Travelling the Lower Mississippi with American Cruise Lines is an experience like no other. Our carefully selected on board experts bring the history and culture of this region to life with award-winning enrichment programs. 

Enjoy customised excursions from iconic ports in Oak Alley and Natchez where you gain an insiders’ perspective of classic antebellum homes and renowned plantations. Delve deep into the history of the Civil War in Vicksburg as an American Cruise Line historian leads you through the National Military Park commemorating the campaign, siege, and defence of this city. 

As music is synonymous with the Mississippi River, our highly acclaimed on board performers will entertain you throughout the voyage. In the evenings, relax in comfort on your private balcony as you take in the spectacular rolling river views.

Day 1 Pre-Cruise

Memphis, TN

Arrive into Memphis and overnight. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and enjoy a 1-night premium hotel stay in the heart of downtown, within walking distance to shops, theatres, and restaurants, where you can explore the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Day 2 Memphis, TN - Depart

Welcome to Memphis! Home to Blues, BBQ, Beale Street, and of course, the King of Rock 'n Roll - Elvis Presley. This amazing city is the perfect place to begin your Mississippi River Voyage. 

Optional Excursion - Deluxe Graceland Exploration

No trip to Memphis is complete without a trip to the home of the “King of Rock n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to super stardom. See where Elvis lived, relaxed, and spent time with his family and friends. Explore the famous “Jungle Room” where the star recorded one of his final albums. Visit the many onsite museums where you can view Elvis' many jumpsuits and gold records, as well his collection of automobiles and custom jets.

Day 3 Day of river cruising

Bask in the warmth of the Mississippi River sun as we cruise from Memphis to Vicksburg. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck.

The city of Vicksburg served as a pivotal turning point during the American Civil War. Come with us as our informative historian leads us through the National Military Park, commemorating the campaign, siege, and defence of Vicksburg. Our expert guides and park rangers will take you to battlefields, the U.S.S. Cairo gunboat, and the most significant historic places. 

Vicksburg National Military Park - Complimentary Excursion

The night before our visit, our on board Civil War historian gives a captivating lecture detailing all you are about to witness at Vicksburg National Military Park. After a hearty southern-inspired breakfast, you will be greeted by our private tour guide who will stay with you throughout the day to answer questions and provide additional information. Upon arrival at the park, rangers who are well-versed in Civil War history guide you on a customised tour that’s specific to the interests of the group. Your guides will take you through the restored ironclad gunboat, U.S.S Cairo, the battlefield where the Siege of Vicksburg took place, and the over 1,300 monuments dedicated to the brave souls who lost their lives.

Optional Excursion - Anchuca Historic Mansion

Visit Anchuca, Vicksburg's first columned mansion and one of its oldest antebellum homes. Led by a long time Vicksburg resident, explore its historic neighbourhood, showcasing nearly two centuries of unique American architecture and more than a dozen antebellum buildings. Learn the history of the many ethnic groups who settled here in the early 1800's, as well as the ongoing preservation efforts in the area. After the tour, return to Anchuca and enjoy southern-inspired refreshments. 

Optional Excursion - Historic Vicksburg Comes to Life

Led by our local expert guide, this walking tour of Vicksburg brings to life the history of this river city from 1820 to the present. Hear engaging stories of the citizens who once called Vicksburg home. Stroll along its brick streets and admire native flora as well as the variety of architecture styles found among the antebellum homes, churches, and museums. 

Settled in 1716, Natchez is rich in history and southern hospitality. Enjoy a guided exploration of this fascinating city which has retained its antebellum charm since its surrender during the Civil War. Visit Frogmore, a historic cotton plantation still in use today, or attend a special piano concert in the J. N. Stone antebellum music room.

Historic Longwood Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

Longwood is just one of the elegant historic houses that graces the historic district of Natchez. This octagonal house epitomises the rise and fall of the South. As the Civil War began, the workmen stopped construction and the house was never completed. View the finished first floor with original family furnishings and the upper five stories that are still a work in progress.

Frogmore Plantation

Our on board experts tell many stories about southern life on a plantation; today you will learn what life was really like. Our insightful local guide will accompany you from the ship to the cotton and will be your escort as you explore the 1,800-acre cotton plantation. In intimate groups, the plantation owners Lynette and Buddy Tanner will delve into plantation life, including the housing, music, and relationships between the owners and workers. You will have the opportunity to pick cotton directly from the field, participate in a live gospel performance, and witness the progress in cotton technology from Eli Whitney’s original gin to their modern 900 bales-per-day computerised plantation.

