Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Explore Memphis, a city known for its music and history along the Mississippi River. Walk down Beale Street to hear live blues and jazz, sample the city's famous barbecue, and visit landmarks that reflect its cultural heritage. Stay at The Guest House before beginning your river cruise.

Step aboard your ship and settle in before attending the welcome reception. Meet fellow guests, take part in onboard activities, and enjoy entertainment as you cruise along the Mississippi River.

Known as the "City of Hospitality," Cleveland, Mississippi, has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the South. Its past is deeply intertwined with agriculture, particularly cotton farming, reflected in the historic downtown where remnants of the city's cotton trading history remain.
Cleveland is also celebrated for its contributions to American music. As part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, legendary musicians such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson left their mark on the region. Led by your guide, visit one of Cleveland's most notable cultural attractions, the GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi which pays tribute to the city's rich musical legacy. Here, you can enjoy a performance by a Deep Roots music artist and savor classic Southern cuisine.

Afterward, explore the Cleveland Railroad Museum to discover the community’s strong connections to the railroad and the stories that helped shape the area.

GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi – Complimentary Excursion
One of only two GRAMMY® Museums in the World, GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi is an exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music occupying a vibrant space in Cleveland, Mississippi. Discover the museum’s cutting edge exhibits, interactive experiences, and films. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind visitor experience — engaging, educational, celebratory, and inspirational.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is best known for its pivotal role in the Civil War and its commanding views of the waterway that shaped its past. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park, where preserved battlefields, towering monuments, and the restored ironclad USS Cairo tell the story of the decisive campaign that helped turn the tide of the war. 

On a guided excursion, explore Vicksburg’s oldest neighborhood, where you can admire the Duff Green Mansion, once a hospital during the 47-day siege, and Tully’s Cave, which reveals how residents survived the bombardment. Finally, walk through downtown to discover historic architecture, riverfront murals, museums, and local shops that reflect the city’s connection to the Mississippi River.

Vicksburg Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Board this convenient shuttle making stops at:
Tully’s Cave – Explore this modern-day replica of the underground shelters used by Vicksburg residents during the Civil War's 47-day siege in 1863.
Local Merchant District – Stroll through downtown Vicksburg and browse a few local shops.
Old Courthouse Museum – Built in 1858, this museum is a national historic landmark showcasing Vicksburg’s cultural heritage over the past 71 years. The museum’s collection includes the original Teddy Bear given to a local child by Theodore Roosevelt, a sash worn by both George Washington and Jefferson Davis during their presidential inaugurations, a vast collection of Civil War artifacts, Native American and pioneer implements, and much more.  
Biedenharn Coca–Cola Museum – This unique museum celebrates the history of one of the nation's most beloved beverages. Built in 1890, the building is the location where Coca-Cola was bottled for the first time in 1894 and features the type of equipment that Joseph Biedenharn used at the time. View Coca-Cola memorabilia, peruse the gift shop, and treat yourself to an ice-cold Coke float.  
Vicksburg Civil War Museum – Visit the Vicksburg Civil Museum and see an impressive collection of weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and other Civil War materials. 
Lower Mississippi River Museum – Experience life on the Mississippi River. Through both interactive and static displays, discover how different communities, farming families, and the US Army Corps of Engineers have all utilized the river in the past and learn about the future for the Mississippi River Valley. Examine the science behind water movement and view some of the river's fish up close in the museum’s 1,515-gallon aquarium.
Catfish Row Museum – Learn diverse aspects about Vicksburg – from its music, history, and storytelling to its vibrant food heritage.
Old Depot Museum – The museum exhibits examine earlier modes of transportation, the Siege of Vicksburg, and many other elements of the city’s history. Inside the museum, you will find railroad memorabilia, a collection of model Civil War gunboats, original war-themed paintings by Herb Mott, a detailed diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, and models of architecture styles employed throughout Vicksburg’s past.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Vicksburg National Military Park- Complimentary Excursion
A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. Stop at the impressive Illinois Monument, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The exploration concludes at the Visitors Center where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

In the heart of Natchez, where the Mississippi River bends, grand homes stand as a testament to the city’s wealth as a major river port. After the French built a fort here in 1716 near communities of the Natchez people, the settlement grew into one of the most prosperous towns along the river. Largely preserved despite early Union occupation during the Civil War, Natchez remains home to one of Mississippi’s most intact collections of iconic residences.

Discover the stunning Rosalie Mansion, known as “Our Lady on the Bluff.” Led by a guide, explore this beautiful home overlooking the Mississippi River, with elegant interiors and period furnishings that offer a glimpse into Natchez’s past. Then relax and experience the town the old-fashioned way, by horse-drawn carriage, while listening to tales of the city’s rise as one of America’s wealthiest before the Civil War.

Natchez Local Loop- Complimentary Excursion
Board this convenient shuttle, making stops at:

Fort Rosalie & Trading Post - Fort Rosalie was built by the French in 1716 within the territory of the Natchez Native Indians and it was part of the French colonial empire, becoming the first settlement in present day Natchez, Mississippi. Walk the hallowed grounds of the long-gone fort and enjoy perusing the gift items of the modern trading post. 
Historic Natchez in Photos - Visit the Stratton Chapel Gallery in downtown Natchez behind First Presbyterian Church. View an outstanding collection of photographs taken from as early as 1860, including family portraits, steamboats, and street scenes.
Main Street & Franklin Street - Explore the few one-of-a-kind antique shops or just walk among the many beautifully restored historic buildings of this lovely town.
Historic Natchez Bluffs & Gazebo - Sitting 200 feet above the banks of the Mississippi River, the Gazebo offers the best vantage point from which to take in the river’s natural splendor.
Rosalie House - Visit Rosalie, an antebellum mansion in downtown Natchez. Excursions begin at the top of every hour. Make sure to wear your lanyard for complimentary entry.
ActivityLevel: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Natchez Landmark Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Experience a multitude of National treasures, historic sites, and local points of interest from the comfort of your motorcoach. Natchez boasts more National Landmarks than any other town in Mississippi. Begin your exploration at the mighty Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Your local guide will entertain you with local lore and legends, in addition to historical facts. View historic architectural gems, African American sites, local favorites, and a few quirky place. Complete your experience with a complimentary guided exploration of Historic Rosalie Mansion, so exquisite, she’s known as "Our Lady on The Bluff."
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: No

