10 Nights Mississippi River Getaway Cruise | Saint Louis to New Orleans

Type of Vessel

Launched in 2016, America is one of the finest paddle wheeler ever built, introducing features never before seen on the Mississippi. America embodies a casual ambiance and relaxed atmosphere while providing panoramic views of the passing scenery. With only 185 guests, fellow guests will quickly become new friends.

Itinerary

Day 1 | New Orleans, Louisiana: Explore the French Quarter, with its architectural blend of Spanish, French, Creole, and American styles. Also known as the Vieux Carre, it is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. The distinctive and romantic character of the area has long inspired writers and artists since the time of Mark Twain, Lafcadio Hern, and John James Audubon.
New Orleans is a city full of history, intrigue, and colorful characters. Begin your journey through the "Big Easy" with a private guide, who will give you a local's look at the area's most famous attractions. Explore the most popular areas including the French Quarter, the colorful garden district, and the famous stately mansions which still remain in period form. There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy the local flavors, like chicory coffee, sweet beignets, and famous New Orleans Jazz music. This excursion is only offered on cruises ending in New Orleans.

Day 2 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Experience the wonder of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, and one of the most historic and unforgettable cities in the South. Known as the Red Stick, Baton Rouge has everything you would expect to find in a state capital, but with a down-home flavor that is part of its charm.
The affluent ambiance of the Rosedown Plantation is evident the minute you step on the property. As you walk towards the Main House down the flowered path lined with towering oaks, you will be greeted by the lively resident expert, Tammie Miller. On the excursion, Tammie delves deep into the family history of Daniel and Martha Turnbull and how their experiences helped shape the Main House into a home. At the conclusion of your excursion, time is set aside to explore the grounds on your own or relax in a rocking chair on the front porch with cold refreshments and some of Tammie's freshly made cookies.
Known as the "Pirate of the Pacific," the USS Kidd is a memorial to the men and women who served in the American armed forces. Step back in time on this amazing experience as you witness original artifacts and aircraft from World War II.
The vibrant history of Louisiana is evident throughout the state's capital. After breakfast, you will be greeted at the ship by Philippa Blair and her visitor center representatives as they welcome you to Baton Rouge with vibrant Mardi Gras beads. Your first stop is the Louisiana Old State Capitol where you will experience a one-of-a-kind interactive film, made with the help of Disney, bringing you face-to-face with the ghost of the castle, Sarah Morgan. Afterward, Baton Rouge native, Ira Bobin, will serve as your guide and will bring you to the Louisiana State Museum, a completely interactive museum with three floors of displays detailing each region of Louisiana.

Day 3 | Natchez, Mississippi: Settled in 1716, Natchez is rich in history and southern hospitality. Enjoy a guided exploration of this fascinating city which has retained its antebellum charm since its surrender during the Civil War. Visit Frogmore, a historic cotton plantation still in use today, or attend a special piano concert in the J. N. Stone antebellum music room.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the fourth-generation owner, Joseph Stone, whose family has owned the home for over 135 years. Mr. Stone will guide you on a personal journey of his unique antebellum-style home and explain the many different purposes it has served over the years. Here, you can explore his eclectic collection of period-specific artwork and one-of-a-kind antiques. The afternoon concludes in the music hall with refreshments as Mr. Stone performs an exclusive classical piano concert.
Longwood is just one of the elegant historic houses that graces the historic district of Natchez. This octagonal house epitomizes the rise and fall of the South. As the Civil War began, the workmen stopped construction and the house was never completed. View the finished first floor with original family furnishings and the upper five stories that are still a work in progress.
The onboard experts tell many stories about southern life on a plantation; today you will learn what life was really like. The insightful local guide will accompany you from the ship to the cotton and will be your escort as you explore the 1,800-acre Frogmore cotton plantation. In intimate groups, the plantation owners Lynette and Buddy Tanner will delve into plantation life, including the housing, music, and relationships between the owners and workers. You will have the opportunity to pick cotton directly from the field, participate in a live gospel performance, and witness the progress in cotton technology from Eli Whitney's original gin to their modern 900 bales-per-day computerized plantation.
Explore downtown Natchez on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling through town. The shuttle will make regularly scheduled stops at Rosalie House, the Natchez Visitors Center, and the downtown shopping district.

