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
Booking Summary: Purchasing this deal does not complete your booking. A booking form will be emailed to you after purchase. Please complete the Traveller’s Details within 48 hours.
IMPORTANT: Failure to complete your booking form may result in forfeiting your booking. Once your booking form has been finalised a member of the Luxury Escapes Cruise Team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address. You will then be required to complete your online check-in and print your e-ticket and baggage tags; you will also be able to add beverage packages, speciality dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, etc.
This Cruise package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 11 June 2023
- 18 June 2023
- 5 November 2023
Please allow for travelling time. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your departure city on time for your cruise.
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct cabin option
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your cruise confirmation), and you will be prompted to complete your Traveller Details within 48 hours of purchase
- Once your traveller forms are completed they will be sent to the Luxury Escapes Cruise Concierge team, who will then contact you to advise if your cruise is confirmed
- Should you require assistance with your cruise, please contact our Cruise Concierge team at cruises@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact Luxury Escapes to enquire.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
48-Hour Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
- All cruise bookings have a 48-hour ‘Change of Mind Guarantee’ where any monies paid (less unrecoverable costs) within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ window will be non-refundable and non-changeable.
Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration
This cruise includes the following cabin types:
- Inside Stateroom: 12 sqm with two single beds that convert into a queen bed.
- Deluxe Outside Stateroom With Bay Window: 17 sqm with two single beds that convert into a queen bed.
- Outside Stateroom With Open Veranda: 13 sqm with two single beds that convert into a queen bed.
- Junior Suite With Open Veranda: 13 sqm with two single beds that convert into a queen bed.
- Deluxe Outside Stateroom With Private Veranda: 17 sqm with two single beds that convert into a queen bed.
IMPORTANT:
- Cabins are on a ‘guarantee’ basis and will be allocated by the cruise line closer to sailing. Specific cabin, deck and location requests cannot be accommodated.
- Some cabins may have obstructed views and/or porthole window.
- Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers, two adults for twin-share cabins/suites/staterooms or four people for quad-share cabins.
- Wheelchair accessible cabins are not available. They are on application only prior to purchase. Surcharges may apply.
- Please contact the Luxury Escapes sales team on sales@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Inclusions
- 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
Exclusions
- Roundtrip flights
- Visas
- Single supplement
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary/inclusions
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
- Departure ransfers
- City taxes or resort fees may apply and are payable directly to the hotel on arrival
Onboard Dining
- Dining times onboard can vary between sailings. We ask for your preference, however, your preferred dining time may not be available. We suggest that you speak with the maitre d’ once onboard.
- All dining onboard is included.
Age Restrictions
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied, in the same or connecting stateroom, by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 25 for the duration of the voyage.
- Children under six months of age cannot be accommodated onboard.
- Please note that American Queen Voyages is unable to make special arrangements for children and offers few child-friendly activities onboard or onshore.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check recommended vaccinations with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations is required for entry into some countries, in particular in Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from our ground operator prior to embarkation. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Cruises Concierge team on cruises@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Transfers
- Group transfers on Day 2 from your pre-cruise accommodation to the ship are included in your package.
Currency Onboard and Tipping
- The currency onboard is US$.
- Service charges (gratuities) for onboard personnel are included in your package.
Fitness Requirements
- Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the cruise, please consider this when making your booking.
- Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake any activities in this package. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the third-party provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Safe Plan
The cruise line’s COVID-19 policy can be accessed here.
PLEASE NOTE:
Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Cruise itineraries are not guaranteed and are subject to change. While the cruise line will make all reasonable efforts to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, factors such as weather, mechanical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances may affect scheduled itineraries.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.
Please note this cruise is operated by American Queen Voyages, one of our trusted partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.