All American’s newest riverboats have all private balcony accommodations; the line’s two paddlewheelers (American Splendor and American Heritage) are nearly all private balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors (the rest of the rooms have river views and windows that open for breezes). Note, American, unlike Viking, also has single-occupancy cabins on their Mississippi ships (and on every ship in the fleet (see sidebar below).
- American Serenade, American Symphony, American Melody: 275 sq. ft to 650 sq. ft. (single-occupancy balcony cabins are 250 sq. ft.); all cabins on these three ships have private balconie (including singles, doubles and suites).
- American Splendor, American Heritage: 290 sq. ft to 445 sq. ft. (single-occupancy cabins are 203 – 230 sq. ft.); most, but not all, cabins have balconies.
Is There A Better Line For Solo Travelers?
If you're looking for a single-occupancy cabin, then American is your line. If you're a solo traveler looking to mingle, then Viking's larger passenger count may be a plus for you.
Viking
Viking does not offer single-occupancy cabins aboard Viking Mississippi; travelers wishing to sail solo must pay a single supplement.
American Cruise Lines
American sets aside select cabins on all of its vessels specifically for solo travelers, with no single supplement required. Depending on the vessel, these single-occupancy cabins can have either a window view or a full balcony.
American Cruise Lines Fleetwide Solo Cabins
The entire American Cruise Lines fleet offer single staterooms, some of which have large picture windows for water views, others have a private balcony for a bit more money. Those solo cabins cost less than booking a double occupancy cabin alone, and are always the first to be sold out.
Here's a list of how many single cabins each American ship offers:
- American Anthem
8 single balcony cabins - American Constellation
2 single window cabins & 4 private balcony cabins - American Constitution
2 single window cabins & 4 private balcony cabins - American Eagle
3 single balcony cabins - American Encore
8 single balcony cabins - American Glory
3 single balcony cabins - American Grace
8 single balcony cabins - American Harmony
8 single balcony cabins - American Heritage
1 single window cabin & 18 single balcony cabins - American Independence
4 single balcony cabins - American Jazz
8 single balcony cabins - American Legend
3 single balcony cabins - American Liberty
3 single balcony cabins - American Mariner
8 single balcony cabins - American Maverick
8 single balcony cabins - American Melody
5 single balcony cabins - American Navigator
8 single balcony cabins - American Patriot
8 single balcony cabins - American Pioneer
8 single balcony cabins - American Pride
1 single window cabin & 10 single balcony cabins - American Ranger
8 single balcony cabins - American Serenade
5 single balcony cabins - American Song
3 single balcony cabins - American Spirit
2 single balcony cabins - American Splendor
1 single window cabins & 13 single balcony cabins - American Star
2 single balcony cabins - American Symphony
5 single balcony cabins - American West
4 single window cabins & 4 single balcony cabins
LEARN MORE: Writer Jackie Sheckler Finch cruises solo often and shares these insights and tips about cruising solo.
Are There Elevators?
Both American Cruise Lines' and Viking's vessels on the Mississippi have elevator access between all passenger decks, which is especially convenient for those with mobility issues, and/or using canes, walkers or wheelchairs.
Are There Convenient Bow Ramps?
Viking
Viking Mississippi does not have bow ramps like the American vessels do; it must tie up at docks or mooring points along the river.
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Line's fleet of modern riverboats have ramps inset within a hydraulic bow that allows the vessel to “nose in” to ports where docking facilities are otherwise not available. When there are docks, then of course American's ships tie up and set up traditional gangways.
Are Drinks Included?
Viking
Viking includes a selection of complimentary beverages standard with the fare, including soft drinks, tea and coffee, plus beer and wine with lunch and dinner. An additional package — Silver Spirits — can be purchased at a nominal cost to make all beverages inclusive. American beers, wines, and spirits, such as bourbon, are offered..
American Cruise Lines
More alcohol is included with American compared to Viking. As part of the fares, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beverages, including wine and beer (with lunch and dinner), and also, along with cocktails, before and after dinner, plus soft drinks, tea, coffee and juices throughout the voyage. American beers, wines and spirits — like regional bourbon — are well represented. All American ships also have a 24/7 self-serve area in one of the lounges with non-alcoholic drinks, chips and snacks; an appreciated nicety, for sure, particularly compared to what these indulgences would cost in a typical hotel.
