maiden voyage tours

(563) 880-8970

Mississippi River Tours

Wednesday 11 AM & 3 PM 

Thursday 11 AM & 3 PM 

Friday 11 AM  3 PM  & 7 PM

Saturday 11 AM  3 PM  & 7 PM

Sunday 11 AM  3 PM

Friday Music Cruise: 7:00 pm Saturday Sunset Cruise: 7:00pm

Enjoy One of a Kind Tours

Take a trip down the mighty Mississippi with your hosts at Maiden Voyage Tours. One of Iowa’s hidden travel gems; our tours prove to be great fun for young and old tourists alike. We welcome you to take a ride down the river with one of our knowledgeable guides. Find out more about our fun GUIDED RIVER TOURS.

Our Hours are Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 am & 3:00 pm (1.5 hours each) BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

Appreciate Our Lodging

We proudly offer lodging accommodations at our full-service cabins located on our Andy Mountain Cabins property. Don’t just come for the day; stay overnight or even for the weekend or a whole week in one of our deluxe cabin accommodations. Visit Our Cabins  to see all of the amenities we have to offer our guests.

Your hosts Robert and Debra Varva are happy to have you as our guests. We have been the proud owners of Maiden Voyage Tours since 2006. We welcome you and your family to enjoy one of our Mississippi river voyages. Find out more about OUR STORY. We look forward to having you.

Book a Trip

Docked in the Marquette, Iowa marina (below the Mississippi River Bridge) our 49-passenger tour boat is ready for your sight-seeing enjoyment.

Call us at  (563)880-8970 . Book Now!

Sunset Music Cruise

Hearing live music on the boat, Friday and Saturday night live featuring local artists who bring their own unique way of playing drums. Listening to another experience like no other as you ride through the Backwaters region near McGregor  while hearing stories told by this beautiful river's life force that never ends; it goes beyond words A truly unforgettable trip will take place soon at sunset!

I highly recommend the Maiden voyage tour. An absolute pleasure and a beautiful tour. Captain Robert is a wonderful guide full of great knowledge and history about the river and area.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Featured Attractions
• Family Friendly
• Free Things To Do
• Pet Friendly
• Breweries & Wineries
• Golf Courses & Disc Golf
• Pools & Splash Pads
• All Entertainment
• Museum & Historic Sites
• Visual & Performing Arts
• Campgrounds & Cabins
• Hiking & Trails
• Hunting & Fishing
• Parks & Monuments
• Recreation Services & Equipment
• Florists & Quilting
• Vintage Finds
• Calendar of Events
• Annual Events
• Arts & Culture
• Concerts & Live Entertainment
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor Recreation
• Pizza & Burgers
• Coffee & Sweet Treats
• Local Food & Farms
• All Food & Drink
• Places To Stay
• Maps, Guides & Brochures
• Trip Ideas & Itineraries
• Attraction Directory

Guides & Brochures    |    Contact Us

Maiden Voyage Tours

Clayton County

• 101 Water Street, Marquette, IA
• (563) 586-2123

Dive into the world of the commercial fisherman and clammers on the Maiden Voyage, a 49-passenger fully licensed tour boat. Meander through the beautiful backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River and relax while a knowleadgeable guide points out eagle’s nests, great blue herons, beavers, river otters, and other wildlife. Take a trip down the Mississippi on a 49-passenger tour boat. Knowledgeable guides offer bird and wildlife watching tours or enjoy an evening music tour with local musicians. Available for private groups.

Arts & Culture Entertainment Outdoors & Recreation Paddling Tours

More to do….

Will Baker & Pulpit Rock Park

Decorah – Winneshiek County

Hiking & Trails Outdoors & Recreation Parks & Monuments

Camp-Site RV

Cresco – Howard County

Outdoors & Recreation Recreation Services & Equipment

Hayden Prairie

Chester – Howard County

Maiden Voyage Boat Tours

Join us on a delightful cruise on the Mississippi River each Friday evening throughout the summer. This 49 passenger tour boat leaves from Marquette marina and runs from 7 p.m. (one hour earlier starting in mid-August) until dusk. Enjoy sunset on the river and superb views of wildlife while enjoying the music of Big Blue Sky, telling stories of life along and our connections with the river. Reservations for the Friday sunset music cruises may be made at Maiden Voyage Tours .

