Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Welcome Aboard
Your Heartland Celebration Cruise New Orleans, LA to St. Louis, MO
Table of Contents
Welcome.....................................................3 Itinerary Overview......................................4 Getting to New Orleans and Your Ship........6 Staying in New Orleans...............................7 Boarding Your Ship.....................................8 What to Bring ............................................9 Meals & Cocktails.......................................10 General Shore Tour information..................11 General Onboard Information.....................12 Concluding Your Cruise..............................13 End of Cruise Transportation Services.........13 Port by Port Shore Tour Information...........14
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Welcome Aboard Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines. From your reservation to your experience aboard your ship, American Cruise Lines is with you every step of the way. Your cruise specialist is always just a phone call away and will be happy to assist you with everything from celebrating a special occasion to ensuring that your stateroom is just the way you like it.
The following pages will answer many of your questions about the cruise and your onboard experience. Your cruise specialist is available and can be reached at (800) 894-8570. www.americancruiselines.com
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St. Louis Illinois
Missouri
Paducah
iss
Mi
ss
Arkansas
ipp
iR ive
r
Cape Girardeau New Madrid
Chester
Helena
Tennessee
Memphis
Tunica
Greenville Mississippi
Vicksburg Natchez St. Francisville Baton Rouge
Louisiana
Oak Alley
New Orleans
Ports of Call New Orleans, LA Oak Alley, LA Baton Rouge, LA Natchez, MS Vicksburg, MS Memphis, TN New Madrid, MO Paducah, KY Cape Girardeau, MO Chester, IL St. Louis, MO
Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents. 4
Oak Alley
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Getting to New Orleans and Your Ship Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Your Ship Will Be Docked At:
1. Merge onto I-90 West Business
Thalia StreetCWharf an al 1350 Port of NewSt Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 70160
2. Take exit 11 C—Tchoupitoulas St. and South Peters St. (last exit before Crescent City Connection Bridge)
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er ippi Riv
w Orleans
Henderson St.
P A R K
Mississ
Exit 11c
Convention Center Blvd
90
ulas St. Tchoupito
St
Ch
arl
es
Av e
t.
Port of Ne
St C
harle
Place
s Av
e
Loyola
Ave
(between Port of New Orleans Admin. Bldg. and Mardis Gras World)Poydras St
Julia S
Driving to Thalia Street Wharf from I-10 East/West
Port of New Orleans Admin. Bldg Drop-Off Location Mardi Gras World
3. Turn right onto Tchoupitoulas St 4. Turn left onto Henderson St. 5. Go over railroad tracks
6. Turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place
7. Thalia Street Wharf is on the right (located next to the Port of New Orleans Administrative Building)
Parking
After dropping your bags off at the ship, the Erato St. Parking Garage is about 50 down the road on the right, just after going underneath the bridge.
Subject to change.
Flying Into New Orleans:
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the closest airport to the ship. It is serviced by many major airlines and is approximately 25 minutes from the ship by taxi.
Hotels
If you are arriving in New Orleans the night before your cruise, the New Orleans Hotel Collection offers an American Cruise Lines discount for the following (and more) hotels right near the ship.
Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport Hotel 2829 Williams Blvd. Kenner, LA 70062
(877) 834-3613
Omni Riverfront New Orleans 701 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70130
(866) 907-0611
The following hotel, the Omni Riverfront New Orleans, is not part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, but is close to the ship.
Visit www.neworleanshotelcollection.com/acl or call 1-855-798-6642 for all available hotels in the Collection. New Orleans Hotel Collection: Dauphine Orleans Hotel 415 Rue Dauphine New Orleans, LA 70112
Hotel le Marais New Orleans 717 Conti St. New Orleans, LA 70130
(800)-521-7111 800-935-8740
Jackson Square, New Orleans
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Boarding Your Ship Boarding Time
Please plan to arrive at the ship between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You may not be able to access your stateroom until about 11:30 a.m. The ship will leave at 1:30 p.m. or earlier if all guests have arrived.
From the moment you arrive, everything will be handled for you. American Cruise Lines deckhands wear a distinctive red shirt and will unload your luggage from your car or taxi and bring it to your stateroom aboard the ship. Please keep your boarding passes with you, as it is not necessary for you to stay with your luggage. The Cruise Director will be awaiting your arrival at the gangway of the ship. Please present your boarding passes and photo ID at this time.
