There are not too many people who know that the link between Mark Twain and Hannibal, Missouri, which is his hometown, extends to the river cruise boats which once steamed along the Mississippi River. Mark Twain was a river cruise boat captain before adopting his pen name which also means "two fathoms". This connection is practically seen in our times with the "Mark Twain Riverboat", which is also the only ship in Hannibal that will provide cruise tours on the waters of the Mississippi River from May through September.

Cruise Options

There are three distinct cruise choices offered on the "Mark Twain Riverboat", which will offer to its passengers various options that are based mostly on their preferences or the time when they decide to take the cruise. One-hour sightseeing tours during afternoon or evening periods of time will offer guests the real chance of visiting various ports along the Mississippi River, with commentary offered by cruise guides about the various attractions encountered along the way. Nightly afternoon cruises are usually 2 hours in length, giving passengers more time to stay on the boat. Two-hour dinner cruise tours on Saturday evenings will feature live jazz or blues music.

Food & Drinks

The "Mark Twain Riverboat" will feature a snack bar which may include sandwiches or drinks, ideal for travelers who are taking the 1 hour cruise. Dinner cruise tours may include a buffet, but you are only given one shot at filling your plate. Various food options may also include chicken breasts, potatoes, roast beef, salads or desserts. A cash bar might also be available on board cruises on Saturday evenings for passengers who may want alcoholic drinks.

River Boat Cruise Itinerary

The 1-hour sightseeing cruise tours available during the afternoon on the "Mark Twain" riverboat will take passengers to many points of interest along the way. Jackson`s Island is located at the east side of Hannibal and is practically the location where Huck Finn (Mark Twain`s character) took his river cruise boat journey along the Mississippi River. Here was also the location where Mark Twain has found the dead body of a runway slave when he was a child. Another great point of attraction on this route is Lover`s Leap which is practically a geological formation near the Mississippi River.

Insider Tips

Passengers normally dress casually to this type of cruise tours, even if we talk about dinner cruises or jazz tours. Reservations will not necessarily be required for sightseeing cruise tours during the afternoon, but for dinner tours will probably be required. First come, first served is the policy on this type of cruise tours. The jazz cruise tours usually depart in the evening times and are more geared towards adult travelers.