Low water on Mississippi - effects?

[roninman]

Been seeing reports lately of low levels on the river, and the effect on barges and other river traffic that must ensure it stays in certain channels.  Additionally, the low levels allow saline seepage from the Gulf estuary up into the river near N.O.

 

Anyone notice any effects on the Mississippi cruise sailings?

(Cross posted in ACL board),

[Wizpharm2]

We have been home less than a week from a round trip Memphis to New Orleans.  The lower water levels are affecting river cruises including significant issues in docking.  We missed more than one port of call as docks were not useable with the low water levels.  Most places we did dock required very steep climbs to reach the road level, often on loose gravel.  The cruise line did an excellent job of using different ports and provided golf cart rides up and down steep inclines for any guest that needed (wanted) them.  Our cruise started by being bused an hour south of Memphis to board as the ship could not dock in Memphis.  We were able to disembark in Memphis on our return trip.

Several times we stopped to allow a barge to use the only available channel.  And in many places it looked more like beach front property, rather than River front, with yards of sand visible at the waters edge.

[bob brown]

Our current voyage on the American Queen, will bypass Vicksburg , as well, and have an extra “river day” instead.

[bob brown]

I forgot to mention, that we did arrive in the next port, Natchez ahead of schedule as a result, and we got to spend the evening and overnight in Natchez, which was nice...