4 Nights Highlights of the Mississippi River Cruise | New Orleans roundtrip

Type of Vessel

Built in 2015, Queen of the Mississippi offers an authentic paddle wheeler experience with all the comforts of home. Guests can enjoy large staterooms with private balconies, hotel-style bathrooms, and complimentary room service. Experience breathtaking scenery from the privacy of your stateroom as the Queen of the Mississippi makes its way down the legendary river.

Itinerary

Day 1 | New Orleans, Louisiana: Welcome to New Orleans. This vibrant city, also known as the Big Easy, is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River voyage. Arrive the day before your cruise and explore the most popular attractions and cultural highlights of New Orleans at your leisure. With complimentary transportation to the ship, making your trip is as worry-free as possible.

Day 2 | Houmas House, Louisiana: Explore the Houmas House and its history as you stroll along the gardens, ponds, and the majestic live oak alley that adorn the grounds. Discover the southern splendor of "The Sugar Palace," with its 16 guestrooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork.
The stately grandeur of Houmas House is complemented by the flair of the guide, Ms. Judy Davis, who has a personality as magnificent as the mansion itself. As you arrive, you will be greeted on the riverbank to begin the private excursion through the gardens to the 16-guestroom plantation home. Once inside, the velvet ropes are removed and permission is granted to use the home's furniture for a truly authentic experience. During this experience, she brings stories of the homes many inhabitants to life through the unique collection of Louisiana art. After, you have time to wind through the gardens on your own. Later, Ms. Davis joins you on board for an entertaining evening of humor and songs of the South.

Day 3 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Baton Rouge features all the history you would expect in a state capital, but with an added downhome flavor that makes it truly unique. Led by your private guide, enjoy a journey of the cities' most famous attractions, including the Old and New State Capitol and the interactive Louisiana State Museum.
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 4 | Oak Alley, Louisiana: Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking.
The famous ancient oaks bordering your path to the mansion are your first sight upon stepping ashore. The perfectly aligned 300-year-old trees form a canopy which set a particularly grand entrance for your arrival to the Oak Ally Plantation. Southern belles enjoying the shade of the leafy canopy greet you on arrival and are your guides for the day. In small groups, they bring you through the antebellum plantation's many stately rooms and show you why it has earned the name "Grande Dame of The Great River Road." After the journey, join for a special gathering with mint juleps on the west lawn before a visit to their popular gift shop which is known for its world-famous pralines.

Day 5 | New Orleans, Louisiana: Welcome back to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, and where art and culture abound around every corner of this unique city. The open-air artist colony proudly displays local works on the iron fence in Jackson Square, while the city's 45 museums carefully preserve its rich history. Stay an extra day or even a few nights to enjoy the famed French Quarter.
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.

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.

Shore Excursions

On this five day sojourn, enjoy the best of the Lower Mississippi. Explore the most desirable destinations, listen to the finest New Orleans jazz, and savor exquisite Cajun and Creole cuisine. Shore Excursions include the Oak Alley Plantation Journey, Signature Atchafalaya Basin Experience, Houmas House and Plantation, and the USS Kidd.

Staterooms or Cabins

Owner's Suites | At a generous up to 445 square feet, these suites offer the finest accommodations with unsurpassed views of the Mississippi River. With a spacious seating area and full-size bathrooms, each suite is a private sanctuary where you can unwind after a day of exploration in the tasteful comfort of your surroundings. Each of these suites features large sliding glass doors leading out to a private balcony, where you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Every modern amenity is at your fingertips, along with a desk, and spacious seating area.
AAM Staterooms | Located on the top deck, these spacious staterooms feature scenic views of the passing landscape. At 328 square feet, you will enjoy all of the modern comforts that are expected of a premium hotel. These staterooms also offer full-size bathrooms and a walk-out private balcony where the grandness of the Mississippi can be appreciated.
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, a full-size bathroom, 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, all 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, all have interior entrances and large viewing windows where the sights of the Mississippi can be enjoyed.