Luggage and Luggage Tags
American Cruise Lines places no restrictions on luggage. However, it is recommended that you bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed. You will be receiving luggage tags with your boarding pass before your cruise. If you would like additional tags, your cruise specialist will be happy to send you more. If you have cruised with us before, please remove your old luggage tags. 8
Subject to change.
What to Bring Casual resort attire is recommended both on the ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sport shirt and slacks, with sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater and slacks, or a dress appropriate.
American Cruise Lines also recommends that 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. New Orleans wrought iron 9
Meals and Cocktails American Cruise Lines offers open seating at every meal in the Dining Salon on the Main Deck. Dress is resort attire. At dinner, men often wear a sport coat and women often wear a dress.
Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.
Breakfast is prepared to order at your leisure between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Special Diets and Medications
American Cruise Lines will cater to any special dietary needs. Please tell your cruise specialist approximately two weeks prior to your cruise so that we may plan accordingly.
Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m.
Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and you are welcome to join us at any time before 7:30 p.m. American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening at 5:30 p.m. before dinner. 10
Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection. Subject to change.
Shore Tours Please note that all shore tours are subject to availability and change. 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.
For detailed descriptions of each tour, please see pages 14-20. For additional information about the places you will visit or alternative activities available, your Cruise Director or onboard guest speaker will be happy to help.
Shore excursions come in one of three categories:
F
P
S
Featured tours are complimentary to all guests. Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be Premium paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise. Signature tours are limitedavailability excursions. We recommend that you reserve Signature and pay for these tours in advance with your Cruise Specialist. Featured
You may sign up for most tours onboard with the Cruise Director. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to making your onshore experience a true American Adventure.
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General Onboard Information American Cruise Lines will work to meet your onboard needs and cater to special requests. If at any point there is an item that you would like to see provided, please let your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director know.
Emergency Messages
Emergency messages can be directed to the main office in Connecticut at (800) 894-8570. They will be relayed to the ship at the first opportunity. You are urged to provide American Cruise Lines with email addresses and cellular phone numbers, as well as an emergency contact prior to your departure date. Cell phones are generally available onboard the ship for emergency purposes.
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Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your personal discretion. Tips are generally given to the Hotel Manager near the end of the cruise. They are then divided equally among the stewards and deckhands. Tips generally average about $125 per person on a 7-night cruise. Stewards and deckhands do not expect and cannot accept tips directly. Credit cards, personal or travelers checks, and cash are accepted. If you choose to pay by credit card, please contact the Hotel Manager at least one day before the end of your cruise.
Subject to change.
Concluding Your Cruise On most cruises, the ship will arrive in St. Louis the evening prior to the final day of the cruise. The ship docks at the 500 South Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63101. On the last day of your cruise, breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and passengers may disembark until 8:30 a.m. At the conclusion of your cruise, consider extending your stay in St. Louis with one of the tours on pages 18 and 19. Your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will be available to assist with tour arrangements.
End of Cruise Transportation Services For passengers flying home, American Cruise Lines offers transportation from the ship in St. Louis to: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport – departs the ship at 8:30 a.m. For more information, prices, or reservations, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570. During the cruise, your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will also be happy to assist you with travel arrangements.
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Port by Port Shore Tour Information Oak A lley, LA
Oak Alley Plantation Tour
F
Located on the Mississippi River, between the historic cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the Oak Alley Plantation has been called the Grande Dame of the Great River Road. A quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees, believed to be nearly 300 years old, forms an impressive avenue that leads
Oak Alley, Louisiana 14
you to this classic, Greek-revival style antebellum home. This imposing mansion has been restored to its 19th century glory, a noble tribute to those who left their indelible mark on this rich river region. Experience the beauty of this opulent mansion during a guided tour.
Baton Rouge, LA Historic Baton Rouge
F
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge. This 160-year-old statehouse has withstood war, fire, Inside the Old State Capitol, scandal, and an occasional Baton Rouge fistfight. Today, the building serves as a museum, depicting the history of the State of Louisiana, and stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship. The
museum’s multimedia exhibits engage visitors in an interactive exploration of the events and people that contributed to Louisiana’s story.
