AMAZING OFFER! As seen in Saturday Telegraph & Sunday Times
Enjoy an extra 2 nights post-cruise hotel stay and Elvis Experience Tour PLUS receive a one category stateroom upgrade (selected departure dates only)
MUST BOOK BEFORE 30 JUNE 2022
New Orleans to Memphis (10 nights / 11 days)
This tailor-made itinerary takes you on a magical voyage from the ‘Big Easy’ to the ‘Blues City’ … journey upstream through the southern states and experience the culture, the music, the food, America’s Civil War and Antebellum history along with the true hospitality of the Deep South. In New Orleans take in the ambience of the fine restaurants and cafes in the French Quarter, the Jazz Clubs in Bourbon Street and the strolling musicians in Jackson Square.
Music is the heart and soul of Memphis and is home to many artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, BB King, Otis Redding and, of course, Elvis who has solidified it’s reputation as a musical Mecca – the association is special with Priscilla Presley being Godmother to the American Queen Steamboat!
Your journey will take you to Louisiana favourites Nottoway and St Francisville and in Mississippi, enjoy the historic towns of Vicksburg and Natchez. In between you will find traditional plantations, elegant antebellum homes, magnificent gardens and oak trees taking you back to an era of hoop skirts and cotton fields. This is the real soul of the Mississippi River, sit in a rocking chair on the American Queen’s Front Porch and watch it unfold before you.
Day 1 - Arrive New Orleans, USA
Fly from London to New Orleans, USA.
Private transfer to your pre-cruise Premium hotel in downtown New Orleans for a two night stay.
Day 2 - New Orleans, Louisiana
Welcome to the Big Easy, a vibrant and energetic city sure to keep you entertained and satisfied while you prepare for your voyage up the Mississippi! Indulge yourself with the treasures of New Orleans, as you uncover iconic cuisines spiced with the cultural flavors of the city’s past, explore the unique sites and attractions lining the historic streets as seen in the famous French Quarter, or admire the beauty of nature in the stunning Garden District or City Park.
Day 3 - New Orleans, Louisiana
Today is the big day! Spend your last day here in the city of New Orleans before embarkation to begin an unforgettable journey! Join us for an exclusive premium excursion to experience New Orleans rich historic past, eclectic beauty and return to glory.
The morning Premium Excursion is a narrated driving tour where you will experience the city from an intimate first-person perspective. Relax in the comfort of our motorcoach as we glide past some of the most iconic attractions in the city including the French Quarter, Jackson Square and the Garden District, where elegant mansions stand as a testament to Greek revival, Italianate and Queen Anne Victorian styles. After the excursion you will be taken to your vessel for embarkation.
Day 4 - Nottoway, Louisiana
EXCLUSIVE PORT TO AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES: Nottoway is the South’s largest, most glorious remaining Antebellum mansion with a rich history dating back to 1859. In a fabulous location along the great River Road overlooking the grand Mississippi River, this “White Castle” of the South transports visitors back to an era of glory and grandeur. Set amongst a natural backdrop of vibrant gardens and two hundred-year-old oak trees, Nottoway Plantation captivates all with a brilliant blend of true Southern hospitality, history and mystery.
Day 5 - St. Francisville, Louisiana
Established in 1809, St. Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes. Below where St. Francisville is located currently, was a settlement called Bayou Sara in the 1790’s. When this settlement was destroyed by flooding and fires, many of the structures and artifacts were hauled up the bluff into St. Francisville, where they are still standing. The town is referred to as “two miles long and two yards wide,” but that definitely doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer! Stop in at one of the unique shops, historical homes, beautiful churches, or breathtaking parks and you will agree with that! Spanish moss trees grow throughout the town, which creates a beautiful southern comfort to the atmosphere.
Day 6 - Natchez, Mississippi
This charming river town was first inhabited by Natchez Indians and French explorers who shared the land. It was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi. The city is known for its elegance, hospitality, and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner throughout Natchez. Guests enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical homes located in Natchez, all of which contribute to Hugh Bayless’ book, “The 100 Best Towns in America.”
Day 7 - Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Described as the “Key to the South” by Abraham Lincoln, this southern town carries a history unlike any other Civil War city. Vicksburg was founded in 1811 and grew as a vital river port city. It was a major component to the Civil War and carries much of the history within the town. Today, Vicksburg is a popular spot for tourists to learn about the battles of the city, taste the cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir.
