Holidays on the River

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. 

 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.
 

Tunica County was established in 1840, close to 300 years after Hernando de Soto traveled through the area. Named after the Tunica Native Americans, today Tunica is the third-largest gaming region in the United States, after Las Vegas and Atlantic City. It is also a gateway to the Blues Visitor Center & Museum, housed in an 1895 railroad depot, which features a large display of guitars used by famous musicians. The county was established with a tiny population of 821, of whom 30 percent were enslaved. By 1860 the free population remained small – just 883 people – though the slave population had increased to 3,483. 

Located in a delta, the county developed an agricultural economy based on cotton, livestock and large-scale slavery. In the post-war period, Tunica’s population rose to 8,461 and 85 percent of residents were African American. Tunica County’s population almost doubled between 1880 and 1900, reaching 16,479. The vast majority of residents were African Americans, and most made their living in agriculture as tenants and sharecroppers. As in other areas dominated by tenancy, the farms were small, and the primary crop was cotton. By 1960, Tunica had experienced a sharp decline in employment opportunities, was one of the poorest counties in the U.S., and its population continued to decline in the 1970s and 1980s. Tunica has experienced some economic improvements since the 1990s; casino gambling provided some community benefits. In addition, improved roads, new government spending, and a new airport created opportunities for economic growth. 

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: Tunica Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
RiverPark and Museum
Immerse yourself in the history, wildlife, and culture of the Mississippi Delta. With two floors of exhibits and authentic artifacts, the RiverPark Museum showcases the unique qualities of the region through interactive exhibits as well as a stunning nature trail. See the impact of the Great Flood of 1927, follow the trail of Spanish Conquistadors, and see the Delta’s natural inhabitants in the museum’s four fresh-water aquariums. Venture to the third-floor observation deck for a peaceful, breathtaking view of the Mississippi River and the Delta forests that lay beyond. 
Suggested Visit: 1 hour - 1.5 hours

Commerce Boulevard Christian Church
Get a glimpse into the authentic hospitality of the South and a bit of that old-time religion at Commerce Boulevard Christian Church. Here, you will feel right at home as Pastor Hubbard provides an intimate guided tour, where she’ll explain the complete history of the church and delve into her personal connection to the Delta. But no visit to this soulful parish would be complete without a live praise and worship gospel performance. Enjoy the full Sunday parishioner experience as you’re treated to authentic gospel selections with live music. After the musical performance, follow Pastor Hubbard outside to the edges of cotton fields that border the church grounds, where she will share insights into the significance of cotton to the Delta region. Hear stories about the culture of the region and its ties to her family, such as how the blues music that filled the region also filled her home growing up thanks to her father, a musician who played the harmonica with Robert Johnson. Guests can then browse the historical artifacts on display in the historic church building next-door, including pre-Civil War agricultural tools and farm equipment once used in the planting, cultivation, and lucrative harvest of this cash crop.
Suggested Visit: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Gateway to the Blues Museum
Located on legendary Highway 61 in a rustic late 19th century train depot, the Gateway to the Blues Museum tells the story of how the blues was born and the role the Delta played in building the genre’s legacy. Experience the incredible story of the blues as you discover the history behind the iconic spots along the “Blues Trail,” the careers of famous artists such as Robert Johnson, Son House and others. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, artwork, historical artifacts, including over 20 famous guitars and much more! The museum even features a recording studio where you will learn the basics of the blues with an opportunity to record your very own song. After you see all the museum has to offer, browse through the unique gift shop to find the perfect blues souvenir to remind you of your visit to the Delta. 
Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour


 

As your American Queen Voyages journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town -- whether it's an optional premier post-cruise experience or a quick transfer to the airport for your final trip home -- your AQV team can pre-arrange everything for you.