NATCHEZ — It’s only a matter of time before cruise ships will be heading up the Mississippi River.

Cruise West, a Seatle-based cruise line, recently announced the addition of Mississippi River cruises that include a stop in Natchez.

The cruise line specializes in small vessel cruises.

The trips planned for the Mississippi River will embark from New Orleans. The cruises are scheduled to begin in March 2011, according to the company’s Web site, www.cruisewest.com.

Currently four departure dates are planned.

The cruise will stop in Natchez on its fourth day, after stops at Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, La., and St. Francisville, La.

The cruise will continue up the Mississippi River and disembark in Memphis, Tenn.