Criterion's Mississippi River cruise adds Doris Kearns Goodwin
Key points
- March 3-11, 2026, Memphis to New Orleans
- Independent travelers can book, a rare opening
- Aboard American Splendor paddlewheeler
- Keynote by Doris Kearns Goodwin in Memphis
- From $8,990 per person, limited to 160 guests
Impact
- Audience
- History minded river cruisers and affinity travelers seeking expert led programs.
- Dates
- March 3-11, 2026, nine days, Memphis to New Orleans.
- Price
- From $8,990 per person, higher for balcony and suite categories.
- Availability
- Capacity limited to 160 participants across reserved inventory.
Criterion Travel will open its Mississippi River voyage to independent travelers from March 3 to March 11, 2026, sailing from Memphis to New Orleans aboard American Cruise Lines' American Splendor. The educational program includes a keynote address in Memphis by presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. With rates starting at $8,990 per person and inventory capped at 160 participants, the offering brings Criterion Travel's affinity model into wider reach, while keeping its hallmark lectures and curated excursions. This is a focused expansion that matters for travelers who want depth, context, and a classic paddlewheeler experience on the Lower Mississippi.
Criterion Travel Mississippi River cruise
Criterion Travel specializes in educational journeys designed for universities and member organizations, typically sold through alumni and affinity channels. For this sailing, the operator is accepting independent bookings alongside partner groups, widening access without diluting the academic format. The itinerary follows the Lower Mississippi between Memphis and New Orleans, pairing river days with calls that highlight Civil War history, Creole heritage, and American music. The ship is American Splendor, a traditional paddlewheeler operated by American Cruise Lines, which pairs historic ambience with modern comforts.
Analysis
Opening independent space on a curated alumni style program is unusual, and it signals demand for deeper contextual travel in America's heartland. The draw here is the combination of a marquee historian, structured lectures, and relevant shore options, including the National Civil Rights Museum and Creole plantation sites. Price points start well above mainstream river averages, so value comes from access and content rather than amenities alone. Expect fastest sell through on balcony categories due to spring timing. If you want this sailing, decide early, compare cabin tiers against lecture and excursion interests, and monitor cancellation windows for upgrades. The Criterion Travel Mississippi River cruise should appeal to travelers who prioritize substance and storytelling over quantity of ports.
Final thoughts
With a Goodwin keynote, classic paddlewheel atmosphere, and limited space, the Criterion Travel Mississippi River cruise offers a rare chance to book into an affinity grade program as an independent traveler. If expert led history on the Lower Mississippi fits your plans, this is a strong spring 2026 option.