Mid Mississippi River
Memphis, TN to St. Louis, MO 7-Nights/8-Days
Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059
Welcome
With over 30 years of experience, American Cruise Lines has perfected small ship cruising, allowing us to offer guests the best American cruise experience anywhere. With the newest fleet of ships, all-American crews, exciting shore excursions and unparalleled personalized service, American Cruise Lines is the only choice when it comes to planning your next cruise. We look forward to having you onboard soon.
Table of Contents
Ports of Call...................................................... 3
What to Bring................................................... 12
What Sets American Cruise Lines Apart........... 4
Onboard Food & Beverage................................ 12
Onboard Experience.......................................... 5
Getting to Memphis, TN and the Queen of the Mississippi.......................... 13
Shore Tours....................................................... 5 Location Highlights.......................................... 6–11
Boarding Process............................................... 13 Cruise Conclusion............................................. 13
Queen of the Mississippi 2
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Red Wing
Minneapolis/ St. Paul
Wisconsin
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Dubuque Iowa Davenport Burlington
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Ottawa
Ports of Call
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St. Louis, MO
Chester, IL
Memphis
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Paducah, KY
Columbus, KY
Tennessee
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Cape Girardeau, MO
Indiana
Illinois Missouri Chester Cape Paducah Girardeau Kentucky Columbus
Arkansas
Memphis, TN
St. Louis, MO
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Journey to the heart and soul of America on American Cruise Lines’ brand new Mississippi Riverboat, Queen of the Mississippi. As you enjoy the rhythms of the churning river, you’ll explore Civil War and Underground Railroad sites, visit the most haunted city in America and discover quintessential small-town America. The splendor of the Queen of the Mississippi, coupled with the rich history and heritage of this region, makes this an adventure to remember.
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What Sets American Cruise Lines Apart The newest and most environmentally friendly small cruise ships and riverboats The largest fleet of small cruise ships in America Seven ships carrying 50 to 150 passengers
A true all-American experience. American built, flagged, and crewed ships The largest staterooms with interior entrances and private balconies Elevator service to all decks of the ship
Open seating dining allows you to dine where and when you want 35 cruise itineraries to 28 states in America
The only cruise line with three authentic paddlewheelers
Complimentary cocktail hour every evening before dinner Complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner
Gracious hospitality and personalized service—that is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines Many spacious lounges and public spaces on each ship
Exquisite cuisine from American Cruise Lines’ staff of highly trained chefs Entertainment each evening
Historians, naturalists, or local experts join every cruise
Daily lectures ranging from history & ecology to culture & cuisine Exciting shore excursions show you the best of each area
Paddlewheel Lounge 4
Onboard Experience
Our mission is to make your exploration effortless by providing unsurpassed attention to detail amid the magnificent landscape. This is just one of the benefits of small ship cruising with American Cruise Lines. Onboard and ashore we will work with you to accommodate your specific interests and tastes. The cruise director will assist to set up special land adventures and the chef will sit down with you to understand any dietary preferences. One of our resident onboard experts will listen attentively and answer your questions about your specific areas of interest to make your cruise enlightening.
Other Amenities include: • • • •
Twin or king-sized bed Private bathroom Twice-daily stateroom service Satellite TV with DVD player
Shore Tours
Your onshore experience is as important as your onboard experience, so American Cruise Lines has taken special care to research and plan excursions at each port. With American Cruise Lines, you will experience what makes each destination a special place. Every tour will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you true insight to the area’s culture, heritage and history. On each excursion, you’ll be joined by local experts, historians or naturalists to further enhance your experience.
Queen of the Mississippi stateroom
The experience we provide means something different to everyone, but assistance is available at all hours for any request large or small. Our staterooms are the most spacious in small ship cruising and offer all the amenities of a modern hotel. Every stateroom has a picturesque view of the ever-changing scenery and most feature a private balcony. • • • •
Complimentary wireless Internet access Hair dryer Spacious closets/four-drawer dressers 110-volt outlets
Shore excursions come in one of three categories:
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Featured
Featured tours are complimentary to all guests.
Premium
Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise.
Signature
Signature tours are limitedavailability excursions. We recommend that you reserve and pay for these tours in advance with your Cruise Specialist.
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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Location Highlights Memphis, TN
The largest city in Tennessee offers everything a curious tourist, hungry gourmet or history buff could desire. Visit attractions that include music museums, art galleries, Mississippi riverboat tours and the Memphis Zoo. Be sure to make a stop at Graceland or visit the other side of the city to see the W.C. Handy Museum or Shelby Farms, which is the largest urban park in the country. Additional points of interest include: Sun Studios, Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, Stax Museum of American Soul and Music, Pink Palace Museum
Graceland 6
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Columbus, KY
Once a prominent trading post, Columbus is the oldest town in the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky. Relive the Civil War era in this historic town best known for its seizure by Confederate forces in September 1861. Remnants of the Civil War still remain here in Columbus’ popular attractions such as the Civil War Trail of Tears National Heritage Site.
Shore Tour Options Civil War Trail of Tears National Heritage Site
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History comes alive as your tours begins as an interpreter will give a presentation on this park that was considered strategic by the North and South in keeping control of the Mississippi River. While exploring this historic park, stop at the museum, which is the only surviving antebellum era building at the park. The museum exhibits also focus on the natural and cultural history of the area.
Columbus-Belmont State Park & Museum
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The Columbus-Belmont State Park is 160 acres and displays the anchor and part of the chain used during the Civil War to bar the Mississippi River. As you stroll through the park, keep your ears open for the songs of local birds such as warblers, thrushes and orioles. 7
Paducah, KY
Experience the rich culture, fine dining and eclectic accommodations that draw visitors to this town located at the intersection of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. A truly creative place, Paducah is known for its talented culinary artists, painters, potter and jewelry makers that have been here since its foundation in 1827. Participate in hands-on workshops, marvel at life-size murals and captain a towboat in a pilothouse simulator.
Shore Tour Options Paducah City Tour
F
Discover Paducah’s colorful history during a guided tour through the town’s historic district. Visit the thriving riverfront, where you will view more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting Paducah’s rich history. The tour concludes at the National Quilt Museum where the crafty, and even the notso-crafty, will delight in the Museum’s collection of intricately-designed quilts. Art Demonstration Tour
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Visit the studios and galleries of Paducah’s artists and hear the stories of how they decided to make this cultured town their residence. For arts and crafts lovers, you can also take part in hands-on creative workshops.
Paducah, KY
River Discovery Center Tour
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Part of the “Save America’s Treasures” project, the River Discovery Center features exhibits on the importance of the area’s rivers throughout history and tells the story of the Four Rivers Region. Visitors can also “captain” a towboat or Coast Guard vessel at the center’s state-of-the art pilothouse simulator.
Additional points of interest include: Paducah Railroad Museum, Whitehaven Mansion, William Clark Market House Museum. 8
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Cape Girardeau, MO
Just thirty miles from the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, this town became an important French trading post in the 1800s. Visited by Lewis and Clark and on the Trail of Tears, Cape Girardeau has a diverse history that is felt throughout the town. Today it boasts Civil War sites and a tranquil setting commemorating the Cherokee Trail of Tears.
Shore Tour Options Narrated City Tour & Old St. Vincent’s Church
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Join a local guide for a narrated tour of Cape Girardeau’s beautiful Old St. Vincent’s Church. After visiting Old St. Vincent’s Church, travel down the street to the Crisp Museum, which features fine art exhibits, prehistoric Native American artifacts and interpretive regional history displays.
Trail of Tears State Park
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The Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the Cherokee Indian groups who relocated to Oklahoma by way of the Mississippi River during the winters of 1838 and 1839. The park’s Interpretive Center helps you retrace the steps of the Cherokee Indians with a series of interpretive panels, paintings and maps. It also features shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and majestic views of the Mississippi River.
