2019
SHORE EXCURSIONS MEMPHIS - CHATTANOOGA October 28th Voyage
American Queen
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS! www.reservemyexcursions.com or 1-888-966-0938
Table of
Contents Shore Excursions Information............................................. 4
Hop-On Hop-Off Information.......................................... 6
Pre-Cruise Port of call
Memphis.................................................................. 11
Ports of call
New Madrid............................................................. 22
Paducah................................................................... 24
Savannah................................................................. 28
Florence................................................................... 30
Post-Cruise Ports of call
Chattanooga........................................................... 35
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Not all Ports of Call and American Select Premium Excursions are offered on every voyage. Be certain to check online for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.
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 Vice President of Product Development American Queen Steamboat Company
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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 today’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!
Pre-Booking
Premium Shore Excursions If you wish to book your premium excursions, please visit our website. www.r es erv em y exc u rs i o n s.c o m o r Ca ll 1-8 8 8-9 6 6-0 93 8
Pre-Booked reservations for Shore Excursions will be available until 11:00 AM EST, the Wednesday prior to embarkation.
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Shore Excursion Highlights About
I N C L U D E D E XC U RS I O N S . . . Of fered at most por ts Includes admission to select attractions Completely at your leisure Freedom to craft your own experience
About
P R E M I U M E XC U RS I O N S . . . Optional in-depth experiences Customized to appeal to dif ferent interests Culturally enhancing itineraries Capacity controlled Advanced reservations required
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HOW TO"HOP-ON HOP-OFF"
Kiosk is located on the Main Deck on the side by the Purser’s desks. Departure tickets can be printed each night, beginning at 5:00 PM.
#1
WA KE IT U P!
Tap anywhere on the screen to wake it up.
H OW M A NY? #3 Select number of
#2 W HAT TI M E?
Choose your desired departure time.
#4 PR I NT!
guests in your party by selecting + or -
Catch passes as they fall from below the screen.
M EET O UTSI D E!
To ensure your departure, arrive 15 minutes before your chosen departure time. Please gather by the River Coach near the dock! BOARD THE RIVER COACH
Hand your tickets to the Shore Excursion Specialist as you board the River Coach. EXPLO R E AT YO U R LEISU R E!
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“Hop-Off” wherever you wish - and “Hop-On” again whenever you feel ready! The River Coach will depart approximately every 15-30 minutes.
HOP-ON HOP-OFF MAPS Each evening, the Hop-On Hop-Off map for the following day will be placed in your stateroom during turn-down service. Use this helpful tool to get N the most of your next day’s Included Hop-on Hop-off experience Tour in port! Welcome to Vicksburg
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PREMIUM EXCURSIONS
Back For a live feed of buses and Hop-On Hop-Off Maps download the AQSC Maps app to your mobile device!
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INTRODUCING THE NEW River Coaches
The American Queen Shore Excursions teamed together with the engineering departments of Van Hool Engineering Company, ABC Bus Companies, and Easton Coach Company to create innovative and completely customized motorcoaches, nicknamed “River Coaches” for their steamboat-like exterior designs. Based on several years’ worth of customer feedback, which were gathered through guest satisfaction surveys and suggestions, our team has crafted a vehicle unlike any other in the world.
A C LO S ER LO O K Second door access features mid-coach entry with wider and deeper steps that provide a more convenient, more efficient, and safer entrance.
Skylights spanning the length of the coach offer a panoramic view of all surroundings during a tour, allowing for a full-immersion experience.
Lower, less obtrusive seatbacks allow guests to have clearer views, while also providing a more spacious feel. Restroom is located in the rear, rather than in the stairwell, so that unlike other mid-entry coaches, guests will have better, safer access to the facilities.
Handicapped lifts in the rear of the coach, which allows the American Queen Shore Excursions fleet to remain 100% accessible!
Three rows of specially embroidered and upholstered seats to better designate special seating for guests with mobility challenges.
Specially designed overhead racks are contoured in a way to allow for more visibility from the side windows, as well as the above skylights.
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Onboard Wifi, so guests can stay connected at all times.
HOW TO "HOP-ON HOP-OFF" YO U R N E W R I V E R C O A C H Guests utilizing wheelchairs or scooters, please speak to a Shore Excursion Specialist or a driver, who will help you onboard with our motorized River Coach lift. Mobility impaired guests should make their way to the front of the River Coach, rather than the back, and reside in specially reserved seats, so our staff can assist if needed.
