By Boat in New Orleans

The Delta Queen Steamboat Company offers 3- to 11-night excursions up the Big Muddy and environs aboard the Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark built in the 1920s; the Mississippi Queen, built in 1976; or the American Queen, the largest paddle wheeler ever built. Cruises up the Mississippi focus on the river's effect on history and historic onshore sites such as antebellum plantation houses, Vicksburg, and Natchez. Founded in 1890, the company operates out of an enormous and efficient waterfront terminal complex adjacent to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Carnival Cruise Lines departs from New Orleans.

Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line (305/599-2600 or 800/227-6482. www.carnival.com). Delta Queen Steamboat Company (Robin St. Wharf, 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl. 800/543-1949 or 504/586-0631. www.deltaqueen.com).