9-Day Legendary Mississippi River Steamboat Cruising with All-Inclusive Onboard Dining & Shore Excursions
Traverse America’s iconic Mississippi River with an unforgettable 9-day journey from Memphis to New Orleans (or vice versa) aboard the American Queen. Indulge in southern charm as you cruise through landscapes where country music, rock’n’roll and blues came to life, where some of the most legendary music icons were born and where fried chicken is at its best! From Memphis’ musical offerings to the significant Civil War townships of Vicksburg and Natchez, from the lush fields of Nottoway to the storied French Quarter of New Orleans, this southern USA adventure is filled with quintessential cuisine, history, and of course, music.
Travel in unparalleled luxury onboard the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built – spanning an impressive 127 metres. Boasting lively Broadway-calibre performances, grand social spaces, intimate alcoves and gracious hospitality, this luxurious flagship vessel was christened by music legend Priscilla Presley. Before boarding the palatial ship, enjoy an included pre-cruise stay with breakfast at either Peabody Memphis or Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Along the way, a range of carefully curated excursions ensure that you can immerse yourself in each destination. Back onboard, indulge with gourmet cuisine inspired by America’s heartland and unlimited free-flow drinks throughout your cruise.
Your journey takes you to: Memphis, Tennessee – Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Mississippi – Vicksburg, Mississippi – Natchez, Mississippi – St. Francisville, Louisiana – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Nottoway, Louisiana – New Orleans, Louisiana (June 11 and November 5 departures)
Your journey takes you to: New Orleans, Louisiana – Nottoway, Louisiana – St. Francisville, Louisiana – Natchez, Mississippi – Vicksburg, Mississippi – Greenville, Mississippi – Scenic River Cruising – Memphis, Tennessee (June 18 departure)
Discover more with A Deep Dive Discovery of America’s Southern States.
Want more USA escapes? From Arizona’s Grand Canyon to Florida’s Everglades, Alaska’s frosty peaks to the sun-kissed California coast; discover the USA’s spellbinding landscapes and iconic sights.
Your cruise includes:
- Eight-night American Queen river cruise
- One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast at either Peabody Memphis or Hilton New Orleans Riverside
- Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners onboard
- Free-flow drinks onboard including wine, beer, spirits, speciality coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
- Unlimited guided shore excursions hosted by local experts
- Bicycle and hiking-stick use
- Group transfers from the pre-cruise accommodation to the vessel
- All port taxes, gratuities and onboard entertainment
- In-room dining and Wi-Fi onboard
- Grand Saloon
- Main Deck Lounge
- Captains Bar
- J.M. White Dining Room
- Ladies’ Parlour
- Gentlemen’s Card Room
- Mark Twain Gallery
- Purser’s Office
- Shore excursion desk
- Emporium Gift Shop
- Engine Room Bar
- Front Porch Cafe
- Theatre
- Chart Room
- Spa services
- Guest laundry
- River Grill & Bar
- Fitness centre
- Pool
Surcharges apply to select services and facilities
Your cruise begins in Memphis, Tennessee and ends in New Orleans, Louisiana (or vice versa).
For June 11 and November 5 departures, your cruise departs Memphis, Tennessee at 6pm, on Day 2 (you will be transferred from your hotel to the port in time for boarding), and returns to New Orleans, Louisiana at 5am, on Day 9.
For the June 18 departure, your cruise departs New Orleans, Louisiana at 5pm, on Day 2 (you will be transferred from your hotel to the port in time for boarding) and returns to Memphis, Tennessee at 5am, on Day 9.
A transfer from your pre-cruise accommodation to the ship is included on the second day only. Transfers from the ship to your departure airport/post-cruise accommodation are not included. You will need to make your own way to your pre-cruise accommodation on Day 1; check-in will be available from 3pm. Please plan accordingly.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Memphis – New Orleans (June 11 and November 5 departures)
Day 1: Memphis, Tennessee
Your experience begins today with a luxurious pre-cruise stay at the Peabody Memphis. Ideally situated in the heart of downtown, this historic hotel is a tranquil haven just a short stroll from Beale Street, the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Fed-Ex Forum, Sun Studio, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Renasant Convention Center.
Enjoy your time at leisure, take in the famed Peabody Duck March, and make the most of the hotel facilities before dipping your toe into Memphis’ lively nightlife.
