Africana55 Radio 
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member? Log in
American Cruise Lines has begun the first-ever overnight sailing on the Arkansas River, with a sold-out nine-day river cruise.
The new route launched this month, letting guests visit the less-explored tributary of the Mississippi River.
The first Arkansas River cruise began on 8 November aboard Mississippi riverboat American Serenade, with an included hotel stay in Memphis, Tennessee.
Guests are promised picturesque views of the Midwest from beautiful farmlands to forested bluffs and limestone cliffs.
The river cruise is offered aboard American Serenade, American Symphony, and American Melody and sails between Tulsa and Little Rock, with stops in Muskogee, Fort Smith, and Dardanelle.
There are also routes between Memphis and Tulsa.
There will be chances to explore the state capital, Little Rock, with local guides, take Art Deco walking tours in Tulsa, take a scenic train ride through the Boston Mountains and enjoy musical fun in Muskogee, where guests can learn the origin of the famous local song “Okie from Muskogee.”
The first two dates were sold out almost as soon as they were announced in late 2025.
There are two departures in May 2027 and four more sailings the following November. In 2028, the schedule of Arkansas River cruises more than triples, with departure dates in March, April, May, and October, November, and December.
Prices start from $5,635 (£4,246).
On board the 180-capacity river cruise ships, guests stay in large balcony cabins and enjoy the views from the sun deck or central multi-storey grass atrium.
There are four lounges and a study to relax in, as well as an indoor restaurant with large windows or a dining area at the back of the ship. You can also keep fit in the on-board gym.
Charles B. Robertson, president and chief executive of American Cruise Lines, said: American is proud to continue leading the way for US river cruising, opening up more and more of the country each year for authentic explorations along US waterways.
“The response from our repeat guests to this itinerary was tremendous, demonstrating the genuine demand for world class river cruising in new destinations around the US.
“We also appreciate the warm welcome from ports along the river including Little Rock, Tulsa, Van Buren, Dardanelle, and Muskogee, and we look forward to exploring them with our guests.”
American Cruise Lines is the only operator offering long trips on the Arkansas River, which can be a challenging waterway for larger vessels.
Guests can get close on Mississippi routes, which are offered by American Cruise Lines and also Viking.
Read more: The best river cruises in the world