Welcome to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, whose name comes from the French phrase “red stick,” a reference to a boundary marker once used by Native American tribes. The city echoes with the stories of its most notable figures, particularly the bold Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. His political and architectural legacy is reflected in landmarks such as the Old State Capitol Museum, housed in a majestic Gothic-style castle from 1852, and the current 34-story State Capitol, a striking example of Depression-era Art Deco architecture built from Louisiana limestone and adorned with marble.
 
Discover Capitol Park Museum, where Louisiana’s vibrant culture comes to life, from the sounds of Louis Armstrong to the pageantry of Mardi Gras traditions. Walk in history’s footsteps on a guided exploration of key Civil War sites tied to the Battle of Baton Rouge. Visit Magnolia Cemetery and stand on the very ground where some of the conflict’s most intense moments unfolded.

Follow downtown along the Baton Rouge Riverfront, where modern art, river views, and old architecture blend seamlessly. Browse local shops and experience the dynamic energy of a city shaped by a rich and complex past.

The Battles of Baton Rouge - Complimentary Excursion
Led by an expert historian, explore locations that were critical to the Battle of Baton Rouge and hear about the history surrounding Vicksburg in the Civil War. Visit the historic Magnolia Cemetery and stand upon the very ground where the most intense fighting of the battle took place. Baton Rouge was the most fought over land in Louisiana’s history and this experience will cover not only the Civil War, but the American Revolution and the Florida Rebellion. Although the landscape of Baton Rouge isn’t the same as it was in the 1780s or 1810s, its history will be brought to life by your guide. Visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation, a Baton Rouge city park. Magnolia Mound, unlike other antebellum house museums along the Lower Mississippi, is not your grand mansion. Rather, it’s a simple structure built during Louisiana’s colonial history, and around the time of its Statehood into the Union. 
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Baton Rouge City Experience – Complimentary Excursion
Join a captivating exploration of Baton Rouge, where you'll admire and pass by the stunning architecture of the Governor's Hall, the historic Old Louisiana State Capitol, along with the picturesque Magnolia Mound and other notable landmarks. 

You will make a stop at the New State Capitol & Arsenal, the tallest capitol building in the United States. Explore its grand hallways, art collections, and panoramic views from the observation deck. Adjacent to the capital, the historic Arsenal provides insight into the military history of the region.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Capitol Park Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Begin this excursion with a brief city exploration before arriving at the Capitol Park Museum. Learn about the many diverse aspects of Louisiana from Louis Armstrong to Mardi Gras. You will then continue by motorcoach for a narrated exploration as you view the impressive Governor's Hall and the New State Capitol, as well as the Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

The Myrtles - Complimentary Excursion
At first glimpse Myrtles, built in 1796, envelopes one with a complete sense of peace and tranquility. However, it is reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America. Surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass, open-pierced frieze work crown molding, Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, Carrara marble mantels, gold-leafed French furnishings and ghosts.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Today is your day to unwind and take it all in. Glide effortlessly along the Mighty Mississippi, surrounded by breathtaking panoramas of cottonwood trees and graceful blue herons.

Engage in captivating enrichment sessions and lively onboard events. Delight in gourmet cuisine and refreshing cocktails. Whether you're lounging in the spacious lounges or basking in the sun on the deck, there's endless fun to be had. As Mark Twain famously said, it's a day with "nothing to hang a worry or a fret upon" – so let go and embrace the adventure!

This stop along the Great River Road highlights the landscapes and stories of the lower Mississippi. Visit Oak Alley, a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion built during the region’s sugar boom and known for its avenue of live oaks. Explore the grounds and wander beneath the oaks that have seen so much history. Step inside the interiors and learn how the property evolved from a working farm into a preserved historic site. 

You can also join a Cajun cooking experience, preparing jambalaya as you hear traditional folktales and learn how these recipes have been passed down through generations.

Another option is a narrated boat ride through nearby wetlands, where cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss frame the waterways. From a covered boat, look for wildlife such as alligators, nutria, turtles, and wading birds in this part of the Mississippi River Delta ecosystem.

Oak Alley Estate - Complimentary Excursion
From its canopy of 300-year-old oaks to its vast open spaces, Oak Alley's landscape tells the story of a southern plantation over time. Over 200 years ago, Oak Alley was just a land claim on a map and has since served many purposes, including as a sugar plantation, a rice farm, a chicken farm, a cattle ranch, and a country home. Agricultural tycoons, sugar planters, slaves, immigrant laborers, and real estate speculators have traversed its grounds over time.

Today, Oak Alley is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of its inhabitants. With an emphasis on its time as a sugar plantation, visitors are invited to walk under its iconic alley, explore the exhibits, interact with staff, and leave with a richer, more powerful understanding of this plantation's complex history. For the full Southern experience, don't forget to take time for a complimentary mint julep. 
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessibility: Partial

Conclude your voyage in this iconic, jazz-infused destination founded in 1718. After breakfast, disembark and begin your journey home, or choose to extend your stay to further explore this incredible city. Stroll through the French Quarter, admired for its ornate architecture, soak in the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street, and visit Jackson Square, a dynamic center of art, music, and local culture.