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 Splendor 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
*Conditions Apply: Correct as of 17Dec24 all prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in USD, based on full brochure cruise fare at time of publication and do not include any discounts. Visitors to the United States/Canada must complete an online ESTA/CANESTA application prior to arrival which is not included and is the guest’s responsibility. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that cabin availability is not shown in real time - All inquiries will be checked for current availability at the time requested. Transfer to hotel on day one and post cruise are not included. Discounts may be available - please contact our office for the best offers applicable.
Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 19 September 2024 to 8 July 2025 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Cruise Itinerary
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
20 May 2025
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Hotel
21 May 2025
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Embark
22 May 2025
Houmas House Plantation, Burnside, Louisiana, USA
23 May 2025
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
24 May 2025
St Francisville, Louisiana, USA
25 May 2025
Natchez, Mississippi, USA
26 May 2025
Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA
27 May 2025
Memphis Tennessee, USA
28 May 2025
Memphis Tennessee, USA
Disembark
7 Night Cruise sailing from New Orleans to Memphis onboard American Splendor. 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.
In 2022, American Splendor, formerly America, will receive a total redesign, allowing our guests to experience the nostalgia of classic paddlewheeler travel, while enjoying perfect comfort and the most modern amenities.
American Splendor will be completely made-over with new color palettes, luxurious textiles and linens, new furniture and carpets, and artwork and flourishes. From the staterooms and suites to the lounges and dining rooms, the new décor will pay homage to the legendary Mississippi River.
On board, guests can relax in a casual ambiance while admiring panoramic views of the passing scenery. With only 185 guests, fellow travelers will quickly become new friends.
Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden voyage: 2016
Passenger capacity (dbl): 185
Crew nationality: American
Officer nationality: American
Dining nationality: American
Ship Facilities
Putting Green on Sun Deck
Sun Deck
Sky Lounge
Twain Library
Chart Room
Magnolia Lounge
America Lounge
Paddlewheel Lounge
Dining Room
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.
AAR staterooms can be found on the second deck of American Splendor. Enjoy a luxurious 304 sq. ft. of living space that is equipped with full-size bathrooms and a private balcony complete with an outdoor seating area.
The Owners suites on America feature our most spacious staterooms elegantly furnished for your comfort. Choose between two Twin or one King size bed and enjoy the great views from your own private balcony.
Our AAM staterooms are designed to offer the privacy you desire while traveling. Each room is elegantly furnished and features a walk-out balcony for unparalleled viewing.
Enjoy fine comforts and modern ammenities in our spacious AAC staterooms. Configured to maximize the space, these elegant staterooms are similar to fine hotel rooms and feature a walk-out balcony.
Relax in the comfort of our AAL staterooms that maximize space for better living conditions. Offering a large closet and an expansive private balcony, these staterooms have the option for two Twin or one King size bed.
A class staterooms offer guests quiet comfort during their cruise. With seating area, writing desk and Twin size beds, these functional staterooms are ideal for river cruising.
Solo travelers will find relaxing comfort in our single staterooms with private balconies. Enjoy comfortable Twin size beds, large private viewing window and spacious bathrooms.
Find modern amenities and relaxing comfort in our single staterooms. With a large opening picture window, Twin size beds and sizable bathrooms, these single staterooms are perfect for solo travelers.
From
US $4,925*
per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.