7-night Historic Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans is a unique city rich in history and alive with tradition. Famed for its 17th-century architecture, culturally-inspired cuisine, and lively music, the rhythm of the city is as diverse as its people. Beginning your adventure in New Orleans will excite the senses as you explore the history of the French quarter, listen to spirited Jazz, and indulge in some local cuisine. A visit to the French Market, the country's oldest public market, is reminiscent of European markets, but in a tradition that is distinctively of New Orleans.,

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 of the river.

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.

Overlooking the Mississippi River, Natchez was first established as a French fort site in 1716, later becoming part of the United States as the first capital of Mississippi in 1817. Perched over 200 feet above the Mississippi River with 30-mile views along the river both north and south, the bluff of Natchez is a place to marvel the beauty and grandeur of the river. A quaint Southern town rich in culture and history, and known for its abundance of antebellum architecture, Natchez offers true southern hospitality with the attractions of a great small city.,

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.

Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane plantation, Oak Alley Plantation is rightfully named after its most distinguishing feature, a canopy of 300-year-old oak trees that form a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek revival-style antebellum mansion is truly breathtaking.,

This beautiful antebellum home done in a classic Greek-revival style is a popular attraction in Vacherie, Louisiana. Oak Alley plantation is located on the Mississippi River between the historic cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Many festivals are held here including the Fall Arts & Crafts Show, and the Christmas Bonfire Party. The plantation has been featured in popular movies and shows such as, Interview with the Vampire and Ghost Hunters. Tours of the planation grounds are available. Visitors may also be interested to know that there also a number of other plantations in the area known for their history, gardens, antiques and restaurants.

Around every corner, U.S. history is alive in Vicksburg. This "Queen City of the Bluff" offers plenty of opportunities to take a step back in time. Civil war battlefields, century-old churches, cotton fields, and restored train depots are just a few of the many intriguing landmarks that await your visit. Marvel in the beautiful antebellum-style homes and watch Vicksburg's history come to life at the riverfront murals.,

Established in 1809 and overlooking the Mississippi River, St. Francisville is a quaint Southern town that offers a glimpse into history. One of the largest shipping ports on the Mississippi River prior to the Civil War, St. Francisville is a small town with grand appeal. Experience this town's rich history as you tour historic plantations, including the famous Rosedown and The Myrtles, or explore the captivating gardens in this area.,

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.

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.

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.

Welcome back to New Orleans, commonly referred to as the Birthplace of Jazz. There is something for everyone with this city's history, culture, and arts prevalent around every corner. The open-air artist colony proudly displays local artist's works on the iron fence in Jackson Square, while 45 museums carefully preserve city's rich history. Stay an extra day or even a few nights to enjoy this lively city.,