Port information & tips for Mobile (AL)
Memphis is the vibrant heart of the American South and is considered the legendary cradle of the blues as well as rock 'n' roll. Located directly on the majestic Mississippi River, the city delights visitors with a unique blend of historic Southern charm, a lively music culture, and an infectious energy. Absolute highlights in the immediate vicinity include the world-famous Beale Street with its iconic live clubs, the historic National Civil Rights Museum, and the legendary Sun Studio. River cruise ships dock at the modern Beale Street Landing terminal, which, thanks to its prime location, offers perfect access to the center, as the famous party mile and the city's most important sights are within easy walking distance.
Memphis is a central hub for river cruises on the Mississippi, with ships docking at Beale Street Landing (251 Riverside Drive). For guests from the DACH region, a relaxed pre-cruise overnight stay in Memphis is recommended due to the long journey, ensuring you start your embarkation well-rested and stress-free.
Airplane
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is the nearest airport and a major hub in the USA. Although there are no direct long-haul flights from the DACH region, MEM offers very good connecting flights. For a smooth arrival, it is advisable to arrive in Memphis at least one day before your scheduled embarkation to prevent any weather-related or flight schedule delays.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Memphis International Airport (MEM), you can easily reach Beale Street Landing by taxi, private transfer services, or shared shuttles. Private transfers, also offered by providers such as Prime Time Shuttle, provide a direct and comfortable ride to your hotel or the cruise terminal. The travel time from the airport to the city center is usually only about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed start to your river cruise, an overnight stay in one of the numerous hotels in Downtown Memphis or charming Harbor Town is ideal. Many hotels in the city center, such as the Sheraton Downtown, the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis, or the River Inn of Harbor Town, are conveniently located near Beale Street Landing. Additionally, some cruise lines, such as American Cruise Lines, offer special pre-cruise packages that may include both the hotel stay and the transfer to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will generally provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Memphis is a central hub for river cruises on the Mississippi, with ships docking at Beale Street Landing (251 Riverside Drive). For guests from the DACH region, a relaxed pre-cruise overnight stay in Memphis is recommended due to the long journey, ensuring you start your embarkation well-rested and stress-free.
Airplane
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is the nearest airport and a major hub in the USA. Although there are no direct long-haul flights from the DACH region, MEM offers very good connecting flights. For a smooth arrival, it is advisable to arrive in Memphis at least one day before your scheduled embarkation to prevent any weather-related or flight schedule delays.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Memphis International Airport (MEM), you can easily reach Beale Street Landing by taxi, private transfer services, or shared shuttles. Private transfers, also offered by providers such as Prime Time Shuttle, provide a direct and comfortable ride to your hotel or the cruise terminal. The travel time from the airport to the city center is usually only about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed start to your river cruise, an overnight stay in one of the numerous hotels in Downtown Memphis or charming Harbor Town is ideal. Many hotels in the city center, such as the Sheraton Downtown, the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis, or the River Inn of Harbor Town, are conveniently located near Beale Street Landing. Additionally, some cruise lines, such as American Cruise Lines, offer special pre-cruise packages that may include both the hotel stay and the transfer to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will generally provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The pier at Beale Street Landing provides you with direct access to the heart of Memphis and offers an ideal starting point for your explorations on the Mississippi.
On Foot
Thanks to the terminal's central location, you can easily reach world-famous Beale Street and the city center in about 10 to 15 minutes. The path takes you along the picturesque riverside park and simultaneously offers a wonderful view of the river and the iconic Hernando de Soto Bridge.
Main Street Trolley
The charming historical streetcars run regularly on Main Street and connect the port area directly with important cultural highlights such as the National Civil Rights Museum. This authentic way of getting around is inexpensive and allows for a relaxed and stylish ride through the city's historic center.
Taxi and Ridesharing
Official taxis wait directly in the area of the pier and bring you quickly to more distant destinations such as Graceland or Sun Studio. In addition, mobile ridesharing services are very present in Memphis and are available at any time for a comfortable onward journey thanks to the terminal's good connection.
To make the most of your stay in Memphis, we recommend a combination of the legendary music history in the city center and a visit to the world-famous estate of Elvis Presley.
Beale Street & Downtown
The pulsating heart of Memphis delights with its legendary blues history as well as thrilling live clubs and, thanks to its central location near the riverbank, is perfectly suited for an atmospheric city stroll.
Graceland
The extensive estate of Elvis Presley offers a fascinating insight into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll and is easily accessible thanks to efficient shuttle connections; furthermore, the iconic pilgrimage site represents an unforgettable cultural highlight.
National Civil Rights Museum & South Main
This significant museum in the historic Lorraine Motel impressively conveys American contemporary history and is located in the charming South Main Arts District, which, with its art galleries and nostalgic trolleys, is ideal for an exploration tour on foot.
Beale Street & South Main District
The historic district around the legendary Beale Street is located directly at the cruise pier and can be easily reached on foot or by a short taxi ride in just a few minutes. This cultural heart of Memphis impresses with its vibrant music history and the impressive National Civil Rights Museum, which provides deep insights into American history. Along the route, you will find numerous cozy cafes and authentic restaurants that perfectly reflect the inviting southern charm and beckon you to stay. Ideally, visit the museum right at its morning opening to experience the moving exhibitions in peace, and then enjoy a relaxed stroll through the famous blues mile before returning to the ship in good time by early afternoon.
Returning to Beale Street Landing is extremely straightforward and relaxed thanks to its central location directly on the Mississippi River. This ensures you reach your ship safely and on time after your stay in the city of the blues.
Taxi and Rideshare Services
Taxis are available in front of major hotels like the famous Peabody Memphis or directly at the central taxi stands along Beale Street. Additionally, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be conveniently ordered via app to any meeting point in the city center and will take you directly to the port terminal on Riverside Drive in just a few minutes.
Main Street Trolley
The historical trolley cars run regularly on Main Street and offer a charming connection back towards the riverbank. From the stops near Beale Street, it is only a short walk through Tom Lee Park to the pier, while enjoying the view of the Mississippi.
On Foot
Since Beale Street Landing is located right at the end of the world-famous Beale Street, the walk back is particularly easy and safe. Simply follow the clear signage towards the Mississippi and use the direct path via the well-maintained promenades to your ship's gangway.
