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Memphis, Tennesse, USA downtown cityscape at dusk over Beale Street

Memphis to New Orleans

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American Countess
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The Lower Mississippi River has stories to share – a legacy that flows from Memphis to the Gulf of Mexico. Embark on more than just a cruise, and return with more than memories: experience, understanding, and an enlightened perspective. Explore the American South and discover all the great sights and port cities on this cruise on the legendary Mississippi River between Memphis and New Orleans. A new chapter awaits around each river bend. Explore port cities such as Nottoway, Louisiana, where you can tour a preserved Antebellum home; Vicksburg, Mississippi, where you can learn about the city's role in the Civil War; and Memphis, Tennessee, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of distinctive American musical styles such as blues and rock'n'roll.
Visit New OrleansVisit the famed Bourbon StreetCivil War memorial at VicksburgVisit Louisiana's capital city of Baton RougeMemphis, Tennesse, USA downtown cityscape at dusk over Beale Street
Highlights
  • Admire the mix of architecture and cultures in New Orleans.
  • Discover the distinctive culture of the Mississippi River Delta region.
  • Learn about the historic conflicts of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
  • Immerse yourself in the musical history of Memphis, Tennessee.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Hotel Stay in Memphis, TN

  • 1 Breakfast
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.

Day 2: Memphis, TN | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
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. 

Day 3: Tunica, Mississippi

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 Excursion:
Tunica Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Tunica Museum Retrace the history of Tunica County, from its Native American beginnings to the Civil War, to the casino mecca it is today! This unique museum allows you to learn about the city from Tunica’s proud citizens themselves. The museum was founded in 1997 by five Tunica townspeople who were looking to preserve their town’s heritage. As you explore this extensive museum, discover Tunica’s one-of-a-kind culture while you take a walk through history. Search the depths of Tunica’s past through exhibits focusing on multiple time periods, historic artifacts, and timelines.
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.
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.

Day 4: Scenic River Cruising

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

Day 5: Natchez, Mississippi

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 Excursion:
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    
 

Day 6: St. Francisville, LA

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. 
 

Day 7: Baton Rouge, LA

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 Excursion:

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". 

Included Tour to the LSU Rural Life Museum
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". 
 

Day 8: Nottoway

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. 

 

Day 9: New Orleans, LA | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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.

Ship/Hotel

American Countess

American Countess
American Countess Entertainment
American Countess Relaxation

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
American Countess Inside stateroom
Select a Date
Inside Staterooms (E)
170 sq. ft. (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 220 sq. ft.). 43 cabins located on the Observation and Cabin Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Writing desk with chair, Interior access.
American Countess Single outside
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Single Outside Stateroom With Open Veranda (SO)
180 sq. ft. 1 cabin located on the Observation Deck. With open veranda, Single bed, Full bathroom with shower, Furnished lounge area with sofa and desk, Sliding doors open to deck, Interior access.
American Countess Deluxe Outside
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Deluxe Outside Staterooms With Open Veranda (B)
220 sq. ft. with open veranda (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 300 sq. ft.). 44 cabins located on the Observation Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Furnished lounge area with sofa and desk, Sliding doors open to deck, Interior access.
American Countess Veranda Suite
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Veranda Suites With Private Balcony (A)
255 sq. ft. with 40-sq.-ft. private veranda (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 325 sq. ft.). 35 cabins located on the Cabin Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Furnished lounge area with sofa and desk, Sliding doors open to veranda, Interior access.

Notes

PLEASE NOTE: All fares, itineraries, special interest series, entertainment, shore excursions and other voyage attributes are subject to change without notice, and we reserve the right to not honor any published prices that we determine were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. 
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • Port Taxes & Fees
  • Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
  • In-Room Dining
  • Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
  • Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
  • Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
  • Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
  • Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
  • 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
  • Transfers to and from the airport

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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