Day 4 | Vicksburg, Mississippi: United States history is alive in Vicksburg. This "Queen City of the Bluff" offers plenty of opportunities to take a step back in time. Civil War battlefields, century-old churches, cotton fields, and restored train depots are just a few of the many intriguing landmarks that await your visit. Marvel in the beautiful antebellum-style homes and learn about Vicksburg's rich history as displayed on the riverfront murals.
The night before your visit, the onboard Civil War historian gives a captivating lecture detailing all you are about to witness at Vicksburg National Military Park. After a hearty southern-inspired breakfast, you will be greeted by a private guide who will stay with you throughout the day to answer questions and provide additional information. Upon arrival at the park, rangers who are well-versed in Civil War history guide you on a customized experience that's specific to the interests of the group. Your guides will take you through the restored ironclad gunboat, U.S.S Cairo, the battlefield where the Siege of Vicksburg took place, and the over 1,300 monuments dedicated to the brave souls who lost their lives.

Day 5 | Day of River Cruising: As you make your way from historic New Orleans to Saint Louis, revel in the sights and sounds of the spectacular Mississippi River. Spend time chatting with other passengers in the lounges or enjoy a cocktail on your private balcony.

Day 6 | Memphis, Tennessee: The largest city in Tennessee offers plenty to see, including Graceland, the W.C. Handy Museum; Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in the country; and the "twisted" Ornamental Metal Museum. In the heart of "Blues City," you will find the Peabody Memphis, one of the city's most popular attractions.
Relax and let your guide show you the highlights of this fascinating City on the Bluff. Memphis is located on the Mississippi River at the northern end of the Mississippi Delta where the Blues was born, with a history linked to cotton and music. On this narrated excursion, view Mud Island, a Mississippi River Educational Park; Cotton Row, where 60% of the nation's cotton was once traded; National Civil Rights Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated; and The Pinch District, Memphis' first neighborhood which was a melting pot of immigrants, mostly Irish immigrants who came to America to escape the Potato Famine.
No trip to Memphis is complete without a trip to the home of the "King of Rock n' Roll," Elvis Presley. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis' humble beginnings through his rise to super stardom. See where Elvis lived, relaxed, and spent time with his family and friends. Explore the famous "Jungle Room" where the star recorded one of his final albums. Visit the many onsite museums where you can view Elvis' many jumpsuits and gold records, as well his collection of automobiles and custom jets. Excursions are subject to change based on sailing.

Day 7 | New Madrid, Missouri: Originally founded in 1776 by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodriguez, early settlers of New Madrid were required to become citizens of Spain in order to reside here. Today, New Madrid is a living monument to early American history with sites including the Kochtitsky Home, the Trail of Tears, and Veterans Park.
Travel through the quaint town of New Madrid on a beautiful hayride pulled by a John Deere Tractor. Begin on the picturesque, newly completed river-way before continuing on to the Historical Museum. Continue through town viewing the Higgerson School, Hunter Dawson State Historic Site, and the River Walk Gallery. Guests have the option of visiting any sites of their interest.

Day 8 |Paducah, Kentucky: Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. As you walk the streets of this Chickasaw village site, discover Paducah's rich history. View the Wall-to-Wall Mural Program, a collection of over 50 murals that covers a number of subjects including Native American history, the Civil War, and area landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library. Led by your expert guide, visit this enchanting city with a stop National Quilt Museum.
Just a short distance from the ship's docking location is the River Discovery Center, where guests learn about the Four Rivers region. Explore state-of-the-art interactive exhibits such as the working lock and dam model and the pilothouse simulator which allows you test your skills and captain your own riverboat!
Let your local guide take you through the quaint city of Paducah. This excursion has been carefully divided into three distinct sections to make sure you experience all that Paducah has to offer. First, visit the downtown as your local expert guide points out the areas' many historical sites. Then, take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront where you will witness more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting elements of Paducah's past. End the trip at the National Quilt Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

Day 9 | Day of River Cruising: Sit back and enjoy the gentle sounds of the paddlewheel as it churns the placid waters of the Ohio River. One of the highlights of this cruise is the chance to watch the ever-changing scenery as it passes by and experience the river as early explorers did centuries ago.

