New Orleans to Memphis

Pre-Cruise: New Orleans Highlights Tour

Embark on an adventure through a city radiating an eccentric and authentic atmosphere and filled to the brim with history and culture close to the heart of America. Explore the history of New Orleans including the first settlers, religion, culture and Mardi Gras. On an exclusive New Orleans narrated driving tour, 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.

A stop in Jackson Square will be the perfect location to treat yourself to authentic New Orleans styled lunch at one of the many cafes and eateries or to pick out the perfect souvenir of your visit to this iconic city. Then, we will travel down St. Charles Avenue, along the famous street car line, where New Orleans’ most prestigious and beautiful colleges, Tulane University and Loyola University are located.

Continue the day in New Orleans’ breathtaking City Park, a 400-acre park located in uptown between St. Charles Avenue and the Mississippi River, built on the site of the 1884 World's Fair. Here, we will take a short break to relax and soak in the awe inspiring scenery of “The Big Easy,” as you are treated to a complimentary coffee and a New Orleans’ signature Morning Call beignet. No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a stop at St. Louis Cemetery # 3, known better as the “The City of the Dead,” which is where we will conclude our complete journey through the city of New Orleans!

Note: Our experience ends at the American Queen’s dock.

All shore excursions, prices, and information are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

Included

Price

$59.00

Duration

5.5 hours

Tour Capacity

50 guests

Exclusive Holiday Celebration

Enjoy the holiday season in one of the most lavish and luxurious settings that the South has to offer. After spending the day touring the historical plantation and its perfectly manicured grounds, join us in the stunning White Ballroom where a spectacular performance will be held depicting the extravagant southern balls held here during the planation era. Dressed in full gowns and proper suits, impersonators will share a little about the incredible festivities held at Nottoway Plantation. You will then make your way to Nottoway's beautiful Randolph Ballroom where you will enjoy an elegant, four-course meal (click here to view the tantalizing menu).

At the conclusion of Nottoway's Traditional Southern Ball and dining experience, enjoy an American Queen exclusive Christmas Market in the shadow of this "White Castle" of the south. Local artisans, bakers and craftsmen will line the walkways of Nottoway offering their finest and most unique souvenirs. Use this time to pick out the perfect gift to take home to a loved-one.

Following the exclusive Christmas Markets, join us on the levee overlooking the American Queen where a ceremonial bonfire will be lit, extending a warm, red glow across the waters of the Mississippi River. After the last ceremonial fire is lit, it is time to join us onboard the American Queen for our very own Holiday Gala in the Grand Saloon. Spend the remainder of the night dancing and singing along to your favorite holiday classics! 

Royal Street
Guests can hop off here and walk over to The Republic of West Florida Historical Site. Or choose to stroll into Grandmother’s Buttons, a very unique southern boutique. Take a stroll down Royal Street at any of the shops or just to admire the beautiful trees and homes. Or stop into Grandmother’s Buttons – a unique boutique that offers jewelry made out of 100 year old buttons. Inside the store, you can visit the button museum to learn the history of the business and the inspirations of the art. The store is located inside of a former historic bank lobby with 16-foot ceilings and a bank vault, even if jewelry is not in your plans – the architecture is beautiful!

Old Market Hall
Become steeped in southern charm and local artistry. Stop at Harrington Gallery to experience one-of-a-kind paintings and beautiful pieces by local artists. Visit the Shanty Too, a quaint boutique featuring artisan jewelry and gifts. The structure was built in 1819 and has a beautiful open layout. Now, the building is used as a market center for the town to host their small businesses. Every day is different, you may see anything from jewelry and makeup, scarves and dresses, or snacks and produce! 

West Feliciana Historical Society Museum
Learn about St. Francisville and Louisiana’s history and culture. Also, feel free to stop at the West Feliciana Parish Library and relax with a good book or newspaper. This museum is dedicated to the history, people, and architectures of West Feliciana Parish. Built inside a former hardware store built in 1896, the Historical Society Museum displays many artifacts, photos, costumes, and articles all portraying the history of St. Francisville. Just across the street, you can stop in any of the fine boutiques and shops! 

