Embark on a unique riverboat adventure along the Lower Mississippi River between New Orleans, Louisiana and Memphis, Tennessee. Savor a week aboard our intimate and relaxed modern riverboats as we cruise the lower Mississippi River. Our enthusiastic all-American crew are ready to share with you a wonderful journey filled with historical tales, culinary delights, unique culture, vibrant music, and new friends. Enjoy time onboard the ship in your comfortable and spacious stateroom. From your private balcony, enjoy expansive river views, the rising bluffs of the historic river towns, and the tree-lined banks accented with blue herons and bald eagles. Delight in the diverse menu of delicious meals carefully crafted by our onboard culinary team to include samples of regional cuisine. Make new friends at every meal with our popular open table seating.
Dynamic presentations by your onboard speaker connect you to the region’s culture and history. Local guides also share insights to illuminate your shore excursions. Memphis offers savory barbecue, rich music history museums, Sun Studios, and the amazing tour of Elvis’ Graceland mansion exhibits. You can explore why the Mississippi River and the port of Vicksburg were so important during the Civil War as you explore the Vicksburg National Military Park. Enjoy beautiful architecture, antiques, and gardens at grand plantation homes as you learn southern stories from local guides and fascinating museums. Take in the local shops and museums of quaint and cozy towns like St. Francisville and Natchez. Perhaps sip and savor a tasty mint julep while strolling under the canopy of the 300-year-old trees at Oak Alley Plantation or explore the lavishly restored mansion and the expansive, manicured grounds surrounding Houmas House Plantation.
Back aboard your riverboat, relax with our daily cocktail hour, hors d'oeuvres, a delicious meal, and an evening show as regional entertainers share the area’s renowned cultural flair. Stand on deck and revel in a magical Mississippi river sunset. Experience the charm and uniqueness of the lower Mississippi River region. As Mark Twain once wrote, the river “has a new story to tell every day.”
Traveling with American Cruise Lines has never been easier. Ask about our brand new flat-rate domestic Airfare option available on our Lower Mississippi River Cruise itinerary.
Pre-Cruise
On our Lower Mississippi River cruise itineraries, we offer a variety of convenient Pre-Cruise options, providing you will a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. For cruises starting in Memphis, choose from our 2-Night Graceland Pre-Cruise Package or our Complimentary 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay.
For cruises starting in New Orleans, choose from our Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans Pre-Cruise Package or our Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in New Orleans.
Pre-Cruise Packages and Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Day 1 - Memphis, TN
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.
Choose from an array of customized excursions. Perhaps take a narrated motorcoach excursion to get an overview of this dramatic city. Or indulge in the glamour of the Peabody Hotel. Explore the home, life, and career of Elvis Presley or make your pilgrimage to Sun Studio, where he recorded his earliest smash-hits.
The comfort of your ship awaits at the nearby Beale Street Landing, docked along an impressive, recently renovated city park. Be entertained on board by local musicians as you savor a nightcap.
Day 2 - Day of River Cruising
Today is a day to truly relax without a care in the world. Revel in the bliss of floating along the current of the mighty Mississippi River, framed by a forest of cottonwood trees dotted with majestic blue herons.
Enjoy fascinating enrichment presentations and festive onboard activities. Savor fine meals and cocktails. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck as you read a book or chat with new friends. Mark Twain described the experience as having “nothing to hang a worry or a fret upon.”
Day 3 - Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg is a place of drama. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. The well-fortified connection between river and rail transportation was known as “The Gibraltar of the West.” A narrated exploration of the well-preserved National Military Park battlefield enlivens this powerful story and highlights its significance.
President Abraham Lincoln summarized Vicksburg’s importance clearly when he said, “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket… They can defy us from Vicksburg… As valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so.”
Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Walk aboard an enormous Army Corps of Engineers towboat. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate.
Day 4 - Natchez, MS
In Natchez, grand homes sparkle like jewels, adorning the bluffs that tower above the river. Since 1716, when the French first built a fort here among the Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth.
With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality.
Explore on your own or enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. 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.
Day 5 - St. Francisville, LA
As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port of St. Francisville. 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.
Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss.
Day 6 - Baton Rouge, LA
Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble.
Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp.
Day 7 - Houmas House, LA
Step off your ship docked right at Houmas House and explore one of the most elaborately renovated of the grand homes along the river, once a private home and a thriving historical agricultural enterprise. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the magnificently restored home’s unmatched collection of stunning period furnishings and artwork. The ornately landscaped grounds include 38 acres of gardens, fountains, and majestic live oak trees.