Day 8 - Port of the Mississipi Delta / Greenville, Mississippi
The Mississippi Delta is more than a geographical region. It is a way of life - a true cultural experience based around agriculture, music and history. These small river towns have been the inspiration for authors, musicians and artists for centuries. Lower Mississippi River voyages include a unique glimpse into a Port of the Mississippi Delta.
Day 9 - Scenic River Cruising
Relax on deck with a copy of Huckleberry Finn or another imaginative selection borrowed from our revered Mark Twain Gallery, enjoy some quiet time in the Ladies' Tea Parlor, or recruit your fellow guests for an exciting board game in our Gentlemen's Card Room. For a remarkable one-of-a-kind experience, take a guided tour of the American Queen's Engine Room to explore the inner workings of our classic, steam-powered vessel or take in a guided tour of the Pilot House where you can witness the latest high-tech electronics that help us navigate our innovative paddlewheeler up the changing currents of Old Man River in modern-day America. There is always plenty to do between dawn and dusk on the river!
Day 10 - Disembark in Memphis, Tennessee
Tie up in Memphis and bid your steamboat adieu.
Private transfer to Memphis Airport for flight to London, or extend your stay with our Complete Memphis Experience. Read more.....
Day 11 - Arrive London, UK
Flight from Memphis arrives London.
Inclusive Pricing - What's Included
Guide Prices are per person based on 2 persons sharing a cabin include:
- Return scheduled flights (Economy Class) from London
- Two nights pre-cruise stay at a premium hotel including Full American Breakfast
- Premium City Highlights tour on day of embarkation
- Seven nights luxury cruise including all meals
- Unlimited drinks including house wine, beers, non-premium spirits, soft drinks, tea, coffee and filtered water
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- On board 'showboat' entertainment each evening and daily lectures from the resident Riverlorians relevant to the themed cruise and history of the river
- Complimentary shore excursions in each port of call on the 'Hop On Hop Off' coaches
- Private transfers to and from overseas airports and shared transfer from hotel to vessel
- Gratuities
- All Port Charges
- Full ATOL financial protection
Additional Charges
- Additional Premium shore excursions
- City Stay packages
- Club/Premium Class Flight Upgrades (prices on request)
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
2022
| 19 February | 28 May |
| 05 March | 11 June |
| 19 March | 25 June |
| 02 April | 24 September |
| 16 April | 26 November |
| 30 April | 10 December |
| 14 May | |
| Cat E Inside Stateroom From £3595pp |
| Cat C Outside Stateroom with Open Veranda From £4945pp |
2023
| 11 February | 03 June |
| 25 February | 17 June |
| 11 March | 09 September |
| 25 March | 14 October |
| 08 April | 28 October |
| 22 April | 18 November |
| 06 May | 02 December |
| 20 May |
| Cat D Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Bay Window From £4795pp |
| Cat JS Junior Suite with Open Veranda From £5295pp |
2022
| 18 March | 24 June |
| 01 April | 07 October |
| 15 April | 18 November |
| 29 April | 02 December |
| Cat IS Interior Suite From £3545pp |
| Cat DS Deluxe Suite with Private Balcony From £6595pp |
2023
| 10 March | 16 June |
| 24 March | 29 September |
| 07 April | 10 November |
| 21 April | 24 November |
| 05 May | 08 December |
| 02 June | 23 December |
| Cat VS Veranda Suite From £5095pp |
| Cat LFS Loft Suite with Private Balcony From £7095pp |
2022
| 13 March | 09 October |
| 27 March | 13 November |
| 10 April | |
| Cat E Inside Stateroom From £3495pp |
| Cat A Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Private Veranda From £5295pp |
2023
| 05 March | 17 September |
| 12 March | 01 October |
| 19 March | 05 November |
| 02 April | 19 November |
| 16 April | 03 December |
| Cat B Outside Stateroom with Open Veranda From £4845pp |
Other cabin categories are available. Above pricing is per person based on two people sharing a cabin. Pricing may be subject to change based on flight availability. All itineraries can be tailor-made to your specification with cruise only, additional hotel nights, flight upgrades and UK regional airport departures (subject to availability). Single cabin grades available on selected ships and cabins for sole occupancy are available (single supplement applies).
