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Guests enjoy two- to five-day cruises along the Mississippi River that include stops in Hannibal, Missouri (Mark Twain’s hometown), St. Louis and Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. Unlike other paddleboat cruises, guests sail from port to port on the paddleboat but stay onshore overnight in local accommodations. On a virtual journey through living history—past fertile cotton fields, sugar cane plantations and imposing pillared mansions—guests can soak in the romantic spirit of the Antebellum era that unfolds along the riverbanks. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship's cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region.
NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM
Cruising the Mississippi River and its tributaries is an exploration of the American spirit. Gliding past the rolling farmland on our paddlewheel riverboats American Heritage and American Splendor, is an experience set in a time past and a testament to the ingenuity of the pioneers who first traveled these waters. The fabric of the region is brought to life through our delicious regional cuisine, great onboard music, and customized excursions to historic landmarks. Enjoy one of our themed Mississippi River cruises, perfect for music aficionados, culinary connoisseurs and history enthusiasts. Welcome to Memphis, a historic city which rises picturesquely up the hillside from the river, adorned with grand oak trees, lush parks, and historic sites that commemorate everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city’s famous BBQ.
Day 1: Hotel Stay in Memphis, TN
Experience a time-honored form of travel by cruising down the Mississippi River on a paddleboat. This unique vacation experience provides a new view of such popular U.S. destinations as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and St. Paul, as well as scenic landscapes up and down river. You won’t find a vacation like this elsewhere in America, so you’re sure to create some priceless memories. Guests travel to the magnificent Houmas House Plantation and enjoy its beautiful gardens and unique collection of Louisiana art, and get to sip a mint julep on the west lawn of former the Oak Alley Plantation.
Other Cruises on the Mississippi River
Discover why the Mississippi River and the port of Vicksburg were so important during the Civil War and enjoy the beautiful architecture, antiques, and gardens of grand estates alongside the river, including Houmas House, and Rosedown. Perhaps sip and savor a tasty mint julep while strolling under the canopy of 300-year-old trees at Oak Alley or peruse the local shops and museums of quaint and cozy towns like St. Francisville and Natchez. The two cruise lines sailing America's most legendary river offer itineraries for every interest on ships designed with mature travelers in mind. Enjoy a feast for your senses if you linger in this magical city, renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and rich culture with an international flair. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the renowned National World War II Museum. If departing the ship in New Orleans, enjoy available city excursions and motorcoach transfers to the airport.
Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages - Star Tribune
Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Viking River Cruises' American Heartland itinerary sails from St. Louis to St. Paul (or vice versa) and runs 12 days with pre- and post-cruise stays in 2024 and 2025. You'll explore architectural gems aboard Viking Mississippi, itself an example of sleek, Scandinavian-inspired nautical architecture. Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon. Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park. Travel to the birthplace of jazz, blues, and rock–n-roll as our talented onboard musicians entertain you with songs born along the river. Dine on the finest Cajun and Creole and mouth-watering Memphis BBQ prepared by our team of master chefs.
Hover and click on the deck plan to explore the ship. See a PDF version of the deck plan.
American Queen Voyages shuts down: What to know about cruises, refunds - Commercial Appeal
American Queen Voyages shuts down: What to know about cruises, refunds.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Overlooking the river from atop a high, St. Francisville began as a part of Spanish West Florida in the early 1800s until American settlers overthrew the Spanish governing forces, and the region later became part of the United States. Later, experience the opulence and natural wonder of the Oak Alley estate with its breathtaking parallel row of 28 ancient and massive live oak trees. Here, you can savor a complimentary taste of one of the best mint juleps in the South.
America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans
These itineraries are offered by both American Cruise Lines and Viking, and are perfect for seniors with plenty of time to explore. Passengers can enjoy a sun terrace with an aft infinity pool and an Explorer's Lounge with panoramic forward views of the Mississippi. The Restaurant serves both Southern regional cuisine and global favorites, and the ship welcomes local musicians onboard for evening entertainment. Viking is a newcomer to the Mississippi River, and all sailings are aboard the 386-guest Viking Mississippi.