Day 10 | Saint Louis, Missouri: Saint Louis is known as the "Gateway to the West." Admire the scenic riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the United States Enjoy Saint Louis' many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum.
Enjoy a narrated journey of downtown Saint Louis, the riverfront, Citygarden, and the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square. Delight in a visit to Saint Louis' 1,371-acre Forest Park, known as a natural oasis in an urban environment. Stop at the Cathedral Basilica, where you explore the interior if this stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.
Enjoy a guided excursion 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 Seeking Saint Louis, delve into the history of the Gateway City from its founding through the new millennium. This excursion is only offered on cruises ending in Saint Louis.

Day 11 | Saint Louis, Missouri: Departure day. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world's most popular public gardens.

Guest Services

The all-American crew from American Cruise Lines simply provides you with the best possible cruise experience by offering an unsurpassed level of attention. Whether onboard or ashore, each member of the crew will work with you to help accommodate your specific interests, tastes, and needs. Attentive and personalized service is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines.

Food and Dining

Meals are served in the spacious dining salon, which accommodates all passengers at one seating. The day's menu is announced well in advance, and consists of fresh meats and seafood, as well as in-season fruits and vegetables. Special menus are available to passengers on restricted diets. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated, though advance notice. All meals are prepared to order. Coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks are available 24 hours a day.

Onboard Activities/Events

Let American Cruise Lines guide you through the origins and rich traditions of music on America's legendary rivers and waterways. These shores are home to many celebrated styles of music including Country, Jazz, Blues, and Rock n' Roll. Onboard and ashore, enjoy music inspired by each unique region and learn its impact on the development of American music. Also enjoy daily entertainments from historians, naturalists, and local experts that join every cruise. Daily lectures ranging from history to culture to cuisines.
As you cruise this legendary river, the riverlorians will provide you with a deeper understanding of river history, culture, and lore. Learn about the Civil War as you walk the grounds on which it took place. Take part in discussions about the river's role in the development of American music and discover how steamboats played a major part in America's western expansion.

Shore Excursions

On this 11-day journey from New Orleans to Saint Louis, discover what makes the Mississippi River legendary. The delectable cuisine, stunning scenery, and fascinating historic landmarks are an experience for the soul. Shore excursions include the J.N. Stone House Experience and Concert, MGW - Deluxe Graceland Signature Journey, Frogmore Plantation, Paducah Riverfront and National Quilt Museum and Vicksburg National Military Park.

Staterooms or Cabins

Owner's Suites | Each suite offers the finest accommodations on the Mississippi River with unsurpassed views of the passing scenery. A spectacular up to 445 square feet of space is your private sanctuary to spread out and make yourself at home. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to an expansive private balcony offering private panoramic views throughout the room. Every modern amenity is at your fingertips, along with a spacious seating area, desk, and full-size bathroom.
AAM Staterooms | Located on the top deck, these spacious staterooms feature commanding views of the passing Mississippi landscape. At 328 square feet, there is plenty of room to enjoy the tasteful comfort of your surroundings. These staterooms have all the comforts of a fine hotel and feature floor- to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a private balcony to offer panoramic views of the Mississippi from every angle. These staterooms also offer a sitting area, desk, and full-size bathrooms and are the epitome of comfort and relaxation.
AAC Staterooms | Conveniently located on the fourth deck and at 304 square feet offer all of the comforts of a fine hotel. Complete with a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, these staterooms provide spectacular panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape.
AAL Staterooms and AAR Staterooms | Enjoy a luxurious 304 square feet of living space that is equipped with plush seating, full-size bathrooms, and a private balcony with large sliding glass doors that offer great views of the Mississippi scenery.
A Staterooms | These 290 square feet staterooms offer exceptional comfort and a relaxing living area. Featuring a large opening picture window, these staterooms are equipped with modern amenities, full-size bathrooms, and closet space.
Single (Private Balcony) Staterooms | Perfect for the solo traveler, offering all of the amenities you expect from a fine hotel. At 230 square feet, these staterooms have spacious bathrooms and large sliding glass doors that lead to a private balcony.
Single Staterooms | A comfortable getaway, offering individuals a spacious room with convenient amenities. At 203 square feet, these staterooms have interior entrances and large opening viewing windows where the sights of the Mississippi can be enjoyed.