Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Welcome Aboard Your Mississippi River Cruise St. Paul, MN to St. Louis, MO
Table of Contents Welcome.....................................................3 Itinerary Overview......................................4 Getting to St. Paul and Your Ship................6 Staying in St. Paul.......................................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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Ports of Call
Minneapolis/ St. Paul
St. Paul, MN
Wisconsin
Red Wing, MN
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La Crosse, WI
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Hannibal, MO
East Liverpool
St. Louis, MO
Marietta
Indiana
Illinois
Ohio
Cincinnati
Portsmouth
St. Louis
Oh
Maysville Gallipolis Louisville
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Wheeling er
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Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
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Hannibal
Davenport, IA
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Missouri
Dubuque, IA
Ottawa
Illin oi s
ippi Riv er iss ss
Dubuque Iowa Davenport
La Crosse
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Red Wing
Oh
Point Pleasant West Virginia
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Kentucky
Dover
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Memphis
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Helena
Florence
Tunica Oxford
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r C Itineraries are subject to Tennessee change. ive Savannah/ Nashville A detailed itinerary will be mailed Shilo with your boarding documents.
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Chattanooga
Huntsville
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Getting to St. Paul and Your Ship Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Your Ship Will Be Docked At: Lambert’s Landing 180 Shepard Road St. Paul, MN 55102
Flying Into St. Paul:
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is the closest airport to the ship. It is serviced by many major airlines and is approximately 15 minutes from the ship by taxi.
Driving To St. Paul
The ship is docked at Lambert’s Landing, 180 Shepard Road, St. Paul, MN 55102. 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 at: St. Paul Riverfront Crowne Plaza Garage 11 East Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 292-1900
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St. Paul, MN
American Cruise Lines offers a shuttle from the garage to the ship. For more information, prices, or to reserve a space on the shuttle, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570. Subject to change.
Staying in St. Paul Hotels
If you are arriving to St. Paul 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 the cruise terminal. Minneapolis Marriott-Airport 2020 American Blvd. Bloomington, MN 55425 www.marriott.com
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SHIP LOCATION Lambert’s Landing, 180 Shepard Road, St. Paul, MN 55102 PARKING 11 East Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55101 35E
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American Cruise Lines offers a shuttle from this hotel to the ship. For more information, prices, or to reserve a space on the shuttle, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570.
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St. Paul Riverfront Crowne Plaza (651) 292-1900 11 East Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55101 www.cpstpaul.com
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This hotel is located near the airport.
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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.
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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. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO 9
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 14-19.
Shore excursions come in two categories:
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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 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.
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.
Subject to change.
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Port by Port Shore Tour Information R ed Wing, MN
Red Wing Pottery Tour
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Tour the Red Wing Pottery workshop and see the various processes in the production of their stoneware. You will have the opportunity to meet
Subject to change.
a potter and owner of this third-generation family business. You will come away from the tour with a new appreciation of the craftsmanship that is required to produce such beautiful stoneware.
Bald Eagle Viewing Cruise
Join Captain Rusty for a cruise along the river to see the majestic creatures that call the shores of the Upper Mississippi home. Enjoy coffee and doughnuts as you cruise along the shore spotting wildlife along the way. There are 14 eagles nests within 5 miles of the dock. Captain Rusty will narrate and will take you to see three 1,500 pound nests and their inhabitants. You will be closer than you could ever imagine and will come away with a great appreciation for the bald eagle.
La Crosse, WI
Historic City Tour
Red Wing, MN 14
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Tour this wonderful city and view the historic late 19th and early 20th century buildings that define
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La Crosse. Gain insight into the architectural development of La Crosse from its boomtown Riverboat days through the roaring 20s. Discover the evolution of the historic downtown and the well-preserved residential neighborhoods during this narrated bus tour.
