The Big Easy to the Gateway City

Board the ship and comfortably settle into your stateroom before venturing out to explore New Orleans. Known worldwide as the birthplace of American jazz, this vibrant city radiates a festive energy, especially along the iconic, balcony-lined avenues of Bourbon Street. Deep in the heart of the French Quarter, let the soulful musical rhythms elevate your spirits, beautifully capturing the magnificent essence of legendary Mardi Gras celebrations. Originally established by French colonists in 1718, the city functioned as a territorial capital long before the historic 1803 Louisiana Purchase. As you wander the historic streets, take time to admire the striking St. Louis Cathedral; named after King Louis IX of France, it stands proudly as the oldest continuously active cathedral in the nation. Throughout the journey, experience how a rich tapestry of French, African, and diverse global influences perfectly seasons the local culture and the mouthwatering Creole cuisine.

As you journey through the Lower Mississippi region, discover a beautiful landscape dotted with historic mansions. Enter through Darrow, the recognized gateway to these grand estates, which are meticulously maintained to preserve the complex memory of early Southern American history. Here, take in the sight of imposing houses sharing the serene riverscape with ancient, moss-draped oak trees and sprawling farm fields. Let your imagination wander back in time, easily envisioning classic steamboats and other river vessels actively delivering supplies right to these stately front doors. Today, take the opportunity to visit several properties officially designated as National Historic Landmarks. Admire their magnificent architecture and breathtaking landscaping, while carefully reflecting on the profound contributions of the countless individuals who tirelessly maintained the magnificent houses and the surrounding lands.

Included Excursion:
Houmas House & Gardens
Explore a stunning historic mansion—one of the finest in the South—and its spectacular gardens.

Laura Plantation
Visit a historic Creole mansion and see how the French, native Acolapissa and West African people intertwined.

Historic Homes of Louisiana
Explore a historic Creole mansion and an iconic estate, learning the stories of those who lived and worked there.

Boasting more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Francisville is set along one of the most historic bluffs of the Mississippi. The town is said to be “two miles long and two yards wide” because it was originally built on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809, it is the oldest town in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. Remarkably, many of St. Francisville’s structures are not its own; rather, they were moved upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the small settlement was destroyed by years of flooding.

Baton Rouge paints a historic picture on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Its early success was due to its flood-free location upon the first natural bluff north of The Delta. French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville, named the city after a red-hued pole that marked the area’s tribal hunting grounds. Its cultural diversity—from its Cajun and Creole music and cuisine to its art offerings—reflects the influences of those who settled and lived here throughout Baton Rouge's history. The city boasts the tallest capitol building in the United States.

Included Excursions:
Rosedown Plantation
Explore one of the South’s most intact manor homes, the Rosedown Plantation, and stroll its exemplary gardens.

Panoramic Baton Rouge
See Baton Rouge’s most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum.

Natchez has one of the highest concentrations of historic Southern estates in the country. More than 200 perfectly preserved homes line its avenues. It is the oldest city on the Mississippi, established in 1716 by French colonists and named for the Natchez tribe who once called it home. With its ideal locale, the city became a crossroads among Native American and European cultures. Famously, Natchez was the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace, the overland route to Nashville that allowed traders to bypass the strong upriver currents. Today, it evokes small-town America.

Included Excursion:
The Best of Natchez
Learn about local history during a tour of Natchez that visits the city’s top sights.

Soul Food & Music
Savor a meal of Southern-inspired soul food and enjoy an inspiring Privileged Access a cappella gospel performance.

Located on a high bluff where the Yazoo River flows into the Mississippi, Vicksburg is the epitome of Southern heritage and charm. It was incorporated in 1825 and, with its prime locale on the Mississippi, grew into an important port. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it “the key to the South.” And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict’s most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the battle site’s rolling green fields and grand monuments.

Included Excursions:
Vicksburg National Military Park
Visit the Civil War site where the Battle of Vicksburg ended, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Union.

Vicksburg by Foot
Enjoy Privileged Access to several historic sites during a guided walking tour of downtown Vicksburg.

Greenville is Mississippi’s largest river port, set atop the highest point along the Mississippi River between Vicksburg and Memphis. Its rural setting belies a diverse artistic heritage. The Muppets creator Jim Henson was born here, and the city has been home to numerous authors, including noted historian Shelby Foote. Greenville is also steeped in the blues; famed songwriter W.C. Handy was inspired to popularize the genre after seeing pioneering musician Prince McCoy perform at a nearby dancehall and neighboring Indianola was the hometown of the legendary B.B. King.

