Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Welcome Aboard
Your Mississippi River Cruise Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA
Table of Contents
Welcome.....................................................3 Itinerary Overview......................................4 Getting to Memphis and Your Ship.............6 Staying in Memphis.....................................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 Recommended Reading...............................19
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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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Ri
TENNESSEE ARKANSAS Helena
Memphis
Tunica
Chattanooga
Ports of Call Memphis, TN
Day of River Cruising
Mississipp i Riv er
Greenville MISSISSIPPI Vicksburg Natchez St. Francisville Baton Rouge
LOUISIANA
Oak Alley
Vicksburg, MS Natchez, MS
St. Francisville, LA Baton Rouge, LA Oak Alley, LA
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans
Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents. 4
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Getting to Memphis and Queen of the Mississippi Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Parking
Queen of the Mississippi Will Be Docked At:
Premier Parking Garage 110 Peabody Place Memphis, TN 38103
Beale Street Landing 251 South Riverside Drive Memphis, TN 38103 Exit 1
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To Memphis International Airport
Exit 30 from South
Subject to change.
Flying Into Memphis:
Memphis International Airport is the closest airport to the ship. It is serviced by many major airlines and is only approximately 20 minutes from the ship by taxi.
Driving To Memphis
The ship is docked at Beale Street Landing located at 251 South Riverside Drive, Memphis, TN 38103. Upon arrival, you will see American Cruise Lines deckhands in bright red shirts ready to assist you. You may drop your bags off at the ship before parking so they can be brought to your stateroom in advance. Parking is available near the landing. Premier Parking Garage 110 Peabody Place Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 527-7330
Hotels
If you are arriving to Memphis the night before your cruise, these hotels are located a few minutes from the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate. Each hotel can arrange for taxi service to Beale Street Landing. Madison Hotel 79 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 333-1200 (866) 446-3674
Sheraton Memphis Downtown (901) 527-7300 250 N. Main St. Memphis, TN 38103 (fomerly known as Memphis Marriott) Westin Memphis Beale St. Hotel 170 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. Memphis, TN 38103
Courtyard Memphis Airport 1780 Nonconnah Blvd. Memphis, TN 38132 This hotel is located near the airport. Subject to change.
(901) 334-5900 (800) 937-8461 (901) 396-3600 (800) 834-1031
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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 identification 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
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Meals and Cocktails Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.
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. 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 14-18.
Shore excursions come in two categories:
F
P
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. 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.
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.
Subject to change.
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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 $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.
Concluding Your Cruise On most cruises, the ship will arrive in New Orleans, LA the evening prior to the final day of the cruise.
The ship docks at the Thalia St. Wharf, 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70160. 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 end of your cruise, consider extending your stay in New Orleans with one of the tours listed on pages 16 and 18. 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 New Orleans to:
Memphis International Airport - departs the ship at 7:30 a.m. Memphis Parking Garage - departs the ship at 7:30 a.m. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport - departs the ship at 8:30 a.m.
For more information, prices, or for other transportation that may be available, 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.
Subject to change.
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Port by Port Shore Tour Information Subject to change. Vicksburg, MS
Battle of Vicksburg Tour
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.
Natchez, MS
Natchez City Tour
F
Natchez is a grand city steeped in a rich and tumultuous history. Tour through the heart of downtown Natchez, bustling with activity around every bend. Hear blues musicians playing along the Cannons sit in formation in Vicksburg, MS 14
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.
Frogmore Plantation Tour
traditions and lifestyles of the Old South’s wealthiest inhabitants. This historic plantation will give you a hands-on appreciation for the people who lived and worked on an antebellum plantation.
P
An 1,800-acre working cotton farm, the Frogmore Plantation has 18 restored antebellum structures that 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.
St. Francisville, LA
Rosedown Plantation Tour
F
Rosedown Plantation embodies the lifestyle of the antebellum South’s wealthiest planters in a way very few other surviving properties can. This perfectly preserved plantation showcases the cultural
Rosedown Plantation house 15
Baton Rouge, LA
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.
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, scandal, and an occasional 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 16
events and people that contributed to Louisiana’s story.
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 you to this classic, Greekrevival 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.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans City Tour
P
New Orleans rich history has influences from Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa and features a brilliant mosaic of culture, food, and music. Experience one of America’s most
P
F
Oak Alley Plantation 17
culturally and historically rich destinations during this unforgettable tour. Your guide will introduce you to some of New Orleans most celebrated landmarks, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Garden District, French Market and the famed French Quarter.
American Cruise Lines recommends the following tour of New Orleans after the conclusion of your cruise.
New Orleans Museum of Art The New Orleans Museum of Art is the city’s oldest fine arts institution, with an impressive permanent collection of 40,000 artifacts. Enjoy a guided tour of this extraordinary museum, then visit the picturesque Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, one of the most premier sculpture installations in the United States. The Sculpture Garden is situated on a beautifully landscaped site amongst meandering footpaths, reflecting lagoons, 200-year-old live oaks, and pedestrian bridges.
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The Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge
Recommended Reading Old Man River: The Mississippi River in North American History
Jazz on the River
by Paul Schneider
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; “Jazz on the River is the first book of its kind . . . We are treated here to a heady mix of local history, riverboat mythology, trends in the making of jazz, and even biographies of its leading luminaries. This is a beautiful book full of color and detail.”—Thomas Brothers, Duke University
Publisher: Holt, Henry & Company, Inc. “[A] vivid history.”—The New Yorker “Reminiscent of a Ken Burns documentary...this historical book becomes surprisingly moving and meditative.”—Cedar Rapids Gazette “Stunning...With such an expert hand on the tiller, Old Man River is an astonishing journey.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
by William Howland Kenney
Immortal River: The Upper Mississippi in Ancient and Modern Times
Life on the Mississippi
by Calvin R. Fremling
by Mark Twain
Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
Engrossing and entertaining anecdotes by a peerless storyteller from a now-finished chapter of American history.
Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America by John M. Barry Publisher: Simon & Schuster A New York Times Notable Book of the Year, winner of the Southern Book Critics Circle Award and the Lillian Smith Award. Upper Mississippi River History: Fact-Fiction-Legend Paperback by Ron Larson Publisher: Steamboat Press “If you love River Lore, like we do, you will love this book. It has stories, pictures, and some real history.”— Amazon Customer Review
Immortal River is written for the educated lay-person who would like to know more about the river’s history and the forces that shape as well as threaten it today. 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 140612