American Splendor formerly America Cruise: Expert Review 2023

Table Of Content

• Made For You: A Personalized Mississippi River Cruise
• Mississippi River Gateway Cruise
• Best cruise for Civil War history: Lower Mississippi (round trip from New Orleans)
• Upper Mississippi River Cruise Itinerary
• Things to Know Before Cruising the Mississippi River
• Complete Mississippi River Experience Itinerary

Spring blossoms add a colorful touch to the shoreline, and you can never go wrong with autumn foliage. The temperatures are mild, if not pleasantly cool, and passengers are eager to welcome a new spring travel season—or to enjoy one last autumn river adventure before winter arrives. American Queen Voyages offers a range of nine-day Lower Mississippi itineraries aboard the American Queen, a quaint paddle-wheel steamboat. These are the best Mississippi River cruises for those looking to experience traditional river travel. If you want to experience cruising the Mississippi River in a more "traditional" way (but with modern comforts), go for a steamboat; if you’d rather travel in something less traditional, opt for one of the modern cruise ships.

Made For You: A Personalized Mississippi River Cruise

Located in East Central Iowa, Muscatine County's eastern edge touches the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River and is the only place where this north to south river runs east to west. Perhaps Muscatine is best known for its history as the largest button manufacturing area in the world. Learn about this idyllic town’s rich past and revel in its natural beauty, led by our engaging local guides. Explore the charming downtown, located only two blocks from our dock, where you peruse local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries. Known as the Heart and Soul of the Mississippi Delta, the city of Greenville offers visitors unique insight into traditional southern living. Enjoy a relaxing trip through the historic sites of the largest city in Mississippi, including Cotton Row, the Mount Holly Plantation, and the Weatherbee House.

Mississippi River Gateway Cruise

Viking is a newcomer to the Mississippi River, and all sailings are aboard the 386-guest Viking Mississippi. Some excursions and a pre-cruise hotel stay in the Big Easy are included in the cruise fare. In Oak Alley, Louisiana, guests can tour a Greek Revival mansion on a sugar plantation built and maintained by slaves. While no Civil War fighting took place in Natchez, Mississippi, the city is home to hundreds of lavish mansions from the era and the Historic Natchez Cemetery, which dates to 1822. Step into 19th-century America in La Crosse, located on the banks of three captivating rivers.

Best cruise for Civil War history: Lower Mississippi (round trip from New Orleans)

From your private balcony, admire stretches of undeveloped countryside, ornamented with pelicans, soaring eagles, and blue herons. Weave among hundreds of picturesque islands and through the amazing engineering of dams and navigation locks. Along the way, be treated to the gracious hospitality of our crew and savor an exquisite menu, featuring dishes masterfully prepared by our culinary team, with a dash of local flavor. After a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, passengers journey through all aspects of American history. You'll also call on a historic Missouri trading post in Cape Girardeau (a French river port). Enjoy a feast for your senses if you linger in this magical city, renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and rich culture with an international flair.

Lower Mississippi River Cruise Itinerary

There is no formal night, although some men do wear sports coats at the Captain's Dinner, held once per cruise. The line also recommends that passengers bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, a rain jacket and a sweater for cool evenings (or to counter the air conditioning). History buffs and Americana lovers will find plenty to enjoy on a Mississippi River cruise. Your ship will stop in major cities and lesser-known towns, offering excursions to historic sites and evenings spent enjoying locally inspired cuisine and regional music. From Crescent City, the birthplace of American jazz, to Memphis, known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll, this itinerary celebrates the region's homegrown rhythms. Both cruise lines offer itineraries between New Orleans and Memphis, but Viking features more excursions and onboard experiences tailored to music lovers.

Upper Mississippi River Cruise Itinerary

Immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds you, the setting for countless American stories and the inspiration for artists and musicians throughout time. Discover Hannibal, “America’s Hometown,” and the inspiration behind many of Mark Twain’s literary characters. 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.