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.
Day 8 - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is worth some extra time. 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. Or extend your stay to further explore the delights of the Big Easy.
Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure.
On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Call 1-800-460-4518 to reserve your space.
The complete Elvis experience is yours with 2-nights at The Guest House at Graceland, breakfast each morning, and a VIP Tour of Elvis' mansion and grounds. Upon arrival, be treated to an exclusive Welcome Reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, featuring a presentation by the Graceland Archives Department, who you will show you items belonging to Elvis, not regularly shown to the general public. The following day, enjoy a Memphis City Exploration which concludes at the ship the morning of your cruise.
Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Call 1-800-460-4518 to for pricing and availability.
Be the first to experience this unprecedented offering, which includes an overnight stay at the newly opened, Four Seasons New Orleans in central downtown and close to major attractions. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, this landmark tower has been meticulously restored into a five-star hotel. Celebrate the spirit of the Big Easy before beginning your amazing journey along the Mississippi River.
Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Call 1-800-460-4518 for pricing and availability.
Established in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum’s mission is to share the history of the American Civil Rights Movement, a tumultuous and inspiring period of change. Explore interactive exhibits and historic collections to learn how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom today.
Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Memphis, as well as the Complete Mississippi, Grand Heartland, and Mississippi River Gateway cruises.
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum was the first exhibition ever to have been developed by the Smithsonian Institution with another museum. The exhibition tells the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create music that would influence American culture and the world. Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Explore the museum and exhibition which introduces guests to some of the greatest musicians of all time, each who contributed the city’s musical legacy. Enjoy never-before-seen memorabilia, rare video performances and interviews, interactive exhibits, and more.
Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Memphis, as well as the Complete Mississippi, Grand Heartland, and Mississippi River Gateway cruises.;
Explore Sun Studio, well-known in the music industry as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the most famous recording studio in the world. Founded by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this National Historic Landmark is where superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and countless others started their recording careers.
Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Memphis, as well as the Complete Mississippi, Grand Heartland, and Mississippi River Gateway cruises.
No trip to Memphis is complete without a trip to the home of the “King of Rock n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to super stardom. See where Elvis lived, relaxed, and spent time with his family and friends. Visit the many onsite museums where you can view Elvis' many jumpsuits and gold records, as well his collection of automobiles and custom jets.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Memphis, as well as the Complete Mississippi, Grand Heartland, and Mississippi River Gateway cruises. For cruises starting in Memphis, this tour is only offered as part of the 2-day Pre-Cruise Package.
Visit Edge Motor Museum to discover the stories behind some of the world’s most iconic cars. Each automobile in the museum is selected based on its historical and cultural significance and is either owned by the museum or on-loan from an individual, estate, or organization. Learn about the cultural, economic, political, and technological trends prevalent when they were made, as well as how these cars reflect the eras in which they were designed, built, sold, and driven.
Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Memphis, as well as the Complete Mississippi, Grand Heartland, and Mississippi River Gateway cruises.
Relax and let your guide show you the highlights of this fascinating City on the Bluff. Memphis is located on the Mississippi River at the northern end of the Mississippi Delta where the Blues was born, with a history linked to cotton and music. On this narrated excursion, view Mud Island, a Mississippi River Educational Park; Cotton Row, where 60% of the nation’s cotton was once traded; National Civil Rights Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated; and The Pinch District, Memphis' first neighborhood which was a melting pot of immigrants, mostly Irish immigrants who came to America to escape the Potato Famine.
Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Memphis, as well as the Complete Mississippi, Grand Heartland, and Mississippi River Gateway cruises. For cruises starting in Memphis, this tour is only offered as part of the 2-day Pre-Cruise Package.
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
Led by our local expert guide, this walking exploration of Vicksburg brings to life the history of this river city from 1820 to the present. Hear engaging stories of the citizens who once called Vicksburg home. Stroll along its brick streets and admire native flora as well as the variety of architecture styles found among the antebellum homes, churches, and museums.
