Mississippi River – the Long Way
The American Queen Steamboat Company is offering savings of US$1200 per couple on an epic riverboat journey in 2022 or 2023 covering almost the entire length of the mighty Mississippi River from Minneapolis in the north of USA to New Orleans in the south.
Passing through or along 10 American states, the 3730km-long Mississippi River is one of the world’s greatest and most fabled waterways, starting north of Minneapolis in far northern USA and meeting the Gulf of Mexico south of New Orleans.
An extended journey along the length of the Mississippi is a bucket-list adventure, with landscapes, weather, cultures and accents changing dramatically. Along the way, guests can experience the river towns, colonial mansions, music centres, art galleries, wineries, Civic War reminders and Huckleberry Finn stories penned by legendary American writer, Mark Twain.
A newly released, 15-night ‘Mighty Mississippi’ package is available for three sailings in September, 2022, or three departures in September and October, 2023. Three of the American Queen Steamboat Company’s famous paddlewheelers are offering the special itinerary – the American Countess, American Duchess or American Queen.
The package begins with a one night, pre-cruise hotel stay in Minneapolis, near the source of the Mississippi, followed by a 14-night cruise south through heartland USA all the way to New Orleans. The grand journey takes in legendary lands of bawdy blues, southern belles and drawls while onboard, guests will feel transported back in time to an era of leisurely and romantic travel as they enjoy the sweeping panoramas, storybook American towns and deep blue lakes. While each of the steamboats has the appearance and opulence of the American Victorian era, it is also equipped with all the modern amenities.
Highlights of the river cruise include the Gateway Arch city of St Louis – founded in 1764 by French explorers – the Civil War battle site of Vicksburg and Memphis with its flurry of music and Elvis attractions. Guests will also visit the Nottoway Plantation, the South’s largest and most glorious remaining mansion, as an included shore excursion. Set among a background of vibrant gardens and 200-year-old oak trees, the mansion boasts three floors and beautiful ballrooms. The mansion is known as the ‘white castle of Louisiana’ due to its 22, eye-catching white columns and dates back to 1859.
The grand, two-week cruise concludes in New Orleans, where guests can visit the famous French Quarter with its jazz bars, Cajun eateries and toe-tapping buskers.
Including a one-night hotel stay, an unlimited onboard beverage package and hop-on-hop-off shore excursions, the 15-night Mighty Mississippi package is available from US$5071 per person, twin share (September 26, 2022 sailing) – a saving of US$600 per person, if booked by December 31, 2021. A special offer allows the return of a deposit if a cancellation is made prior to final payment 130 days before sailing, subject to currency fluctuations.
American Queen Steamboat Company is the most award-winning, authentic and opulent river cruise line in America, offering the most inclusive cruises with guided shore excursions, nightly Broadway-calibre entertainment and regionally inspired fine dining included in the fare.