Rates & Dates:
Cruise Length: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Prices from: $2,145 pp/do*
Single Price: $3,045 pp
Sale: Up to $750 Off Per Stateroom Select Departures
Book by: 05/31/2013
2013 Dates: Sept 6
Ships: American Queen
Notes: Port Charges of $49 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare.
*Per Person/Double Occupancy. Special Single Rates apply where listed.
This Lower Mississippi River voyage between St. Louis, MO and Memphis, TN will stir your senses. Stopping at some of the most historical towns along the way, guests on this voyage will be exposed to the most fascinating must-see sights.
Fares will include:
- Complimentary shore excursions in every port
- Complimentary overnight stay in a select luxury hotel before your voyage – includes breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Queen
- Complimentary wine and beer with dinner
- Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage
- The family recipes of acclaimed Southern chef Regina Charboneau
- The only steamboat with multiple specialty dining options, all at no additional charge
- Gracious service from a friendly all-American staff
- Casual elegance abounds, no formal wear required
- Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian
- Professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly
- Our own dedicated fleet of Steamcoaches
- The most all-inclusive American river voyage
- The only authentic steam-powered overnight paddlewheel riverboat in America
- The greatest vacation value in America
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Hotel Overnight – St. Louis
Included in your voyage is a one-night luxury hotel stay in St. Louis. Tomorrow, you will board the American Queen to begin your voyage.
DAY 2: St. Louis, MO
Departure: 9:00 p.m.
As your ship leaves St.Louis, gaze up at the Gateway Arch and envision the adventures that lie ahead. The Welcome Aboard Dinner gets your journey off to a festive start.
DAY 3: Cape Girardeau, MO
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Included Tour: Start the tour with visits to several different houses and museums that cover much of Cape Girardeau’s history. Riverfront Murals is a concrete and granite cobblestone amphitheater that provides seating for a scenic look of the Mississippi River.
Red House Interpretive Center shows an exhibit reflecting the lives of those who called the Old Cape Girardeau District home. The Old St. Vincent’s Church displays Renaissance architecture in English Gothic Revival style. Next is the Glenn House, a museum that features architecture, furnishings, clothing and more from the Victorian era.
Check out spectacular vistas of historic landmark houses and views from the Mississippi River at the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University, Old Bridge Overlook and Park, and the Crisp Museum. Then, you’ll make one last stop at the Cape River Heritage Museum, located inside an old fire station built in 1908, which houses river-related artifacts and historical items.
If you want to pick up any brochures for information or as souvenirs, Cape Girardeau Visitor’s Center will help make your “Escape to Cape” a memorable experience.
Premium Choice Tour #1 - Afternoon Tea with a Touch of Crafts
DAY 4: Cave-In-Rock, IL
Arrival: 12:00 p.m. — Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Few natural formations are as awe-inspiring or intriguing as a cave. The deep, dark recesses immediately conjure up images of adventure, mystery, terror, robbers and pirates. At Cave-In-Rock in southern Illinois, you can experience this fascination for yourself. Sitting atop the high bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded park is named for the 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. Trails winding along the riverbank offer views of riverboats, barges and other river scenes.
DAY 5: Steamboating
Settle into a rocking chair and just let the scenery glide by. Or join in the fun of our numerous onboard activities. Your full day of leisurely steamboating on the river sets the tone for an unforgettable vacation.
DAY 6: Paducah, KY
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Known as the city of art, rhythm and rivers, Paducah boasts a lively Lowertown Arts District, the renowned River Heritage Museum, a Save America’s Treasures project, and tours via foot, trolley or horse-drawn carriage reveal its charm. OR Elegant displays at the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society highlight the vigorous rebirth of quiltmaking. It’s just one of the colorful attractions in a lovely city of 19th century architecture, specialty shops and one-of-a-kind eateries.
Included Tour: Once you board your Hop On-Hop Off deluxe Steamcoach, a few stops may capture your attention. You’ll find the finest quilts made by today’s quilt artists at the National Quilt Museum. Then, visit some museums dedicated to preserving the heritage of the river, railroad and highlights of western Kentucky role in the War Between the States: the River Discovery Center, Paducah Railroad Museum and Paducah Civil War. Or visit the William Clark Market House Museum, which narrates the history of Paducah’s growth.
Premium Choice Tour #1 - Art a la Carte & Stitch-in-the-Ditch
DAY 7: New Madrid, MO
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 12:00 p.m.
Relive scenes out of the battle and siege of New Madrid and enjoy a presentation at the Hunter-Dawson Historic Site. You’ll see the war through the eyes of local soldiers.
Included Tour: As you board your Hop On-Hop Off deluxe Steamcoach, stroll the 120-foot observation deck and view the 20-mile-long Bessie Bend at the New Madrid Observation Deck. Shopping is next in downtown New Madrid. Then, see how culture is reflected in this ever changing river town from the Mississippian Indian period at the New Madrid Historical Museum.