Eco-Tour
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Spend an afternoon on this signature backwater cruise, specifically designed for nature lovers and bird watchers. Explore a variety of wetland habitats and discover the wide array of wildlife that lives within the “Upper Miss” wildlife refuge. Highlights include up close views of bald eagle nests, beaver lodges, sunning turtles, great blue herons, egrets, red fox, and playful river otters.
Hixon House
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Take a step back in time at the Hixon House, a beautiful Victorian home. Built in 1859 by lumber baron, Gideon Hixon, this house features beautiful woodwork and an elegant interior design. Gideon’s wife, Ellen, decorated the Hixon House in an Downtown La Crosse
Subject to change.
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aesthetic fashion, and it has been preserved much as it was since its last remodelling and redecoration in 1900. The Hixon House also features its original furnishings, making it unusual among historic houses.
Dubuque, IA
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
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Take an entertaining and informative journey along the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. On this guided tour, you will discover the lives of the pioneers, explorers
and artists who lived along the Mississippi River and get close to nature as you make your way through six large aquariums. The museum’s interactive exhibits will give you an inside look into the Mississippi’s past, present and future.
Historic City Tour
Step back in time and experience the elegance of Victorian era Dubuque during a tour through the town’s many historic attractions. Learn about the architecture, families and events that made 19th century Dubuque a unique treasure. Your guide will lead you through Dubuque’s beautiful historic sites, including the Mathias Ham House and The Old Jail Museum.
Davenport, IA
John Deere Pavilion
Carriage and paddlewheel outside the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium 16
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Visit the newly renovated John Deere Pavilion and Store. The John Deere Pavilion shares the story of the company’s ongoing contributions to agricultural
H annibal, MO
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River
development through exhibits and equipment displays. Discover antique tractors, giant combines, and interactive displays on this self-guided tour.
John Hauberg Indian Museum
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Discover the Hannibal of Samuel Clemens’ youth at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. Become reacquainted with one of the world’s most beloved authors at his historic home, then explore the inspirational setting for the stories he created by visiting the Huckleberry Finn house and Becky Thatcher house. Be sure to also visit Judge Clemens’ Justice of the Peace Office, the setting for Muff Potter’s trial and the Museum Gallery, which features a series of Norman Rockwell paintings.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Hauberg Indian Museum. Located in the Black Hawk State Historic Site, this museum interprets the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians who once called this place home. During the tour, view full-size replicas of Sauk winter and summer homes, dioramas with life-size figures of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians, and traditional artifacts, including authentic trade goods and jewelry. Subject to change.
Mark Twain boyhood home 17
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Narrated Trolley Tour
Relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s time in Hannibal during a historic trolley tour. Your experienced guide will share the history of Hannibal and take you to places of historical significance, including the Rockcliffe Mansion, an amazing 13,500 square foot American castle built to overlook the mighty Mississippi River. This tour will highlight many of the exciting places that inspired Mark Twain’s famous tales.
St. Louis, MO
discover the lives of the explorers, cowboys, and Native Americans who helped forge our nation.
St. Louis City Tour
Narrated tour will include downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square and a driving tour of Forest Park. Also enjoy a Stables Only tour at Anheuser Busch InBev Brewery if available. See the stables of the world-famous Clydesdale horses and sample free products in the hospitality room.
American Cruise Lines recommends the following tours of St. Louis after the conclusion of your cruise.
The Arch Experience
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At 630 feet tall, The Gateway Arch is our nation’s tallest man-made monument. Take a tram ride to the top of this majestic arch for a bird’s-eye view of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. After the tram ride, visit the Museum of Westward Expansion, and 18
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Subject to change.
Recommended Reading Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain Engrossing and entertaining anecdotes by a peerless storyteller from a now-finished chapter of American history. Old Man River: The Mississippi River in North American History by Paul Schneider 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)
Jazz on the River by William Howland Kenney 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 Immortal River: The Upper Mississippi in Ancient and Modern Times by Calvin R. Fremling Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press 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.
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
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Thank you for cruising with us! (800) 894-8570 www.americancruiselines.com
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437 (800) 894-8570 111814