8-night Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Nowhere is this city's spirit more evident than in the famed French Quarter, with its architectural mix of Spanish, French, Creole, and American styles. Also known as Vieux Carré - or the "Quarter" to locals - it sits on a bend of the Mississippi River on some of the highest grounds in New Orleans. Intimate and special, the city's oldest neighborhood has exerted a spell over writers and artists since the time of Mark Twain, Lafcadio Hearn, and John James Audubon. During your visit to New Orleans, you will begin to understand the city's unique ability to integrate history, absorb new influences, and fashion one-of-a-kind delights that continue to amaze not only much of the world, but also the inhabitants of New Orleans themselves.,

The Mississippi River is the third longest river system in the world - stretching approximately 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. To enable travel upstream from St. Louis, 29 locks and dams have been built between there and Minneapolis. The Mississippi River is the reason the Twin Cities St. Paul and Minneapolis exist. Used by Native Americans for trade, food, and water long before Europeans visited the “New World,” the Mississippi River and its watershed is a major contributor to the ecology, culture, politics and economy North America. Congress established Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 1988. The park’s boundaries enclose about 54,000 acres and 72 miles of river - a significant and representative stretch of the Mississippi. They contain the only gorge and waterfall on the main course of the entire 2,350 miles of river. From visitor centers to trails, from industrial centers to Mississippi River backwaters, this park has a bit of something for everyone.

Located on the Mississippi River between the historic cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Oak Alley Plantation has been called the Grande Dame of the Great River Road. A quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees forms an impressive avenue that leads you to this classic Greek-revival style antebellum home. This imposing mansion has been restored to its 19th-century glory, a noble tribute to those who left an indelible mark on this rich river region.,

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of "The Sugar Palace" when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork.

Experience the wonder of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital city, one that is rich in culture and heritage. Known affectionately as the Red Stick, Baton Rouge is home to legendary Louisiana Cajun cuisine, fascinating plantation tours, and a variety of attractions and events. There is everything you would expect to find in a state capital, but with a down-home flavor that is part of its seductive charm. Baton Rouge is a destination with true Southern hospitality. Let us give you the grand tour of one of the most historic, vibrant and unforgettable cities in the South.,

This quaint southern town is filled with simple pleasures and unique treasures. Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville has been called "one of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America". During your stop in St. Francisville, taking a stroll through its historic center awakens an awareness of history, with two centuries of architecture and lifestyles. Nearby plantations beckon you back to a time when coquettish southern belles and their chivalrous suitors sipped mint juleps on the shady porches of these grand estates.,

Sitting high on the bluff above the mighty Mississippi River rests Natchez, a city 300 years in the making. At first glance, Natchez appears to be frozen in time, with perfectly preserved homes and buildings that remind us of days gone by. In fact, over 1,000 of its historic structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Upon closer inspection, you will soon discover that Natchez, while indeed a reflection of the past, is also alive in the present – filled with arts, music, culture, events, commerce, and natural beauty.,

In Vicksburg, you'll find Southern hospitality in its most authentic form. This is a city bursting at the seams with history at some of its most poignant turns, art at its most creative angles, food at its finest flavors, and outdoor adventure at its most thrilling. With sweeping views of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage along with hallowed stories of Civil War battles.,

Enjoy the warmth of the Mississippi River sun while lounging in the Queen of the Mississippi's many luxurious spaces, including the sun deck or Paddlewheel Lounge.,

The largest city in Tennessee offers everything a curious tourist, hungry gourmet, or history buff could want to do and see at attractions that include music museums, art galleries, Mississippi riverboat tours, and the Memphis Zoo. Be sure to visit Graceland, and then visit the other side of Memphis at the W.C. Handy Museum, Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in the country, or the "twisted" National Ornamental Metal Museum. In the heart of "Blues City", you'll find the Peabody Memphis, one of the city's most popular attractions. Legendary, charming, and elegant are adjectives that perfectly describe this grand hotel, where its famous Peabody Ducks march to and from the Grand Lobby.,