In the 1940s, the Higgerson School was an 8th-grade classroom with no electricity. Other places you may want to see along the way include Veteran’s Park, the New Madrid County Courthouse, the cypress-framed antebellum mansion of the Hunter-Dawson State Historical Society, and the oldest house in New Madrid, the Hart-Stepp House Art Gallery.
DAY 8: Disembark in Memphis, TN
Disembark in Memphis and enjoy the city or continue your journey home.
Rates & Dates:
Cruise Length: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Prices from: $2,495 pp/do*
Single Price: $3,495 pp
Sale: Up to $750 Off Per Stateroom Select Departures
Book by: 05/31/2013
2013 Dates: Dec 13
Ships: American Queen
Notes: Port Charges of $49 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare.
*Per Person/Double Occupancy. Special Single Rates apply where listed.
Join us on this 9 Day roundtrip New Orleans, LA voyage featuring the most recognizable southern locales. Steamboating the Lower Mississippi River, the American Queen will take you to Louisiana favorites like Houmas House, Oak Alley and Baton Rouge. In Mississippi, enjoy the historic towns of Vicksburg and Natchez.
Fares will include:
- Complimentary shore excursions in every port
- Complimentary overnight stay in a select luxury hotel before your voyage – includes breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Queen
- Complimentary wine and beer with dinner
- Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage
- The family recipes of acclaimed Southern chef Regina Charboneau
- The only steamboat with multiple specialty dining options, all at no additional charge
- Gracious service from a friendly all-American staff
- Casual elegance abounds, no formal wear required
- Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian
- Professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly
- Our own dedicated fleet of Steamcoaches
- The most all-inclusive American river voyage
- The only authentic steam-powered overnight paddlewheel riverboat in America
- The greatest vacation value in America
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Hotel Overnight – New Orleans
Included in your voyage is a luxury hotel stay. For this itinerary, we will reserve a room for you at one of these properties: The Westin New Orleans Canal Place or Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Tomorrow, you will board the American Queen. Please Note: The May 5 and November 16 voyages offer a 1-night post-voyage hotel night instead of the pre-voyage hotel night.
DAY 2: New Orleans, LA
Departure: 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of New Orleans today. This afternoon, you will board the American Queen to begin your voyage. Kick off the festivities with a Welcome Aboard Dinner.
DAY 3: Oak Alley, LA
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 1:00 p.m.
Located in the Saint James Parish, Oak Alley is a much-photographed plantation that combines architectural splendor and the natural wonder of its 300-year-old oak trees. Spend time strolling beneath the canopy of these trees, and learn about the rich history and culture of this southern estate.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: Disembark from the American Queen and walk across the street to enjoy the beauty and dream of Oak Alley’s rich past. Located on the Mississippi River between the historic Louisiana cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Oak Alley Plantation has been called the “Grande Dame of the Great River Road”. Nowhere else in the south will you find such a spectacular setting! The 19 quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees, believed to be nearly 300 years old, forms an impressive avenue leading to the classic Greekrevival style antebellum home. The setting will remind you of the movie “Gone with the Wind” and makes you feel like you are on a Hollywood movie set. Oak Alley’s adaptive restoration in 1925 by her new owners, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stewart, was the first example of antebellum restoration along the River Road. Through the years, Oak Alley was the scene of many events affecting those who had given her a second chance at survival in the struggle against time and the elements.
DAY 4: St. Francisville, LA
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 1:00 p.m.
This quaint town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is your window to the past. With over 140 buildings on the National Register, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling Main Street shops, you’ll find plenty to keep you on the go in St. Francisville.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: As you board your deluxe hop-on hop-off Steamcoach, you will turn onto Royal Street where you may want to stop off atGrandmother’s Buttons, a Victorian button museum and jewelry boutique, or the West Florida Republic Park. Visit the Old Market Hall, where you will see art, jewelry, handmade items and music albums. When you reach Commerce Street, there are several places for lunch, snacks, spirits, coffee and ice cream. Once you are refreshed, hop back on the Steamcoach which will take you up to the Spring Creek Shopping Center. Finally, you will visit the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street and the Grace Episcopal Church.
Premium Choice Tour #1 - Mystery, Mansions and Mayhem
DAY 5: Natchez, MS
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Step into the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum south in Natchez, site of numerous restored mansions. Visit historic Jefferson College, or just amble down the Natchez Trace.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Natchez is the center of the Antebellum South. From Spring Pilgrimage to Christmas, there’s no shortage of excitement in this small town as you tour the antebellum mansions, drink in the history and enjoy the evening entertainment. Stop at the Natchez Visitors Center to peruse the gift shop and bookstore, or view exhibits and films illustrating the rich history of Natchez. Take a narrated tour of Longwood and Stanton Hall. Stanton Hall was built in 1857 and is considered the grandest of the Natchez mansions. Longwood, built in 1861, is the largest octagonal house in the United States, standing six stories high and topped with a 25-foot finial. Also on our route is Twin Oaks, the antebellum mansion of Regina Charboneau, the Chef de Cuisine of the American Queen.