TO BOARD:
We kindly ask guests to board the River Coach in the center entrance. This entrance will be opened on a delay after guests exit via the front TO EXIT: door. To exit the River Coach, we ask guests to make their way to the front exit, in an orderly manner, aisle by aisle. For safety, no guest should exit from the center door.
Mobility Impaired Guests: When departing the river coaches, we kindly request that you remain safely seated until all of the guests have exited so that we can assist you off the coach. Disclaimer: We are not responsible for personal belongings left on the River Coach. All of our River Coaches are equipped with a lift for wheelchair accessibility. For your own safety, we highly encourage guests with scooters to transfer to a River Coach seat.
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PRE-CRUISE PORT OF CALL
Memphis, Tennessee Pages 11 - 19
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For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
Pre-Cruise Port of Call
Memphis, Tennessee Memphis’ first settlers were Native Americans who were drawn to the area’s bluffs overlooking the river. When the explorer Hernando DeSoto and his army arrived in Memphis in 1541, they set up camp and the city of Memphis exchanged hands with the Spanish, French and English, and was eventually being sold to the U.S Government. Today, Memphis is nationally recognized for its contributions to our country’s music influences. Dubbed the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll,” this iconic city offers a vibrant culture and history is intertwined through every street.
Docking Dates October 28th
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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Pre-Cruise AMERICAN SELECT PREMIUM EXCURSION
The Elvis Experience
Begin your journey along the Mississippi River with a king’s treatment as we depart the hotel and weave our way through the streets of Memphis toward the home of “The King” himself - Graceland! An interactive audio tour will guide us through the mansion before we enjoy free time to explore the recently opened Entertainment Complex. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the Elvis-themed restaurants before continuing to Beale Street, the heart and soul of Memphis!
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D epa rts : 9:3 0 A M R et u r n s: 3:3 0 P M $ 1 2 9 p e r g u est
HIGHLIGHTS A r r i va l t o G r ac e la n d
Before entering the mansion, you will see a short introductory film on the Graceland Complex.
T o u r G r ac el a n d M a n s i o n
Enter through “The King’s” front door, where the presence of Elvis can still be felt within the walls as you walk through the same rooms as he did after a long day’s performance. Custom crafted and state-of-the-art iPads will help guide your way through each room, providing thoughtful narration. G r ac ela n d Elv i s Ex p er i en c e T o u r & F r e e t i m e f o r L u n c h After touring Graceland, enjoy the rest of the exhibits including Elvis’s Airplanes, The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, and full access to the Visitors Entertainment Complex at your leisure. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the many Elvis themed eateries!
A r r i v e at Elv i s S tat u e o n B e a l e St r e e t
A giant bronze statue of Elvis welcomes us to the most famous street in Memphis. Here, our spirited, local guide will lead us down the block as he narrates stories of his favorite attractions as we walk past. A stroll along Beale Street is littered with music, history, culture, and the sweet smell of smoky barbecue wafting through the alleys.
m e m p h i s C i ty To u r
Before arriving at the dock of the American Queen, a driving tour of Memphis includes sights of iconic landmarks such as Sun Studio, The Peabody Hotel, the National Civil Rights Museum (The Lorraine Motel), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and more!
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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“What a great way to learn about Memphis and the King“ - Patrice AQ, May 2018
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Pre-Cruise AMERICAN SELECT PREMIUM EXCURSION
Soundtrack of Memphis: A Musical Journey Through the Blues City
Elvis’s first paying gig, Sun Studio, and the church where Johnny Cash got his start -- all this and more on this musical tour of Memphis, Tennessee! The “Birthplace of Rock and Roll” is a crossroads of modern culture and historical appeal. We’ll explore the “Home of the Blues” on a driving tour of the city while being treated to musical performances by our expert guide who is also a professional Beale Street musician.
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D epa rts : 1:0 0 P M R et u r n s: 4:0 0 P M $ 7 9 p er g u e st
H I G H LI G H T S O v ert o n Pa r k S h el l
Activities begin in the early afternoon with a relaxing driving tour of Midtown Memphis’s 342-acre Overton Park, where our first stop is the iconic Levitt Shell amphitheater. Here, we’ll be treated to a musical performance by our tour guide on the stage where Elvis Presley put on his first paid concert in 1954.
