Few places in America stir the soul like the Deep South. And there’s no better way to experience its heartbeat than aboard a luxury cruise along the Lower Mississippi River. From the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the soul-stirring sounds of Memphis, this 9-day voyage is steeped in Southern culture, cuisine, and history.
It’s not just a cruise—it’s a front-row seat to the American story.
Why This Journey is So Special
Step aboard one of American Cruise Lines’ intimate modern riverboats, accommodating just 180 guests, and you’ll feel the difference immediately—personalized service, elegant spaces, and a deeply immersive experience at every bend in the river.
Each day brings a carefully crafted blend of onboard enrichment and unforgettable shore excursions. An onboard historian will share stories of Civil War heroes, blues legends, and Delta traditions, while local guides reveal the hidden gems and untold tales of the towns you visit.
As the river winds north, you’ll enjoy daily cocktail hours, regionally inspired cuisine, and live evening entertainment that celebrates the rich musical soul of the South.
Cruise Itinerary Highlights
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
Start your journey in the Big Easy, where Creole culture, jazz, and world-class cuisine set the tone.
Must-Do:
• Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace
• Cocktail crawl in the French Quarter
• Garden District walking tour
Stay Before the Cruise: The Chloe, Maison de la Luz, or The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
2. Oak Alley Plantation
Perhaps the most iconic photo stop on the Mississippi—a grand alley of 300-year-old oaks leading to a stunning antebellum mansion.
Excursion Highlights:
• Guided tour of the plantation house and grounds
• Learn the complex history of Creole life and slavery
• Optional overnight stay in a plantation cottage
3. Houmas House
Known as the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road,” this estate dazzles with its lush gardens and grandeur.
Experience:
• Tour the estate with period-dressed guides
• Sip a mint julep on the veranda
• Visit the on-site museum and art gallery
4. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The capital city mixes college-town energy with rich history.
Shore Tour Options:
• Explore the Old State Capitol (a Gothic-style castle)
• Visit the USS Kidd naval ship
• Sample crab beignets or Southern pies on a food-tasting tour
5. St. Francisville, Louisiana
A charming small town filled with Civil War history, moss-draped oaks, and a few ghost stories for good measure.
Experience:
• Guided tour of Rosedown Plantation
• Visit The Myrtles—one of America’s most haunted homes
• Enjoy antique shopping in the quaint downtown
6. Natchez, Mississippi
With over 500 antebellum buildings, Natchez is like stepping into the past—graceful, elegant, and full of stories.
Top Excursions:
• Rosalie Mansion or Longwood Tour
• Carriage ride through the historic district
• Sunset drinks at Under-the-Hill Saloon overlooking the river
7. Vicksburg, Mississippi
This pivotal Civil War city offers powerful history and stunning river views.
Excursion Ideas:
• Tour Vicksburg National Military Park
• Explore the USS Cairo ironclad gunboat
• Walk the colorful murals along the Riverfront
8. Memphis, Tennessee
Your final stop is the birthplace of soul, blues, and rock ’n’ roll.
Post-Cruise Highlights:
• Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic home
• Explore the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
• Live music and BBQ on Beale Street
Stay After the Cruise: The Peabody Memphis, River Inn of Harbor Town, or ARRIVE Memphis
Life Onboard
When you’re not exploring ashore, the riverboat offers the perfect mix of relaxation and enrichment:
• All-American crew and locally sourced cuisine
• Cocktail hours with sweeping river views
• Evening shows featuring Southern jazz, blues, and gospel
• Spacious staterooms, private balconies, and lounge decks
With small-ship intimacy and five-star amenities, this cruise lets you dive deep into the culture and character of the Mississippi.
Ready to sail through the soul of the South?
I’ll help you plan every detail—from pre- and post-cruise hotel stays to private excursions and VIP experiences along the way.
Let’s get your cabin secured.