Accommodation: Peabody Memphis
Day 2: Memphis, Tennessee – Cruise Embarkation
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast this morning before heading out to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Embrace the melodic tunes of Beale Street, attend a show at the famous Grand Ole Opry or recount the steps of Elvis Presley on a tour of Graceland. Meet back at your hotel for an included transfer to the ship. Your luxury river cruise begins with an indulgent dinner at a choice of restaurants onboard.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Mississippi
Today you’ll make the journey south to the ‘Birthplace of the Blues’. Brimming with music history, Cleveland is home to the GRAMMY® museum. Upon arrival, enjoy a self-guided tour through the museum, which showcases legendary rock, hip-hop, classical, Latin, R&B, and jazz memorabilia. The afternoon is yours to explore downtown at leisure; here you can find handmade Mississippi mud pottery and mouthwatering local delicacies like catfish and tamales.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Today, you’ll travel to Vicksburg, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where you will uncover the township’s significant roles in the American Civil War. Begin your included city tour at the Church of the Holy Trinity. This incredible Romanesque Revival-style church features beautiful Tiffany stained-glass windows honouring Civil War survivors. Learn about the historic conflict and pay your respects to the 17,000 Union soldiers whose final resting place is in Vicksburg. This afternoon you may choose to climb the 47 steps to the entrance of the marble Illinois Monument, attend the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum or visit the Lower Mississippi River Museum before returning to the ship.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Natchez, Mississippi
Legendary elegance and hospitality greet you as you go ashore in Natchez, known for its collection of pristine historic homes and distinctive Southern cuisine. The first stop of your included tour promises to delight your tastebuds, as you visit the Old South Trading Post. Sample muscadine juice, dips, salsas, jellies, and more — before browsing the selection of books, candies, one-of-a-kind shirts, hats, souvenirs, and even alligator products! Continue to Rosalie Mansion, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the Federal-style property.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: St. Francisville, Louisiana
A testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, St Francisville is brimming with charming pre-war architecture. Discover this slice of US history, home to over 140 registered Historic Places, at your own pace on an included hop-on, hop-off tour. You may choose to stroll past the sprawling estates nestled in the countryside or visit the bustling Main Street shops.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Today you will dock in Baton Rouge, the largest city and capital of Louisiana, where you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and culture. Stroll along the dock to the USS KIDD Veterans Museum, where you can board a converted Fletcher-Class Destroyer and uncover an extensive collection of war artefacts, ship models, retired fighter planes and memorials. Continue to Capitol Park Museum, where you will find a breathtaking collection of over 450,000 works of art, costumes, textiles, and curiosities from Louisiana history. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum which is dedicated to preserving the culture of 18th- and 19th-century rural Louisianans. If time permits, you may choose to explore Louisiana’s largest parish at leisure.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Nottoway, Louisiana
Today you will have the rare opportunity, exclusive to American Queen Voyages, to dock at Nottoway, located in White Castle, on the south bank of the Mississippi River. Enjoy an included tour of Nottoway Resort, a pre-war mansion that boasts 4,923sqm of floorspace, three floors, 64 bedrooms, and an incredible 22 white square columns. Marvel at the gold decor which embellishes the White Ballroom, before venturing into the pristinely manicured gardens.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: New Orleans, Lousiana
Your experience comes to an end today as the ship docks in New Orleans. Enjoy one final breakfast onboard before disembarking for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
New Orleans – Memphis (June 18 departure)
Day 1: New Orleans, Lousiana
Your experience begins today with a stylish pre-cruise stay at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Ideally situated in a spectacular riverfront location, the hotel is connected to the Riverwalk outlets and is only a short stroll from the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Aquarium of the Americas.
Accommodation: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Day 2: New Orleans, Louisana – Cruise Embarkation
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast this morning before heading out to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Delight in the sights and sounds of New Orleans as you explore the iconic French Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood in the city, admire gorgeous views from Jackson Square and visit the Musical Legends Park located on lively Bourbon Street. Meet back at your hotel for an included transfer to the ship. Your luxury river cruise begins with an indulgent dinner at a choice of restaurants onboard.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Nottoway, Louisiana
Today you will have the rare opportunity, exclusive to American Queen Voyages, to dock at Nottoway, located in White Castle, on the south bank of the Mississippi River. Enjoy an included tour of Nottoway Resort, a pre-war mansion that boasts 4,923sqm of floorspace, three floors, 64 bedrooms, and an incredible 22 white square columns. Marvel at the gold decor which embellishes the White Ballroom, before venturing into the pristinely manicured gardens.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: St. Francisville, Louisiana
A testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, St Francisville is brimming with charming pre-war architecture. Discover this slice of US history, home to over 140 registered Historic Places, at your own pace on an included hop-on, hop-off tour. You may choose to stroll past the sprawling estates nestled in the countryside or visit the bustling Main Street shops.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Natchez, Mississippi
Legendary elegance and hospitality greet you as you go ashore in Natchez, known for its collection of pristine historic homes and distinctive Southern cuisine. The first stop of your included tour promises to delight your tastebuds, as you visit the Old South Trading Post. Sample muscadine juice, dips, salsas, jellies, and more — before browsing the selection of books, candies, one-of-a-kind shirts, hats, souvenirs, and even alligator products! Continue to Rosalie Mansion, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the Federal-style property.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Today, you’ll travel to Vicksburg, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where you will uncover the township’s significant roles in the American Civil War. Begin your included city tour at the Church of the Holy Trinity. This incredible Romanesque Revival-style church features beautiful Tiffany stained-glass windows honouring Civil War survivors. Learn about the historic conflict and pay your respects to the 17,000 Union soldiers whose final resting place is in Vicksburg. This afternoon you may choose to climb the 47 steps to the entrance of the marble Illinois Monument, attend the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum or visit the Lower Mississippi River Museum before returning to the ship.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Greenville, Mississippi
A wellspring of music, literature and adventure, Greenville is renowned for being home to some of the friendliest folk in the south. Begin your day of exploration at the Greenville History Museum, which houses many artefacts, photos, memorabilia, and souvenirs dating from the mid-19th century through to the 1980s. Today you will also visit the Hebrew Union Temple, which was constructed in 1906. Following your morning of guided activities you may choose to visit an array of museums covering various themes: Winterville Mounds, Greenville History, Old Fire Department, Highway 61 Blues, Jim Henson-Kermit the Frog, Hebrew Union’s Century of History, Greenville Air Force Base, and the Flood of 1927.
Day 8: Scenic River Cruising
Recharge after busy days ashore aboard your elegant paddle steamer. Admire lush landscapes, rejuvenate body and mind at the onboard fitness centre or indulge in mouthwatering cuisine.
Accommodation: American Queen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Memphis
Your experience comes to an end today as the ship docks in Memphis. Enjoy one final breakfast onboard before disembarking for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast