Lower Mississippi Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA 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 .................................................. 14
What Sets American Cruise Lines Apart .......... 4
Onboard Food & Beverage ............................... 14
Onboard Experience......................................... 5
Getting to Memphis, TN and the Queen of the Mississippi.......................... 15
Shore Tours ...................................................... 5 Location Highlights ......................................... 6–13
Queen of the Mississippi 2
Boarding Process .............................................. 15 Cruise Conclusion ............................................ 15
Ports of Call
Step back in time to the grand era of steamboating with a cruise from Memphis’ Beale Street to the New Orleans French Quarter. This journey includes everything from explorations of antebellum homes and working farms in Natchez to Cajun cuisine to historical Civil War landmarks.
Memphis, TN
Vicksburg, MS Natchez, MS
St. Francisville, LA Baton Rouge, LA Oak Alley, LA
New Orleans, LA TENNESSEE ARKANSAS Helena
Memphis
Tunica
Mississipp i Riv er
Greenville MISSISSIPPI Vicksburg Natchez
St. Francisville Baton Rouge
LOUISIANA
Oak Alley
New Orleans
Victory Belles Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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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:
F
P
S
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
Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg, MS
With sweeping views of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with its historical stories of Civil War battles. Vicksburg is a city actively involved in the arts, entertainment and outdoor adventure. Guests can visit historic sites, view architecture and antebellum mansions, indulge in upscale shopping and dining or play at one of the 4 world-class casinos.
Shore Tour Options Battle of Vicksburg Tour
F
A park ranger will take you on a narrated guide of the National Military Park, which commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in
1863. The tour concludes at the Visitors Center, where life-size exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display. The excursion extends with a brief bus tour of downtown Vicksburg and the riverfront murals.
Additional points of interest include: U.S.S. Cairo Museum, Vicksburg Waterfront Murals, The Old Depot Museum, Biedenham Coca-Cola Museum Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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Natchez, MS
Established by French colonists in 1716, Natchez is known as the oldest and most important European settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley. It is recognized for its vital role in the development of the Old Southwest during the first half of the 19th century.
Shore Tour Options Natchez Shuttle
F
Embark on an onshore excursion to tour the town on your own, with a companion or with family and friends. Stroll through town to shop, browse the Museum of Afro-American history or capture lively past-time works of art at the Stratton Chapel Gallery. Before returning to the Queen of the Mississippi, enjoy the city’s Southern charm by purchasing a souvenir or taking in the surroundings.
Frogmore Plantation 8
Frogmore Plantation
P
Visit a historical plantation for a well-rounded understanding of an antebellum lifestyle from sharecropping to modern technologies. Spend part of the day with a guide exploring the plantation’s buildings, which include, a rare antique steam gin and the only completely computerized gin in the nation. From start to finish, you will gain a unique perspective of a working cotton plantation from 1790 to present day.
Longwood Mansion
Natchez City Tour
F
Travel to the city known as the crown jewel of the Southwest Mississippi, where rich history is in abundance. Enjoy the preserved influences, traditions and artifacts of Native American, European, Southern and African American cultures. While on a guided tour through the city, find delight at Longwood, one of the most elegant houses to grace the historic district with its presence.
J.N. Stone House Tour & Concert
P
Originally built circa 1850 as an elegant private billiard hall, this antebellum home is located in Natchez’s Historic District. On this tour you will meet the owner and hear the story of this beautifully-constructed home. Enjoy a lovely classical music concert performed by the owner in the home’s parlor.
Additional points of interest include: Rosalie Mansion, Bluff Park, Stanton Hall
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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Rosedown Plantation
St. Francisville, LA
Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville has been called one of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America due to its quiet lifestyle with historical attractions. There are 7 architecturally unique and historic plantation homes and gardens within St. Francisville that are open to the public for tours. Explore the sandy-bottomed creeks along the countryside or casually enjoy the relaxed atmosphere among local residents.
Shore Tour Options The Myrtles & Rosedown Plantations Tour
F
Immerse yourself in the Southern culture and hospitality among some of the most beautiful plantations in the South while visiting the Myrtles and Rosedown Plantations with a local guide. View the fine antiques on display at Myrtles Plantation, which dates back to 1796 and has been 10
called one of America’s most haunted homes. Visit the Rosedown Plantation to see an illustration of plantation life from the 1800s and how the cultural traditions of the Old South influenced the main house, historic gardens and buildings and 371 acres of preserved land.
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Baton Rouge, LA
From the legendary Southern Cajun cuisine, the active film and television industry and overall hospitality and charm, Baton Rouge is a must see location. Experience Baton Rouge’s historical architecture and rich countryside with visits to some of the area’s many plantations. Browse the best shopping area in the South within Baton Rouge’s notable boutiques, antique shops, shopping centers and outlet malls.
Shore Tour Options Cajun Heritage Tour
P
Begin this guided tour at the LSU Rural Life Museum, where you will experience the life of the state’s early settlers on the 450-acre Burden Research Plantation and its 20 buildings. Sightsee within the Plantation Quarters that consist of 19th-century buildings, such as the schoolhouse, blacksmith’s shop and grist mill, which are authentically furnished to replicate a standard 19th century working plantation. At the end of the tour, you will gain a first-hand experience and appreciation for the people who lived and worked on an antebellum plantation. Historic Baton Rouge Tour
F
Begin the tour at the Louisiana Old State Capitol. Enjoy the new Sarah Morgan exhibit, the Ghost of the Castle,” and a theatrical presentation of the castle’s history, told by the ghost of Sarah Morgan (an authentic Civil War era figure). The tour continues to the New State Capital building, which stands 34 stories high and is the tallest man-made state capital in the United States. It is also features an exhibit that commemorates the legacy of Huey Long. Guests can visit the observation deck for scenic views of the Mississippi River.
New State Capitol
Additional points of interest include: Baton Rouge Zoo, L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, Old Arsenal Museum
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Oak Alley
Oak Alley, LA
Located on the Mississippi River, between the historic cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Oak Alley Plantation has been called the “Grand Dame of the Great River Road.� The historic plantation is named after its distinguished feature of a canopy of live oak trees that were planted in the early 18th century before the current house was built. Oak Alley was restored in 1925 by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stewart, and before her death, she created a non-profit foundation (Oak Alley foundation) for the 25 acres of land to remain open and for all to enjoy. 12
Shore Tour Options Oak Alley Plantation
F
Enjoy the day walking through the quarter mile canopy of 300 year old live oak trees as you make your way to this Greek revival antebellum home. Enjoy an educational tour conducted by guides in period clothing before taking time on a selfexploration of the grounds. Before leaving the plantation, indulge in a Mint Julep on the front lawn for a well-rounded experience of Southern culture.
New Orleans, LA
Located a few blocks from the famous French Quarter, sights of architecture from Spanish, French, Creole, and American styles abound. The city incorporates history into modern lifestyles while remaining known as the melting pot of culture, food and music. Enjoy walking along the streets, tasting gumbo, being entertained by jazz inspirations, visiting historic neighborhoods and attending local festivals.
Shore Tours Options New Orleans City Tour
P
Experience New Orleans’ rich history that is influenced by Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa while indulging in a variety of food, music, and culture. During the tour, a guide will introduce you to some of New Orleans most celebrated landmarks of Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, the Garden District, French Market, and the famed French Quarter.
F
New Orleans Museum of Art
Visit New Orleans Museum of Art, the city’s oldest fine arts institution, with an impressive permanent collection of 40,000 artifacts. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum with a visit to the scenic Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. The Sculpture Garden is situated on a beautifully landscaped site with curved footpaths, reflecting lagoons, 200-year old live oaks, and pedestrian bridges.
Additional points of interest include: National WWII Museum, Mardi Gras World, Beauregard-Keyes House, French Quarter
Trolley in New Orleans Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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Theme Cruises
In addition to our regular Mississippi cruises, American Cruise Lines is proud to offer a variety of themed cruises that focus in on specific subject matter. These cruises provide guests with a richer experience, complete with onboard subject experts, and tailored shore excursions.
The American Civil War Cruise The Civil War marks a decisive time in our great nation’s history and one that left a lasting impression along the ports and rivers on the Mississippi. On our Civil War themed cruise, American Cruise Lines will delve into its history taking you to battlefields, monuments and museums, as we explore all aspects of the war and its impact along the influential river.
The onboard program is customized to the itinerary and focuses on the strategies that both sides implemented, the generals that led the charge and some of the pivotal battles on the Mississippi. July 18, 2015 • Memphis to New Orleans aboard the American Eagle
Vicksburg National Military Park 14
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Mississippi River Music Cruise
This cruise was inspired by famous musicians like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Clarence Williams. Evening entertainment will include performances by local musicians who have honed their skills in New Orleans, where jazz was born. Jazz Historians will be aboard for the week to share the history of jazz through musical samples and provide an analysis of influential musical styles. In Memphis we visit Beale Street and take a private tour led by musicians as we further explore the history of music and its impact on the region. April 11, 2015 Memphis to New Orleans Queen of the Mississippi May 30, 2015 Memphis to New Orleans American Eagle June 20, 2015 Memphis to New Orleans American Eagle August 29, 2015 Memphis to New Orleans Queen of the Mississippi New Orleans jazz music 15
Points of Distinction Spacious staterooms Most staterooms with private balconies Large opening picture window All interior entrances with a private view Complimentary Wi-Fi in each stateroom Satellite TV and DVD player in each stateroom Twice-Daily stateroom room service Individual climate control system Writing desk with stationary Bathrooms are private and hotel size Amenities and hair dryers are provided A spacious closet 4 drawer dresser and night tables 110-volt standard American outlets There are NO safes in the staterooms
Category AAL
Stateroom Categories
These 2nd and 3rd deck rooms add a private balcony with sliding glass doors to create an open feeling with an outdoor seating area.
Category AAC
Located on the 4th deck with floor- to-ceiling sliding glass doors to your private balcony, these rooms offer expansive views from a secluded haven.
Category AAM (American Eagle) Located on the top deck for full privacy and panoramic views- these gracious rooms are a distinction of American Eagle. 16
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Owners Suite
Our most spacious stateroom at 400 sq. ft., this distinctive suite offers a maximum of space, tasteful furnishings and a large private balcony.
Category AAR
(Queen of the Mississippi)
These spacious rooms on the 2nd deck offer every modern comfort with the luxury of an expansive private balcony.
Category A
Located on the main deck, this 304 sq. ft. stateroom offers modern amenities, a large, opening picture window and an oversized bathroom.
Single (with or without balcony)
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
Madison Hotel
SF
Flying
Exit 1
40
S
Beale Street Landing 251 South Riverside Drive Memphis, TN 38103
Poplar Ave 69 240
Madison
Ave
Exit 30 from North
Union Av
e
Westin Memphis Beale St. Hotel Coas
tline
Dr
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 Thalia Street Wharf, 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70160. If flying home, we recommend you fly from Louis-Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Taxis are typically available at the ship and American Cruise Lines offers transportation to the airports. 19
For more information, please contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059
We look forward to having you onboard soon.
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437
022415