Maiden Voyage Mississippi River Boat Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Maiden Voyage Mississippi River Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Maiden Voyage Tours is one of the last small working tour boats on the Mississippi River. This 49 passenger, U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel specializes in off the beaten path tours. Spend some time in the braided stream, which is the most beautiful part of the river. See, hear, and learn things no other boat tour offers. Maiden Voyage tours was nominated for tourist attraction of the year in 2017 for the state of Iowa. It is family owned and operated. Visit Maiden Voyage's website to book your tour today! They are located under the bridge in Marquette, Iowa, two minutes West of Prairie du Chien. Overnight and transient slips available at the marina. Wednesday through Sunday availability. Gas and pump-out station available. Walking distance to restaurants and the Casino Queen. Call 563-880-8970 for more information.

Tell a Friend

Explore The Mighty Mississippi On This Boat Ride In Iowa

If she isn't writing, hiking, teaching, or gardening, Cristy is probably busy enjoying a good book and a big bowl of ice cream.

More by this Author

Iowa is, quite literally, shaped by rivers: the Missouri River to the west and the Mississippi on the east. And although a trip across these rivers used to require an up-close-and-personal experience of them (by raft or ferry or horseback, etc.), it is now over in a matter of a few moments via an interstate bridge. While there are so many advantages to good roadways, they do often disconnect us with the geography that used to be an unavoidable aspect of any travel. In some ways, connecting with the land can provide a sense of knowing and belonging.

Related Stories

Visit Shimek State Forest By Horseback On This Unique Tour In Iowa

The Pumpkin Express Train Ride In Iowa Is Scenic And Fun For The Whole Family

Not Many People Know That You Can Take A Week-Long Houseboat Cruise Along The Mississippi In Iowa

Call Maiden Voyage Tours at 563-880-8970 to check on hours and tour availability. You can also learn more on their website . And if just a day on the water isn’t enough, try a night or two !

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Iowa in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Iowa!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• Climb Aboard A Gorgeous 1800s-Era Riverboat And Take A Ride Back Through History In Iowa
• A Ninja Party At Iowa's Obstacle Training Gym, Ninja U, Is A Crazy Fun Way To Play
• Rent Your Own Two-Story Party Boat In Iowa For An Amazing Day On The Water
• This Unique Rail Biking Experience In Iowa Belongs On Your Bucket List
• The Iowa Cave Tour In Dubuque That Belongs On Your Bucket List
• Take An Offroad Adventure To Visit A Giant Herd of Iowa Bison
• This Morning Mimosa Cruise In Iowa Is The Best Way To Start A Summer Day
• There’s Only One Remaining Train Station Like This In All Of Iowa And It’s Magnificent

Explore Iowa

• Arts & Entertainment
• Farms & Wildlife
• Fun Adventures
• Shops & Boutiques
• Sights & Landmarks

Featured Addresses

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

  (563) 245-2201

• Quick Facts
• Helpful Links
• CCDG 2023 Annual Meeting
• Mission Statement
• Members List
• Fringe Benefit Report
• Visitor Centers
• Travel Itinerary Planning
• Transportation
• Golf Courses
• Hunting & Fishing
• Public Swimming
• River Recreation
• Strawberry Point
• Lots for Housing
• Fairs & Festivals
• Barn Quilts
• Farmers Market
• Scenic Byways
• Job Listings
• Submit Job Openings
• Communication Providers
• Municipal Utilities
• Telephone Service
• Lots for Sale
• Housing Study 2022
• Registered Contractors
• COVID-19 Resources
• Disaster Preparedness
• Event Space
• Senior Care
• Wedding Planning
• Testimonials
• Farmersburg
• North Buena Vista
• Ag Services
• Specialty Products
• Business Listings
• Industrial Parks
• Revolving Loan Fund
• Clayton County Foundation for the Future (CCFF)
• Start Your Business
• Search for: Search Button

Maiden Voyage River Tours

101 Water Street Marquette, IA 52158 US

563-880-8970

[email protected]

Experience the real Mighty Mississippi River with Maiden Voyage Tours. Great opportunity for Youth Group tours! Featuring a Youth Fishing Event!

Maiden Voyage Tours

Location & hours.

Suggest an edit

101 Water St

Marquette, IA 52158

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Maiden Voyage Tours .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

So much fun always amazed how much I learn about the river's history every time I see Capt. Robert

People Also Viewed

Mississippi Explorer Cruises

Villa Louis Historic Site

Skip-A-Way R V Park & Campground

Wyalusing State Park

Spook Cave & Campground

Spillway Supper Club & Inn

The River Inn

Fenmore Hills Motel

Sports Unlimited campground

Miners Creek Hideway

Best of Marquette

Things to do in Marquette

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Campgrounds

Other Boat Tours Nearby

Find more Boat Tours near Maiden Voyage Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

When we glide through the scenic backwaters, we'll have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. Eagles, herons, waterfowl of all kinds, muskrats and river otters are just some of the creatures that make this part of the river their home. Part of the magic of a Maiden Voyage cruise is that you never know what we will encounter around the next bend.