Grace Episcopal Church
Originally built in 1827, this restored Gothic structure is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Louisiana. Learn about its significance during the Civil War and its’ historical Civil War cemetery. Built in 1860 and rebuilt in 1893 after the Union caused heavy damage in 1863, Grace Episcopal Church stands tall in St. Francisville. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the church and the grounds and make sure to check out the organ located inside – it dates all the way back to 1860! This church is one of the state’s oldest Protestant churches that still stand today.

Redemption & Rehabilitation at Angola Penitentiary

Recognized by the international travel community during the 2014 Seatrade Convention in Barcelona as one of the three most innovative experiences in the world, we embark on a trip full of second chances, rehabilitation, and redemption. Angola Prison—formerly America’s most dangerous penitentiary is known today as a model facility and takes great pride in the faith-based rehabilitation of its inmates, most of whom will never regain their freedom. 

Based on your previous perception of prison, you can’t help but get butterflies as you turn to see the yellow gates and barbed wire of Angola Prison. That perception will be changed today. As we wind through Angola’s vast, rich farmland where over five million pounds of produce are harvested by inmates each year, gaze upon the fields that seem to expand forever. Our ride will wind along the tight roads paved through the grounds as we pass inmates hard at work harvesting crops. We push on, passing inmate housing, cattle herds, the K-9 training facility, and the Rodeo arena. Discover the history of this plantation turned penitentiary, made famous for its troubling history and it’s truly inspirational turn-around, annual Rodeo, and numerous sightings in movies including the blockbuster; “Dead Man Walking.” 

We will stop in front of Angola’s first and most famous cellblock, stepping off the bus for an exclusive tour of the Red Hat Cellblock. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the penitentiary’s first cellblock was home to the escape artist Charlie Frazer and was the site of eleven executions by electric chair. Hear the history of the dark roads the prison had been to before its unbelievable transformation.

The journey continues, arriving at the penitentiary’s largest chapel where guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear the enlightening stories from current inmates and the journey of their transformation into the inspiration and well-rounded people they are today. Our exclusive excursion ends with a stop at the penitentiary’s on-site museum. While here, learn more about the ongoing effort to change prisons in America, the history of Angola and pick up a unique souvenir as a reminder of the ongoing effort to ensure public safety.

All shore excursions, prices, and information are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

Included

Price

$59.00

Duration

4 hours

Tour Capacity

100 guests

Christmas Market
Enjoy the Christmas Market atop the bluff that overlooks the Mississippi River.  While shopping for local arts and crafts, you will enjoy the festive decorations and holiday music.

Rosalie Mansion
A Union Headquarters for Natchez during the Civil War built in 1823. This 1716 mansion was built by the French as a fort on the bluffs of Natchez. The Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution have since gained ownership and have been maintaining the house and grounds since 1938. On this guided tour, hear the history of the house and the artifacts from an expert tour guide dressed in period clothing. Guests can explore the extensive gardens, gift shop, library, or carriage house before they leave.  
                                                                                                                 
Natchez Visitor’s Center
Learn about the river in this beautiful southern town, visit exhibits, or shop at the gift shop! Enjoy a short, 20-minute video in the Visitor’s Center Theater and hear about the history of Natchez upon arrival. Then, explore the building at your leisure. At the entrance a scaled display model of the city is showcased. Stop in the office for some general information and questions about the town and its history, including town highlights and points of interest.

William Johnson House
An incredible, historic 3-story brick house constructed after the 1840 Natchez tornado. William Johnson was known as the “Barber of Natchez”; he began as a slave and gained his freedom at age eleven. After his freedom, he began to work his way up in society, eventually becoming almost fully accepted within society. As the town barber, William Johnson was able to hear the stories and gossip of many of the residents, which he documented in his diary for over 16 years. His 3-story brick home was built in 1840 and showcases many

Magnolia Hall
This fully restored mansion was owned by a wealthy cotton broker and merchant and was built in 1858. This Greek Revival Mansion was built in 1858. The house was built before the breakout of the Civil War in town but did suffer some damage – a cannon ball was actually launched into their kitchen! It is now fully restored – the main floor offers a showcase of many antiques and furnishings and the upper floors offer a costume collection located in the Historic Clothing Museum. Tour the house and then stop in the gift shop for some souvenirs.

Stanton Hall
A magnificent, Antebellum Classical Revival Mansion built on an entire city block of Natchez. Irish Immigrant and cotton merchant Frederick Stanton built this Palatial Greek Revival mansion in 1857. It was appraised at $83,000 during that period, even before it was furnished. Take a 30-minute tour of the house – which takes up the entire block and is fully furnished. Afterwards you can stop for lunch in the Carriage House Restaurant, known for their fine southern cuisine.

