Mississippi River Gateway Cruise

New Orleans is a city full of history, intrigue, and colorful characters. Begin your journey through the “Big Easy” with a private tour guide, who will give you a local’s look at the area’s most famous attractions. Explore the most popular areas including the French Quarter, the colorful garden district, and the famous stately mansions which still remain in period form. There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy the local flavors, like chicory coffee, sweet beignets, and famous New Orleans Jazz music. 

Please Note: This tour is only offered on cruises ending in New Orleans, LA

Experience the sights, sounds, and wonders of Baton Rouge, the Capital City of Louisiana. Led by a local expert, admire iconic and historic landmarks, while exploring 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 on the route.

The Baton Rouge region currently hosts about 10 breweries and distilleries, with a growing craft industry that is gaining popularity across the U.S. On this guided exploration, visit the Tin Roof- Brewing Co., Baton Rouge’s largest craft brewery, and Three Roll Estate, a distillery which produces a signature agricole-style rum from fresh-pressed cane juice. Along the way, sample award-winning beer and rum and learn about the process of creating these delicious libations.

 Led by an expert historian, explore locations that were critical to Battle of Baton Rouge, a ground and naval battle in the American Civil War. The Union victory of this battle halted Confederate attempts to recapture the capital city of Louisiana. Visit the historic Magnolia Cemetery and stand upon the very ground where the most intense fighting of the battle took place. Explore the Port Hudson State Historic Site, a Louisiana State Park that preserves and interprets a portion of the Port Hudson battlefield where the longest military siege in U.S. History took place. View a film about the battle and siege, admire original Civil War artifacts, and witness a live firing of an original Civil War cannon used at Port Hudson.  

We begin our excursion at the Capital Park Museum. Learn about the many diverse aspects of Louisiana, from Louis Armstrong to the tradition of Mari Gras. We then continue to view the impressive Governor’s Hall and the New State Capitol, Governor Huey Long’s symbol of pride and the tallest capitol in the U.S.  Admire the Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House. This historic government building housed the Louisiana State Legislature from the mid-19th century until the current capitol tower building was constructed in 1929-32. Finally, enjoy views of Magnolia Mound, a French Creole plantation house built in 1791 and a rare example of the architecture influenced by early settlers from France and the West Indies.

Housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) features exhibitions of internationally renowned fine artists, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an Ancient Egypt gallery. Explore the various galleries that showcase changing fine art exhibitions as well as a permanent collection. In the Ancient Egypt gallery you will find 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.

Enjoy a narrated boat ride in the Manchac Swamp, a privately owned wildlife refuge 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 “jumping gators.” Other animals to be on the lookout for include nutria, ibis, turtles, herons, raccoons, egrets, and more. 

The affluent ambiance of the Rosedown Plantation is evident the minute you step on the property. As you walk towards the Main House, you will be welcomed by a beautiful flowered path lined with towering oaks. Local guides will regale you with stories of the families who once lived there and give insight into the culture of the South. Roam the picturesque gardens at your leisure, one of the few and largest privately-maintained formal gardens during the 19th century.

Known as the “Pirate of the Pacific,” this Fletcher-class destroyer is a memorial to the men and women who served in the American armed forces. Step back in time on this amazing tour as you witness original artifacts and aircraft from World War II.

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.

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.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the fourth-generation owner, Joseph Stone, whose family has owned the home for over 135 years. Mr. Stone will guide you on a personal tour of his unique antebellum-style home and explain the many different purposes it has served over the years. Here, you can explore his eclectic collection of period-specific artwork and one-of-a-kind antiques. The afternoon concludes in the music hall with refreshments as Mr. Stone performs an exclusive classical piano concert.

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.

Our onboard experts tell many stories about southern life on a plantation; today you will learn what life was really like. Our insightful local guide will accompany you from the ship to the cotton and will be your escort as you explore the 1,800-acre cotton plantation. In intimate groups, owners Lynette and Buddy Tanner will delve into plantation life, including the housing, music, and relationships between the owners and workers. You will have the opportunity to pick cotton directly from the field, participate in a live gospel performance, and witness the progress in cotton technology from Eli Whitney’s original gin to their modern 900 bales-per-day computerized plantation.

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.

A park ranger will guide 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. 

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). View the beautiful Tiffany windows of the present as you meet the rector who will recreate the stories of the past: cannon balls going off, services held every day during the siege, and the wounded in the basement. Explore two centuries of American architecture on a short walk along the brick streets to one of the neighborhood antebellum mansions. Here, with an exclusive private-guided tour by the owner, you will feel at home as you listen to first-hand family stories of the house and people who lived here 175 years ago. Feel 19th century history come alive as you sit in the parlor and enjoy special southern-inspired refreshments. 

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.

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, and Grand Heartland 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.

For cruises starting in Memphis, this tour is only offered as part of the 2-day Pre-Cruise Package.

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. Explore the famous “Jungle Room” where the star recorded one of his final albums. 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) 460-4518 for information.

For cruises starting in Memphis, this tour is only offered as part of the 2-day Pre-Cruise Package.

Travel through the quaint town of New Madrid on a beautiful hayride pulled by a John Deere Tractor. Begin on the picturesque, newly completed river-way before continuing on to the Historical Museum. Continue through town viewing the Higgerson School, Hunter Dawson State Historic Site, and the River Walk Gallery. Guests have the option of visiting any sites of their interest.

Paducah’s location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers makes it unique.  The city is home to some of the nation’s largest barge and towing companies. At the River Discovery Center, learn all about the inland waterways and the impact they have on the daily lives of local residents. You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits. 

Let our local guide take you through the quaint city of Paducah. This tour has been carefully divided into three distinct sections to make sure you experience all that Paducah has to offer. First, tour the downtown as our local expert guide points out the areas’ many historical sites. Then, take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront where you will witness more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting elements of Paducah’s past. End the tour at the National Quilt Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

Enjoy a narrated tour of downtown St. Louis, the riverfront, Citygarden, and the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square. Delight in a visit to St. Louis' 1,371 acre Forest Park, known as a natural oasis in an urban environment. Stop at the Cathedral Basilica, where you explore the interior if this stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.

Note: This excursion is only offered on select cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Enjoy a guided tour through two of the museum’s most popular exhibits; The 1904 World’s Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward, an event that attracted over 200,000 visitors to the opening day, and Seeking St. Louis, delve into the history of the Gateway City from its founding through the new millennium.

Note: This excursion is only offered on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.