Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

New Orleans’s Creole, Cajun and other diverse residents blended to develop art, cuisine, music and general culture unlike any other in the United States. Uncover the treasures of the city as you indulge in iconic cuisine spiced with the cultural flavors of the city’s past, explore the unique sites and attractions lining the historic streets as seen in the famous French Quarter or admire the beauty in the stunning Garden District or City Park. 

Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

St. Francisville today is a testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, with its plethora of charming antebellum-period homes and striking architecture. With over 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside and bustling Main Street shops, this quaint town situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi River has a style all its own. 

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: Pointe Coupee Hop On Hop Off Tour
LeJeune House  
Explore the oldest home in New Roads, the Lejeune House. Nestled under the 300-year-old Samson Live Oak tree, the stunning house and grounds overlook the iconic oxbow of the mighty Mississippi known as "False River." Constructed over 200 years ago, the LeJeune house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it was occupied by descendants of the original owner until 1978. The current owners have furnished the home with décor true to the historic period in which the house was built. Enjoy a tour upstairs to soak in the beauty of the historic architecture and expert design.     

New Roads Visitor Center & Henry Watson Demonstration  
At the New Roads Visitor Center, get a glimpse into the heritage of the town along the False River. As you explore, gain insight into historic and modern-day New Roads. Browse the center's collection of antique boat motors and locally made artwork on display with a live demonstration from Henry Watson. Native to Pointe Coupee Parish, Henry Watson is a fine artist whose one-of-a-kind paintings have found homes throughout the world. "Watsons" are special paintings made from hand-carved, century-old cypress wood. Through the unique process, Henry Watson chisels the wood to create 3-D scenes, which he then paints. His pieces are not only visually stunning, but they also allow the artist and the viewers to feel the history within. Watch as Watson brings his works to life, most of which capture the landscapes and cultures of Louisiana.  
  
Julien Poydras Historical Building  
This historic building named for philanthropist Julien Poydras was constructed in 1924. In Poydras' last will and testament, he allocated funding to multiple charitable organizations.  Today, the building houses the Pointe Coupee Historical Society which organizes educational exhibits, discussions and more for the community. During your visit, the building will host local artisans showcasing their products and small businesses. Every day is different, so you may see anything from jewelry to makeup, handmade accessories, or snacks and produce.    
 
St. Mary of False River Church  
Established in 1823 the church of St. Mary served as a church of St. Francis of Pointe Coupee. In 1904, a new church of the same name, St. Mary of False River Church began construction. The instantly recognizable gothic-style structure was completed in 1907 and has undergone a variety of renovations throughout its lifetime to maintain a pristine appearance. Visit the radiant and historic church to appreciate the beauty of the building and stories of the parish's past.  

It seems as if history fell asleep and awoke unscathed by the changing of times in this magical port. This charming river town was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi River. It’s known for its elegance, hospitality and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner. Enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums and historic homes, all of which inspired Hugh Bayless to include Natchez in his book “The 100 Best Towns in America.” 

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: Natchez Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
The Old South Trading Post   
Be sure to bring your taste buds to this unique stop! Sample Southern muscadine juice, dips, salsas, jellies, cappuccinos, and coffees— all while you browse the huge assortment of items for sale. There's something for everyone here, including a wide selection of books, candies, one-of-a-kind shirts, hats, souvenirs, drug store items, and even alligator items!
Suggested Visit: 15 minutes    

Rosalie Mansion  
This magnificent mansion, an outstanding example of Federal style architecture, was built by a wealthy cotton planter in 1823. 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 self-guided tour, discover the history of the house and the artifacts found throughout.
Suggested Visit: 30 - 45 minutes    

Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions. As a major battle site during the Civil War, this Southern town carries a history unlike any other. Learn about the historic conflicts of the city, taste its cuisine, visit the many museums and pick out the perfect souvenir. 

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: Vicksburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Church of the Holy Trinity  
This incredible church spans over 125 feet long, 52 feet wide, and reaches 61 feet high to the apex of the ceiling, which was built of southern white pine to emulate Noah's ark.  The church was constructed in Romanesque Revival style and finished in red brick. It also showcases zigzag tracery, which was highly unique to the style at the time. The Belgian slate roof is another amazing feature of the building, which began construction with the laying of the cornerstone in 1869. The 34 stained-glass windows, however, may be the main draw.  They were given as memorials and six of them were created by Tiffany Studios in New York under the supervision of Louis Comfort Tiffany. 

Baton Rouge grants a strikingly different experience from those of the small-town stops throughout the journey. In this energetic port, history-facing museums and landmarks fraternize with forward-looking art and industry to offer a personalized encounter to each visitor. Allow the flowing, carefree words of denizens to dance through the eardrums during a meander through the city streets. Choose to hop on one of our deluxe motor coaches and explore the diversity this city has to offer, or take a walk down the river path alongside the boat.  

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: Baton Rouge Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
USS KIDD DD-661  
Just a short walk from the dock, guests can explore a Fletcher-Class Destroyer that fought in many battles in U.S. history. Named after Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who died on the bridge of his flagship during Pearl Harbor, the USS Kidd has received eight battle stars for WWII service and four battle stars for Korean War service. This 2,050-ton, 376-foot-long vessel has since been converted into a museum, with exhibits of extensive collections of war artifacts, ship models, real fighter planes and bombers, and memorials.
Suggested Visit: 1 - 2 Hours    

Capitol Park Museum  
This impressive museum showcases collections of visual arts, jazz, costumes, textiles, and artifacts from Louisiana history. It was founded in 1906 and holds over 450,000 artifacts and works of arts. Permanent exhibits include: "Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America," and "Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana". 


 

American Queen Steamboat Company features an exclusive port at Nottoway. While the boat is docked, visit the sugarcane estate – the largest standing antebellum mansion in the South. Nottoway is an intricate building with impressive detail. Original furnishings mingle with era-appropriate antiques to create an atmosphere that does justice to the home’s original ambiance. It is fascinating history and luxurious aesthetic packaged in Southern hospitality – an experience that you will not want to pass up. 

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: Nottoway Resort Included Mansion Tour
Enjoy an included tour of Nottoway Resort, the South's largest remaining antebellum mansion. This stunning historical plantation lies between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and offers a view of a truly grand plantation. The mansion flaunts three floors, 64 bedrooms, and displays an incredible 22 white square columns which contribute to its nickname and the "White Castle of Louisiana." The most popular room among guests is the White Ballroom, which is painted entirely in white and displays elaborate gold décor throughout. Rooms are trimmed in custom plaster frieze made from Spanish moss, clay, plaster and mud and are all original to the house. And as if that weren't enough, this immaculate mansion was constructed with 365 openings, one for each day of the year.

 

As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider an airport transfer.