Are Gratuities Included?
Viking
No; standard gratuities on the Mississippi are $20 USD per person, per night.
American Cruise Lines
Yes; American Cruise Lines includes gratuities for crewmembers as part of the voyage fare. Note, some passenger may give their favorite crew an extra cash tip, but it’s not expected.
Are Excursions Included?
On both lines, a selection of complimentary excursions is offered in every port, along with port shuttles in locations where docking facilities are remote. On all of its cruises, including the Mississippi, American uses a fleet of branded motor coaches that follow the ships from port to port, for use on excursions. You'll likely get chummy with the friendly drivers who you'll see day after day.
Both Viking and American Cruise Lines also offer optional, specialized excursions that carry an additional charge (such as visits to Graceland in Memphis ).
How Are Dinners Handled Onboard?
Dinner on both Viking and American Cruise Lines is open seating, with passengers dining with whomever they wish to for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Viking
Viking's Mississippi riverboat has a main restaurant serving all meals, and also a second venue, the more casual River Cafe, where buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
American
American's ships have one main restaurant for all meals; they're menu-driven non-buffet affairs with several choices at breakfast, lunch and dinner. American's newer ships also have a casual outdoor cafe serving breakfast and lunch, cooked-to-order, from a limited menu.
Cuisine on both lines tends to be American-themed, with local specialties like gumbo or catfish popping up now and then. Wine and beers served are also predominantly American. Quality is comparable on both lines, with a slight edge, in my opinion, to Viking. However, for me, American Cruise Lines wins hands-down when it comes to soups and desserts — they’re delicious.
Here’s the thing: you’re probably not going to be blown away by any meal. Our multiple journeys on both lines had good, solid food that was very high quality. Is this haute cuisine? No. If you go into this expecting Oceania or Silversea-level cuisine, you’ll be disappointed. Instead, think local, hearty and authentic. These are the tastes and flavors of the region. Go with a sense of adventure and you won’t be disappointed.
Is Room Service Available?
Viking
No; though snacks are provided in the ship’s common areas.
American Cruise Lines
Yes; you can order room-service breakfast on American's vessels. They also have 24/7 snacks and drinks in one of the lounges.
What Extra Amenities Are Offered?
Viking
Viking Mississippi has an infinity plunge pool at the back of the Aquavit Terrace; this gorgeous space, however, gets hot, hot, hot in warm weather — a situation that isn’t helped by having the funnel uptakes adjacent to it. The ship also has a gorgeous wraparound promenade deck that feels very much like being on the line’s oceangoing ships. Self-service laundrettes are also available. Note, there is no fitness center.
American Cruise Lines
American's newest vessels on the Mississippi have sweeping top decks with plenty of seating in both shaded and sunny areas, as well as a walking track — all prime viewing spots to take in the sights of the passing river. Thanks to their vintage design ethos, namely their big red churning stern wheels and classic tiered decks (aesthetic amenities, if you will), the line's two paddle-wheelers — American Splendor andAmerican Heritage — offer a nostalgic aesthetic that suits the Mississippi very well.
American's Mississippi ships also have a small but very functional fitness center and self-service laundry facilities as well.
Speaking of extras, American Cruise Lines offers a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay on all of its itineraries — every cruise in every region of the country. This is particularly useful, not just from a cost perspective, but from a convenience one: ACL chooses great hotels, arranges transportation to and from the ship, and takes care of the logistics so passengers don’t have to.
Your Fellow Passengers
Passengers aboard both lines tend to be ages 60s to 70s-plus (with a good number in the 80s+ category), well-off, and well-traveled at least domestically within the United States, if not internationally. On both lines, the passenger base is overwhelmingly American, and predominantly Caucasian. As these ships have elevators, passengers using canes, walkers and wheelchairs are commonplace.
Viking
Viking has the more traveled passenger base here, drawing from its ocean, expedition and European river sailings.
