Day 1 - Friday - May 31, 2024
| New Orleans, United States |
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Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African, and American influences. This vivacious city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the city at your leisure.
Day 2 - Saturday - Jun 1, 2024
| New Orleans, United States |
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| New Orleans, United States |
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| Cruising the Mississippi River, United States |
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Board your ship and be treated to a special welcoming reception, a chance to mingle with fellow guests as you set sail for the most comprehensive exploration of the Mississippi River available. Admire the breathtaking scenery that has inspired the country's most legendary writers, artists, and musicians.
Day 3 - Sunday - Jun 2, 2024
Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane plantation, Oak Alley Plantation is rightfully named after its most distinguishing feature, a canopy of 300-year-old oak trees that form a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is simply breathtaking.
Day 4 - Monday - Jun 3, 2024
| Houmas House, United States |
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Step off your ship docked right at Houmas House and explore one of the most elaborately renovated of the grand homes along the river, once a private home and a thriving historical agricultural enterprise. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the magnificently restored home's unmatched collection of stunning period furnishings and artwork. The ornately landscaped grounds include 38 acres of gardens, fountains, and majestic live oak trees. Later, experience the opulence and natural wonder of the Oak Alley estate with its breathtaking parallel row of 28 ancient and massive live oak trees. Here, you can savor a complimentary taste of one of the best mint juleps in the South.
Day 5 - Tuesday - Jun 4, 2024
| Baton Rouge, United States |
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Meaning "red stick", Baton Rouge's 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city's long history. As Louisiana's state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long's 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble. Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp.
Day 6 - Wednesday - Jun 5, 2024
| St Francisville, United States |
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As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port of St. Francisville. Overlooking the river from atop a high, St. Francisville began as a part of Spanish West Florida in the early 1800s until American settlers overthrew the Spanish governing forces, and the region later became part of the United States. Experience this town's rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss.
Day 7 - Thursday - Jun 6, 2024
In Natchez, grand homes sparkle like jewels, adorning the bluffs that tower above the river. Since 1716, when the French first built a fort here among the Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth. With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality. Explore on your own or enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop's importance in history and today, discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon. Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park.
Day 8 - Friday - Jun 7, 2024
Vicksburg is a place of drama. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. The well-fortified connection between river and rail transportation was known as "The Gibraltar of the West". A narrated exploration of the well-preserved National Military Park battlefield enlivens this powerful story and highlights its significance. President Abraham Lincoln summarized Vicksburg's importance clearly when he said, "Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket... They can defy us from Vicksburg... As valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so". Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Walk aboard an enormous Army Corps of Engineers towboat. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate.
Day 9 - Saturday - Jun 8, 2024
| Greenville, United States |
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Known as the Heart & Soul of the Mississippi Delta, the city of Greenville offers visitors unique insight into traditional southern living. Enjoy a relaxing trip through the historic sites of the city, including Cotton Row, the Mount Holly Plantation, and the Wetherbee House.
Day 10 - Sunday - Jun 9, 2024
Times have changed, but not in Downtown Tunica, with Main Street buildings just as they were at the turn of the century. Explore unique boutiques, antique shops, a fully restored courthouse, and Tunica Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park. Here, you can enjoy the kind of southern hospitality you thought only existed in storybooks.
Day 11 - Monday - Jun 10, 2024
Welcome to Memphis, a historic city which rises picturesquely up the hillside from the river, adorned with grand oak trees, lush parks, and historic sites that commemorate everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city's famous BBQ. Choose from an array of customized excursions. Perhaps take a narrated motorcoach excursion to get an overview of this dramatic city. Or indulge in the glamor of the Peabody Hotel. Explore the home, life, and career of Elvis Presley or make your pilgrimage to Sun Studio, where he recorded his earliest smash-hits. The comfort of your ship awaits at the nearby Beale Street Landing, docked along an impressive, recently renovated city park. Be entertained onboard by local musicians as you savor a nightcap.
Day 12 - Tuesday - Jun 11, 2024
| Cape Girardeau, United States |
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Enjoy the charming features of this historic town that was a French trading post and lively river port in the late 1800s. Today it boasts Civil War sites and a tranquil setting commemorating the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Marvel at the outdoor murals reflecting the area's rich heritage and enjoy shore excursions to Crisp Museum and the Old St. Vincent's Church.
Day 13 - Wednesday - Jun 12, 2024
| Cruising the Mississippi River, United States |
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Your cruise is as much about the journey as it is about each destination. Today is a day to revel in the scenery along the legendary Mississippi River. Relish the stretches of undeveloped land, beautiful little towns, and magnificent wildlife. As we cruise, listen to an onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the bow.
Day 14 - Thursday - Jun 13, 2024
St. Louis is often referred to as the "Gateway to the West". Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the United States. Enjoy many world-class attractions of this city, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world's most popular public gardens.
Day 15 - Friday - Jun 14, 2024
| Cruising the Mississippi River, United States |
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As you cruise toward the historic city of Hannibal, enjoy the beauty of the heartland. Mingle with guests in one of the ship's comfortable lounges, read a good book on your private balcony, or take part in one of the many onboard activities.
Day 16 - Saturday - Jun 15, 2024
Discover Hannibal, "America's Hometown", and the inspiration behind many of Mark Twain's literary characters. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn come to life in this charming Missouri town, where you can run your hand along Aunt Polly's fence, explore Injun Joe's Cave, and get reacquainted with one of the world's most beloved authors. The downtown area is a thriving haven for artisans, filled with specialty shops unique to Hannibal.
Day 17 - Sunday - Jun 16, 2024
| Cruising the Mississippi River, United States |
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Curl up with a good book in one of the spacious lounges aboard the riverboat. Or relax on the sun deck or private balcony and enjoy the passing landscapes as we make our way along the Mississippi River from Hannibal to Muscatine.
Day 18 - Monday - Jun 17, 2024
Located in East Central Iowa, Muscatine County's eastern edge touches the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River and is the only place where this north-to-south river runs east to west. Perhaps Muscatine is best known for its history as the largest button manufacturing area in the world. Learn about this idyllic town's rich past and revel in its natural beauty, led by the engaging local guides. Explore the charming downtown, located only two blocks from our dock, where you peruse local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries.
Day 19 - Tuesday - Jun 18, 2024
Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. Take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world's shortest and steepest scenic railway or try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos. View colorful Victorian mansions, stroll through a whimsical downtown area, and visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Day 20 - Wednesday - Jun 19, 2024
| Cruising the Mississippi River, United States |
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As you make your way from Dubuque to Winona, enjoy the scenic splendor of the Upper Mississippi River from your private balcony. Immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds you, the setting for countless American stories and the inspiration for artists and musicians throughout time.
Day 21 - Thursday - Jun 20, 2024
Step into 19th-century America in Winona, Minnesota, located in the picturesque bluff country on the Mississippi River. Explore this vibrant small town with the perfect blend of urban edge and old-world charm. From rolling fields of prairie flowers to some of the most architecturally important buildings in Minnesota, enjoy all there is to see and do here.
Day 22 - Friday - Jun 21, 2024
Nestled among the scenic bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River, Red Wing's beauty has inspired craftsmen and artisans for over 150 years. Red Wing offers a diverse blend of arts, entertainment, and activities. Enjoy a show at the historic Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts or observe the beauty of nature at one of Red Wing's 38 parks.
Day 23 - Saturday - Jun 22, 2024
St. Paul is an exciting place to end your riverboat cruise adventure on the Mississippi River. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which highlights gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800s. St. Paul's enchanting art galleries, world-class museums, and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination. End the day by visiting Mounds Park, where visitors are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