Included Excursion:
Steve Azar’s Mississippi
Delve into the rich character of the Delta through songs, stories and cuisine during this Privileged Access event.

Steve Azar’s Mississippi & B.B. King Museum
Discover the songs and stories of the Delta, then learn about a blues legend during this Privileged Access tour.

Steve Azar’s Mississippi & Delta Agriculture
Learn about the Delta’s cultural heritage and regional agriculture during this Privileged Access excursion.

Steve Azar’s Mississippi & Greenville Cypress Preserve
Hear songs and stories of the Delta and experience the natural beauty of the Greenville Cypress Preserve.

Steve Azar’s Mississippi & Rosedale Distillery
Be immersed in the heritage of the Mississippi Delta through music and storytelling, and taste craft spirits.

Teeming with a wide variety of birdlife and a breathtaking array of picturesque landscapes—including deep-green forests, lush wetlands and a patchwork of fertile farmlands—the Lower Mississippi abounds with natural beauty. This portion of America’s great waterway is also rich in history and culture, as reflected in the classic literature and music that have drawn inspiration from it.

Situated on the Chickasaw bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is revered for its blues music and barbecue. Some of the most famed names in blues, including B.B. King, got their start in Memphis, and the city has a well-deserved reputation as the home of this classic American music genre. Memphis is also celebrated for its culinary heritage and is renowned for its traditional barbecue restaurants serving flavorful dry rub ribs. Rich in history and culture, Memphis’s many notable museums include the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Included Excursion:
Panoramic Memphis
Visit the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and witness some of the city’s historic music-related landmarks.

The “Queen City of the South” is the birthplace of Memphis blues, popular in vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. With its strong trade in agricultural goods and other natural resources, it grew into one of the South’s largest commercial centers. Memphis famously boasts a wealth of civil rights history, much of it along Beale Street and at the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. It is also the home of Graceland, the mansion where Elvis Presley, “the King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” lived.

The rich and varied landscape along the Mississippi River is characterized by wide floodplains, rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches nestled between fertile farmland and bustling bankside cities. Indigenous peoples used the river for thousands of years before Europeans began exploring the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. It became an important trade route during the 19th century, with the rise of steamboats and river commerce. Today, the river is an important ecological region, with diverse wildlife and habitats, including wetlands and forests.

Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, Paducah is one of Kentucky’s hidden gems. A UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is famed for its preserved 19th-century architecture and historic buildings that line the main street. The city’s Downtown streets are a delight to explore on foot. The National Quilt Museum houses a superb collection of contemporary style quilts by artists from around the globe. Paducah is also famed for its “Wall to Wall” murals, colorful paintings by different artists that document the heritage and history of the city and the region.

Included Excursion:
National Quilt Museum
Gain an appreciation of textile artistry during a visit to the National Quilt Museum.

The largest city between St. Louis and Memphis, Cape Girardeau has a long and storied history. It was an important site during the Civil War and once housed a number of forts, including Fort D, which remains a well-preserved historic site to this day. Fondly referred to as “The Cape” by locals, this riverside destination is also popular with visitors who come to enjoy nature. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a stunning facility with verdant landscapes and picturesque trails to explore, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna.

Included Excursion:
Trail of Tears
Gain insight into the somber circumstances surrounding an infamous part of American history, the Trail of Tears.

Cape Girardeau Highlights
Get acquainted with Cape Girardeau during visits to three of its key attractions.

During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world’s fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.

Included Excursion:
St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West”
Discover the “Gateway City,” a bit of historic Americana that is also a colorful immigrant hub and cultural jewel. 

St. Louis was once the gateway to the legendary Wild West, known for its gun-wielding cowboys and law-making sheriffs. Today, the city boasts a world-class cultural scene and one of the leading sporting attractions in the US. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful baseball clubs, having won 11 World Series championships, second only to the New York Yankees. While the Big Apple is famed for its Central Park, St. Louis has its own green space. Some of St. Louis’ most important cultural sights are located in Forest Park, including the Missouri History Museum.

Included Excursion:
St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West”
Discover the “Gateway City,” a bit of historic Americana that is also a colorful immigrant hub and cultural jewel.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of the extensions.