Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Package, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. 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 after breakfast 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 Package is not available for reservations made within 30 days of cruise date.
|
St. Louis is sure to win you over. Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest manmade monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens.
Missouri History Museum
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 Route 66: Main Street Through St. Louis, a roadway which played an important role in American History not only in fact but in myth. Learn about the companies and tourist traps that travelers had to pass through.
Discover St. Louis Tour - Complimentary Excursion
Join others on this narrated tour of downtown St. Louis, the riverfront, Citygarden, and the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square. Delight in an additional driving tour of St. Louis' 1,371 acre Forest Park, known as a natural oasis in an urban environment. Visit Anheuser Busch Brewery for a stables-only tour (if available) to see the historic stables built in 1885 and the world-famous Clydesdale horses.
*Note: This tour is only offered on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO.
|
Hannibal, “America’s Hometown,” is a place where you can rediscover adventures from Mark Twain’s era. 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.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum - Complimentary Excursion
As you arrive in Hannibal, the boyhood home of famous author Mark Twain, relive the author’s experiences that heavily influenced his writings. Visit the actual home that Mark Twain grew up in, which is surrounded by the legendary whitewashed fence of Tom Sawyer. The vivid stories told by Mark Twain come to life at this interactive museum as you explore the homes and grounds of Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn. Stop at the Interpretive Center, home to 15 original Normal Rockwell paintings, the Becky Thatcher House, the Huck Finn Home, and the Tom and Huck Statue at the foot of Cardiff Hill.
Rockcliffe Mansion & Trolley Tour
Relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s time in Hannibal during a historic trolley tour. Your experienced guide will share the history of Hannibal and take you to places of historical significance, including the Rockcliffe Mansion, an amazing 13,500 square foot American castle built to overlook the mighty Mississippi River. This tour will highlight many of the exciting places which inspired Mark Twain’s famous tales.
|
Day
3
Day of River Cruising
Take in the beauty of the river as you make your way from Hannibal to Davenport. Join other passengers in our beautiful common areas or simply relax on the sun deck.
|
Voted one of the Most Livable Small Cities in America, Davenport is often described as a lively, active city with a hometown feel. This city features the largest agricultural exhibit in the world. Music enthusiasts will enjoy Davenport’s many music festivals, including the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, The Mississippi Valley Fair, and the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival which is dedicated to native Jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke.
John Deere Pavilion & Davenport City Tour - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a stop at the John Deere Pavilion and Store. The company’s rich heritage is chronicled in exhibits, interactive touch screen displays, and equipment dating back nearly 175 years, including antique tractors, and giant modern combines. Continue on a narrated city tour of Davenport and learn about the Rock Island Arsenal, Davenport native Bix Biederbecke’s contribution to Jazz, Rock Island’s 1920’s “Crime Lord” John Looney, the area’s beautiful college campuses, and the city’s Native American history.
Black Hawk State Historic Site
Enjoy a guided tour of the Hauberg Indian Museum. Located in the Black Hawk State Historic Site, this museum interprets the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians who once called it home. During the tour, view full-size replicas of Sauk winter and summer homes, dioramas with life-size figures of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians and traditional artifacts, including authentic trade goods and jewelry.
|
A “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. 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. View colorful Victorian mansions, stroll through the whimsical downtown area, and visit the national Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
Delight in Dubuque
Step back in time and experience the elegance of Victorian era Dubuque during a tour through the town’s many historic attractions. Learn about the architecture, families and events that made 19th century Dubuque such a unique treasure. Your guide will lead you through Dubuque's beautiful historic sites, including the Mathias Ham House and The Old Jail Museum.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Complimentary Excursion
Take an entertaining and informative journey along the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. On this guided tour, you will discover the lives of the pioneers, explorers, and artists who lived along the Mississippi River and get close to nature as you make your way through six large aquariums. The museum’s interactive exhibits will give you an inside look into the Mississippi River's past, present and future.
|
Step into 19th century America in La Crosse, located on the banks of three captivating rivers. La Crosse is home to Riverside Park, where you will enjoy beautiful gardens, an outdoor performance center, and inspiring sculptures.
Hixon House & La Crosse City Tour
Take a narrated tour of this wonderful city. Discover the historic downtown with its late 19th and early 20th century buildings as well as the well-preserved residential neighborhoods. Gain insight into LaCrosse’s development from the boomtown riverboat days through the roaring ‘20s, to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Visit the historic Hixon House, an authentic Victorian home which has retained 90% of its original furnishings and is a designated Historic Landmark.
La Crosse Queen Eco Cruise - Complimentary Excursion
Cruise along the scenic Mississippi River on a classic paddlewheeler as your tour guide highlights the current and historic facts about the area, and tests your knowledge with trivia along the way. Witness some of the most beautiful views in the Midwest including native wildlife and steep bluffs on the river. Learn about the locking process while cruising past the Lock & Dam No. 7 in Dresbach, MN.
|
Nestled among the scenic bluffs of the upper Mississippi River, Red Wing's beauty has inspired artisans, craftspeople, and artists for over 150 years. Red Wing delivers a diverse blend of arts, entertainment, and activities for your pleasure. Enjoy a show at the historic Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre or observe the beauty of nature at one of Red Wing’s 38 parks.
Red Wing City Tour & Pottery Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Travel back in time as you tour the beautiful city of Red Wing. Led by our local expert guide, view some of the most impressive Victorian homes of the period as well as the historic St. James Hotel. Visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and admire the numerous true vintage pieces on site such as stoneware, dinnerware, folk art and more!
National Eagle Center - Complimentary Excursion
Witness bald and golden eagles like never before – face to face! The National Eagle Center offers a unique viewing opportunity that brings visitors within a few feet of these majestic creatures with no barrier in between. This is an experience like no other, and one you will never forget.
|
St. Paul is a thrilling river town. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which showcases gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800’s. St. Paul’s enchanting art galleries, world class museums, and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination. End the day by visiting Mounds Park, where visitors are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
|