Table Of Content
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. Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise.
Americana sights, sounds & flavors
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. Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat. Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum.
New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN
On a virtual journey through living history—past fertile cotton fields, sugar cane plantations and imposing pillared mansions—guests can soak in the romantic spirit of the Antebellum era that unfolds along the riverbanks. Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. This vivacious city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience. If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines.
Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour
American Queen Voyages, which made stops via the Mississippi River in St. Paul, ends operations - Greater Milwaukee Today GMToday.com
American Queen Voyages, which made stops via the Mississippi River in St. Paul, ends operations.
Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Birthplace of American music—blues, jazz and soul—the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores. If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks. While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026.
New Orleans Steamboat Company
“The cruise port has a nice waterfront area including outlet stores if you need to pick anything up for your trip.” And for those who like to walk, the French Quarter is not far away (taxis and rideshares are also readily available). Another popular tourist attraction near the port is Mardi Gras World, where you can view some of the floats that are used for the annual Carnival celebrations. Two river cruise lines—American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines—offer departures from the Port of New Orleans, sailing on the Mississippi, one of the longest rivers in the world. These all-American cruises introduce passengers to people, places and culture of the cities and towns along the way. Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions.
Day by Day
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Guests travel to the magnificent Houmas House Plantation and enjoy its beautiful gardens and unique collection of Louisiana art, and get to sip a mint julep on the west lawn of former the Oak Alley Plantation. The 880 passenger Paddlewheeler Creole Queen is New Orleans’ most luxurious daily excursions riverboat on the Mississippi River. The Creole Queen is an traditional riverboat powered by a 24-ft diameter paddlewheel. She has three private dining rooms giving her the largest indoor capacity available on excursion vessels in New Orleans.
Historic Mississippi River Cruise
Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality. 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. 4th Of July, New Orleans & the Mighty Mississippi River - The PERFECT Combination for Celebrating Independence Day! Join us aboard the authentic & award winning paddlewheeler Creole Queen for the best seat in the house.
Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian describing 300-years of New Orleans history; from the founding of the city by the LeMoyne Brothers to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. During your cruise the vessel will dock at Chalmette Battlefield for a 1-hour excursion. Enjoy a guided tour and talk by a National Park Ranger about the battle of New Orleans, while taking in the sweet breeze and delicate waves along the river. Delight in a cash bar and/or a satisfying Creole lunch option available on the boat while viewing the famous French Quarter and Port of New Orleans from the river .
You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship. American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020.
Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born from the river. New Orleans is situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, guardian of the treasures that abound along the river’s edge. Let the America or the Queen of the Mississippi be your river guide, invoking the grand steamboating era aboard these spectacular paddlewheels. Be transported in time to Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Oak Alley mansion and the Rosedown Plantation.
On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool. You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing. From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene.
Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option. Mark Twain said that the Mississippi River was a wonderful book with a new story to tell every day. Mississippi, a Chippewa Indian word that means “large river” is the life force that has shaped New Orleans history forever, defining and literally shaping the city into its famous Crescent outline. Boat tours leave regularly from the riverfront area adjacent to Woldenberg Park, some offering music and meals, all offering cocktails and narration. Road Scholar, a nonprofit inspiring lifelong learning since 1975, offers a 26-day learning adventure on the American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Duchess. Sailing the entire length of the Mississippi, the onboard focus is on the life and legacy of Mark Twain, with lectures onboard by a resident Riverlorian history and culture experts.
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. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the renowned National World War II Museum. If departing the ship in New Orleans, enjoy available city excursions and motorcoach transfers to the airport. Guests board one of the company’s brand new riverboats to celebrate the music, history and culture of the Lower Mississippi. The journey begins in New Orleans, a melting pot of French, African and American culture, where guests enjoy exclusive access to its vibrant music scene and Cajun and Creole cuisine. Curated excursions include tours of plantations such as the Oak Alley, Frogmore and Rosedown and opportunities to explore historic towns and beautiful gardens.
Participants visit the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens in Hannibal, Missouri, as well as the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The National Rivers Hall of Fame (located within the museum) tells the stories of men and women whose lives were intimately involved with America’s rivers. Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.
American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers. These 9-day voyages on the American Duchess, American Queen and American Countess (in 2020) are designed to introduce guests to the diverse culture, stories, songs and flavors of this historic region. A resident “Riverlorian” offers lectures and chats explaining their lore and the evenings are filled with festive, live entertainment. As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port of St. Francisville.
No comments:
Post a Comment