After American Queen Voyages shut down in February, only two Mississippi River cruise lines currently remain in operation. Here's what you need to know about Mississippi River boat cruises, from choice itineraries to popular stops. Winona, Minnesota, boasts some of the state's most architecturally significant buildings, many featuring the beautiful stained glass for which the city is known. Then it's off to Red Wing, Minnesota, where you can explore the Pottery Museum before completing your journey in the Twin Cities. Sail along the Mississippi River, an important region with diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway or try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos.
Pre: New Orleans Discovery
Immerse yourself in the blues with Viking’s Privileged Access Mississippi Delta experience. Explore the oldest city on the Mississippi, Natchez, with over 200 historic Southern estates. Step into 19th-century America in Winona, Minnesota, located in the picturesque bluff country on the Mississippi River. Explore this vibrant small town with the perfect blend of urban edge and old-world charm.
It’s best to cruise the Upper Mississippi in the spring, fall and summer, when temperatures are milder. Highlights include St. Louis, where you'll admire Saarinen's circa-1965 Gateway Arch, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis featuring a 41-million-piece mosaic and the Renaissance Revival-style City Hall. From Dubuque, Iowa, you can head to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to visit Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's private home, studio and school from 1911 to 1959. If you love the musical genres of the South, a Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to Memphis (or vice versa) should be your choice. Explore St. Paul’s historic districts graced with late 19th- and early 20th-century mansions.
Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history. Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music—blues, jazz and soul—the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores. Road Scholar, a nonprofit inspiring lifelong learning since 1975, offers a 26-day learning adventure on the American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Duchess. Sailing the entire length of the Mississippi, the onboard focus is on the life and legacy of Mark Twain, with lectures onboard by a resident Riverlorian history and culture experts. Participants visit the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens in Hannibal, Missouri, as well as the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
For an 8- or 9-day cruise, the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise is around $4,000 per person in a stateroom. Viking offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. History buffs and Americana lovers will find plenty to enjoy on a Mississippi River cruise. Your ship will stop in major cities and lesser-known towns, offering excursions to historic sites and evenings spent enjoying locally inspired cuisine and regional music. Revel in the charm of “America’s Great River” as you set sail along the Mississippi.
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn come to life in this charming Missouri town, where you can run your hand along Aunt Polly’s fence, explore Injun Joe’s Cave, and get reacquainted with one of the world’s most beloved authors. The downtown area is a thriving haven for artisans, filled with specialty shops unique to Hannibal. Perhaps take a narrated motorcoach excursion to get an overview of this dramatic city. Explore the home, life, and career of Elvis Presley or make your pilgrimage to Sun Studio, where he recorded his earliest smash-hits.
Passengers on the Upper Mississippi may get the chance to hop off and explore Mark Twain's childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, stroll the streets of Iowa's oldest city (Dubuque), or marvel at sacred bluffs in Red Wing, Minnesota. Along the Middle Mississippi, there's Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO-designated Creative City, and Chester, Illinois, the birthplace of Popeye the Sailor Man. Another year, too much rain flooded the river, making it impossible for riverboats to get under bridges and forcing the closing of several locks. Even on the Upper Mississippi, temperatures can climb into the 90s, and humidity is high during the summer, so be prepared for sudden thunderstorms. The weather cools down quite considerably (especially in the morning and evening) come autumn. However, there are slight differences depending on the section of the river you’re looking to cruise.
Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region. Sail along the Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis on this nine-day cruise, which starts with a complimentary stay in New Orleans and a second day to enjoy the Big Easy. Then, it's on to Nottoway Resort and St. Francisville in Louisiana and Natchez, Vicksburg, and Greenville in Mississippi before a day of cruising through the Delta and disembarking in Memphis.
We’ve compiled a three-day itinerary for the Great River Road that’s complete with charming river towns, breathtaking natural beauty and unforgettable memories. Whether visitors see every sight along the way or choose a few of their favorites, one thing’s for sure—the Great River Road was made for jaw-dropping road trips. The American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, carries up to 428 guests; the smaller, boutique-style American Duchess carries 166 guests. American Queen Steamboat Company currently offers five different New Orleans itineraries on these boats with plans for the debut launch of the American Countess in April 2020.
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