Additional points of interest include: Lazy L Safari Park, Riverfront Bridge Park, Fort D Historic Site
Old St. Vincent’s Church 9
Chester, IL
Chester was named by Jane Thomas, wife of Samuel Smith, who built the first home in Chester, established a ferry system and began a mill in 1829. Home to a host of historical landmarks, including the Cole Milling Company, International Shoe Company, Prim Hosiery Mill and the Chester Pool, there’s plenty to see in this appealing town.
Shore Tour Options Walking Tour of Chester
F
Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Chester is known as “The City of Popeye” as it is the birthplace of his creator, Elzie Segar. Founded in the early 18th century, Chester offers a combination of beautiful surroundings and interesting small town history. On this tour, you’ll join a local guide who will tell you about the people and places of this little corner of America.
Small-town America 10
St. Louis Arch
St. Louis, MO
Known as the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis was the location for exploration following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The city has a variety of boutiques and live entertainment for locals and visitors to enjoy. Take the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch for a truly spectacular view of the Mississippi River.
Shore Tour Options St. Louis City Tour
F
Join among others on this narrated tour to downtown St. Louis, the riverfront, Citygarden and the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square. You’ll also enjoy a tour of St. Louis’ 1,371 acre Forest Park, which is the seventh largest urban park in America. The tour will conclude at the Anheuser Busch Brewery for a stables only tour to browse these 19th century stables and the world-famous Clydesdale horses.
The Arch Experience
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Your tour begins with the film, “Monument to the Dream,” which provides an up close and personal look at how the Arch was built. Our nation’s tallest man-made monument, it’s best seen from the top where you’ll get a birds-eye view of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Additional points of interest include: Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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What to Bring
Casual resort attire is recommended both on ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sports shirt and slacks with a sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater or a dress more appropriate.
We do recommend you bring the following: Comfortable resort attire Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen
Hat Light rain wear Jacket for cool evenings
Camera Photo identification
Please do not hesitate to ask your Hotel Manager for any item that you may have forgotten.
Onboard Food and Beverage
For your dining delight, our American Cruise Lines culinary masters have created a delectable all-American menu, tailored with a delightful regional twist. Each meal is carefully selected and locally sourced seafood, meat and produce are of the highest quality. We offer complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner and each evening before dinner, we offer a complimentary cocktail hour allowing guest to mingle and relax. If you have any special requests or dietary needs, they will be handled with precision and care.
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Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Getting to Memphis, TN and the Queen of the Mississippi Your ship will be docked at the Beale Street Landing.
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Memphis International Airport is the best airport to fly into. The airport is serviced by many airlines and is approximately 15 minutes from the ship when traveling by taxi.
Memphis Marriott Downtown
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Beale Street Landing 251 South Riverside Drive Memphis, TN 38103
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To Memphis International Airport
Exit 30 from South
Driving
You may park at Premier Parking Garage, 110 Peabody Place, Memphis, TN 38103.
Arriving Early?
If you arrive the day before your cruise, there are several hotels within a few minutes of the ship. Please ask for the American Cruise Lines rate. Each hotel can arrange for a taxi service to the Beale Street Landing.
Boarding Process
Boarding the ship takes place between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The ship leaves promptly at 1:30 p.m. (earlier if all passengers are onboard). From the moment you arrive, the American Cruise Lines deckhands will handle everything for you. From helping you with your luggage to assisting you onboard—we will handle everything with care. There are no restrictions on luggage, but it is recommended to bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed.
Cruise Conclusion
On the last day of your cruise, the ship will dock at the St. Louis Port Authority, 500 South Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63101. If flying home, we recommend you fly from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Taxis are typically available at the ship and American Cruise Lines offers transportation to the airports. 13
For more information, please contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059
We look forward to having you onboard soon.
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