Do something different this festive season – enjoy a Christmas themed cruise aboard American Queen.
The American Queen Steamboat Company has crafted several voyages – starting from 21 November – that will travel the waters of the Mississippi River to and from Memphis and New Orleans. A voyage filled with southern history and culture is promised, along with some festive additions, of course.
I thought it would be nice to highlight these sailings as we are usually tempted by exotic far-away lands or by the promise of a European Christmas market, but these voyages really are something a little extraordinary.
All of the sailings are new and exclusive to the American Queen and each has an old fashioned theme with special entertainment, including strolling carolers in St. Francisville, Louisiana, departure serenades from the levees of Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi, and the favourite Steamboat Syncopators singing holiday favourites throughout the journey as well as Christmas markets in Greenville, Mississippi and Nottoway Plantation.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Sailings aboard American Queen
Thanksgiving Festivals – Memphis, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Itinerary: Arrive in Memphis for 1-night deluxe hotel stay | Full day in Memphis before joining American Queen | River Cruising | Vicksburg, Mississippi | Natchez, Mississippi | St. Francisville, Louisiana | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Plantation Road, Louisiana | New Orleans for disembarkation
Explore fertile cotton fields, vast sugar cane plantations and imposing pillared mansions as the American Queen cruises from Memphis to New Orleans. A highlight of the late-November voyage includes a Thanksgiving feast and celebration onboard the elaborately decorated paddle wheeler.
Holiday – Christmas Markets – New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee.
Itinerary: Arrive in New Orleans for a 1-night hotel stay | Full day in New Orleans before joining American Queen | Nottoway, Louisiana | St. Francisville, Louisiana | Natchez, Mississippi | Vicksburg, Mississippi | Greenville, Mississippi | River Cruising | Memphis, Tennessee for disembarkation
The bayous and woodlands along the shore create dramatic landscapes that are virtually unchanged since the days of the French fur trades. Guests can take in the beautiful sights and sounds of these gracious towns and as an exclusive event on the December 12th voyage, enjoy a Christmas Ball at the historic Nottoway plantation in Nottoway, Louisiana. The “White Castle of Louisiana” will be adorned with complete Christmas décor and lighting throughout the grounds, public spaces, and mansion for this festive evening. Guests may enjoy costumed carolers and dancers as they stroll the gardens and front lawn before entering the mansion for a private dinner featuring a combination of Cajun cuisine.
The New Year’s Celebration – Round-trip New Orleans, Louisiana.
Itinerary: Arrive in New Orleans for a 1-night hotel stay | Full day in New Orleans before joining American Queen | Oak Alley, Louisiana | St. Francisville, Louisiana | Natchez, Mississippi | Vicksburg, Mississippi | Nottoway, Louisiana (overnight in port) | New Orleans for disembarkation
Ring in the New Year with the diversity and drama of the Lower Mississippi while discovering the romance and antebellum charms of famous plantations like Oak Alley, located in the Saint James Parish.
Included in your American Queen Sailing
All journeys include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.
If you would like further information on voyages aboard American Queen then please contact one of our Cruise Experts on 0800 008 6677, alternatively, if you would prefer to make an online enquiry you can fill in the “Enquire Online” form on the voyage details page and someone from our team will call you back.
