One of the most popular of all American Cruise Lines routes, this scenic and iconic trip up the Mississippi River stops in 7 ports of call. Traveling on the American Serenade, you trip begins and ends in New Orleans. Your cruise itinerary will celebrate our heritage in a region known for good food, fascinating people, and historic landmarks. Each day brings a new adventure with a local historian/guide, and includes at least one land excursion. Back on the ship, your taste buds will delighted with gourmet meals, complimentary cocktail hour with wine and beer, and evening entertainment. Relaxing common areas and deluxe staterooms and suites provide both elegance and privacy while allowing you to meet other travelers on this comfortable riverboat.
AT A GLANCE
STATUS
Registration is open. CLICK HERE to jump to the registration section.
DATES
Departing: October 1, 2024
Returning: October 9, 2024
PRICING
Starting at $5,290 - $5,650 (LIMITED rooms available)
Cost is based on double-room occupancy. Single rooms are SOLD OUT on these dates. Two deck levels are available. Book quickly to ensure your space.
Highlights you will experience:
Travel aboard the beautiful American Serenade riverboat;
Small riverboat has 91 rooms, sky lounge, expanded suites, private balconies on all staterooms;
Cruise begins and ends in New Orleans, LA;
Local historians/guides daily;
Seven (7) ports of call and at least one excursion daily
What Your Trip Includes:
Daily enrichment programs
At least one complimentary shore excursion daily
Evening entertainment
Cocktail hour with wine and beer
Gratuities, port charges, and other fees
WIFi internet
All gourmet meals
Hotel stay at the start of the trip
NOT Included:
Travel insurance (required)
Health insurance
Anything not listed on the itinerary
*See Terms and Conditions for details.
ITINERARY
Ports of Call:
Day 1 New Orleans, LA
Day 2 Cruising the Mississippi River
Day 3 Oak Alley, LA / Houmas House, LA
Day 4 Baton Rouge, LA
Day 5 Natchez, MS
Day 6 Natchez/Vicksburg, MS
Day 7 St. Francisville, LA
Day 8 New Orleans, LA
Day One—Oct. 1 New Orleans, LA
Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. This vivacious city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience.
Settle into your hotel and enjoy a feast for your senses as you explore this magical city. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the renowned National World War II Museum. Hotel included.
Day Two—Oct. 3 Cruising the Mississippi
Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born from the river.
Day Three—Oct. 4 Oak Alley, LA/ Houmas House LA
Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking. Five excursion are available this day. Complimentary excursion to the Oak Alley Plantation.
Day Four—Oct. 5 Baton Ridge , LA
Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble.
Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp. Six excursions are available on this day. Complimentary excursions to the Baton Rouge City Experience with Rural Life Museum and Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
Day Five—October 6 Natchez, MS
In Natchez, grand homes sparkle like jewels, adorning the bluffs that tower above the river. Since 1716, when the French first built a fort here among the Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth.
With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality.
Explore on your own or enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon. Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park. Seven excursions available; Complimentary excursion to Natchez Local Loop.
Day 6—October 7 Natchez/ Vicksburg , MS
Vicksburg is a place of drama. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. The well-fortified connection between river and rail transportation was known as “The Gibraltar of the West.” A narrated exploration of the well-preserved National Military Park battlefield enlivens this powerful story and highlights its significance.
President Abraham Lincoln summarized Vicksburg’s importance clearly when he said, “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket… They can defy us from Vicksburg… As valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so.”
Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Walk aboard an enormous Army Corps of Engineers towboat. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate. Complimentary excursion to the Vicksburg National Military Park.
Day 7—October 8 St. Francisville, LA
As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port of St. Francisville. Overlooking the river from atop a high, St. Francisville began as a part of Spanish West Florida in the early 1800s until American settlers overthrew the Spanish governing forces, and the region later became part of the United States.
Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss. Complimentary excursion to The Myrtles.
Day 8—October 9 New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is worth some extra time. Enjoy a feast for your senses if you linger in this magical city, renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and rich culture with an international flair. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the renowned National World War II Museum. Or extend your stay to further explore the delights of the Big Easy. Extending your journey will provide a more detailed look at the delightful New Orleans.
HOW TO REGISTER
Due to LIMITED availability, Contact Travel Planners 4 U to inquire about booking your Historic Mississippi River Cruise. Your travel agent will respond asap with availability, pricing and next steps.
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