Things to Know Before Cruising the Mississippi River

Don't expect much rock music -- this is an audience that better knows the words to "Old Man River" than "Proud Mary" -- and you'll be fine. And the line does a well-attended cocktail hour before dinner with a full bar. There are seven public lounges, ranging from the large Magnolia Lounge -- where complimentary cocktails are served each night before dinner -- to the cozy Mark Twain Library and Chart Room.

Embark on a unique riverboat adventure along the Lower Mississippi River between New Orleans, Louisiana and Memphis, Tennessee. Savor a week aboard our intimate and relaxed modern riverboat with 180 guests or fewer. Our enthusiastic all-American crew is ready to share with you a wonderful journey filled with historical tales, culinary delights, vibrant music, and new friends. Dynamic presentations by your onboard speaker connect you to the region’s culture and history, while local guides share insights to illuminate your shore excursions. New Orleans reverberates with the sounds of jazz, while Memphis offers savory barbecue, rich music history museums, and an amazing exploration of Elvis’ Graceland. Discover why the Mississippi River and the port of Vicksburg were so important during the Civil War and enjoy the beautiful architecture, antiques, and gardens of grand estates alongside the river, including Houmas House, and Rosedown.

Times have changed, but not in Downtown Tunica, with Main Street buildings just as they were at the turn of the century. Explore unique boutiques, antique shops, a fully restored courthouse, and Tunica Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park. Here, you can enjoy the kind of southern hospitality you thought only existed in storybooks. Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble.

Visit one of the oldest catholic churches in the city and enjoy the lovely landscapes of the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden. 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 a whimsical downtown area, and visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Beginning and ending in the vibrant city of New Orleans, this incredible journey celebrates the rich heritage and festive spirit of a region where music is the common language and history can be found around every bend in the river. Travel in the comfort of our new fleet as you discover fascinating port towns, including Natchez, with a unique blend of African, British, and French culture. Passengers can enjoy a sun terrace with an aft infinity pool and an Explorer's Lounge with panoramic forward views of the Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines opens 5-ship Mississippi season - Seatrade Cruise News

American Cruise Lines opens 5-ship Mississippi season.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

American Cruise Lines says that the average age for all of its passengers is low 60s. On that sailing, the average age was easily 75, with many passengers older than that. Because the ship has an elevator and the staff makes accommodations for people with mobility issues, it's an excellent choice for those who feel rigorous travel is beyond them.

As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss. Step off your ship docked right at Houmas House and explore one of the most elaborately renovated of the grand homes along the river, once a private home and a thriving historical agricultural enterprise. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the magnificently restored home’s unmatched collection of stunning period furnishings and artwork. The ornately landscaped grounds include 38 acres of gardens, fountains, and majestic live oak trees. Travel to the birthplace of jazz, blues, and rock–n-roll as our talented onboard musicians entertain you with songs born along the river.

American Heritage offers various week-long itineraries on the Mississippi from March through December. Back on board, be pampered by our gracious crew or find solace as you relax in your spacious stateroom and relish the rolling river views. Savor authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, embodying the influences of the fascinating people who live there. Explore elegant antebellum homes and notable landmarks brimming with history, led by a local guide who provides an insider’s perspective. In Baton Rouge, you can visit the Capitol Park Museum, which showcases exhibits dedicated to Louisiana's musical heritage and Mardi Gras traditions.

Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking. The complete Elvis experience is yours with a stay at The Guest House at Graceland, including breakfast, and an exploration of Elvis' mansion and grounds. Upon arrival, be treated to an exclusive Welcome Reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, featuring a presentation by the Graceland Archives Department, who you will show you items belonging to Elvis, not regularly shown to the general public. Back aboard your riverboat, relax with our daily cocktail hour, hors d'oeuvres, a delicious meal, and an evening show as regional entertainers share the area’s renowned cultural flair.