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.

Memphis’ history and heritage began with the indigenous people who lived by the mighty Mississippi. Throughout the years it has been home to cotton tycoons and enslaved people, to musicians who sounded the first notes of songs that still echo around the world today, and to civil rights icons including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visitors embrace the diversity of this city that has been coined not only the home of the blues but also the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and its many music-themed attractions.

Included Shore Excursions: 

• Memphis Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
  Memphis’ first settlers were Native Americans, who were drawn to the area’s bluffs overlooking the river. Building their settlements on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff, protected them from flooding, and the mighty river allowed them easy transportation access. When the explorer Hernando DeSoto and his army arrived in Memphis in 1541, they set up camp and the city of Memphis exchanged hands with the Spanish, French, and English eventually being sold to the U.S Government. Today, Memphis is nationally recognized for its contributions to our country’s music influences. Dubbed the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll,” this iconic city offers a vibrant culture, and history is intertwined through every street.

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.

New Madrid is known for being near the military engagement in the Battle of Island Number Ten during the Civil War. The city is also famous for being the site of a series of more than 1,000 earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, caused by what is called the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Explore the history of earthquakes, documented with seismographic recordings, in addition to Native American artifacts, Civil War artifacts, and family life in New Madrid during the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Included Shore Excursions: 

• New Madrid Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
  As the first American town in Missouri, New Madrid was founded in the 1780s by George Morgan, an American Revolutionary War veteran and merchant from New Jersey. Named for Madrid, Spain, the town was to be an American colony. Morgan had grand plans for New Madrid, but the Spanish governor of Louisiana, Estavan Miro, was outraged that Morgan had the audacity to create and name his own city (a privilege that only the King of Spain should possess). Morgan's plans in shatters, he left and returned to the East. Governor Miro reestablished the town, and then in 1811 and 1822, a series of earthquakes shook the region. Some were so intense that they could be felt as far away as New York City, Boston, Montreal, and Washington D.C.

In the hands of artists, modern Paducah was thrown into form. Fingertips muddied with passion and eased by the vision of river water glided along the surface to pull up the community and create the National Quilt Museum. Residents backstitch past into the present, then bind appreciation for culture – ensuring that the seams of history will not soon come undone. The people of Paducah have taken great care to orchestrate every crevice of its community into a symphony of craft and color. Life is a work of art, and the town of Paducah certainly is alive and well. Feast in this foodies’ fantasy. Uncover mastership. Catch a glimpse of Paducah. 

The most common association with this historic town is its tie to the Battle of Shiloh – a major Civil War battle also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, fought on April 6, 1862. Uncover the stories and history associated with Savannah, and explore the city’s many trails and paths winding down the lush banks of the Tennessee River. 

Included Shore Excursions: 

• Savannah Hop On-Hop Off Tour
  Savannah is the largest town on the Tennessee River, discovered in the 1820s and incorporated in 1833. The most common association with this historical town comes with its ties to the Battle of Shiloh–a major Civil War Battle also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing–fought on April 6, 1862. Spend the day exploring the stories and history associated with the city of Savannah and its deep Civil War ties, and then explore the city’s many trails and paths winding down the lush banks of the Tennessee River and admire the beautiful sights!

History awaits in Decatur. Reach out and touch the past – with living stories of the Civil War at your fingertips. Be sure to visit the Old State Bank Building, one of only four structures in the town left unscathed by the turmoil of the Civil War. Its vault, with 22-inch-thick walls, was a haven from blistering bullets, mortar bombs, and cannon fire. Take time to experience this Tennessee River legend and absorb the living heritage it has to offer. 

Included Shore Excursions: 

• Decatur Hop On Hop Off
  Nestled in the Tennessee River Valley, the city of Decatur boasts a rich and colorful history. Originally a river crossing for settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains, the town became known as Decatur in 1820. Settlers were drawn to the community at this time by its fertile river valley soil and relatively easy river access to other cities. Enjoy this charming Tennessee River town and all the amenities it has to offer!

Because history plays such a large part in your river cruise experience, spend some time with our onboard Riverlorian to gain insight into our nation’s history and heritage. Relive a tale from Mark Twain, or simply enjoy fascinating stories, facts, and fables about the very stretch of river on which you are cruising.

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.