8 Nights America's Music Cruise: Memphis to New Orleans

Type of Vessel

American Duchess

There's never been a better time to rediscover America and the American Queen Steamboat Company has the perfect way to explore the heartland of our great nation - aboard the grand American Duchess, the largest most opulent riverboat in the world. The American Duchess is the first all-suite paddlewheeler on U.S. rivers, a floating, intimate masterpiece that can carry up to 166 guests through America's heartland. The paddlewheeler, created from a 1995 hull, was completely reconstructed to become one of the most luxurious river cruising vessels in the country, featuring single-seating main dining, entertainment venues, and soaring ceilings.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Memphis, TN - Boutique Hotel: Enjoy your included, one-night stay at the iconic Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. The evening is yours to get self-acquainted with this city's famed eateries, unique shops and lively entertainment. The Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel for your convenience between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM. It is here that the friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving Premium Shore Excursions. An American Queen Steamboat Company representative, as well as a local representative, will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment, and sight-seeing suggestions so that you may maximize your time in Memphis.

Day 2 | Memphis, TN: Today is the day you have been waiting for! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey down America's largest and most historical river.
If you haven't gotten your full dose of Memphis yet, visit the AQSC Hospitality Desk for ideas about how to spend your day. The official Voyage Check-In will be open in the morning. During this fast and easy procedure, representatives will arrange your transfer to the vessel and answer any questions you might have. The process is simple and will have you back to exploring in no time, and, if you think of any more questions, the Hospitality Desk will be at your service until late afternoon, when the complimentary boat transfers will begin!
All guests are invited to participate in a Premium Pre-Cruise Shore Excursion in the morning as the exclusive adventure begins through Memphis before continuing to the vessel Dock. Reservations are required, so stop in at the Hospitality Desk for more information.
It's time to start your voyage and begin a luxurious voyage down the Mississippi River, where memories will be made that will last a lifetime!

Day 3 | Helena, AR: In the Valley of Crowley's Ridge, sits the small town of Helena, Arkansas. Helena dates back to 1833, and was once a bustling, thriving southern city. Today, Helena would seem to some as a town that time forgot. While the rest of the country was building shopping centers and interstate systems, Helena struggled to stay afloat amidst all of the progress. Big changes drew small businesses away from Main Street U.S.A. and into strip malls. Convenience took over, where simplicity once stood. Today, Helena is in the throes of a revival. With quirky boutiques, unique stores and a historic musical past, Helena remains proud of the life they continue to successfully sprout from the ruins of the past. For in through the dust and rubble, new life for this determined Southern town is emerging.

Day 4 | Vicksburg, MS: Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Described as the "Key to the South" by Abraham Lincoln, this southern town carries a history unlike any other Civil War city. Vicksburg was founded in 1811 and grew as a vital river port city. It was a major component to the Civil War and carries much of the history within the town. Today, Vicksburg is a popular spot for tourists to learn about the battles of the city, taste the cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir.

Day 5 | Natchez, MS: This charming river town was first inhabited by Natchez Indians and French explorers who shared the land. It was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi. The city is known for its elegance, hospitality, and impressive preservation of history - found on every street corner throughout Natchez. Guests enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical homes located in Natchez, all of which contribute to Hugh Bayless' book, "The 100 Best Towns in America."

Day 6 | Baton Rouge, LA Baton Rouge, the Capital of Louisiana, has a deep culture and rich history. Named by French explorer, Sieur D'Iberville after a reddish pole marking two separate tribal hunting grounds, Baton Rouge has transformed into a rich cultural city. Locals speak a specific version of French in their everyday language. The city is home to Louisiana's capitol building which is the largest in the United States, as well as the Old State Capitol - a Gothic architectural monument located on the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mississippi. Spend the day exploring all that Baton Rouge has to offer, from the museums and the architecture, to the shops and the cuisine - everyone will enjoy an exciting, busy day!

Day 7 | St. Francisville, LA: Established in 1809, St. Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes. Below where St. Francisville is located currently, was a settlement called Bayou Sara in the 1790's. When this settlement was destroyed by flooding and fires, many of the structures and artifacts were hauled up the bluff into St. Francisville, where they are still standing. The town is referred to as “two miles long and two yards wide, but that definitely doesn't mean they have nothing to offer! Stop in at one of the unique shops, historical homes, beautiful churches, or breathtaking parks and you will agree with that! Spanish moss trees grow throughout the town, which creates a beautiful southern comfort to the atmosphere.

Day 8 | Nottoway, LA: Nottoway is the South's largest, most glorious remaining Antebellum mansion with a rich history dating back to 1859. In a fabulous location along the great River Road overlooking the grand Mississippi River, this "White Castle" of the South transports visitors back to an era of glory and grandeur. Set amongst a natural backdrop of vibrant gardens and two hundred-year-old oak trees, Nottoway Plantation captivates all with a brilliant blend of true Southern hospitality, history and mystery.