D r i v i n g t o u r o f M em p h i s
Our driving tour continues through Overton Square, a cultural hotspot of the 1970s that has since been revitalized into a thriving, modern entertainment district. We’ll pass Galloway House, and the Methodist church where Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two put on their first performance. Other sites include Priscilla Presley’s high school, Church Park, and the W.C. Handy House Museum, the turn-of-thecentury log shack that was home to the “father of the blues” himself.
T e n n es s ee W el c o m e C en t e r As a brief intermission from our driving tour, we’ll stop off at the Tennessee Welcome Center.
D r i v i n g t o u r C o n t i n u ed We’ll then continue past sites that include Court Square, historic Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum, built around the infamous Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically assassinated in 1968. And no visit to Memphis, “Blues City,” would be complete without seeing the Blues Hall of Fame.
D epa rt fo r t h e A m er i ca n qu e e n We will make our way to the American Queen for embarkation.
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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“Great way to begin our cruise with this wonderful overview of Memphis“ - Robert AQ, October 2018
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PORTS OF CALL
New Madrid, Missouri Pages 22 - 23
Paducah, Kentucky Pages 24 - 27
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For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
PORTS OF CALL
Savannah, Tennessee Pages 28 - 29
Florence, Alabama Pages 30 - 33
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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Port of Call
New Madrid, Missouri New Madrid was founded in 1776 by Spanish Governor Esteban RodrĂguez MirĂł who welcomed Anglo-Saxon settlers but required them to become citizens of Spain and live under the guidance of his appointed impresario, Revolutionary War veteran, Colonel William Morgan of New Jersey. The city is remembered as being the nearby location for the Mississippi River military engagement, the Battle of Island Number Ten, during the Civil War. The city is famous for being the site of a series of more than 1,000 earthquakes in 1811-1812, caused by what is called the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Docking Dates October 30th
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For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
Included New Madrid Hop-On Hop-Off N e w M a d r i d H i s to r i ca l M u s e u m Located in the former Kendall Saloon off of Main Street, the New Madrid Historical Museum shares the history of this river town from the Mississippian period through the 20th century. Here, guests can explore the great earthquakes of 1811 and 1812, documented with seismographic recordings, Native American artifacts, Civil War artifacts, early family life in the city of New Madrid during the 19th and 20th centuries and the gift shop! Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour
N e w M a d r i d C o u n ty C o u rt h o u s e The town of New Madrid was founded in 1783, and the county was organized in 1812. First courts met in New Madrid, but county records previous to 1816 are missing. After the devastating earthquake of 1811 and repeated flooding of the Mississippi, the court chose an inland site for the county seat. For the 20th century courthouse, New Madrid County purchased a new site north of the original town in March 1915. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes
H u n t er- D aws o n S tat e H i st o r i ca l S i t e
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site preserves a now-vanished part of Missouri: The stately Bootheel Mansion. Filled with original pieces and furnished in the style similar to its heydays of the 1860s-1880s, this ornate mansion provides a history lesson in every corner. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes
H i g g e rs o n S c h o o l
Restored to the one-room school that operated in 1948, the Higgerson School is a window to the educational practices that shaped and served rural America from the early 19th century. Experience the typical school day of children attending all eight grades in one room with one teacher. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour
R i v e rwa lk Ga l l ery The oldest home in New Madrid, the Hart-Stepp House was built by Abraham Augustine in 1840 and moved to its present location in order to escape the encroaching waters of the Mississippi River. It is now home to the River Walk Gallery and the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce. The Gallery features the works of local photographer and artists. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes
C o m p l e t e r o u n d t r i p T i m e: 4 5 M i n u t es For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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Port of Call
Paducah, Kentucky Paducah embraces their harmonious history between the European settlers and the Chickasaw Indians native to the area. The city is located at the confluence of the Ohio and the Tennessee Rivers and because of this, it is often called the Four Rivers Region due to the proximity of the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers. This prime location has played a major role in Paducah’s history, as transportation was easily accessible – the economy was strong and travelers were frequent!
