Deal: Chicago-New Orleans river cruise on sale for $4,999 for two

By Mary Forgione

April 16, 2014 8 AM PT

Daily Deal and Travel Blogger

River cruises aren’t just for European ports. Blount Small-Ship Adventures is offering 2-for-1 prices on a 16-day cruise along the Mississippi River between Chicago and New Orleans.

This slow-paced ride provides a glimpse of life on the river and in Southern towns. Prices start at $4,999 for two.

The deal: Blount has customized small ships that allow passengers to walk from ship to shore and sail in waters as shallow as 7 feet. The cruise on the Grande Caribe navigates along 11 waterways, including the Mississippi, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway as well as the Tennessee, Cumberland, Ohio, Illinois and Des Plaines rivers.

It stops in places such as Kuttawa, Ky., and Pickwick, Tenn. (Shiloh National Military Park is about 15 miles from there) where you may add on tours or do your own thing. The $4,999 cabin for two excludes port charges ($255), taxes, and airfare to and from the start point. Cruise price includes three daily meals, snacks, free beer and wine with lunch and dinner. (Passengers may bring their own liquor on board).

When: The tours sail May 15 and June 2. (The itinerary runs in both directions.)

Tested: There’s still availability for cabins at the starting price ($4,999 for two or $2,400 each). That pencils out to about $166 for lodging and meals each day for each passenger.

Info: Blount Small-Ship Adventures, (888) 371-6266(888) 371-6266 or contact a travel agent.