River Cruise - New Orleans to Memphis

Your exciting adventure will begin with a deluxe hotel stay in New Orleans. Enjoy an evening at your leisure to get to know “The Big Easy”, a diverse and dynamic city full of rich history, quirky vibes, creole flavour and a mind blowing soundtrack.

Take a trolley ride through the exquisite Garden District or soak up the musical vibes in the vibrant French Quarter. For dinner, indulge in rich and delicious traditional Creole cuisine before you spend the evening bar hopping along famous Bourbon Street, listening to some incredible contemporary artists.

Today you can get acquainted with New Orleans at your own pace or experience a pre-cruise Premium Shore Excursion followed by an afternoon transfer to the American Queen. If you are exploring at your leisure, then be sure not to miss Bourbon Street’s music scene, a New Orleans Creole barbecue and buzzing Jackson Square. History lovers should visit the majestic Saint Louis Cathedral, an 18th century church soaring in the distance and providing a stunning backdrop to this exciting city.

Spend the evening aboard the American Queen steamboat, which will depart New Orleans at 17:00pm.

Today you will travel back in time to the 1850s and experience authentic plantation life. Visit the spectacular Nottoway Plantation, the picturesque sugarcane estate on the banks of the Mississippi River. Admire the inspiring Antebellum architecture and history of the River Road, which offers an extraordinary glimpse into days long gone.

As an optional extra, you can also join the American Queen's award winning Premium Shore Excursion - Life in the Bayou Cajun Swamp Tour: Nottoway or Grand Southern Plantation Tour: Nottoway (subject to change without notice).

Step back in time to historic St Francisville, which is the home of famous Royal Street and Old Market Hall. 

Add in an optional tour and book American Queen’s Premium Shore Excursion, Redemption and Rehabilitation at Angola Penitentiary. This fascinating excursion allows you to experience life inside Angola Prison. Alternatively, the included shore excursion consists of a hop on hop off bus tour around the city. You’ll see all of the top highlights and attractions, including Grace Episcopal Church, West Feliciana Historical Society Museum,  Old Market Street and Royal Street. If you prefer, you can also explore the town at your leisure.

Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi and was once home to the Natchez Indians and French explorers. This fascinating blend of cultures still influences the town today, giving it a unique architecture and feel. 

Immerse yourself in Southern hospitality and over 300 years of inspiring history. Start your exploration with a visit to the town’s grand antebellum mansions, including Stanton Hall, Rosalie and Magnolia Hall. Next we’ll enjoy a hop on hop off bus shore excursion, where you can explore the Natchez Visitors’ Centre, the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture Museum, William Johnson House Museum, the King’s Tavern and the Charbonneau Distillery.

As an optional extra, you can also join the American Queen's award winning Premium Shore Excursion - The Ultimate Cajun Adventure (subject to change without notice).

Abraham Lincoln described Vicksburg as the “Key to the South” and it certainly has a fascinating historical tale to tell. Wander around Vicksburg at your leisure and discover a wealth of inspiring museums, the Southern Cultural Heritage Centre and an array of beautiful antebellum homes. 

Your hop on hop off bus tour may include Anchucha Mansion, Biedenharn Coca Cola Museum, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Lower Mississippi Museum, Yesterday’s Children Antique Doll & Toy Museum, Old Court House Museum and the Old Depot Museum. 

As an optional extra, you can also join on of the American Queen's award winning Premium Shore Excursion - On the Front Lines of the Civil War or A Round of Golf at the Vicksburg Country Club (subject to change without notice).

Today we’ll spend the day in beautiful Greenville, which is home to stunning parks, waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a fine collection of museums showcasing the town’s interesting history. If you fancy trying your luck then head over to Trop Casino for an afternoon of gaming.

We offer an optional Premium Shore Excursion to Indianola, which is the home of world famous B. B. King, who was nicknamed the King of the Blues. Check out the included hop on hop off bus excursions which allow you to explore highlights such as the 1927 Flood Museum, Greenville History Museum, Washington County Courthouse, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hebrew Union Temple and E E Bass Cultural Art Centre.

Sit back and relax on the river today aboard the lavish American Queen. Delve into the USA’s history and cultural heritage guided through stories, fables and facts by the on board Riverlorian.

On the last day of this spectacular American Queen River Cruise, you can enjoy Memphis at your leisure, or book the Post Cruise Premium Shore Excursion with airport transfer for a guided tour. See the bustling streets, experience the many bars which host incredible contemporary acts and immerse yourself in Memphis’ history. Music lovers will enjoy exploring the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the home of Elvis, Graceland or immerse yourself in the bars and music of Beale Street.