Thanksgiving Celebration:
Surrounded by elegant décor and new friends with the river rolling by, you’ll have a deep appreciation for all your many blessings as you indulge in a delectable Thanksgiving dinner in the elegant J.M. White Dining Room. Whether you fancy a traditional turkey dinner with all of the trimmings or perhaps something a bit different to change up your holiday on the river, your dining experience will be equally delightful.
Featured Onboard Activity:
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without settling in for a classic all-American tradition, football! Game day is happening onboard for all of our football fans, so grab your favorite after-dinner cocktail and head over to the Grand Saloon to enjoy the Thanksgiving Day football action.
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