A Guide To All-Inclusive Memphis Cruise Packages

If you’re eyeing All Inclusive Memphis cruise packages, this guide breaks down what “all‑inclusive” really covers, who sails from Memphis, where you can go, and realistic 3-, 5-, and 7-day plans with pricing.

You’ll also find insider tips on the best times to depart and how to secure a value-packed fare without surprises.

What “all‑inclusive” means on Memphis river cruises

Memphis sailings are river cruises on the Mississippi, not ocean megaships, and “all‑inclusive” typically means your stateroom, most meals, nonalcoholic drinks, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, Wi‑Fi, and at least one guided shore excursion in each port are included.

Many packages also bundle perks like a pre‑cruise hotel night in Memphis, motorcoach transfers between the hotel, pier, and airport, and daily cocktail hours.

Always check the specific inclusions on your fare confirmation so you know exactly what you’re getting.

What’s usually extra: premium excursions, spa services, gratuities (varies by line), top‑shelf spirits or full‑day beverage packages, and optional airfare. Taxes and port fees may be included in the advertised fare or itemized separately—ask your agent to quote the “out‑the‑door” total.

Where you can cruise from Memphis

Memphis sits on the Lower Mississippi, making it an easy jumping‑off point south to Louisiana or north toward Missouri and Kentucky. Popular itineraries are Memphis–New Orleans or Memphis–St. Louis, with evocative stops in small river towns along the way.

Southbound highlights: National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Beale Street, then ports like Natchez, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.
Northbound highlights: Helena‑West Helena, Greenville, Cape Girardeau, Paducah, and St. Louis (Gateway Arch).

Who operates Memphis all‑inclusive river cruises

American Cruise Lines (ACL) and Viking are the primary operators offering Mississippi River itineraries that begin or end in Memphis.

American Cruise Lines – Mississippi River: modern paddlewheel‑inspired ships; beer and wine with meals, complimentary cocktail hour, included shore excursions, Wi‑Fi.
Viking – Mississippi River: contemporary ship design; beer and wine with lunch/dinner, one included excursion per port, specialty coffees, Wi‑Fi.

Note: American Queen Voyages, once a major Memphis operator, ceased operations in 2024.

3‑Day All‑Inclusive Memphis Cruise Package (from ~$1,299–$2,199 pp)

Short segments pop up a few times a year—great for first‑timers or long‑weekend travelers who want a taste of the river without using much PTO.

Sample daily plan

Day 1 – Memphis embarkation: Morning visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, embark after lunch, sail‑away along the bluffs, welcome dinner and show.
Day 2 – Helena‑West Helena, AR: Blues history walking tour, Delta cultural center visit, afternoon scenic cruising.
Day 3 – Greenville, MS (disembark or continue): Included city tour and museum stop; transfer to airport or extend.

What’s included

Riverview stateroom, Wi‑Fi, all meals, beer/wine with lunch and dinner
One guided excursion per port (typical city or history tour)
Evening entertainment and enrichment talks
Transfers if a pre‑cruise hotel night is part of the promo

Typical price

Expect about $450–$750 per person, per night, depending on ship, cabin, and date. Short segments can sell out quickly because inventory is limited.

Who offers it

American Cruise Lines occasionally lists 3‑night segments between Memphis and nearby ports.
Viking typically focuses on 7‑night (or longer) Mississippi itineraries; check for rare short‑segment offerings directly with Viking or a travel advisor.

5‑Day All‑Inclusive Memphis Cruise Package (from ~$2,499–$3,999 pp)

This is the sweet spot for travelers who want a fuller immersion with multiple ports but still keep the trip under a week.

Sample daily plan (Memphis → Natchez → Baton Rouge → NOLA)

Day 1 – Memphis: Morning sightseeing (Beale Street and Graceland), embarkation, river pilot’s talk, welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Vicksburg, MS: Included visit to Vicksburg National Military Park and historic downtown.
Day 3 – Natchez, MS: Antebellum home tour, free time along the bluff; optional premium mansion visit.
Day 4 – Baton Rouge, LA: City highlights, Cajun/Crested cuisine tasting; sail toward the Gulf.
Day 5 – New Orleans: Morning arrival; included French Quarter walking tour; disembark or add a post‑cruise stay via New Orleans tourism.