MaidenVoyageTours.com       

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Find Your Cruise Vacation

Featured cruise offers.

Alaska Cruises

Europe cruises, caribbean cruises, shipboard life, fresh regional cuisine.

Savor local specialties right from the port to your plate.

Entertainment

Enjoy a night out at our world-class music clubs.

Spa & Salon

Welcome to your sanctuary at sea to refresh, relax and rejuvenate.

Get moving at our sports courts, pools and fully staffed fitness center.

24-hour room service

Have tasty fare delivered to your stateroom at any time.

Find your cruise and we'll hold your spot on board

Why sail with us, give $50, get $50, get in the know.

Earn 20,000 bonus points with the Holland America Line Rewards Visa Card after spending $500 within the first 90 days. Terms Apply. 

Flannels or FlipFlops

All Aboard! The Must-See New Cruise Ships of 2024

Posted: June 7, 2024 | Last updated: June 7, 2024

Cruising has taken off in the last few years. It is the perfect way for couples or families to experience travel while having the whole thing planned for them. Now, with the viral 9-month cruise worldwide that has everyone captivated, more and more people want to see what cruising is all about.

I think what draws a lot of people to cruise ships is the community aspect of it. You are on a boat with a bunch of strangers who all have at least one common interest with you, which is a love of sailing. Cruises make traveling more fun and can even be more cost-effective than a land vacation.

If you are looking for the latest and greatest cruise ships coming out this year, I have you covered. I am going to tell you the top five new cruise ships in 2024 and what makes them better than the older models.

First on the list is the Ilma. This boat is a luxury yacht, made by Ritz-Carlton. Its maiden voyage will be in the Mediterranean in late summer or early fall. It has over 200 suites, holds over 450 guests, and costs about $1,000 per night per person.

When the boat is anchored, you can use some of the ship’s water toys and swim in the Mediterranean. Not to mention that all the rooms on this ship will have a balcony with an ocean view.

The ship has an infinity pool, five restaurants, six bars, several lounges, and a spa. This ship is truly one of a kind and a sail on here will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

4. Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s newest addition, Utopia of the Seas, is a paradise for cruisers. At over 1,000 feet long and 200 feet wide, this giant boat can hold up to 5,600 passengers. This giant boat will entertain you and the kids for days with its 3 water slides, 5 pools, 8 hot tubs, and a zipline. For the parents, there are 21 dining venues, 23 bars, and 2 casinos onboard.

With prices starting around $150 per night per person, this is a great way to see the Caribbean in a new way while enjoying the luxury of being on one of the best new ships in the world. This is the second-largest cruise ship in the world, so it’s basically like you are in a giant floating city that takes you to incredible places.

3. Disney Treasure

Welcome to the newest magical place on earth! The Disney Treasure is the newest cruise to be joining the Disney Cruise fleet. This cruise will also be sailing around the Caribbean, but only this time can you do it with all of your and your kid’s favorite Disney characters. Also, the legendary nightly entertainment will captivate you and make you feel like your life is a Disney movie. There are 3 themed restaurants onboard as well as other buffet options to make sure you never go hungry while you’re traveling.

This ship can hold up to 4,000 passengers, and its maiden voyage will be on Dec. 21, 2024. Some of the ship’s best attractions include AquaMouse, a water slide/rollercoaster, and the Haunted Mansion’s only themed bar on all the Disney cruise lines. There are also luxury cabins onboard with private bedrooms and a Tomorrow Tower Suite living room. This is a great cruise for Disney fans and lovers of the Caribbean.

2. Queen Anne

The Queen Anne is a Cunard World Voyages cruise that will take cruisers around the world. Some cruises are available for the summer of 2024, but the ship’s maiden world tour voyage will be in January 2025 in Germany. From there, it will sail to the UK, then to America, and then continue around the rest of the world.

This cruise tour of the world will be over 100 days long and costs $18,000 for the cheapest room for the full 111 days at sea. This comes out to be around $160 per person per night (not too bad). You can also book different legs of the cruise that start from 2 nights. 

