American Countess March 31st Brochure by Shore Excursions of America

2020

American Countess Shore Excursions ROUNDTRIP NEW ORLEANS

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS! www.reservemyexcursions.com or 1-888-966-0938

Table of Contents Shore Excursions Information................................. 4

Website Information................................................ 5

New Orleans........................................................... 6

Natchez (Vidalia).................................................. 8

Nottoway Plantation............................................... 13

New Orleans.......................................................... 15

I M P O RTA N T I n f o r m at i o n Not all Ports of Call and Premium Excursions are offered on every voyage. Be certain to check online for the most up-to-date information for your voyage. Visit: www.reservemyexcursions.com

Shore Excursions Department

Dear American Queen Steamboat Company Guest, Mankind has always been drawn to the river, not only for sustenance, but as a landmark. ‘Down by the river’ was not just a necessity, it was a way of life. And for us who decide to experience river travel, it still is. These parts unknown were so malleable that they transformed rapidly into cultures of their own, so different even from the ideals and origins of their settlers. Regional traditions, like those of the Cajuns, were formed and still continue strongly with their own food, history and way of life. The Scandinavian influence is still prevalent on the Upper Mississippi. Steel workers and coal miners still tell stories of loading their goods onto barges on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. Travel in America is well within our comfort zones, but it is still a frontier with much to be experienced. It’s time not just to vacation, it’s time to experience. As a country, America is still so very new. We will not see medieval castles around every river bend. Instead of centuries old Gothic cathedrals, we will see 20th century white clapboard local parishes that are the center of communities. We may see the efforts of revitalization in a river city’s downtown as they struggle with the remnants of the 1950’s boom and the effect that suburbanization and shopping malls have had on their Main Streets. We will not hear many foreign languages, but rather dialects and accents of which we may not be familiar. We are not showing off a royal spectacle, we are immersed in real life. On board, please allow us to indulge and spoil you in what a vacation is all about. But as you dock onto shore, allow yourself to think differently and take in, even become part of, the communities we visit. We hope you chose to sail with us, not only to escape and vacate your everyday lives, but to appreciate seeing the country (the good, bad and challenged) from the perspective of the river and all there is to learn. Vacation is to escape. American river travel is to engage, educate and appreciate the diversity of this great country.

This is real. This is America.

Thank you,

James J Palmeri Shore Excursions of America

Shore Excursion Promise American Queen Steamboat Company prides itself on the satisfaction of our guests. We constantly strive to surpass your expectations. We promise to always provide you with our best. If there is anything that did not meet your highest expectations, we will make it right! With all of the options and competition in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel industry, it is human nature to search for the best value. We understand you worked very hard in your career and we are appreciative that you spend your time exploring our great country together. We vow to provide you with our best selection for the best value, every time!

Brochure Symbols If you see this symbol, be certain to check online or call to see if an excursion will be offered during your voyage week.

If you see this symbol, the excursion you are viewing is only offered on select voyage dates throughout the year. (Check online or call.)

If you see this symbol, the excursion you are viewing may only be offered on select voyages due to seasonal shifts in temperature. (Check online or call.)

The stopwatch symbol indicates the approximate timing of the excursion.

This symbol indicates the Price Per Guest of a Premium Excursion. Activity Level 1: Little to no physical activity involved. Enjoy your excursion from the comfort of our luxury River Coach with the possibility of a relaxing stroll. Activity Level 2: A bit more than a driving tour, but not a strenuous effort. These excursions may involve moderate walking of up to 1/2 mile on level ground. Activity Level 3: Expect some physical activity. These excursions may involve moderate walking, some steps or climbing, and uneven surfaces. Activity Level 4: Turn it up a notch! These excursions are for guests who regularly engage in an active lifestyle. Expect uneven surfaces or hills with more than average walking.

Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

Pre-Booking Premium Shore Excursions Visit www.reservemyexcursions.com 1. SELECT YOUR VESSEL

2.select your voyage

3. Read About Excursions Offered

4. Click "ready to book"

New Orleans, LA

Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

Embarkation Day

Natchez (Vidalia) , MS included hop-on hop-off Tour

T h e O ld S o u t h T r a d i n g P o st Be sure to bring your taste buds to this unique stop! Sample Southern muscadine juice, dips, salsas, jellies, cappuccinos, and coffees— all while you browse the huge assortment of items for sale. There’s something for everyone here! Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes

Ro sa li e M a n s i o n On this self-guided tour, discover the history of the house and the artifacts found throughout. Suggested Visit: 30 - 45 minutes

W i lli a m J o h n s o n H o u s e M u s e u m William Johnson was known as the “Barber of Natchez.” He began life as a slave, but gained his freedom at age eleven. His 3-story brick home was built in 1840 and showcases many original furnishings. Suggested Visit: 30 - 45 minutes

