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American Cruise Lines offers free air for Upper Mississippi trips

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American Cruise Lines' Mississippi fleet consists of paddlewheelers and modern-style riverboats like the one picture here
American Cruise Lines is offering free domestic airfare for late July and August Upper Mississippi cruises aboard American Melody.

This week the line's newest riverboat is headed north to begin seasonal Upper Mississippi trips between St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota. American Melody is underway on a 22-day 'Complete Mississippi River' itinerary from New Orleans to St. Paul — the longest river cruise itinerary in the US.

Varied Mississippi routes

American operates more than 10 different Mississippi routes. Cruises include a range of cultural experiences, from literary-inspired visits to Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, to more active experiences, like a Cajun Pride Swamp Adventure in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. All cruises provide curated entertainment and lectures, as well as small-group guided adventures each day on shore.

Eight-day cruises along both the Upper and Lower Mississippi depart from noted river cities like Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville, St. Louis and St. Paul. among others. Both the 22-day 'Complete Mississippi' and a 15-day 'Grand Heartland' cruise explore the full length of the river, calling at ports in 10 states.

American also offers shorter five-day highlights cruises, seasonal holiday cruises and theme sailings such as Mark Twain, music and culinary (Cajun, creole, classic Memphis barbecue).

Pre-cruise hotel included

All Mississppi itineraries bundle in a pre-cruise hotel night with transfers, while longer pre-cruise packages are available as add-ons, such as a two-night Graceland program that features Elvis Presley's home with a special presentation.

American Symphony joins in August

American operates classic paddlewheelers — just competely renovated and redecorated for 2022 — and modern-style riverboats.

In August, the company will introduce a fifth new Mississippi riverboat, American Symphony.