Mississippi River: A Challenging Cruise Destination
Tom Trovato and his wife, Trish, had eagerly awaited Viking’s inaugural cruise up the Mississippi River. After investing over $20,000 and waiting patiently for two years, their journey was cut short. The anticipated two-week excursion from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minn., covering approximately 1,800 miles, was halted at Memphis due to low water levels caused by a severe drought. Despite receiving a full refund, the Trovatos, residents of Surprise, Ariz., have decided not to attempt the trip again. Mr. Trovato, aged 79, humorously remarked, “If I live to be 125, it might be on my bucket list.”
The Mississippi River holds significant historical and cultural importance in American identity. Originating from the Ojibwe term meaning “great river,” it has served as a lifeline for Indigenous communities for millennia. Additionally, it played a crucial role in the journey of Lewis and Clark as they embarked on their exploration to find a pathway to the Pacific Ocean. The river’s fertile alluvial soils and deep waters have been instrumental in the prosperity of countless farmers, while also symbolizing a dark chapter in history for the enslaved individuals who labored along its banks.
For many individuals, especially baby boomers entering their retirement years, embarking on a cruise along the Mississippi River is a cherished dream. However, realizing this dream is becoming increasingly challenging. Despite ongoing efforts by cruise operators to introduce new vessels and by local communities to enhance infrastructure for welcoming river traffic, Mississippi River cruises are facing escalating obstacles due to a rise in both droughts and floods.
Decades of human intervention, including deforestation, wetland destruction, dam construction, and dredging, have amplified the natural variations in the river’s flow. Climate change has further exacerbated the situation, leading to more frequent and drastic seasonal fluctuations in water levels. Consequently, ships are frequently forced to alter their routes and encounter delays, posing logistical challenges for Mississippi River cruises.