M ag n o li a H a l l Now fully restored, This Greek Revival Mansion was built in 1858. The house was built before the breakout of the Civil War in town but did suffer some damage – a cannon ball was launched into their kitchen! Suggested Visit: 30 - 45 minutes

K i n g's Tav er n a n d C H a r b o n e au D i st i l l e ry Enter one of the most unique rum distilleries in America, where Doug and Jean-Luc Charboneau make Gold Medal winning rums from local sugarcane. Enjoy a sample and then walk next door to King’s Tavern, the oldest building in Natchez - circa 1789. Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes

Sta n t o n H a l l Irish Immigrant and cotton merchant Frederick Stanton built this Palatial Greek Revival mansion in 1857. Suggested Visit: 30 - 45 minutes

N at c h ez V i s i to r C en t er Stop here to learn more about this historic river town. This well-maintained building contains informative displays, knowledgeable staff, and a gift shop! Suggested Visit: 15 minutes

M u s eu m o f A fr i ca n A m e r i ca n H i st o ry A N D C U LT U R E The museum will delve into the 300-year-old African American history, spanning four lifetimes from Colonial and Cotton Kingdom Natchez, to the Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movements. Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes

Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

Biscuits and Brunch with Celebrity Chef Regina Charboneau H a l f- Day A M

$ 129

P r em i u m e xc u rs i o n H I G H L I G H T S M e et c e le b r i ty c h ef r eg i n a c h a r b o n e au Chef Regina Charboneau was born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi. Her culinary success followed the talented chef from Mississippi, to San Francisco, where Regina birthed the idea of “Biscuits & Blues.” Regina has even hosted and created meals for notable celebrities, if you’re lucky you might just learn who loves Regina’s cooking! Whether Regina is collaborating as Chef De Cuisine and Culinary Director, sharing her knowledge in her cookbooks, or managing and creating menus for her restaurants she is sure to bring a piece of the south to the table!

G r i t s & B i s c u i t M a k i n g i n st r u c t i o n Regina’s claim to fame is her coveted recipe for picture-perfect, buttery, flaky biscuits. During this very intimate experience at Regina’s Kitchen in downtown Natchez, she will share the secrets of her recipe with you. If her southern-style biscuits weren’t already enticing enough, Regina will also teach you how to make creamy grits to go with them! Get hands-on experience in the kitchen and watch as Regina makes her famous biscuits, explaining the process and most importantly, the secret technique that has made her biscuits world famous.

E nj oy yo u r c r eat i o n s w i t h a s p l as h o f " Li b at i o n s"

After the demonstration, it’s time to enjoy your flavorful creations! Taste the mouthwatering biscuits and grits with assorted toppings. Not only will you learn Chef Charboneau’s renowned recipes, but you won’t leave the kitchen empty handed. All of our guests will receive different recipes for grits, including various ideas for a grits brunch, including Regina’s Shrimp in Smoked Tomato Cream recipe. Along with the recipes, you will also receive a special gift from Regina!

F o r b o o k i n g & M o r e I n fo r m at i o n

Visit: www.reservemyexcursions.com OR Call: 1-888-966-0938 Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

Home Hosted Visit with Ginger and James H a l f- Day A M

$ 99

P r em i u m e xc u rs i o n H I G H L I G H T S B e a g u es t at T h e Tow ers Step off the River Coach and in to the lavish parlors of this antebellum home as owners James and Ginger Hyland offer a warm southern welcome. As we are invited inside, Ginger will share the history behind her lovely home and how the pair have helped restore The Towers to its original glory.

Ex p e r i e n c e T h e Tow ers Silks, antique lace sheers, and magnificent draperies adorn the walls of The Towers, but unlike most historical homes, there are no roped-off rooms here. This is a one-ofa-kind experience where we’ll be free to explore the home as if we were members of the Hyland family.

S o a k i n t h e a m b i a n c e o n t h e B ac k P o r c h As we sip on refreshing mint-infused champagne and soak in the beauty of the perfectly maintained Statued garden, Ginger—the daughter of Lawrence A. Hyland, president of Hughes Aircraft Company and one of the men credited with the invention of radar—will share impressive tales of her past growing up in California, including accompanying her parents to Hollywood parties.

S o u t h e r n C o m fo rt Fo o d Tast i n g We’ll then have the opportunity to sit down with Ginger and James to enjoy a delightful taste of southern comfort food prepared by their personal chef, such as fried chicken, grits, and biscuits. After a champagne toast, our visit will come to an end, as we bid farewell to our new southern friends.

F o r b o o k i n g & M o r e I n fo r m at i o n

Visit: www.reservemyexcursions.com OR Call: 1-888-966-0938

Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

The Cotton Trail: A Tale of the American South H a l f- Day P M

$ 79

P r em i u m e xc u rs i o n H I G H L I G H T S M o m en t o f r efl ect i o n at t h e F o r ks o f t h e R o a d Located about one mile east of downtown Natchez, the Forks of the Road was one of the largest slave markets in the United States. Visit this historic site, where informational plaques discuss the slave trade in Natchez and throughout the South. This intersection was one of the most notorious posts of the slave trade. During our brief stop, take a moment to learn and reflect on the hardships suffered here.

