Thank heavens for the Mississippi River.

Our little spot, high on the bluff overlooking that magnificent river, continues to pay dividends to Natchez.

Those dividends should be even more plentiful in the coming years, when riverboat traffic — bearing tourists — increases here.

American Cruise Lines, which owns the Queen of the Mississippi, has added a second boat, the American Eagle. The Queen of the Mississippi makes regular stops in Natchez. The new paddlewheeler, which sports 84 modern, luxury staterooms, will make its maiden voyage on April 11 and thereafter will make regular cruises on the lower Mississippi, including stops in Natchez.

American Cruise Lines plans 66 dockings in Natchez this year.

Also, the American Queen, owned by American Queen Steamboat Co. of Memphis, has also added an additional stop this year, with 29 planned stops.

In addition, Viking River Cruises, a luxury cruise line currently operating on rivers in Europe, plans to make New Orleans its North American home and will spend $100 million on six ships. It plans to launch cruises on the Mississippi River in 2017.

Most certainly those Viking vessels will make their way to Natchez.

It’s estimated that each tourist who visits is worth approximately $180 to the Natchez economy.

Additional riverboat traffic on the Mississippi means nothing but good things for Natchez.