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Old 28-05-2016, 17:45   #1
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Wink Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

Hello,

I'm landing at Minneapolis airport, from the UK, on August 10. My plan is to reach New Orleans via the Mississippi river. If I can get a boat ride down river (all or part of the way) I would be more than happy to share travelling expenses. Alternatively, any help or advice would be most welcome.
My initial intention was to travel on the 'American Queen' river boat, unfortunately this is now fully booked - I know, I shouldn't have left it so late to book my passage!

Thanks.
Regards
David Clapham
Sheffield
England
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Old 29-05-2016, 05:46   #2
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Re: Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, David.
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Old 13-07-2016, 16:28   #3
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Smile Re: Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

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Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, David.
Any update/response would be most welcome.
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Old 13-07-2016, 17:28   #4
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Re: Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

Goldfinger 292 - You may be asking the wrong group, much as we welcome you. The USA has what are called "Loopers," who take genrally small (get under bridges) boats around the Eastern United States loop, with one leg being from Chicago (exit the great Lakes) down the Mississippi River. We meet them because they tend to be inshore boaters, and Carrabelle is the jumping off point for the off-shore run to Tarpon Springs or Clearwater Florida, there being no Intracoastal Waterway around the armpit (in several ways) of Florida. They wait here and drink beer until they get a weather window. They are wonderful folks, and I hope that you can hook up with them, but I don't think many people who are active on CF are loopers. We also got to know them because we did the Tennessee River - Tombigbee waterway - Mobile Bay run in our boat, given that it was built on top of the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
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Old 14-07-2016, 06:42   #5
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Hi tkeithlu,

Thanks for the tip. Your advice is much appreciated.

Regards
Goldfinger292
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Old 17-07-2016, 08:08   #6
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Re: Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goldfinger292 View Post
My initial intention was to travel on the 'American Queen' river boat, unfortunately this is now fully booked - I know, I shouldn't have left it so late to book my passage!

We traveled on American Queen about 10 years ago; wonderful boat, amenities, and service. A new company operates it now...

There's at least one other riverboat operator on the Mississippi River, search American Cruise Lines (Queen of the Mississippi, a relatively new build).

-Chris
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Old 17-07-2016, 08:18   #7
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Re: Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

Quote:
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My initial intention was to travel on the 'American Queen' river boat, unfortunately this is now fully booked - I know, I shouldn't have left it so late to book my passage!
Don't give up on the riverboat. They often have last-minute availability.
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Old 17-07-2016, 08:28   #8
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Re: Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

I recently completed the trip from Chicago to Mobile, AL. When in St Louis, I met a solo sailor who started in Minneapolis. He was making the trip with no instruments (depth, e-charts). He had a few stories, but was making good progress. BTW: he was probably 70 years old.

I originally planned to go to New Orleans when I started the trip. But after 3 weeks on rivers, I changed plans and headed to Mobile using the "easier" route". Good timing can be made on the Mississippi from the current. But the distance between provisions and fuel can be a problem. A deep draft can be a problem getting into the popular and protected anchorages. Debries is always flowing down the river, which ends up on the anchor rode. Also, the Mississippi can be very high or very low. The depth can change by more that a foot each day.

On the other hand, Fatty Goodlander takes this route without any trouble. Also, I have another acquaintence who has made the trip down the Mississippi twice in a sailboat (now on a 47' metal boat, not sure of draft). He will tell you that the trip isn't as hard as some claim.

In my opinion, this is a nice trip to have behind you. I wouldn't find any satisfaction in being a "Looper". But other love it.
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Old 17-07-2016, 10:42   #9
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Re: Minneapolis to New Orleans, or Part way?

Thanks to every one for all your kind advice
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