King’s Tavern and Charboneau Distillery
Step off the American Queen Motorcoach and step through the front gate leading to the second floor porch of this 1769 building – the oldest structure in the city of Natchez. Join us for an American Queen exclusive tour of the King’s Tavern – a newly opened restaurant and bar, owned by Regina Charboneau, a nationally recognized chef, and her husband Doug. Here you will begin a guided tour of the bar with a custom drink on the house, followed by an exclusive tour of the distillery located just next-door. Don’t miss out!

Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture Museum
View photographs and artifacts or hear the history of African-American heritage in Natchez and Adams County. Here, learn the history and culture of the African Americans in Natchez over time. Guests can hear the stories or explore the many exhibits that portray the hardships that African Americans suffered and those that prevailed in a time period which allowed for minimal success to the entire race. Add another dimension of Natchez history by stopping at this museum.

Entertaining Southern Style with Regina Charboneau

Enter the ornate parlors of Twin Oaks; private home of the American Queen’s Culinary Director and Chef de Cuisine; Regina Charboneau. Chef Charboneau opens her home exclusively for guests of the American Queen for an afternoon of southern hospitality and entertainment. Relax within the walls of this historic home as Regina entertains with the history Twin Oaks and shares her secrets to effortless entertaining with a southern flair. Enjoy cocktails and a sampling of gourmet sweet and savory treats prepared by Regina. This unique southern afternoon tea concludes as Regina explains the epicurean delights offered, answers guest’s questions and provides guests a CD full of decadent southern recipes and antique menus to inspire your own cocktail party.

Note: This tour sells out quickly and we suggest booking early.

All shore excursions, prices, and information are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

Included

Price

$79.00

Duration

2.5 hours

Tour Capacity

36 guests

A Jeweled Christmas in Natchez

Join us for lavish Christmas experience in one of America’s most beautiful historic homes. This experience includes a tour of The Towers, a beautifully restored antebellum mansion in Natchez, Mississippi. Situated on almost 5 lush and manicured acres, this Italianate style home was built in 1858 and once served as the headquarters for the Union Army during the Civil War. This tour includes a complete tour of the home, festively decorated in a dazzling display of antique jewelry, exquisite garlands and 100 decorated Christmas Trees. Immerse yourself in a festive wonderland as you continue through the mansion and into the stately dining room where refreshments will be offered. Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and decadent desserts with a southern flair. To complete your Christmas experience, a local pianist will offer merry music for a jolly holiday sing-along.

All shore excursions, prices, and information are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

Included

Price

$79.00

Duration

3 hours

Tour Capacity

48 guests

Church of the Holy Trinity
This Episcopal Church is over 125 years old and house 6 Tiffany stained-glass windows. This incredible church spans over 125 feet long, 52 feet wide, and reaches 61 feet high to the apex of the roof. The church was constructed in Norman style, finished in red brick, though it showcases zigzag tracery which was highly unique to the style at the time. The stained glass windows may be the main draw – there are 34. They were given as memorials and six of them were created by Tiffany Studios in New York under the supervision of Louis Comfort Tiffany. 

Anchuca Mansion
Anchuca, meaning “happy home” is one of the most significant antebellum homes in Vicksburg and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1830 and provided shelter for those suffering during the War. The word Anchuca derives from an Indian word meaning, “happy home”, which is the exact vibe this home gives off. Built in 1830 by politician J.W. Mauldin, Anchuca is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the war, the house was used as a shelter for those who had suffered. Tour the home and its beautiful furnishings.

Old Court House Museum
Built in 1858, this building stands as the most historic structure in Vicksburg, hosting speakers and guests like Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, and more! Construction for this colossal courthouse began in 1858 and was completed miraculously just two years later in 1860 for $100,000. It was restored after the tornado of 1953 swept through Mississippi by Eva Whitaker Davis. Now, the courthouse is filled with countless artifacts including, confederate flags, portraits, the trophy antlers won by steamboat Robert E. Lee in an 1870 race, an original Teddy Bear given by Theodore Roosevelt, and many more! 