Cajun Heritage & Rural Life Museum
P
Experience 19th century plantation life during a guided tour of this outdoor living history museum. The Plantation Quarters showcase the kitchen, slave cabins, and grist mill of a typical 19th century working plantation. After a tour of the Plantation Quarters, discover the life of early Louisiana settlers during a tour through a replica 19th century town. Highlights include the pioneers’ cabin, shotgun house, and dogtrot house.
St. Francisville, LA
The Myrtles and Rosedown Plantations Tour
F
Surround yourself with 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 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.
Natchez, MS 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 Tour
P
An 1800-acre working cotton farm, the Frogmore Plantation has 18 restored antebellum structures that 15
date from the early 1800s. Along with the history of the early Natchez planters, the tour includes a rare Smithsonian-quality steam cotton gin. The tour continues through modern day farming life, including the planting, harvesting, and computerized ginning of cotton.
Natchez City Tour
constructed home. Enjoy a lovely classical music concert performed by the owner in the home’s parlor.
Vicksburg, MS
Battle of Vicksburg Tour
F
Natchez is a grand city steeped in a rich and tumultuous history. Tour the heart of downtown Natchez, bustling with activity around every bend. Hear blues musicians playing along the city’s streets, and discover how music has helped shape the city. Tour beautifully restored antebellum homes while you learn about the Civil War’s impact on Natchez. Everything that the magnificent city has to offer is available to you on this unique tour.
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 beautifully16
F
National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863 and includes over 1,370 monuments and markers, a restored Union gunboat, and a national cemetery. Explore this sprawling battlefield with a professional guide who has a vast knowledge of civilian life and military operations on both sides of the siege and battle. Your tour will end at the Visitors’ Center, filled with an impressive array of exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg.
Cannons sit in formation in Vicksburg, MS
Memphis, TN
Narrated City Tour
F
Relax and let your See Memphis guide show you the highlights of the fascinating City on the Bluff. Memphis is located on the Mississippi River at the northern end of the Mississippi Delta where the blues were born. Its history is linked to cotton and to music. You’ll drive past Mud Island, a Mississippi River Educational Park; Cotton Row, where 60% of the nation’s cotton was once traded; National Civil Rights Museum, located where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated; St. Jude Children’s Research hospital, the largest research center of its kind in the world; and old neighborhoods such as the Pinch District. You’ll be entertained all the way and you’ll experience Southern hospitality at its best!
Graceland Tour
S
Memphis is the hometown of Elvis and a stop here would not be complete without a tour of Graceland. A local guide will take you on a brief tour of the
Graceland
historic downtown area, Mississippi riverfront, Sun Studio, and other interesting sites before you head out of the city limits to the Presley estate. Here, you will enjoy a self-guided tour which will include the Jungle Room, the Trophy Room, and more.
New M adrid, MO
Walking Tour of New Madrid
P
Stroll through the quaint town of New Madrid on this 1.3 mile walking tour. Begin on the picturesque, newly completed River Walk before continuing on to the Historical Museum. Continue through town passing the Higgerson School, Veteran’s Park, and the Greek Revival County Courthouse. The last 17
stop is at the Hart-Stepp House, the oldest home in New Madrid.
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.
Paducah City Tour
Cape Girardeau, MO
Paducah, KY
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 not-so-crafty, will delight in the Museum’s collection of intricatelydesigned quilts.
Art Demonstration Tour
P
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.
River Discovery Center Tour
P
Part of the “Save America’s Treasures” project, the River Discovery Center features exhibits on the importance 18
Narrated City Tour & Old St. Vincent’s Church
F
Join a local guide on a narrated tour through Cape Girardeau’s beautiful Old St. Vincent’s Church. The church’s English Gothic Revival architecture is both beautiful and rare, as very few churches of this style still exist in America today. After visiting Old St. Vincent’s Church, travel down the street to the Crisp Museum which features fine art exhibitions, prehistoric Native American artifacts, and interpretive regional history displays.
Trail of Tears State Park
P
Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the tragedy of the forced march of Cherokees through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas to Oklahoma. The park allows you to retrace
the steps of the Cherokee through a series paintings, maps, and artifacts.
Chester, IL City Tour
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 natural surroundings and interesting small town history. Join a local guide who will tell you about the people and places of this little corner of America.
St. Louis, MO
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 following tour is recommended, but not an American Cruise Lines hosted Tour.
The Arch Experience 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. 19
Thank you for cruising with us! (800) 894-8570 www.americancruiselines.com
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437 (800) 894-8570 031715