River Cruises to Houmas House

Step into the Old South as You Cruise the Mighty Mississippi

River cruises that include Houmas House as a port of call seamlessly blend natural beauty, cultural intrigue, and historical depth. As your vessel glides past lush wetlands, vibrant sugarcane fields, and grand plantation homes, Houmas House rises like a vision from the pages of a Southern Gothic novel. Visitors are greeted by sweeping lawns, centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss, and the unmistakable charm of white-columned porticoes shimmering under the Louisiana sun.

From its meticulously preserved interiors filled with antiques and art to its resplendent gardens echoing with the whispers of the past, Houmas House offers river cruisers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the legacy of the Mississippi firsthand. It’s not merely a stop—it’s a destination that defines the river’s enduring allure. Whether enjoying a mint julep on the veranda or wandering beneath the canopies of ancient trees, guests find themselves captivated by the unique blend of history, hospitality, and natural beauty that only a river cruise to Houmas House can provide.

The Mississippi River: A Waterway of Wonders

Flowing Through Time and History

The Mississippi River is more than a river—it’s the lifeblood of a region steeped in history, culture, and commerce. Stretching from the headwaters of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, it has carried steamboats, dreams, and traditions through America’s heartland for centuries. Today’s river cruises echo that storied past, offering intimate voyages through landscapes where nature and history converge beneath wide southern skies.

Iconic Towns and Landmarks Along the Mississippi River

Baton Rouge

Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, blends Cajun flavors, jazz rhythms, and political history into a vibrant tapestry. Dock here to explore the grand Old State Capitol or sample culinary delights in its lively downtown.

New Orleans

World-famous for its jazz, cuisine, and architecture, New Orleans is a city of celebration and resilience. From the French Quarter’s wrought-iron balconies to the Garden District’s oak-lined streets, this port infuses every cruise with its festive spirit.

Oak Alley Plantation

Just upriver from Houmas House lies Oak Alley, renowned for its stunning avenue of ancient oaks leading to a perfectly preserved mansion. It’s a must-see for those seeking a deeper understanding of plantation history along the Mississippi. River cruises to Oak Alley transport you into the pages of Southern history.

St. Francisville

Perched on bluffs above the Mississippi, St. Francisville charms visitors with its small-town allure, historic homes, and proximity to plantations like Rosedown and Myrtles. Its peaceful streets and moss-laden trees epitomize the tranquil beauty of the river.

Natchez

Mississippi’s oldest settlement on the river, Natchez, dazzles with antebellum mansions, historic churches, and sweeping river views. A highlight of many itineraries, it brings history alive through tours of grand estates and heritage sites.

Vicksburg

A pivotal Civil War battleground, Vicksburg offers museums, historic homes, and monuments that narrate the conflict’s impact. Cruises here delve deep into America’s most defining moments.

The Unique Experience of Cruising the Mississippi

Each mile along the Mississippi reveals contrasts—lush bayous against grand plantations, soulful jazz halls against silent battlefields. Cruises combine scenic beauty with cultural immersion, offering guests authentic tastes of Creole and Cajun cuisine, live music performances, and expert-led excursions into history and nature. From sunrise mist over the water to sunset jazz beneath the stars, the journey is as memorable as each destination.

Themed and Length-Based Itineraries

Short Cruises (3–5 Days)

Perfect for those seeking a brief yet enriching escape, short cruises often focus on a select portion of the river between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, with stops at Houmas House and Oak Alley Plantation. Highlights include plantation tours, jazz evenings, and Creole dining—all wrapped in the comfort of a luxury riverboat.

Medium Cruises (6–9 Days)

Medium-length itineraries offer a more comprehensive journey, typically stretching from New Orleans to Memphis. These voyages include deeper explorations of history, from Civil War landmarks in Vicksburg to the stately homes of Natchez, with Houmas House providing a quintessential plantation experience along the way.

Long Cruises (10+ Days)

For travelers seeking full immersion, extended cruises may span from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, traversing the entire Mississippi River. These epic journeys provide insights into America’s varied landscapes, cultures, and histories. Stops at Houmas House break the voyage with moments of serene beauty and rich storytelling.

Special Interest Cruises

• Wine & Culinary Cruises: Pair regional wines with Cajun and Creole flavors during stops at culinary hotspots and plantations, such as Houmas House, renowned for its fine dining and historic kitchens.
• History & Architecture: Explore antebellum mansions, Civil War sites, and historic river towns with expert guides enhancing every visit.
• Holiday & Seasonal Cruises: Christmas markets, Southern holiday traditions, and festive onboard events create memorable winter journeys.
• Art & Music Cruises: From New Orleans jazz to Mississippi Delta blues, these cruises celebrate the region’s artistic heritage through performances and workshops.

Onboard Experience

Ship Sizes and Ambiance

River vessels on the Mississippi range from charming paddlewheelers to modern boutique ships, each designed to reflect the region’s heritage while offering luxurious comforts. Expect intimate atmospheres, attentive service, and panoramic lounges for taking in the river views.

Cuisine and Wine

Onboard dining showcases the South’s rich culinary traditions—gumbo, étouffée, beignets—paired with fine wines and regional spirits. Many cruises feature locally inspired menus and ingredients, elevating each meal into a cultural experience.

Excursions and Enrichment

Excursions span from plantation visits and Civil War battlefields to art galleries and jazz performances. Onboard enrichment includes lectures by historians, cooking demonstrations, and musical evenings that bring Southern traditions to life.

Something for Everyone

• Couples: Romantic river views, fine dining, and serene excursions make this ideal for couples seeking a slower, more intimate pace of travel.
• Families: Some cruises welcome multigenerational groups, blending history, culture, and nature in engaging ways that appeal to all ages.
• Solo Travelers: Small-ship environments foster a sense of community, with shared dining and excursions that encourage connections.
• Luxury Seekers: High-end vessels provide elegant suites, gourmet cuisine, and curated experiences tailored to discerning travelers.

A River Cruise to Houmas House Is Unforgettable

“Stepping ashore at Houmas House is like stepping into another world—a world where history breathes through moss-draped oaks, beauty blooms in every garden, and the Mississippi whispers stories of grandeur and resilience. A river cruise here is not just a journey through landscapes, but through time, memory, and the soul of the South.”

From the majestic sweep of the Mississippi to the delicate petals of a camellia in Houmas House’s gardens, every moment on this journey is a celebration of America’s deep South—its flavors, its music, its history, and its indomitable spirit. Whether you seek romance, history, or cultural discovery, a river cruise to Houmas House delivers a richly textured voyage where the destination is every bit as captivating as the journey itself.