Optional Excursion - J.N. Stone House Tour & Concert

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the fourth-generation owner, Joseph Stone, whose family has owned the home for over 135 years. Mr. Stone will guide you on a personal tour of his unique antebellum-style home and explain the many different purposes it has served over the years. Here, you can explore his eclectic collection of period-specific artwork and one-of-a-kind antiques. The afternoon concludes in the music hall with refreshments as Mr. Stone performs an exclusive classical piano concert.

Natchez Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion

Explore downtown Natchez on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling through town. The shuttle will make regularly scheduled stops at Rosalie House, the Natchez Visitors Center, and the downtown shopping district.

This southern town charms with simple pleasures and unique treasures. Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville has been called, “One of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America.” Take a stroll through its historic centre where two centuries of architecture and lifestyle are on display. Enjoy visits to restored antebellum mansions including Rosedown.

Rosedown Plantation - Complimentary Excursion

The affluent ambience of the Rosedown Plantation is evident the minute you step on the property. As you walk towards the Main House down the flowered path lined with towering oaks, you will be greeted by our lively resident expert, Tammie Miller. On the tour, Tammie delves deep into the family history of Daniel and Martha Turnbull and how their experiences helped shape the Main House into a home. At the conclusion of your tour, time is set aside to explore the grounds on your own or relax in a rocking chair on the front porch with cold refreshments and some of Tammie’s freshly made cookies.

Baton Rouge features all the history and wonder you would expect in a state capital, but with an added down-home flavor that makes it truly unique. Our local expert guides will take you on a tour of the cities' most famous attractions including the Old and New State Capitols and the interactive Louisiana State Museum.

Historic Baton Rouge Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

The vibrant history of Louisiana is evident throughout the state’s capital. After breakfast, you will be greeted at the ship by Philippa Blair and her visitor centre representatives as they welcome you to Baton Rouge with vibrant Mardi Gras beads. Your first stop is the Louisiana Old State Capitol where you will experience a one-of-a-kind interactive film, made with the help of Disney, bringing you face-to-face with the ghost of the castle, Sarah Morgan. Afterward, Baton Rouge native, Ira Bobin, will serve as our tour guide and will bring you to the Louisiana State Museum, a completely interactive museum with three floors of displays detailing each region of Louisiana.

Optional Excursion - Atchafalaya Basin Excursion

Explore the diverse natural beauty and rich ecological systems of America’s largest and most complex wetland. Cruise through the open waters of the Atchafalaya Basin as native guides discuss the abundant plant and wildlife indigenous to the area. Learn about the locals living on houseboats and how they have protected this land over the years. After the basin boat ride, travel a short distance to Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf overlooking the waters of the Atchafalaya and enjoy a luncheon featuring southern favourites.

Optional Excursion - USS Kidd

Known as the “Pirate of the Pacific,” this Fletcher-class destroyer is a memorial to the men and women who served in the American armed forces. Step back in time on this amazing tour as you witness original artifacts and aircraft from World War II.

Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival antebellum mansion is simply breathtaking.

Oak Alley Plantation - Complimentary Excursion

The famous ancient oaks bordering your path to the mansion are your first sight upon stepping ashore. The perfectly aligned 300-year-old trees form a canopy which set a particularly grand entrance for our arrival. Southern belles enjoying the shade of the leafy canopy greet us on arrival and are our guides for the day. In small groups, we bring you through the antebellum plantation’s many stately rooms and show you why it has earned the name “Grande Dame of The Great River Road.” After the tour, join us for a special gathering with mint juleps on the west lawn before a visit to their popular gift shop which is known for its world-famous pralines.

End your journey in the vibrant city of New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, where art and culture abound. The open-air artist colony proudly displays local works on the iron fence in Jackson Square, while the city’s 45 museums carefully preserve its rich history. Fly home this evening or stay an extra day or even a few nights to enjoy the famed French Quarter.

Optional Tour - New Orleans City Excursion

New Orleans is a city full of history, intrigue, and colourful characters. Begin your journey through the “Big Easy” with a private tour guide, who will give you a local’s look at the area’s most famous attractions. Explore the most popular areas including the French Quarter, the colourful garden district, and the famous stately mansions which still remain in period form. There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy the local flavors, like chicory coffee, sweet beignets, and famous New Orleans Jazz music.