Docking Dates October 31st
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For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
I n c l u d e d Pa d u c a h H o p - O n H o p - O f f T h e N at i o n a l Q u i lt M u s e u m Celebrating 25 years in 2016, the National Quilt Museum is the largest of its kind in the world. The 27,000-square-foot contemporary structure features three galleries, highlight a collection of contemporary quilts and changing thematic exhibitions that celebrate the talent and diversity of the global quilting community. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour
T h e M o o n s h i n e C o m pa n y Explore, taste, and purchase traditional and international award-winning Kentucky moonshine and moonshine flavors at The Moonshine Company in historic downtown Paducah. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes
L loy d T i lg h m a n H o u s e & C i v i l Wa r M u s e u m
This historic Greek Revival house was built in 1852 for Lloyd Tilghman, a new member of Paducah’s community at the time. Tilghman, his wife, their seven children, and five slaves resided in the home until 1861. Tour the house and view the collection of Civil War artifacts. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Pa d u ca h R a i l r oa d M u s e u m The original Freight House (across the parking lot from the Museum) was built in 1925 by the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway. Here, learn the history of the railroad and those who used it, explore the authentic train models, and enjoy the memorabilia showcased for guests. Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes
R i v e r D i s c ov ery C en t er In 1988, Mayor Gerry Montgomery and her committee pursued the development of a museum to showcase the Four Rivers Region’s maritime heritage. Today, you can explore artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that share the history of marine life and the river. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour
F l o o dwa l l M u r a ls These incredible works of art span “Wall to Wall” across 3 linear blocks of historic of Paducah. They were started over twenty years ago by Robert Dafford and his team of artists. The murals portray images of Paducah and the river basin’s history, and create a nice backdrop for the city, where flooding once was prevalent. Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes
C o m p l e t e r o u n d t r i p T i m e: 3 0 M i n u t e s For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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AMERICAN SELECT PREMIUM EXCURSION
Check-in Along the Chitlin’ Trail
With simple white lettering across the front porch reading “Hotel Metropolitan,” this rustic colonial structure became a safe haven for traveling African American musicians in the early 1900s. Today we will meet Miss Maggie, a ball of southern energy and hospitality. As she personally welcomes us inside, time turns back a century. Follow Miss Maggie through the rooms as she shares the rich history that has been stowed in the hotel’s walls.
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D epa rts : 8: 0 0 A M R et u r n s: 9: 3 0 A M $ 4 9 p er g u e st
H I G H LI G H T S A r r i v e at t h e H i s to r i c H o t e l M e t r o p o li ta n
Step into the radiating heat of the Kentucky sun and meet Miss Maggie, a ball of southern energy and hospitality. As she opens the door to this historical hotel, time turns back a century. Miss Maggie used her undeniable determination and willpower to establish this much needed “colored” hotel in 1909, an almost unfathomable task for a black woman at the time.
To u r H ot e l M et ro po l i ta n Follow Miss Maggie through the rooms as she shares the rich history that has been stowed in the hotel’s walls. In the early to mid 1900s, the Chitlin’ Trail saw hundreds of African American musicians as they made the journey from New Orleans to Chicago.
Enj oy C h e s s p i e & Sw eet T e a After our guided tour of the historic hotel, Miss Maggie will serve us some Chess pie and sweet tea as she answers questions about the hotel’s past.
d e pa rt T h e H ot el M et r o p o l i ta n Reboard the River Coach as we make our way back to the American Queen.
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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Port of Call
Savannah, Tennessee Savannah is the largest town on the Tennessee River, discovered in the 1820’s and incorporated in 1833. The most common association with this historical town comes with its ties to the Battle of Shiloh, a major Civil War battle also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, fought on April 6th 1862. Spend the day exploring the stories and history associated with the city of Savannah and its deep Civil War ties then explore the city’s many trails and paths winding down the lush banks of the Tennessee River and admire the beautiful sights!
Docking Dates November 1st
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For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
I n c l u d e d S h i l o h N at i o n a l M i l i ta ry Pa r k T o u r “No soldier who took part in the two day’s engagement at Shiloh ever spoiled for a fight again,” recalled one Union veteran. “We wanted a square, stand-up fight [and] got all we wanted of it.” Besides preserving the site of the bloody April 1862’s battle in Tennessee, the park commemorates the subsequent siege, battle, and occupation of the key railroad junction at nearby Corinth, Mississippi. Join us as we continue on to one of the most informative and interesting Civil War National Parks. Shiloh National Military Park contains a wide array of historic sites. In addition to the battlefield of Shiloh itself, the park contains a separate unit at Corinth, Mississippi, that preserves and interprets the Siege and Battle of Corinth. Located within the boundaries of Shiloh Park, there is also a United States National Cemetery, which contains around 4,000 soldiers and their family members. A National Historic Landmark in its own right, the Shiloh Indian Mounds are also located within the park boundaries. Note: This excursion is included for all guests, but prebooking is required. A $50 deposit will be held on each stateroom per reservation in order to ensure participation and will be removed once the tour has been taken.