Yesterday’s Child & Doll Museum & Biendemham Coca-Cola Museum
Take a self-guided tour as you enjoy and remember life through a child’s eyes. Learn the history of an America’s beloved soda in this 1890’s-furnished museum. Located directly across the street from one another, these two Vicksburg gems are close to the hearts of many residents. Yesterday’s Doll Museum was featured in Delta Magazine and Dolls Magazine. Enjoy a self-guided tour featuring over 1,000 dolls and toys dating back to 1843. At Biedenhard Coca-Cola Museum enjoy the wide variety of Coca-Cola memorabilia in an authentic candy store and soda fountain setting. 

Lower Mississippi River Museum
Listen to the risks and benefits of life surrounding the Mississippi River and learn the Federal Government’s role the Mississippi’s past and present. This museum’s mission is to show the Federal Government’s role in the Mississippi’s past as well as future efforts to maintain a healthy river. Guests can explore showcases of the history of Vicksburg and the region or exhibits about the 1927 flood and how it affected Vicksburg and the Mississippi River. Learn about the fish of the river up close in the museum’s 1,515 gallon aquarium or choose your own adventure on the river with the Mississippi Trail Interactive exhibit! (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

Old Depot Museum
Featuring the world’s largest collection of ship models and a collection of riverboat models and naval vessels with Mississippi names. Also, the museum offers the only diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, shown in a birds-eye view of the battlefield with 2,300 miniature soldiers. Formerly a depot for the Grand Trunk & Western Railroad, this museum has over 150,000 historical and genealogical items in its collection. It features a scale-model village of the buildings important to the development of Vicksburg and the South Kalamazoo County Region and outback guests can check out the caboose! Before you leave, make sure to check out the gift shop!

On the Front Lines of the Civil War

Travel the front lines of one the most important battlefields in the country. Cross into enemy territory, hear the stories and hardships suffered by soldiers and discover what makes Vicksburg such an important city in American history.  Aptly described by President Lincoln as “the key to victory,” the Siege and Battle at Vicksburg is a landmark in time that shaped our country and how wars would forever be fought.

Set off for the historic Vicksburg National Military Park. Here, we will travel the 16-mile road that weaves through the 1,300 monuments and markers. As our luxury motorcoach navigates the bluffs and fields that once served as crucial battlegrounds, we’ll cross both Union and Confederate lines and make a few stops to allow for a close-up experience at some of the key points of interest along the way.  Tour the USS Cairo and Museum, an Iron Clad River Boat that was raised from the depths of the Mississippi River and can be boarded and fully explored. Climb the steps at the Illinois State Monument, the largest of the 27 state monuments and walk the National Cemetery, a peaceful location holing the largest amount of Civil War burials in the country, as well as the Vicksburg Battlefield Visitor’s Center where an informative fiber-optic display depicts the progression of the siege. 

All shore excursions, prices, and information are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

Included

Price

$69.00

Duration

4.5 hours

Tour Capacity

150 guests

Greenville History Museum
View artifacts, photos, and memorabilia dating back to the 1800’s. Learn the history of Greenville and the citizens in it. Here, guests can learn about Greenville and all of the important events and people she has to offer. The museum is home to many artifacts, photos, memorabilia, and souvenirs dating back to the early 1800’s. See personal objects of local past citizens, businesses, or well-known historical present-day celebrities! Greenville History Museum has plenty of information about the Greenville Flood of 1927, including many pictures and stories.

Hebrew Union Congregation Temple and Museum
Built in 1906 and has all original stained glass windows and organ. This guided, extensive museum on Hebrew history was built in 1906. Located in front of the temple is an original carriage stone – used for passengers as they climbed in and out of horse drawn carriages in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The temple showcases original stained glass and an original working organ both from 1906.

Flood of 1927 Museum
Learn the history of the one of the most impacting floods Washington County has ever faced. Located in the oldest structure in Downtown Greenville, the Flood Museum depicts the history of one of the greatest natural disasters the county has ever seen. View the flood artifacts and photos illustrating the flood’s impact during the long 4 months Greenville were flooded. Watch a short documentary illustrated the cause and effects of the Great Flood and the struggle of man against nature.

E.E. Bass Auditorium & Cultural Center
Home of the oldest functioning Armitage carousel. The E.E. Bass Museum is home to the Armitage Herschell Carousel. This carousel was created in 1901 and is the oldest fully functioning Armitage carousel today. Mississippi at that time was still very segregated, many people approached the owner about having separate nights for carousel rides, but the owner refused, he wished for everyone to ride together. Take a ride on this miraculous machine and hear the whistle blow and travel back in time.

