Historic Mississippi River Cruise
Cruise From New Orleans
8 Days | March-December
Starting At $CUSTOM
Beginning and ending in the vibrant city of New Orleans, this incredible journey celebrates the rich heritage and festive spirit of a region where music is the common language and history can be found around every bend in the river. Travel in the comfort of a new fleet as you discover fascinating port towns, including Natchez, with a unique blend of African, British, and French culture. As well as Baton Rouge, the heart and soul of Louisiana. Savor authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, embodying the influences of the fascinating people who live there. Explore elegant antebellum homes and notable landmarks brimming with history, led by a local guide who provides an insider’s perspective. Back on board, be pampered by our gracious crew or find solace as you relax in your spacious stateroom and relish the rolling river views.
Highlights
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive New Orleans, LA
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 a feast for your senses as you explore this magical city. 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. The day is on your own to explore.
Day 2 – Cruising the Mississippi River
Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born from the river. (L,D)
Day 3 – Houmas House/Oak Alley, LA
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 quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Natchez/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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – New Orleans, LA
Today, disembark the boat and depart for home. (B)