Embark on a unique riverboat adventure along the Lower Mississippi River between New Orleans, Louisiana and Memphis, Tennessee. Savor a week aboard intimate and relaxed modern riverboats as you cruise the lower Mississippi River. The enthusiastic all-American crew are ready to share with you a wonderful journey filled with historical tales, culinary delights, unique culture, vibrant music, and new friends. Enjoy time onboard the ship in your comfortable and spacious stateroom. From your private balcony, enjoy expansive river views, the rising bluffs of the historic river towns, and the tree-lined banks accented with blue herons and bald eagles. Delight in the diverse menu of delicious meals carefully crafted by the onboard culinary team to include samples of regional cuisine.
Dynamic presentations by your onboard speaker connect you to the region`s culture and history. Local guides also share insights to illuminate your shore excursions. Memphis offers savory barbecue, rich music history museums, Sun Studios, and the amazing tour of Elvis` Graceland mansion exhibits. You can explore why the Mississippi River and the port of Vicksburg were so important during the Civil War as you explore the Vicksburg National Military Park. Enjoy beautiful architecture, antiques, and gardens at grand plantation homes as you learn southern stories from local guides and fascinating museums. Take in the local shops and museums of quaint and cozy towns like St. Francisville and Natchez. Perhaps sip and savor a tasty mint julep while strolling under the canopy of the 300-year-old trees at Oak Alley Plantation or explore the lavishly restored mansion and the expansive, manicured grounds surrounding Houmas House Plantation.
Inclusions:
– COMPLIMENTARY one night pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans
– COMPLIMENTARY one way transfer from hotel to port
– 7 night Lower Mississippi River cruise aboard American Heritage from New Orleans to Memphis
– All onboard meals including breakfast room service – Locally sourced and regionally inspired cuisine, prepared by master chefs
– Complimentary alcohol onboard at all times including beer, wine, liquor, mixed drinks and champagne. Glasses, ice, mixers, coffee and soft drinks are also available at all times.
– Complimentary signature evening cocktail hour
– COMPLIMENTARY Featured Excursions available (plus a range of Premium and Signature Excursions at additional cost are available)
– Full enrichment package with guest speakers and nightly entertainment onboard
– All tips and gratuities
– Port charges and fees
DISCOUNTS:
The fares shown here are full brochure fare. Please contact us for your best offer. All rates in USD.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jun 2024 | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
Hotel | |
| 19 Jun 2024 | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
Embark | |
| 20 Jun 2024 | Houmas House Plantation, Burnside, Louisiana, USA |
||
| 21 Jun 2024 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
||
| 22 Jun 2024 | St Francisville, Louisiana, USA |
||
| 23 Jun 2024 | Natchez, Mississippi, USA |
||
| 24 Jun 2024 | Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA |
||
| 25 Jun 2024 | Memphis Tennessee, USA |
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| 26 Jun 2024 | Memphis Tennessee, USA |
Disembark |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
7 Night Cruise sailing from New Orleans to Memphis aboard American Heritage. Hotel stay pre-cruise in New Orleans.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 – Pre-Cruise
On our Lower Mississippi River cruise, we offer Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay providing you will a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area.
NOTE: Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Day 2 – New Orleans, LA
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.
Day 3 – Houmas House, 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 4 – 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 5 – 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 6 – 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – Memphis, TN
Enjoy breakfast on board the ship, before beginning your journey home. Reflect upon your adventures and the new friends made along the way.
Built in 2015, American Heritage, formerly Queen of the Mississippi, will receive a total ship redesign in time for the 2022 cruise season.
From the staterooms and suites to the lounges and dining rooms, American Heritage will be completely remodeled with new color palettes, luxurious textiles and linens, new furniture and carpets, and artwork and flourishes, celebrating the Mighty Mississippi River.
Guests can enjoy large staterooms with private balconies, full-size bathrooms, and complimentary room service. Experience breathtaking scenery from the privacy of your stateroom as American Heritage makes its way down the legendary river.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Maiden Voyage: 2015
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 150
- Crew Nationality: American
- Officer Nationality: American
- Dining Staff Nationality: American
Ship Amenities
- Wireless Internet Service
- Satellite Television
- Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
Ship Facilities
- Magnolia Lounge
- Sky Lounge
- Paddlewheel Lounge
- Grand Dining Room
- Library and Chart Room
- Sun Deck
- Putting Green
- Outdoor Exercise Area
- Guest Laundry
- Elevators to all decks
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.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
AAR staterooms can be found on the second deck of American Heritage. Enjoy a luxurious 304 sq. ft. of living space that is equipped with a full-size bathroom and a large private balcony with sliding glass doors.
Welcome aboard the newest and grandest paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River. This luxurious new ship features over-sized staterooms with private balconies and amenities typically reserved for the finest hotels.
Particulars:
Stateroom size: 600 square feet
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
Wireless Internet Service
Satellite TV
Breakfast Room Service
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
Private Balconies
All interior entrances to staterooms
Welcome aboard the newest and grandest paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River. This luxurious new ship features over-sized staterooms with private balconies and amenities typically reserved for the finest hotels.
Particulars:
Stateroom size: 300 to 600 square feet
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
Wireless Internet Service
Satellite TV
Breakfast Room Service
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
Private Balconies
All interior entrances to staterooms
Welcome aboard the newest and grandest paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River. This luxurious new ship features over-sized staterooms with private balconies and amenities typically reserved for the finest hotels.
Particulars:
Stateroom size: 300 to 600 square feet
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
Wireless Internet Service
Satellite TV
Breakfast Room Service
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
Private Balconies
All interior entrances to staterooms
Welcome aboard the newest and grandest paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River. This luxurious new ship features over-sized staterooms with private balconies and amenities typically reserved for the finest hotels.
Particulars:
Stateroom size: 300 to 600 square feet
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
Wireless Internet Service
Satellite TV
Breakfast Room Service
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
Private Balconies
All interior entrances to staterooms
Welcome aboard the newest and grandest paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River. This luxurious new ship features over-sized staterooms with amenities typically reserved for the finest hotels.
Particulars:
Stateroom size: 300
Wireless Internet Service
Satellite TV
Breakfast Room Service
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
All interior entrances to staterooms
Welcome aboard the newest and grandest paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River. This luxurious new ship features over-sized staterooms with private balconies and amenities typically reserved for the finest hotels.
Particulars:
Stateroom size: 300 to 600 square feet
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
Wireless Internet Service
Satellite TV
Breakfast Room Service
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
Private Balconies
All interior entrances to staterooms
Welcome aboard the newest and grandest paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River. This luxurious new ship features over-sized staterooms with amenities typically reserved for the finest hotels.
Particulars:
Stateroom size: 300
Wireless Internet Service
Satellite TV
Breakfast Room Service
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
All interior entrances to staterooms
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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