Experience what life was like in the 19th century on this one-of-a-kind adventure into Vicksburg’s oldest neighborhood. Visit Christ Episcopal Church (circa 1839) and view its beautiful Tiffany windows amidst the Gothic revival architecture. The Rector will tell the stories and history of this church, including how the surrounding cannonball fire rang out all around during the siege of Vicksburg. Next, take a short walk alongside the neighborhood’s brick streets to Duff Green Mansion (circa 1856). Owner, Harley Caldwell, invites you into her home as a guest of honor. Imagine that you are part of a dinner party hosted by Duff Green and his wife, Mary, back in the 1800’s as you listen to Harley discuss the history of the house and what was happening in Vicksburg at this time. This is the one mansion where the ropes are gone and you can sit on the furniture and touch things. You will feel at home here with a dose of Vicksburg’s good old fashioned Southern hospitality.
A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. View the restored ironclad gunboat, USS Cairo, and the battlefield where the Siege of Vicksburg took place. Stop at the impressive Illinois Monument, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The exploration concludes at the Visitors Center where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display.
The museum exhibits examine earlier modes of transportation, the Siege of Vicksburg and many other elements of the city’s history. Inside the museum, you will find railroad memorabilia, a collection of model Civil War gunboats, original war-themed paintings by Herb Mott, a detailed diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, models of architecture styles employed throughout Vicksburg’s past.
This unique museum celebrates the history of one of the nation's most beloved beverages. Built in 1890, the building is the location of where Coca-Cola was bottled for the first time in 1894 and features the type of equipment that Joseph Biedenharn used at the time. View Coca-Cola memorabilia, peruse the gift shop, and treat yourself to an ice-cold Coca-Cola or Coke float.
Built in 1858, this museum is a national historic landmark showcasing Vicksburg’s cultural heritage over the past 71 years. The museum’s collection includes the original Teddy Bear given to a local child by Theodore Roosevelt, a sash worn by both George Washington and Jefferson Davis during their presidential inaugurations, a vast collection of Civil War artifacts, Native American and pioneer implements, and much more.
Natchez Brewing Company is located in historic downtown Natchez, known as the oldest established city on the Mississippi River and a central hub during steamboat era. Their beer is crafted with a passion for local flavor and a love for tradition. Enjoy a step-by-step demonstration of the brewing process in the production area, from grain to glass. Learn about the ingredients, equipment, and styles of beer and sample the varieties of your choice.
Longwood is just one of the elegant historic houses that graces the historic district of Natchez. This octagonal house epitomizes the rise and fall of the South. As the Civil War began, the workmen stopped construction and the house was never completed. View the finished first floor with original family furnishings and the upper five stories that are still a work in progress.
Explore the Historic Natchez Cemetery. Established in 1822, the occupants of this important cemetery tell tales of the history, grandeur, mystery, and tragedy of Natchez. Surrounded by majestic live oaks and set on the bluffs high above the Mississippi River, the beautiful grounds offer stunning panoramic views. Enjoy a guided walking excursion through the oldest section of the cemetery and hear fascinating stories about the residents buried there.
Explore downtown Natchez on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling through town. The shuttle will make regularly scheduled stops at Rosalie House, the Natchez Visitors Center, and the downtown shopping district.
Nineteen historical buildings, dating from 1790’s to 1900, are a restored tribute to Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins, a modern 1,800-acre working cotton estate with a computerized farm and gin. Before beginning your exploration, meet the owner who will explain the farming and ginning operations. Participate in picking cotton and removing the seeds and tour a rare, steam engine gin listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
Be seated in the hand-hewn log cabin and listen to narration and the vocalist’s songs highlighting the history of southern plantations, including the Constitution, Emancipation Proclamation, and accurate statistics of the enslaved and planter families. After an enlightening overview of the historical Frogmore owners, explore the cotton fields and authentic cabins to learn the origin of southern cuisine, the day-to-day operations and how their labor force evolved into sharecropping, a way of life for 100 years. Enjoy a complimentary beverage as you browse an original plantation store.
Join us for a candlelight exploration of one of Natchez oldest houses. Built in 1798, the house gives up her dark secrets by candlelight. Chilling tales of former inhabitants bring the long dead back to life in this informative and entertaining excursion, combining historical lore with tales of the macabre. Will a spectral visitor be in attendance? Come find out! Enjoy a welcome reception, featuring locally distilled rum punch and an assortment of dessert items.
