The Music Cities River Cruise
Blues at one end, country at the other, and three rivers in between.
Get Free Heartland River Cruise QuotesMemphis to Nashville by Water
The Music Cities river cruise is one of the most original river routes in the country. Instead of following one river, it links two, using three: up the Mississippi from Memphis, up the Ohio to Paducah, then through Lake Barkley and along the Cumberland to Nashville. It suits travelers who want music, Civil War history and small-town America in one week.
| Day (typical) | Where |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Memphis: Beale Street blues, Sun Studio, Stax and Graceland |
| 3 | Cruising the Mississippi and the Ohio |
| 4 | Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art |
| 5 | Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River |
| 6 | Dover, Tennessee, and Fort Donelson |
| 7 | Clarksville, Tennessee |
| 8 | Nashville: the Ryman, the Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame |
This order reflects a recent sailing; the reverse direction is also offered, and ports change.
The Two Music Cities
Memphis gave the world the blues of Beale Street, the rock and roll of Sun Studio and the soul of Stax. Nashville is country music’s capital, with the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Allow an extra night at either end; the cruise gives you a taste, but both cities reward more time. For the Mississippi south of Memphis, see Lower Mississippi river cruises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Music Cities river cruise?
Eight days and seven nights between Memphis and Nashville, in either direction. American Cruise Lines introduced it in 2020.
Which rivers does the Music Cities cruise use?
The Mississippi from Memphis, the Ohio to Paducah, then Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River to Nashville.
What music sites are near the ports?
In Memphis, Beale Street, Sun Studio, Stax and Graceland; in Nashville, the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Paducah adds a craft and folk-art scene.
Who It Suits
- Music lovers who want both cities without driving between them.
- Civil War readers: Fort Donelson and the river war of 1862.
- Travelers who prefer a short, one-week cruise close to home.
For a more upscale take on American river cruising, see Deluxe River Cruising.
Before and After the Cruise
Most travelers spend at least one night in Memphis or Nashville. In Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is a powerful visit alongside the music sites. In Nashville, a night at the Ryman or the Opry is the obvious way to end the trip. Our cruise advisors can book hotels at either end and arrange the timing so that you embark or disembark without rushing.
Book the Music Cities River Cruise
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check Memphis and Nashville departures and cabins, free.
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