D e pa rt u r e T i m e s E v e ry 1 5 M i n u t e s S ta rt i n g at: 1 2 : 0 0 P M For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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Port of Call
Florence, Alabama Established in 1818 as a small river town, it is impressive how far this city has grown. Today, Florence is considered one of the largest and most progressive cities in North Alabama. The city offers an extremely developed arts initiative and a vibrant and lively downtown district. Visitors are never disappointed with this city’s delicious cuisine and the unique shopping options.
Docking Dates November 2nd
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For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
Included Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Po p e' s Tav er n M u s eu m Located on the military road that connected Nashville to the Natchez Trace and on to New Orleans, the tavern was an ideal stop for weary travelers in the 1800s. The museum houses beautiful antiques and fascinating artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. The second floor is filled with artifacts from the Civil War and items of local history. Suggested Visit: 30 - 45 minutes K e n n edy -D o u g las C en t er f o r t h e A rt s Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is a gallery, educational facility, museum, and a center for the coordination and promotion for cultural activity in the area. It serves as the administrative office for all the museums. The center features annual exhibits and rotating exhibits by artists from the Southeast, also offering workshops and classes for all ages, concerts, and interesting lectures and programs. Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes W.C. H a n dy H o m e a n d M u s eu m Handy became famous for his blues compositions, such as “The Memphis Blues” and “St. Louis Blues.” He was also a musician, band conductor, and author. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia, musical instruments, personal papers, and original sheet music. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes
Fr a n k Lloy d W r i g h t R o s en ba u m H o u s e The Rosenbaum House is the only Wright-designed structure in Alabama. It was built for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, who were the sole owners and occupants of the house until 1999 when the house was purchased by the city of Florence. Suggested Visit: 30 - 45 minutes Flo r en c e I n d i a n M o u n d a n d M u s e u m The Florence Indian Mound is the Tennessee Valley area’s largest domiciliary mound. It is typical workmanship of the Native American Indians who lived in this area before the Cherokees, Chickasaws, and Creeks. The museum contains Native American artifacts, dating back more than 10,000 years, arranged in chronological order. Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes
C o m p l e t e r o u n d t r i p T i m e: 4 5 M i n u t es For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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AMERICAN SELECT PREMIUM EXCURSION
Sweet Home Alabama: A Musical Journey through Time
Spend the day exploring the musical culture of southern musical haven, Alabama. Begin the journey at the iconic Alabama Music Hall of Fame, an impressive 12,500 square-foot museum dedicated to revealing the story, accomplishments, and success of musicians in every genre. Learn about some of the most famous musicians and where their careers brought them before heading to Muscle Shoals Studio to see where many of these musicians got started. This extremely famous studio has recorded legends including The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Willie Nelson, and Bob Dylan!
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D epa rts : 9:0 0 A M R et u r n s: 1 2: 1 5 P M $ 6 9 p er g u est
H I G H LI G H T S A r r i v e A l a b a m a M u s i c H a l l o f Fa m e Begin your musical journey at the iconic Alabama Music Hall of Fame, an impressive 12,500 square-foot museum dedicated to revealing the story, accomplishments and success of musicians in every genre – ranging from finely orchestrated classical compositions to the uncoordinated, deep and raspy voices of folk music.
S e l f - g u i d e d t o u r o f A l a b a m a M u s i c H a l l o f Fa m e Soak in the eccentric environment as you pass glamorously sequined costumes, see the deep grooves engraved in some of the most coveted records from years of being replayed, hear the mechanical buzz resonate from authentic jukeboxes as the arm searches for the record and drops the needle on your favorite track, or gaze into the eyes of one of your icons as we pass by life-sized statues of musical legends.
A r r i v e M u s c le S h oa ls Stu d i o s
Then travel back in time as we discover where many of these musical giants began their legacies. As we arrive at the Muscle Shoals Studio, it’s difficult to imagine how this humble building has harbored some of the most well-known and respected artists of today.
G u i d ed To u r o f M u s c le S h oa ls Stu d i o
Discover the history of this incredible studio and all of the tremendously talented artists that have left a piece of their legacy behind for us to uncover.
d epa rt M u s c l e S h oa ls S t u d i o Reboard the River Coach as we make our way back to the American Queen.