What’s included

Stateroom, Wi‑Fi, meals, beer/wine with lunch and dinner
One guided excursion per port; enrichment lectures and live music
Transfers when a pre/post hotel night is bundled in the fare

Typical price

Plan for roughly $500–$800 per person, per night. Balcony and suite categories can push the total above $4,000 per person in peak months.

Who offers it

American Cruise Lines: frequent 5‑night segments on the Lower Mississippi.
Viking: most sailings are 7+ nights, but 5‑night options may appear during repositioning or special promos.

7‑Day All‑Inclusive Memphis Cruise Package (from ~$3,699–$6,499 pp)

A full week captures the classic Lower Mississippi experience, with time for culture, cuisine, and unhurried scenic stretches between storied river towns.

Sample daily plan (Memphis ↔ New Orleans or Memphis → St. Louis)

Day 1 – Memphis: Optional pre‑cruise night via Memphis Travel; embark and sail‑away dinner.
Day 2 – Helena‑West Helena: Blues and Delta heritage tour.
Day 3 – Vicksburg: Military Park and Civil War history; evening enrichment lecture.
Day 4 – Natchez: Architecture and gardens; sunset on the bluff.
Day 5 – Baton Rouge: Capitol and culinary tasting; live jazz onboard.
Day 6 – Scenic cruising: Chef’s demo, wheelhouse visit (where permitted), river lore storytelling.
Day 7 – New Orleans or St. Louis: Included city tour; disembarkation with transfers as booked.

What’s included

Stateroom, Wi‑Fi, all meals, beer/wine with meals, specialty coffees/teas
One included excursion per port; premium tours available at extra cost
Evening entertainment, lectures, and occasionally a pre‑cruise hotel night

Typical price

About $525–$925 per person, per night, influenced by season, ship, and cabin category. Suites on peak fall foliage dates reach the higher end.

Who offers it

American Cruise Lines: frequent 7‑night Memphis–New Orleans or Memphis–St. Louis sailings.
Viking: multiple 7‑night and longer Mississippi itineraries with Memphis departures/arrivals.

How to secure the best deal

Travel in shoulder seasons: Late February–March and late August–September often price lower than peak spring and fall.
Book early, then watch for promos: Lines release limited early‑bird inventory; reputable advisors can re‑price if a better promotion appears before final payment.
Leverage past‑guest, resident, and military rates: Ask specifically; these aren’t always advertised online.
Consider package air and hotel add‑ons: Sometimes a pre‑cruise hotel night plus transfers cost less bundled than booking à la carte near Memphis International Airport (MEM).
Use a river‑cruise specialist: Advisors know cabin quirks, water‑level seasons, and unpublished offers. Compare publicly listed deals on sites like Cruise Critic Deals.
Be flexible on direction: Memphis→NOLA vs. NOLA→Memphis can price differently for the same week.

Best time to depart from Memphis

Spring (Mar–May): Comfortable temps and lush scenery; demand is strong and water levels can run high, so prices trend higher.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid; families and teachers boost demand in June. Late August can yield value if you can handle the heat.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Prime season—pleasant weather, vivid foliage northbound. Prices are firm; book early.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Limited departures; some maintenance periods. Occasional holiday sailings may appear.

Tip: Water levels on the Mississippi can affect speeds or port calls. Build in cushion time if you’re booking tight same‑day flights, or add a pre/post night in Memphis or New Orleans.

Practical booking checklist

Cabin choice: River views are a highlight. If you’re sensitive to motion or noise, ask for mid‑ship, mid‑deck options.
Accessibility: Newer ships have elevators and ADA‑forward design; confirm elevator access to your deck and gangway plans at each port.
Insurance: Consider a policy that covers supplier default, medical, and trip interruption; buy soon after deposit for the broadest eligibility.
Dining and dietary needs: Inform the line ahead of time; Mississippi vessels handle common allergies and preferences well.
Gratuities: Policies vary; budget ~$16–$25 per guest, per day if not included, plus extra for standout service.

The bottom line

All Inclusive Memphis cruise packages deliver culture‑rich days, easy logistics, and transparent pricing. Choose a 3‑day sampler for a quick escape, a 5‑day for balance, or a 7‑day to savor the full Lower Mississippi—then book early, stay flexible on dates and direction, and let the river set the pace.