Nestled behind a wrought-iron fence and framed by large Mississippi oaks sits Dunleith, a 40-acre antebellum mansion built in 1856. On a guided exploration, sip complimentary mimosas as you learn about the fascinating history and unique architecture of this magnificent estate, which includes an original 1790’s carriage house, dairy barn, poultry house, greenhouse, and a three-story brick dependency. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974, the Main House features Greek revival design, 26 Tuscan columns built of brick and stucco, and porches that surround the entire building on the first and second floor.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure at the Double C Ranch, perfect for nature-lovers and wildlife-enthusiasts. Aboard your private sport utility vehicle, guided by a local professional, enjoy breathtaking views as you travel through scenic hardwood forest, cattle fields, farmlands, and pine plantations. Back at the ranch, watch in awe during live tomahawk throwing, bullwhip popping, archery, and lasso throwing demonstrations. After, get some pointers on form and technique and prepare to shine and surprise yourself as you give it a try! Take home a survivor certificate and photos to share.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Explore this early 19th-century antebellum mansion set in twenty-six acres of manicured gardens. Wander around the meticulously nurtured gardens and amidst blooming magnolias, roses, azaleas, and Monmouth’s signature collection of angel statuary, accompanied by the gentle humming of cicadas. Stroll further down a stone pathway to an elegant, purple wisteria-clad pergola.
Admire two garden ponds nearby that are framed with beautiful large bald cypress trees. Across the romantic wooden pond bridge, view the Monmouth Cemetery, protected by a centuries old iron fence. After, enjoy a mint julip in the comfort of the Quitman Study and Lounge where you can view a variety of historic artifacts.
St. Francisville boasts some of the most beautiful estates in the South. Immerse yourself in southern culture and hospitality while visiting one of these magnificent properties, Rosedown. Local guides will regale you with stories of the families who lived there and give insight into the culture of the South. Enjoy exploring one of the few and largest privately-maintained formal gardens of the 19th century.
At first glimpse Myrtles, built in 1796, envelopes one with a complete sense of peace and tranquility. However, it is reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America. Surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass, open-pierced frieze work crown molding, Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, Carrara marble mantels, gold-leafed French furnishings and ghosts.
Audubon Historic Site is located on Oakley Plantation, where John James Audubon lived in 1821. During this time, he was commissioned to teach illustration to the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Pirrie, owners of Oakley. Although his engagement was brief and there is no record of his success in teaching Miss Pirrie, Audubon worked on several of his paintings while in the lush, natural, and peaceful setting of Oakley, filling his sketch pad with notes and drawings for his famous series of bird illustrations. The variety of birds singing throughout the 100-acre forest inspires visitors to this day.
Built in 1830 and accented with 28 columns, Greenwood is considered the South’s finest example of Greek-revival architecture. Though the original house burned down in 1960, the columns and front steps remained. It was rebuilt and now stands as it did over a century ago, amidst rows of majestic, moss-draped oaks. Explore the beautiful 1830 original Barrow family furnishings, as well as pieces from the many movies filmed at this location.
Led by an expert Civil War historian, explore locations that were critical to the Battle of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson. Visit the historic Magnolia Cemetery and stand upon the very ground where the most intense fighting of the battle of Baton Rouge took place. Next, explore Port Hudson, the location of the longest military siege in U.S. history. View a film about the battles and siege, and admire original Civil War artifacts from Port Hudson. Be treated to an interpretive program conducted by Louisiana State Park Rangers.
Housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages. The art galleries showcase changing fine art exhibitions and selections from a permanent collection. The Ancient Egypt Gallery houses ancient artifacts and a Ptolemaic-era mummy that rests in a re-created rock-cut tomb. The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium features sky shows, large-format films, visual music shows, and galleries devoted to space science.
Experience the sights, sounds, and wonders of Baton Rouge, the Capital City of Louisiana. Led by a local expert guide, admire iconic and historical landmarks as you explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods on foot. Enjoy fascinating stories of the area’s culture, politics, history, and legends, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route.
Known as the “Pirate of the Pacific,” this Fletcher-class destroyer is a memorial to the men and women that served in the American armed forces and was named for Medal of Honor recipient Isaac C. Kidd Sr., who was killed aboard his flagship USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Take a step back in time on a self-guided exploration as you view artifacts and aircraft from World War II.
Enjoy a narrated boat ride in the Manchac Swamp, a privately owned wildlife refuge. Relax in a comfortable, covered boat, with walking room and open viewing from any seat. Swamp creatures are unafraid and responsive to our captain’s voice. In the safety and comfort of the boat, you will be able to get within a few feet of our “jumping gators.” Other animals to be on the lookout for include nutria, ibis, turtles, herons, raccoons, egrets, and more.