Day 9 | New Orleans, LA: Thank you for cruising! Hope that you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future. Enjoy New Orleans at your leisure or consider a Post-Cruise Premium Shore Excursion with airport transfer.

All Inclusive

All guests receive complimentary wine and beer with dinner, and cappuccino, espresso, bottled water, and soft drinks, and shore excursions in every port of call. Also included is a boutique hotel stay before your voyage which includes breakfast taxes, porterage, and vessel transfer. There is also a dedicated fleet of deluxe motorcoaches for your convenience.

Guest Services

Guests holding reservations for suite-level accommodations will receive the exclusive Commodore Services, an elite level of hospitality and amenities reserved for guests of American Duchess suites including, pre-boarding privileges, fruit basket and bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival, preferred dining arrangements, reserved balcony seating in the Auditorium theater, and private reception with Senior Officers of the American Duchess.
In addition to Commodore Services hospitality and amenities, guests of the Owner's Suites and Loft Suites will also receive the services of a friendly River Butler which includes, tour of suite upon arrival, unpacking suitcases and hanging of clothes, packing of suitcase, laundry and pressing service, shoe shine and conditioning, afternoon tea served in-suite, breakfast and dinner served on veranda (upon request), in-suite pre-dinner canapés, post-dinner sweets, and personal escort to reserved balcony seating in the Show Lounge/Auditorium theater.

Food and Dining

Featuring a single-seating schedule in the beautiful Grand Dining Room, dining onboard is an experience. Enjoy 5-star cuisine that blends local flavors and fine culinary traditions. A more casual atmosphere is offered at The Grill, which can host over 80 guests who wish to dine at their own pace. Their celebrated American chefs draw their inspiration from the great Heartland to create a movable, delectable feast for you to indulge in. Every day celebrates the culinary senses.

Onboard Activities/Events

Night after magical night, top entertainers bring down the house in the American Duchess's majestic Show Lounge/Auditorium. Each evening the lights dim, the curtains rise and the talented performers offer an entertainment worthy of Broadway.
As history plays such a large part of your cruise experience, the Riverlorian is onboard for each voyage to impart the history and lore of the river on which you are cruising. In addition to the ever-present Riverlorian, they often feature a diverse lineup of guest historians who take to the stage and transport you to another era. You'll enjoy hearing from these noted speakers who offer astounding insights on the culture and heritage of America's Heartland and the Deep South. Relive a tale from Mark Twain for an enchanted evening and you will retire to your room convinced that you've just had a conversation with history.

Shore Excursions

Explore some of Mississippi's most beautiful landmarks throughout your journey on these highlighted excursions.

Church of the Holy Trinity
Anchuca Mansion
Old Court House Museum
Yesterday's Child & Doll Museum & Biendemham Coca-Cola Museum
Lower Mississippi River Museum
Old Depot Museum
Rosalie Mansion
Natchez Visitor's Center
William Johnson House Museum
Mangolia Hall
Stanton Hall
Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture Museum

Staterooms or Cabins

Private Veranda Suites to Loft and Owner's Suites range from 240 to 550 square feet.
Deluxe Suites with Private Balcony include a queen bed or two win beds, a lounge area with half bath, a queen sofa-bed and small desk area, a private bedroom complete with a full bath, plentiful closet space and sliding doors to your private balcony with two flat-screen TV's.
Interior Suites feature ample closet space, queen bed or two win beds, a flat-screen TV, a full bathroom and a curtain divider to provide optional privacy between your sleeping space and furnished seating area.
Loft Suites with Private Balcony additionally boasts a lower level that features a full bathroom, small dining area, a beautiful lounge section furnished with a queen sofa-bed and desk area, along with sliding doors to access your private balcony where you can unwind and take in the majestic, riverside scenery. Ascend the stairs to the upper level of the loft and you will discover a tranquil retreat with its semi-private bedroom, a full bathroom and plentiful closet space. A large picture window in front of the staircase affords river views from the upper level bedroom.
Owners Suites with Private Balcony allows guests to slide open glass doors that are accessible from both the bedroom and lounge areas, and step out onto your expansive, private balcony to unwind and take in the beauty of riverside America. Adorned with an intimate interior lounging area amply furnished with a queen sofa-bed, cocktail tables and desk, these lavish suites can accommodate up to four guests and epitomize luxurious river cruising.
Veranda Suites With Private Balcony invites guests to settle in at their couch, slide open the doors to their private balcony and peacefully watch the river banks of America's heartland drift by. Enjoy the finest amenities in these luxurious accommodations featuring a flat-screen TV, generous closet space and a full bathroom.

Fitness

The river is always flowing and while life here may move at a genteel pace, there is always plenty of activity onboard and ashore. The American Duchess offers a range of amenities to help you maintain your fitness routine while cruising. You'll find that your active, healthy lifestyle is easily accommodated. Weight and resistance training are simple with the workout bench, dumbbells and other equipment offered. Guests looking for a more aerobic form of exercise can get their heart rates up using the treadmills or static bike.