American Cruise Lines
American, however, has a steady group of solid, well-traveled passengers who are staunchly loyal to the line. It can be a real pleasure to speak to your fellow guests about the sheer number of adventures and itineraries they’ve sailed within the domestic United States aboard the line. Many American Cruise Lines' passengers have also traveled with other cruise lines in different parts of the world.
How Does The Mississippi Differ From A European River Cruise?
Because the Mississippi requires vessels to be American-flagged and built, they must also carry American crew members. Those who have sailed with European or international crew members on river cruises in Europe will notice a definite change in the service onboard; it’s more casual and informal on the Mississippi, and service hiccups can occur (we had a lady on American Cruise Lines who could absolutely not make a Margarita but pretended it was one anyhow; and a server on Viking who couldn’t pronounce basic menu items).
However, on both lines, crew members try their best to please passengers, and we’ve noticed a marked improvement in service across the board in the last few years.
Another difference between European and Mississippi river cruises is the nationality mix — generally on the Mississippi you'll be cruising with other Americans, while on most Europe river cruises, in addition to plenty of Americans, you'll also be sailing with some Europeans, Australians, South Americans and Asians as well..
Would First-Time Cruisers Be Happy?
Particularly for American-based travelers, a cruise on the Mighty Mississippi presents a fantastic river cruise experience that is close-to-home, loaded with history, and filled with fascinating destinations.
International travelers, however, may grow weary of the homogenous nature of the cruise and the lack of diversity among guests. That said, there is no better way to experience the heartland of the United States than by river cruise.
How Do Prices Compare?
Because these are U.S.-based cruises, Mississippi River fares are on the high side (compared to many Europe River cruises), no matter which line you choose.
Viking
Viking weeklong Mississippi cruise itineraries start as low as about $3,300 per person USD (and do not include the free pre-cruise hotel night like ACL does).
American Cruise Lines
You'll find 7-night American Cruise Lines Mississippi River cruises (including an 8th pre-cruise hotel night) starting at about $3,800 USD per person. The line’s longest journey on the Mississippi, at 22 nights, starts at $15,000+ USD per person.
On both American and Viking, depending on when you cruise, you can easily expect to pay as much as $5,000 to $6,000 (or more) per person for a weeklong Mississippi River cruise. Both lines also offer various hotel and tour packages that you can purchase to add on to your cruise before or after, in the ports of embarkation/debarkation.
Further, American offers cruise-tour combos that include land stays in US National Parks along with a Mississippi or tributaries cruise.
Early booking, Black Friday, and WAVE Season discounts are often available from both lines, so be sure to check websites or your local travel agent for exact pricing. And, if you happen to be headed out on either a Viking or American Cruise Line voyage in the future, you can always take advantage of the onboard booking offers to secure your next cruise, as both lines offer incentives and perks for doing so.
Viking & American Cruise Lines Mississippi Comparison: My Final Two Cents
Unlike a river cruise through Europe, a river cruise along the Mississippi is its own special experience. Go into it with an open mind and you are sure to find something to enjoy about the rich history and unique experiences that are present along this most storied of American waterways. And, give the crew some grace; they do, for the most part, try their hardest to please. Both American Cruise Lines and Viking deploy stellar ships on these runs that are very comfortable and enjoyable to spend time on.
While there are some aspects of these journeys that may present uncomfortable realities, such as visits to the plantations where many Black people were formerly held as slaves to wealthy White landowners, I have enjoyed my experiences on the rivers of the U.S. and look forward to setting sail there again.
Considering A Viking Or American Cruise Lines Mississippi Cruise?
If you'd like assistance booking an American Cruise Lines or Viking river cruise on the Mississippi, we highly recommend our favorite travel advisor Kevin. Show him your interest below and he'll be happy to help.
Interested In A Mississippi River Cruise?
For years, we've been referring our readers to our favorite travel advisor, Kevin Flink, because of his excellent customer service and expertise in travel planning. Kevin owns a franchise of Cruise Planners, one of the highest producing land and cruise travel agencies in the world, which means he gets access to various discounts and perks from cruise lines, hotels and insurance companies that he can pass on to his clients.
To show your interest in booking a Mississippi River cruise (or any cruise!) with Kevin, please tell us a bit more about what you’re looking for and we will be happy to get you both connected.
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