E x p e r i e n c e Fr o g m o r e P la n tat i o n Cross the river to Louisiana and visit historic Frogmore Plantation, designated a “Must See Site” by Rand McNally. Frogmore is the only historic & modern, 1800-acre working cotton plantation in the South. Feel the historic nature of the plantation as we explore the grounds. See how Frogmore both pays respect to the hardships of the past and embraces the technology of the future.

M u s i c fi lls t h e a i r Take a seat on an original pew in an 1800s African-American plantation church, as the mistress of Frogmore takes the audience back in time. Listen as music fills the air with the “secret songs” performed by local musicians. Then, continue the experience exploring authentically furnished slave cabins and cotton fields.

Fro g m o r e G i n B u i l d i n g a n d G i f t S h o p Enjoy some free time exploring the old Gin Building where you can see the process of cotton being de-seeded. Or, visit the gift shop to find a perfect souvenir!

Fo r b o o k i n g & M o r e I n f o r m at i o n

Visit: www.reservemyexcursions.com OR Call: 1-888-966-0938 Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

The Cotton Trail: A Tale of the American South

“A truly humbling experience. This excursion exceeded my expectations

12 and gave an in-depth look into the past” - Thomas AQ, May 2018

Nottoway, LA included nottoway plantation tour Wa lk Ac ro s s t h e L ev ee t o N o t t o way P la n tat i o n Enjoy an included tour of Nottoway Plantation, the South’s largest remaining antebellum mansion. This stunning historical plantation lies between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and offers a view of a truly grand plantation. The mansion flaunts three-floors, 64-bedrooms, and displays an incredible 22 white square columns which contribute to its nickname, the “White Castle of Louisiana.” Enjoy a guided walking tour of this American Castle followed by a stroll through the lush grounds and gardens.

Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

Nottoway Plantation Tour

New Orleans, LA

Check online for the most up-to-date excursion information. All tours are subject to change.

Embarkation Day

Uniquely American River Cruises

For information or to book your Shore Excursions, please call 1-888-966-0938 or visit www.ReserveMyExcursions.com (For an instant confirmation)

Reservation Agents are available Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST Disclaimer American CountessÂŽ included shore excursions are available to all American Countess guests and are capacity controlled and subject to availability. All included and premium shore excursions are subject to availability and may not be available at time of booking. All tours are subject to maximum and minimum capacities and tours may be canceled in the event that minimum capacities are not met. Total passenger counts for each tour are required for logistical reasons. Cancellations within 48 hours of tour departure are not refundable. Tour departure times, inclusions, prices and activity level are subject to change; please reference your ticket, the departure kiosk and the daily TV presentation for more information on your specific tour. In most cases, tours will operate in all weather conditions and refunds will not be offered for inclement weather. During local and national holidays or weekends some attractions and facilities may be operating under modified hours of operations or may not be open to the public. In such instances, American Countess shore excursions will make every effort to minimize negative impact on guests and will offer an alternative when applicable or if available. Early pre-booking is strongly encouraged. Tours are generally available 6 months prior to cruise departure and not all premium excursions are available for pre-booking online. Check with your Shore Excursion Specialist when onboard for any additional tours or changes to pre-booked tours. American Countess shore excursions has made every effort to notify guests with mobility issues of handicapped accessibility at the stops and attractions along the Hop-on Hop-off route as well as premium excursions. Because of the historic and general nature of some of the attractions, handicapped accessibility may be limited to the first floor or outside grounds only. In some instances there is no handicapped accessibility to the attractions. Complete or partial refunds will not be issued for portions of tours or attractions with accessibility limitations. Post-Cruise tours may include more than one final destination. In some instances guests will experience up to three stops to allow guests to exit the River Coaches at a second hotel or airport. By participating in Shore Excursions of any kind (Included or Premium), you grant Shore Excursions of America (SEA) and American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), and all its agents and employees the irrevocable and unrestricted right to reproduce photographs and/or video images taken of you, or members of your family, for the purpose of publication, promotion, illustration, or trade, in any manner or in any medium. You therefore release Shore Excursions of America and American Queen Steamboat Company and its legal representatives for all claims and liability relating to said images or video. Furthermore, you grant permission to use your statements that were given during an interview or guest lecture, with or without your name, for the purpose of advertising and publicity without restriction.You waive your right to any compensation.

I M P O RTA N T fo r yo u r voyag e Go online to www.reservemyexcursions.com or call 1-888-966-0938 to make a reservation.

Pre-bookings close the Wednesday prior to embarkation at 11:00 AM EST. Remember, all excursions in this brochure are subject to change. Not all excursions listed are offered on every voyage. Be certain to check online or call for the most up to date information on your specific voyage.