This cruise can fit about 3,000 guests and is a very modern-looking cruise ship known as a high-end luxury cruise. It doesn’t have all the slides and party atmosphere that come with some of the others on this list and is more about serenity and relaxation.

Some of the things to do on this ship are eat and drink at some of the fancy restaurants and bars, relax at the spa, or take a dip in one of the ship’s 2 pools. This cruise is a great option for people who like the finer things in life and are looking to treat themselves to a wonderful cruising experience.

1. Icon of the Seas

I feel like cruisers and non-cruisers alike have seen or heard about this amazing ship. The Icon of the Seas is another ship from the Royal Caribbean that sets sail on January 27th, 2024. This is the biggest cruise ship in the world, holding 5,610 passengers, has 20 decks, and is 1,200 feet long. It also has 7 pools, 9 hot tubs, and a record-breaking 6 water slides. There are also 20 dining options onboard with food from around the globe.

The average cost is about $300 per night per person, and the sail will be around the Caribbean at a 7-night minimum. This cruise literally looks like a floating party with all of its colorful slides and lights. The Aquadome is another major feature of this ship and has a giant waterfall that changes colors. For entertainment, there is an ice skating rink where you can watch professional ice skaters do some incredible moves. This cruise ship is going to be a hit with the whole family, so make sure to book a room before they sell out!

20 Ports Where Every Cruiser Can Awaken Their Adventurous Spirit!

Explore our guide to 20 thrilling port destinations where adventure awaits at every turn—perfect for cruisers ready to explore!

Read more here !

14 Kid-Friendly Cruise Ports for Your Next Family Voyage

Discover 14 amazing cruise ports that promise fun for the whole family, offering adventures that kids and adults alike will love. Perfect for your next family cruise!

Read more here.

How to spend one day in Grand Turk Cruise Port

Maximize your cruise stop with our expert guide on how to spend one perfect day in Grand Turk, from beaches to historical sites.

Read more here!

Aruba Resort Day Passes: Perfect for a Cruise Excursion in 2024

Discover the ultimate relaxation with Aruba Resort Day Passes, ideal for enhancing your 2024 cruise excursion experience.

11 Aruba Experiences That Will Make Your Cruise Unforgettable!

Embark on unforgettable adventures with these 11 must-do Aruba experiences that will elevate your cruise vacation to the next level.

7 Best Cartagena Spain Shore Excursions

Discover the 7 top shore excursions in Cartagena, Spain, to make your trip unforgettable—

Click to see our top picks!

Ultimate Mediterranean Cruise Packing List (+Printable Checklist)

Pack your bags effortlessly for the perfect Mediterranean cruise with our essential packing guide and printable checklist—

View the full list here!

Ideal Alaska Cruise Packing List for 2024 (+Printable PDF Checklist)

Gear up for your 2024 Alaska cruise adventure with our comprehensive packing list and downloadable PDF checklist—

Get yours here!

More for You

Republicans Tell Supreme Court to Rule Against Donald Trump

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From Gilligan's Island

The Blood Type Mosquitoes Like Best

10 most common PINs have been revealed – see if yours is on the list

'They're using anything as an excuse': Home insurance companies are canceling policies based on aerial images, advocacy group says — here's what you can do to protect yourself

Fact Check: Online Rumor Claims Reba McEntire Stormed Off 'The Voice' After Producers Kicked Her Off the Show. Here Are the Facts

Tasha Smith and Sidra Smith: All About the Twin Actresses

13 Cybertruck Wraps That Make Tesla’s Electric Truck Even More Polarizing

How to find hidden cameras in an Airbnb, according to a security expert

This State Has the Most Deer in America

A South Korean weapons company once seen as a dinosaur is now churning out howitzers twice as fast as its Western competitors

The Most Valuable Hot Wheels Cars on the Market

'Star Wars' Actress Amandla Stenberg's 'White People' Remark Sparks Fury

27 Things Millennial Parents Are Doing Differently Than The Way They Were Raised

‘You’ll end up with $1.5 million in the bank’: Kevin O’Leary says you should do this 1 thing with your 401(k) in order to 'succeed into retirement’

Lawrence: Trump didn’t understand D-Day’s ‘bravery and devotion to duty.’

Avoid Answering Calls from These Area Codes: Scam Phone Numbers Guide

I live in a tiny home mansion and fell in love with it — it's the only way I could afford to live in California

Overlooked 'nuclear spin' is more important for life than we thought - study

Diane Keaton Visits Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney's Something About Her — Where She Has a Sandwich Named After Her!