Washington County Courthouse
Beautiful 1890 structure comprised of mostly Illinois brownstone. This courthouse is actually the second to occupy this space – the original was burned down by Union troops during the Civil War. It was replaced by the current structure in 1890, made up of primarily Illinois brownstone. The front of the building showcases the Confederate Monument which faces south – like many do in Mississippi.

Trop Casino
Newest addition to Greenville and it is just a short walk from the American Queen dock. Just a short distance from the dock of the American Queen, guests can find themselves in Greenville’s Trop Casino. The city’s newest addition included a $6.8 million expansion including a riverboat and land based casino! Enjoy the latest slots and table games or enjoy a fine dining experience at one of the casino’s extraordinary restaurants!

Small Towns, Big Legends - The Story of B.B. King

Join us on a journey to Indianola, Mississippi, the hometown of legendary Blues artist, B.B. King.  Indianola captures the essence of the grass-root’s Blues and exposes a charmingly simplistic way of life so unique to the Delta region.  Each rugged brick used to support this small town has been saturated to its core with the gritty, unrefined soul of “The Blues.” 

Despite its modest and unassuming appearance, this humble Delta town birthed a musical giant.  Known world-wide as “The King of Blues,” B.B. King called Indianola home for much of his life.  Built to tell the story of B.B. King and how the Delta Region shaped his legacy, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center captures the story of the Delta Blues.  
Upon arrival, a guided tour of the museum begins as a heartwarming documentary tells the story of B.B.’s childhood and early beginnings.

Then, travel back in time as the chronological exhibits throughout the museum twist and wind through the musical journey of the iconic B.B. King, from his humble beginnings as a small child, to a determined young man with a guitar and a dream, through the turning points of his career that cemented his place in musical history. 

Spawned in America’s Deep South, the Blues is meant to evoke emotion deep within one’s soul.  The Blues must be felt, lived and tasted in order to be fully appreciated.  A visit to Club Ebony, an iconic night club built at the end of WWII in 1948 that featured iconic entertainers such as Ray Charles, Count Basie, Bobby Bland, Albert King, and of course – B.B. King, will complete your day. King purchased the venue in 2008 to keep the tradition alive. Here, local Blues performers will entertain with rousing musical prowess while guests enjoy a truly southern snack in all of its rustic and gritty glory. This authentic southern juke joint will set itself apart from the rest of your trip.

All shore excursions, prices, and information are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

Included

Price

$79.00

Duration

4.75 hours

Tour Capacity

100 guests

Post-Cruise: The King's Memphis with Graceland

Experience Memphis through the eyes of The King himself on an exclusive experience through this musical southern city. Join us as we embark on a driving tour passed select landmarks such as Sun Studio, iconic Beale Street and Elvis Presley Plaza. Keep a sharp eye out for wondering musicians as this tour may have a couple musical surprises as we make our way to Graceland. Visit this musical mecca with a Platinum Ticket to Graceland Mansion and all of the outlying museums. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Graceland and enjoy free time for lunch on your own at one of the Elvis themed eateries on the grounds.

Put on your blue suede shoes and board the American Queen Luxury motorcoach. During this exclusive narrated driving tour of Memphis, you will see such landmarks as Sun Studio, the Peabody Hotel, the National Civil Rights Museum (The Lorraine Motel) and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Experience the most musical town in the world when you cruise down Beale St known as the "Home of the Blues & Birthplace of Rock & Roll." You will see Elvis Presley Plaza, BB King's Blues Club and the Gibson Guitar Factory.

Included is a Graceland Platinum ticket, which is a Self-Guided tour that includes the Graceland Mansion, all of the outlying museums with extra time to treat yourself to a lunch fit for a King at one of Graceland’s Elvis themed eateries. You will not want to miss this unique and authentic city tour, which pays homage to the legendary musical giants who called Memphis home.

This experience begins during the debarkation process on the American Queen and ends at the Memphis International Airport by 12:30PM and includes guest’s luggage transfer.

All shore excursions, prices, and information are subject to change without notice.

Transportation

Included

Price

$89.00

Duration

5 hours

Tour Capacity

100 guests