Memphis, Tennessee

United States

Dive into musical history at Graceland, Elvis Presley's legendary mansion and the second-most visited private home in America.

Currency United States Dollar (USD)

Language English

Time Zone CST (UTC-6)

Best Time to Visit Apr–May

Typical Duration 8-9 nights

Price Range From $3,012 pp

Port Type Departure & Port of Call

Tender Port No

Memphis is a premier Mississippi River cruise destination, offering access to historic river towns and cultural landmarks along one of America's most iconic waterways.

Cruises that visit Memphis, Tennessee

Build Your Day in Memphis, Tennessee

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 8:00 PM

Usually about 12 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Graceland attraction · ★ 4.5 · 26k

Memphis Zoo attraction · ★ 4.6 · 16k

National Civil Rights Museum attraction · ★ 4.9 · 14k

Shelby Farms Park attraction · ★ 4.8 · 12k

The Peabody Memphis attraction · ★ 4.5 · 10k

Overton Park attraction · ★ 4.6 · 8k

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid attraction · ★ 4.7 · 8k

FedExForum attraction · ★ 4.7 · 8k

Stax Museum of American Soul Music attraction · ★ 4.8 · 4k

Memphis Botanic Garden attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k

Children's Museum of Memphis attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k

AutoZone Park attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Overton Park Shell attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Beale Street attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Dixon Gallery & Gardens attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k

Memphis Museum of Science & History attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Memphis, Tennessee is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Memphis, Tennessee

About Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee has emerged as a vibrant hub for river cruising along the Mississippi, with two excellent cruise lines—American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises—offering 328 upcoming departures. Whether you're embarking on a new adventure or exploring the city as a port of call, Memphis serves as the perfect launching point for unforgettable journeys. Most cruises from here span eight nights, taking you to iconic destinations like New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, and the stunning plantation country of Louisiana.

Once ashore, you'll discover why Memphis captivates cruise passengers. The city's legendary music heritage and rich cultural scene await exploration, while the mighty Mississippi River itself tells stories of American history at every turn. With peak travel seasons spanning from March through June and again in November, there's never been a better time to experience this dynamic port and the remarkable river communities beyond.

Graceland: Elvis's Iconic Home

Tour the legendary mansion of Elvis Presley, one of music's greatest icons, located just minutes from the Memphis riverfront. Explore the opulent rooms, his personal artifacts, and the meditation garden where Elvis is buried. This unmissable pilgrimage captures the King's extraordinary life and Memphis's pivotal role in rock and roll history.

Beale Street Blues & Barbecue

Stroll the legendary Beale Street to experience live blues music pouring from historic clubs and honky-tonks, then indulge in Memphis's world-famous barbecue at iconic joints like Central BBQ or Gus's Fried Chicken. This vibrant entertainment district perfectly captures the city's soulful music heritage and culinary excellence in one unforgettable afternoon.

Mississippi River Scenic Views

Walk along the picturesque Memphis Riverfront, where the mighty Mississippi River stretches before you with stunning vistas and river barge traffic. The Mud Island River Park offers elevated views and a scale model of the entire Mississippi River system, providing perspective on this iconic American waterway that shaped the region's history.

South Main Arts District Shopping

Discover the trendy South Main neighborhood filled with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, and local artisan studios housed in historic brick buildings. Browse unique Memphis-made crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs while soaking in the creative energy of this revitalized district just a short walk from the cruise port.

National Civil Rights Museum

Visit the powerful Lorraine Motel, now the National Civil Rights Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum's exhibits chronicle the American civil rights movement with profound historical significance and emotional impact, offering deep insight into Memphis's crucial role in this transformative historical period.