American Symphony, Lower Mississippi River Cruise ex Memphis to New Orleans

7 Night Cruise sailing from Memphis to New Orleans onboard American Symphony. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Memphis.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 – Pre-Cruise
On our Lower Mississippi River cruise itineraries, we offer a Complimentary 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay providing you will a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area.

NOTE: Pre-Cruise Packages and Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

Day 2 Memphis, TN
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 glamour 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 on board by local musicians as you savor a nightcap.

Day 3 Day of River Cruising
Today is a day to truly relax without a care in the world. Revel in the bliss of floating along the current of the mighty Mississippi River, framed by a forest of cottonwood trees dotted with majestic blue herons.

Enjoy fascinating enrichment presentations and festive onboard activities. Savor fine meals and cocktails. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck as you read a book or chat with new friends. Mark Twain described the experience as having “nothing to hang a worry or a fret upon.”

Day 4 Vicksburg, MS
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 5 Natchez, MS
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, and 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 6 St. Francisville, LA
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 Baton Rouge, LA
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 8 Houmas House Plantation, LA
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 9 New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is worth some extra time. Enjoy a feast for your senses if you linger in this magical city, renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and rich culture with an international flair. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the renowned National World War II Museum. If departing the ship in New Orleans, enjoy available city excursions and motorcoach transfers to the airport. Or extend your stay to further explore the delights of the Big Easy.

The 180-passenger American Symphony introduces an updated modern interior design, integrating an elegant and refined aesthetic with our tradition for the spacious comfort found aboard all of our ships. Drawing inspiration from the geography across America, the new interior design highlights natural textural elements and serene color palettes.

American Symphony also showcases panoramic views throughout, including an impressive four-story glass atrium in the center of the ship. Ranging from 250 to 650 square feet, all of the spacious staterooms offer full-size bathrooms, roomy closets, and private balconies where you can enjoy daily breakfast room service. The new ship also features an on board fitness center and many spacious lounges where you can relax after the day’s adventures.

American Cruise Lines is the leader in small ship cruising! Carrying up to 180 maximum depending on the vessel, all of the small ships are able to easily navigate America’s smooth, inland waterways and dock in the heart of each charming port. From Maine to Florida, the itineraries are designed to allow passengers to experience intimately each area’s local culture, fascinating history and natural splendor.

Unsurpassed personal attention and intimate ambience make American Cruise Lines the leader in small ship cruising. The all-American crew is friendly, polite and eager to pamper you. Highly skilled chefs treat passengers to delectable feasts, masterfully prepared with the utmost in care and quality, highlighting the flavors of the local regions.

Refreshingly casual, flexible and unregimented – American Cruise Lines provides an intimate ambience conducive to camaraderie. Curl up with a book in the library, chat with new friends in one of the lounges, or watch the passing scenery from one of the open observation decks.

Each night, passengers relive the day’s adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before dinner.

Select the Deck to view detail.

American Symphony - Deck 1

American Symphony - Deck 2

American Symphony - Deck 3

American Symphony - Deck 4

American Symphony - Deck 5

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Veranda Suite

With a generous 405 sq. ft. of relaxing space, each Veranda suite provides the perfect balance of comfort and luxury. Be treated to a fruit and cheese plate when you arrive and cheers with a complimentary bottle of premium champagne as you begin your adventure. Considered one of the finest staterooms on any cruise ship, guests will enjoy full-size bathrooms and a large living area complete with sliding glass door. Your in-suite mini-refrigerator will be fully stocked and replenished throughout your cruise with juices, waters, white and red wine. All suites include a private walk-out balcony where you can enjoy “suite treats” delivered to you each evening and take in the breathtaking views.

AAM Private Balcony Stateroom

Located on the third deck, these spacious staterooms feature commanding views of the passing river landscapes. At 350 sq. ft., there is plenty of room to enjoy the tasteful comfort of your surroundings. These staterooms have all the comforts of a fine hotel and feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a private balcony where you can sit back, relax and watch the rolling river views. All staterooms include individual climate control systems, in-room Keurig coffee brewers, ample storage, an array of toiletries, complimentary WiFi, Satellite TV, and a DVD player.

AAC Private Balcony Stateroom

AAC staterooms are conveniently located on the second deck and provide maximized comfort. Featured are floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a private balcony where you can sit and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. At 316 sq. ft., these staterooms also offer a sitting area, desk, and full-size bathrooms. All staterooms include individual climate control systems, in-room Keurig coffee brewers, ample storage, an array of toiletries, complimentary WiFi, Satellite TV, and a DVD player.

AAR Private Balcony Stateroom

AAR staterooms on the main deck offer complete comfort with approximately 275 sq. ft. of living space. Enjoy a full-size bathroom complete with all the essentials: a hairdryer, an array of toiletries replenished throughout your stay, and more. Your stateroom is complete with a large picture window to watch the river go by and a door leading out to a furnished private balcony. These ample staterooms also feature a large sitting area, ideal for unwinding and reading a book after a day of exploration. All staterooms include individual climate control systems, in-room Keurig coffee brewers, ample storage, complimentary WiFi, Satellite TV, and a DVD player.

Single Private Balcony Stateroom

A rarity in river cruising, our dedicated Single staterooms are perfect for the solo traveler, offering all the amenities you expect to make your cruise comfortable. At 250 sq. ft., these well-appointed staterooms have spacious bathrooms complete with all the essentials: a hairdryer, premium face and body products replenished throughout your cruise, and more. Step out your large sliding glass doors that lead to a furnished private balcony to watch the stunning landscape as you cruise by. All staterooms include individual climate control systems, in-room Keurig coffee brewers, a dresser with ample storage space, complimentary WiFi, Satellite TV, and a DVD player.

Grand Suite

The luxurious Grand Suite measures an outstanding 650 sq. ft. and offers panoramic views with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Be treated to a fruit and cheese plate when you arrive and cheers with a complimentary bottle of premium champagne as you begin your adventure. Through sliding glass doors visit your private balcony complete with a sitting area, the perfect place to enjoy breakfast room service or watch the sun set. Each Grand Suite features a lavish bedroom and a separate living room ideal for gathering with family and friends after an invigorating day of exploration. All Grand suites include double sinks in the bathroom complete with plush robes for your comfort. Your in-suite mini-refrigerator will be fully stocked and replenished throughout the week with juices, waters, white and red wine. Enjoy “suite treats” delivered each evening.