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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POST-CRUISE PORT OF CALL
Chattanooga, Tennessee Pages 35 - 43
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For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
Post-Cruise Port of Call
Chattanooga, Tennessee Set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga was named one of the “Top 45 Places to go” in the world by the New York Times. As one of America’s most breathtaking cities, there is no shortage of world-class attractions, live events, restaurants, and history. Chattanooga is also home to Lookout Mountain, Coolidge Park’s legendary carousel, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Olympic rapids, and ample greenways. It’s a little bit of everything you need and anything you want.
Docking Dates November 4th
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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Post-Cruise AMERICAN SELECT PREMIUM EXCURSION
Chattanooga Tour Including the Incline Railway and Ruby Falls
Today’s adventure starts at the steepest passenger railway in the world- Lookout Mountain’s Incline Railway. Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile,” the incline’s trolley-style cars climb through the natural beauty surrounding the historic Lookout Mountain. Then from the top of the incline, we will begin our journey to Ruby Falls. Our knowledgeable guide will lead us on an exploration as we descend to the underground waterfall. Discover the many hidden treasures and then enjoy a brief city tour before ending our journey.
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D epa rts : 8: 3 0 A M R et u r n s: 1 2: 3 0 P M $ 9 9 p e r g u est
H I G H LI G H T S C h at ta n o o ga C i ty To u r
Join us as we visit some of the most famous attractions that Chattanooga has to offer. On this excursion, we will discover why Chattanooga was named one of the “top 45 places to go” in the world by the New York Times.
L o o ko u t M o u n ta i n s I n c li n e R a i lway
Our first stop is the steepest passenger railway in the world—Lookout Mountain’s Incline Railway. This railway system is over one-hundred-years old and operates on a one-mile long single-track system, known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.”
Ru by Fa lls Once we’ve made our way to the top of the Incline Railway, we will begin our journey towards Ruby Falls. Here, our knowledgeable guide will lead us through the cavern trail— roughly one mile of paved pathways throughout the cave— as we journey to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall accessible to the public in the United States.
D e pa r t f o r t h e A i r p o r t & P o s t - C r u i s e H o t e l
We will make our way to the Chattanooga International Airport and the American Queen Post-Cruise Hotel. Note: Participants will need to walk approximately 1 mile on paved pathways through a cave. This excursion is recommended only for those who regularly engage in an active lifestyle and is not handicapped accessible.
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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Post-Cruise AMERICAN SELECT PREMIUM EXCURSION
Historic Chattanooga Experience
Relax in the comfort of our River Coach as we embark on a narrated driving tour through this river city. We will stop at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, a former railroad station that was saved from demolition and turned into a unique hotel complex. Then travel up Lookout Mountain to discover why Chattanooga was known during the Civil War as the “Gateway to the Deep South.� We will visit both Point Park and the Battles for Chattanooga Museum for a more in-depth look.
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D epa rts : 8: 0 0 A M R et u r n s: 1 2: 3 0 P M $ 7 9 p er g u e st
HIGHLIGHTS C h at ta n o o ga C i ty To u r & C h at ta n o o g a C h o o C H o o
After departing the American Queen, we will embark on an exclusive and informative city tour before arriving at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a former railroad station. Here you can step back in time and explore the retail shops, tranquil rose gardens, and more. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the city’s first historic preservation projects.
Bat t le s f o r C h atta n o o g a M u s e u m At our next stop, we will visit the Battles for Chattanooga Museum where we will be able to visualize Chattanooga’s Civil War history as the battles come to life on a digital panoramic display. Explore the museum and discover how the Battles of Chattanooga changed the outcome of the Civil War. After exploring the museum we will have the opportunity to view the museum’s exclusive film that tells the one-of-a-kind story and brings the battle to life.
P o i n t Pa r k After we have finished exploring the Battles for Chattanooga Museum, we will take a walk over to Point Park, the site of the famous “Battle Above the Clouds.” This scenic, 10-acre Civil War memorial park features several monuments, historic tablets, and confederate artillery positions.
D e pa r t f o r t h e A i r p o r t & P o s t - C r u i s e H o t e l
We will make our way to the Chattanooga International Airport and the American Queen Post-Cruise Hotel.
For booking and information visit our website www.reservemyexcursions.com
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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 QueenÂŽ included shore excursions are available to all American Queen 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 Queen 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 Queen 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.
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