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Music Cities Cruise

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American Symphony
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Explore the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers on a 9-day cruise from Memphis to Nashville aboard American Symphony. Begin in Memphis with a hotel stay and live music before boarding. Cruise through key waterways including the Ohio River and Lake Barkley. Visit historic Paducah and Dover, and enjoy scenic views of the Land Between the Lakes. In Clarksville, tour the Customs House Museum, then arrive in Nashville to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and experience a live show at the Grand Ole Opry. Onboard, enjoy regional cuisine, educational talks, and live performances. This journey blends American history, culture, and music into a unique river cruise experience.
Cruise the rivers of KentuckyBeale Street is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places,Explore the rivers of AmericaExplore beautiful NashvilleExplore beautiful Nashville
Highlights
  • Explore Memphis, home of the blues and famous barbecue traditions
  • Witness scenic cliffs along Lake Barkley and Cumberland River shores
  • Discover country music roots at Nashville’s iconic Hall of Fame
  • Walk Clarksville’s streets lined with preserved 19th-century buildings
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is where music and history come together. Blues began here in the early 1900s on Beale Street, now a lively stretch packed with live bands and active nightlife. The city helped shape the careers of icons like B.B. King and Elvis Presley, leaving a lasting mark on music worldwide. While you're here, try the barbecue—known for slow-cooked pork ribs and pulled pork sandwiches covered in bold, flavorful sauces.

Hotel Stay
Every Mississippi itinerary includes a hotel stay, giving you time to explore the city on your own. On cruise departure day, meet in the hotel lobby. Transportation to the ship in Memphis will be provided. Your luggage will be transferred from the hotel and delivered to your stateroom on board.

Day 2: Cruising the Mississippi River | Embark

Board the ship at Beale Street Landing, located in a newly upgraded park along the waterfront. Updated with modern landscaping and public art, the area stands out against the steady current of the Mississippi River.

As the ship moves downstream, watch the Memphis skyline come into view—an impressive mix of historic buildings and modern design reflected on the water. While you sail, enjoy live music from local performers playing on board throughout the afternoon.

Welcome Aboard
Kick off your trip with the Welcome Aboard Reception. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and live music. Connect with the crew, meet your onboard guides, and get a clear overview of the journey ahead.

Day 3: Cruising the Ohio River

The day is yours. So, go ahead, hit snooze and stay in the comfort of your cozy bed, or wake early to witness the morning from your private veranda. From here, you can indulge in a good book, appreciate the quiet views, or watch as the ship navigates through the Ohio River's most recent lock and dam, a project completed in 2018 after two decades of meticulous work.

Experience the breathtaking scene where the Ohio River flows into the vast Mississippi, a striking display of nature's power. Form new connections onboard and taste the freshest flavors from the river with a curated menu. Your day is filled with excitement: participate in fun onboard activities, absorb informative lectures on the local area, and revel in live shows that celebrate the diverse musical culture of the region.

A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 4: Paducah, Kentucky

Home to the renowned National Quilt Museum, Paducah is where dazzling fabric artworks captivate visitors from around the world. As a proud UNESCO Creative City, downtown Paducah is a hive of artistic activity, filled with galleries, stunning wall murals, and lively artisan workshops. The city's historical significance shines through its beautifully maintained 19th-century buildings and its once-thriving riverfront, a testament to its past as a vital commercial hub. Each spring, Paducah transforms into a floral wonderland during the Dogwood Trail Celebration as the streets light up with the blooms of dogwood trees.

Paducah Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the area's many museums and shops and stop at the riverfront to view the wall murals that tell the story of Paducah's past.

Making stops at:

Paducah Railroad Museum - Explore this interactive museum showcasing equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America's railroads.

Inland Waterways Museum - You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits.

The National Quilt Museum - View exhibits by renowned quilters who are implementing creative ideas and approaches to fiber art.

Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood - Explore this 25-square-block neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Look for the directory at the old Texaco Station. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Day 5: Cruising Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River

Cruising along Lake Barkley on the Cumberland River promises a day brimming with unforgettable moments. The construction of the Barkley Lock and Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1966 transformed the river, creating an expansive waterway with over 1,000 miles of winding shoreline dotted with serene coves.

From the comfort of your room, take in the breathtaking views through large windows or from your own private balcony, where the landscape of craggy limestone cliffs continuously shifts before your eyes. Sandwiched between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake to the west lies the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a sprawling 170,000-acre oasis featuring forests, wetlands, and vast open spaces where elk and bison roam free.

A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 6: Dover, Tennessee

This quaint town is drenched in American history, offering a spirited blend of past and present. It's famous for the Battle of Fort Donelson in 1862, where Ulysses S. Grant secured a critical victory that boosted his military career. Today, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield stands as a captivating monument, offering interactive tours and impressive views of the Cumberland River, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore pivotal moments in history.