Premium Choice Tour #1 - Entertaining Southern Style with Regina Charboneau
Premium Choice Tour #2 - Music, Mistresses and Marriage
DAY 6: Vicksburg, MS
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Discover a unique blend of old and new in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Take in the diversity from Vicksburg National Military Park to the Waterways Experiment Station. Billed as the “Red Carpet City of the South,” Southern hospitality is alive and well and awaiting your arrival.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Board your hop-on hop-off Steamcoach for a narrated tour experience of Vicksburg, Mississippi, a city bursting at the seams with local culture, character, art, entertainment and outdoor adventure. The Red Carpet City of the South, Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Your deluxe teamcoach will first take you through Vicksburg’s shopping district. You will stop at The Church of the Holy Trinity, a place of spiritual refreshment to Vicksburg for more than 125 years. Two blocks from the church you will find the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. Your next stop is the Vicksburg Battlefield Visitor’s Center. As you return to the downtown area, continue to the Old Courthouse Museum, which showcases thousands of artifacts from pre-Columbian times to Civil War implements, and visit the Levee St. Museum. Finally, stop at Washington Street for more shopping, or discover other interesting museums including the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum and Yesterday’s Children Antique Doll and Toy Museum.
Premium Choice Tour #1 - The Battle of Vicksburg – The “Up-Close” Tour
DAY 7: Baton Rouge, LA
Arrival: 10:00 a.m. — Departure: 9:00 p.m.
The capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the center of all the great things the state has to offer—visitors delight in the seamless blend of past and present experiencing authentic Louisiana at every turn. With its semi-tropical climate, the outdoors is tempting and the attractions abound. No wonder this is one of the south’s fastest growing cities.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: In Louisiana’s capital city, you will see something unique at every turn! Begin your day with a tour for the military enthusiast at the USS Kidd, a WWII Fletcher-class destroyer. You will also visit historic exhibits in the adjoining Veterans Memorial Museum. Then, visit the Old Governor’s Mansion, built in 1930 by Governor Huey P. Long as “Louisiana’s White House.”
The next stop is the beautiful St. Joseph Cathedral, built in 1853. Next, walk through the Main Street Market where dining options include down-home Southern cooking, sandwiches, salads, Chinese, Greek and Lebanese. This is also a great opportunity to pick up Louisiana souvenirs. Then, the loop will take us around Capitol Lake through Arsenal Park for a beautiful view of the current Governor’s Mansion which was built in 1963, when Jimmie Davis was Governor. Also included is a stop by the Old Arsenal Museum, which was built in 1838 and used by the U.S. military during the Mexican and Civil Wars.
Tour the Louisiana State Capitol building, standing proud as the nation’s tallest capitol building. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city and mighty Mississippi River from the 27th floor observation deck. Next, stroll across the intricate Capitol Gardens and tour the Capitol Park Museum, a Louisiana State Museum. Here you can step onto a simulated Mardi Gras float, discover the difference between Cajun and Creole, and lose yourself in multimedia presentations. For the art lover, your next stop is the LSU Museum of Art, located inside the Shaw Center for the Arts and featuring a diverse art collection. The last stop on the loop is Louisiana’s Old State Capitol building, the 160-year-old statehouse that has withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment and the occasional fistfight.
Premium Choice Tour #1 - History and Politics of Baton Rouge
DAY 8: Houmas House, LA
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 3:00 p.m.
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of “The Sugar Palace” when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Disembark from the American Queen and experience the magic of time gone by when you enter the grounds of historic Houmas House Plantation & Gardens. Your 4-hour stay will take you on a journey through a time when Sugar Barons reigned supreme along the Great River Road.
As you begin your walking tour of the grounds, you will be greeted with the sights and scents of 16 acres of lush gardens, cool fountains and moss-draped live oaks that stand witness to the extraordinary lives spent in this beautiful setting.
Circle the mansion to find the Turtle Bar nestled beside a garden path. Here, you will find a cool respite and an opportunity to try a mint julep, the bourbon cocktail that was first concocted at Houmas House. Take your drink with you while continuing your stroll among the formal gardens, where you may happen upon the kitchen crops from which the sous chefs harvest each evening in preparation for meal service inside the mansion. You will enjoy full access to every room of the mansion and photography is permitted throughout.
Finally, you’ll want to take a piece of Houmas House home with you. An 8,000-square-foot gift shop is filled with treasures to commemorate your visit.
Premium Choice Tour #1 - Laura: A Creole Plantation
Premium Choice Tour #2 - Life in the Bayou – A Swamp ECO Tour
DAY 9: Disembark in New Orleans, LA
Arrival: 8:00 a.m.
Tie up in New Orleans near historic Jackson Square and bid your ship adieu. But give in to the temptation to hang around and explore.
Special activities, treats and surprises abound as we celebrate the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and the Paddlewheel Steamboatin’ Society of America.