The perfectly aligned 300-year-old trees form a canopy which set a particularly grand entrance for our arrival. In small groups, explore the antebellum plantation’s many stately rooms and learn why it has earned the name “Grande Dame of The Great River Road.” Join us for a special gathering on the west lawn to sip mint juleps, before a visit to their popular gift shop which is known for its world-famous pralines.
Admire the southern splendor of “The Sugar Palace” as you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Once inside, permission is granted to use the home’s furniture for a truly authentic experience. Led by Ms. Davis who has a personality as big as the mansion itself, hear stories of the home’s many inhabitants who are brought to life through their unique collection of Louisiana art. Following your introduction to the Houmas House and its history, explore on your own and enjoy lush acres of gardens, ponds, and a majestic live oak alley.
Discover the swamps and bayous of southeast Louisiana in Cajun country. Traveling along Bayou Lafourche, a river that was once called the longest Main Street in America, explore the sugarcane region of Louisiana with a visit to the historic Laurel Valley Plantation village. America’s largest surviving 19th and 20th century sugar plantation, the complex features worker cabins, a school house, a general store, and a church. Next, venture to the Acadian Wetlands Center, where you can learn about the cultural influence and journey of the Acadians and how they made the banks of Bayou Lafourche their home.
Travel through three centuries of history, legends, and romance as you encounter “The City That Care Forgot!” on this exciting excursion. Exploring the highlights of New Orleans, you will see many of the major sights and attractions including the famous French Quarter, homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions, and the exclusive Garden District.
Please Note: This tour is only offered on cruises ending in New Orleans, LA
Pre-Cruise
On our Lower Mississippi River cruise itineraries, we offer a variety of convenient Pre-Cruise options, providing you will a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. For cruises starting in Memphis, choose from our 2-Night Graceland Pre-Cruise Package or our Complimentary 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay.
For cruises starting in New Orleans, choose from our Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans Pre-Cruise Package or our Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in New Orleans.
Pre-Cruise Packages and Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Day 1 - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is worth some extra time. 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. Or extend your stay to further explore the delights of the Big Easy.
Day 2 - Houmas House, LA
Step off your ship docked right at Houmas House and explore one of the most elaborately renovated of the grand homes along the river, once a private home and a thriving historical agricultural enterprise. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the magnificently restored home’s unmatched collection of stunning period furnishings and artwork. The ornately landscaped grounds include 38 acres of gardens, fountains, and majestic live oak trees.
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.
Day 3 - Baton Rouge, LA
Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble.
Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp.
Day 4 - St. Francisville, LA
As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port of St. Francisville. 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.
Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss.
Day 5 - Natchez, MS
In Natchez, grand homes sparkle like jewels, adorning the bluffs that tower above the river. Since 1716, when the French first built a fort here among the Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth.
With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality.
Explore on your own or enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. 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.
Day 6 - Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg is a place of drama. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. The well-fortified connection between river and rail transportation was known as “The Gibraltar of the West.” A narrated exploration of the well-preserved National Military Park battlefield enlivens this powerful story and highlights its significance.
President Abraham Lincoln summarized Vicksburg’s importance clearly when he said, “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket… They can defy us from Vicksburg… As valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so.”
Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Walk aboard an enormous Army Corps of Engineers towboat. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate.
Day 7 - Day of River Cruising
Today is a day to truly relax without a care in the world. Revel in the bliss of floating along the current of the mighty Mississippi River, framed by a forest of cottonwood trees dotted with majestic blue herons.
Enjoy fascinating enrichment presentations and festive onboard activities. Savor fine meals and cocktails. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck as you read a book or chat with new friends. Mark Twain described the experience as having “nothing to hang a worry or a fret upon.”
Day 8 - Memphis, TN
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.
Choose from an array of customized excursions. Perhaps take a narrated motorcoach excursion to get an overview of this dramatic city. Or indulge in the glamour of the Peabody Hotel. Explore the home, life, and career of Elvis Presley or make your pilgrimage to Sun Studio, where he recorded his earliest smash-hits.
The comfort of your ship awaits at the nearby Beale Street Landing, docked along an impressive, recently renovated city park. Be entertained on board by local musicians as you savor a nightcap.
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Select below for stateroom details
Select below for stateroom details
Select below for stateroom details
Select below for stateroom details
Select below for stateroom details
Select below for stateroom details
Select below for stateroom details
Select below for stateroom details
