LGBTQ+ travelers seem to have been everywhere. Best club in just about any city in the World, check. Most respected museums, most fun festivals, best restaurants? Check, check, check. When it comes to cruising, we really seem to have been everywhere. Name any sea or exotic foreign river and chances are a gay cruise has been there. Although we are always willing to go back to the Mediterranean or Caribbean, such fun, sometimes something new is nice. In this case what is new is also close to home: The Mississippi River.

With Covid foreign cruising hasn’t been an option and Americans have been looking for experiences closer to home. Fortunately, we have one of the World’s great rivers, the Mississippi. This magnificent freshwater highway is divided into three sections. These are the upper, middle, and lower sections. The middle portion of the river, generally Memphis to St. Louis, has the fewest cruise options. The upper portion, generally St. Louis to St. Paul, is the most scenic. It also has the most plentiful wildlife, and good gay nightlife in the Twin Cities. But it is the lower portion, from New Orleans up to Memphis, that seems to be capturing most people’s imagination.

New Orleans Makes a Fun and Festive Departure Port

Most Lower Mississippi river cruises start or end in New Orleans. This is perhaps the United States’ most soulful and sultry city. We have gushed about it in the past (check out our previous article HERE). With some of the best food and parties in the county, what’s not to love. Throw in an incredible history, beautiful architecture, great gay bars, and an attitude that seems to let anything go; and this is one of our favorite escapes. An added benefit is that you can spend extra days in this amazing city before or after most lower river cruise itineraries.

Small but Interesting and Historic Towns Like Natchez and Vicksburg Adjoin the Lower Mississippi

It is the small towns and lessor known cities along the river that are new to many LGBTQ+ visitors. Historically we have avoided much of small-town America due to their stereotypes for small minds. Refreshingly there are enlightened and culturally sophisticated ports along the lower portion of the river. And if there happens to be an historically interesting destination that isn’t enlightened? No worries, you’re bringing the acceptance and nightlife with you on the boat.

For many lower Mississippi cruises Natchez and Vicksburg are highlights. Natchez is a place that time seems to have forgotten. A slow pace of life, beautiful historic architecture, cozy restaurants, and interesting museums are the main draws. But don’t let this oldest city on the river fool you into thinking it is all about the old south. For a small town it is surprisingly sophisticated. It is also the home of the Afro-American Culture Museum which highlights some of the more painful aspects of our county’s history. But it also showcases the struggle for freedom and the contributions that African Americans have made to our country.

Mississippi

Vicksburg is best known for its Civil War battlefield. But like Natchez it is also filled with historic architecture and culture. (Check out its antebellum plantations, historic churches, and restored train depot). A popular site is the National Military Park where you can learn about the siege of the city. It also contains a restored Union gunboat, many historic markers and monuments, and an historic cemetery.

The Lower Mississippi Also Offer Baton Rouge and Other Attractions

Baton Rouge offers a somewhat urban escape from the small towns and riparian scenery along the route. Although not large, BR punches above its weight. As a capitol city and home to LSU there are more museums and cultural events than one would imagine. After hurricane Katrina many New Orleans residents fled here. It has therefore inherited some of their cuisine and flair for partying. (It is especially known for its Creole and Cajun Cuisine). For fans of monumental architecture compare the Old State Capital (which looks like a castle/fortress) with its current, high-rise, capitol building.

Another not to miss experience along the lower river are the many plantations and historic mansions that line its banks. Although it can be easy to get wrapped up in the beautiful architecture, many of the better sites don’t gloss over the darker side of their history. Nottoway is an old sugarcane plantation that features the largest antebellum mansion in the South (over 53,00 square feet). Other options are the Destrehan Plantation near New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation (known for its Spanish Moss laden trees), and the Myrtles Plantation near St. Francisville which is reputed to be one of the most haunted sites in America.

The Paddlewheel Type Ships That Cruise the Mississippi River

Mississippi River cruises are on smaller, often paddlewheel, type ships. This more intimate atmosphere encourages guests to mingle with their fellow travelers. It is also a comfort to many given current health conditions. The ports are the main interest and entertainment tends to be lower key than on the megaships. Which to us can be a nice change of pace. But expect a LGBTQ+ cruise on the river to up the entertainment standard. Has this article helped to whet your interest on this special destination? If so, check out VACAYA’s first LGBT+ Missippii River cruise HERE that we and some clients are already booked on, and then contact us. We would love for you to join in on the fun.

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