Fort Donelson National Military Park - Complimentary Excursion
Once the gateway to the Confederate Heartland, the Battle of Fort Donelson became a key victory for Ulysses Grant and Union forces. Enjoy a warm welcome at the visitor center from tour guides who are eager to share their knowledge. After a short introductory film, tour the grounds of the fort, surrender site, and National Cemetery while learning about the military strategies employed by each side and how the Union victory impacted the entire Civil War.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Day 7: Clarksville, Tennessee

Your vessel pulls into port at the enchanting riverfront park of Clarksville, located along the meandering Cumberland River. This vibrant town bears the moniker of General George Rogers Clark, renowned for his gallantry in the frontier battles and as the illustrious sibling of William Clark from the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Stroll along the narrow waterfront trail to trace its past from a bustling tobacco hub to a dynamic modern center, where echoes of frontier bravery resonate in its very streets. Behold architectural marvels like the awe-inspiring 1898 U.S. Post Office and Customs House, standing tall as proud sentinels of the city's past. Listen intently as local guides retell history’s anecdotes, painting vivid portraits of Clarksville's pivotal role as a bustling tobacco hub throughout the tumultuous 19th century.

Customs House Museum & Cultural Center - Complimentary Excursion
Built in 1898, this building originally housed a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade. This architecturally fascinating structure was designed by architect William Aicken, who was commissioned by President Grover Cleveland. It consists of Italianate ornamentation, a Far East influenced roof, Romanesque arches, and Gothic copper eagles perched at the building’s four corners. The museum is among the most photographed buildings in Tennessee. It features rotating shows, fine art galleries, and a sculpture garden.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 8: Nashville, Tennessee

From the hallowed halls of the legendary Ryman Auditorium to the illustrious galleries of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville proudly showcases its rich musical influence in every square inch. As you walk its lively streets, adorned with colorful murals and bustling with activity, you'll find yourself drawn into a world where creativity knows no bounds. Explore hidden gems tucked away in historic neighborhoods, where local artisans create unique works of art and the city’s signature hot chicken spices things up.

Amidst the lively chatter and laughter, the soulful strains of aspiring musicians spill out from tiered pubs and intimate venues, adding to the city's unmistakable charm. And when the sun sets, embark on a journey to the Grand Ole Opry, the crown jewel of Nashville's entertainment scene, where the spirit of country music comes alive in a spectacular showcase of talent and tradition.

Discover Nashville - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a narrated exploration of historic downtown Nashville. Along the way, view Honky Tonk Row, Bicentennial Park, the State Capitol Building, and more. Stop at the Country Hall of Fame and Museum, home to a growing collection of over 2.5 million artifacts, including one-of-a-kind recordings, films, instruments, and more.

Discover the connections between country music's past and artists of today in the interactive gallery space. Witness everything from Hank Williams' cherished Martin guitar and Elvis Presley's custom Cadillac to outfits and instruments from all of your favorite artists.

Please Note: This tour is only offered on cruises ending in Nashville, TN.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Grand Ole Opry Show - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy live country music at its best with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. The evening show will begin at 7:00 pm, featuring up and coming country artists, as well as musical groups that have been Opry Members for years.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 9: Nashville, Tennessee | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
You’ll end your Nashville river cruise back again in the Music City, but of course, there’s so much to see if you’re not ready to hit pause on your adventure just yet. Spend the day at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the charming Patsy Cline Museum, or the legendary Johnny Cash Museum to get up close and personal with the key players in the country music scene.

Of course, there’s more to Nashville than the sounds that ring through its streets. Visit President Andrew Jackson's captivating Hermitage estate or awe at the intricate architecture of the Tennessee State Capitol. Whether you choose to stay or head back home, American Cruise Lines encourages you take the sounds of the Mississippi with you.

Ship/Hotel

American Symphony

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Aug 12, 2025from $4,915
  • Apr 21, 2026from $5,275
  • Jul 14, 2026from $4,915
  • Aug 11, 2026from $4,915
  • Sep 8, 2026from $5,275
  • Apr 20, 2027from $5,275
  • Oct 1, 2027from $5,275
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Deals

Special Offers 23942
Promotional rates are available on select departures for a limited time. These offers cannot be combined with other discounts and are only valid on new bookings.  Please discuss with your trip planner about applicable dates and cabin types.
Applies to select departures

Per person starting at
$4,915
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Single Balcony
Queen-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi Size: 250 sq. ft., including balcony
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Standard Balcony
King-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to a private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi Size: 275 sq. ft., including balcony
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Deluxe Balcony
King-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi, Size: 316 sq. ft., including balcony
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Premium Balcony
King-size bed that can convert to two twin beds, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi. Located on the top deck, these spacious staterooms feature commanding views of the passing river landscapes. Size: 350 sq. ft., including balcony
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Veranda Suite
King-size bed that can convert to two twin beds, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, large living area, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi. Size: 405 sq. ft., including balcony
Grand Suite
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Grand Suite
King-size bed, floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering 270-degree panoramic views, large balcony, private dining area, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi, individual climate control. Each Grand Suite features a separate bedroom and living area, ideal for gathering with family and friends after an invigorating day of exploration. Size: 650 sq. ft., including balcony
Included
  • 7 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
  • Snacks
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Port charges and fees
  • Complimentary cocktail parties
  • Dining service
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Signature shore excursion - Should be reserved in advance due to limited availability.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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