Historic Mississippi River Cruise
October 28 - November 4, 2024
October 28 - November 4, 2024
Presented by American Cruise Lines with special group pricing from Blue Skies Travel
Fully escorted by Margo McDonough
Sail with American Cruise Lines beginning and ending in the vibrant city of New Orleans. This incredible journey celebrates the rich heritage and festive spirit of a region where music is the common language and history can be found around every bend in the river.
Travel in comfort as you discover fascinating port towns, including Natchez, with a unique blend of African, British, and French culture and Baton Rouge, the heart and soul of Louisiana.
Savor authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, embodying the influences of the fascinating people who live there. Explore elegant antebellum homes and notable landmarks brimming with history, led by a local guide who provides an insider’s perspective.
Back on board, be pampered by a gracious crew as you relax and relish the rolling river views.
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1 Pre-Cruise: New Orleans, LA
Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. This vivacious city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience.
Settle into your hotel and enjoy a feast for your senses as you explore this magical city. 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.
Accommodations:
InterContinental New Orleans
Our itinerary comes with an included hotel stay, providing a relaxing way to explore the local area before embarkation.
On the morning of the cruise, we will meet in the hotel lobby to be transported to the ship to begin our cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
Day 2: Cruising the Mississippi River
Board your ship and be treated to a welcome reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy rolling on the mighty Mississippi. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born from the river.
This cruise has all-inclusive prices which means that your cruise fare includes gourmet meals, at least one free shore excursion daily, wine and beers at meals plus
complimentary cocktail hours, WiFi, port charges, gratuities, hotel stay and more!
Day 3: Oak Alley, LA / Houmas House, LA
Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Cajun Pride Swamp Excursion-
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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Cajun Culinary Lagniappe Experience
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Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Partial
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Oak Alley Plantation - Complimentary Excursion
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Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Partial
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Houmas House & Gardens
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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Laura Plantation
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Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: No
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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.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Baton Rouge City Experience with Rural Life Museum - Complimentary Excursion
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
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Louisiana Art & Science Museum - Complimentary Excursion
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Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
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A Walk Through The Capital City
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Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No
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Southern Agriculture Experience
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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Baton Rouge Harbor Experience
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Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Partial
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Battle of Baton Rouge
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Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Yes
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Day 5: 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 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. Explore quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Historic Longwood Exploration
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
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Cotton & Music, Then & Now
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
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Tombs & Tales
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible Partial
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Great River Outdoor Adventure
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance.
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Historic Path to Freedom Experience
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Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
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Natchez Trails & Tamales Experience
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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Legends & Libations
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Activity Level: Low | ADA: Partial
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Natchez Local Loop- Complimentary Excursion
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Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
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Natchez Landmark Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
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Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No
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Day 6: Natchez/Vicksburg, MS
During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. A narrated exploration of the well-preserved National Military Park battlefield brings this powerful story to life and highlights its significance.
President Abraham Lincoln summarized Vicksburg’s importance when he said, “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket… 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. Visit 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.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Vicksburg National Military Park- Complimentary Excursion
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Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
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Day 7: St. Francisville, LA
Overlooking the river from atop a high hill, 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. Discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees and stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Port Hudson Historic Site
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
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Audubon Historic Site
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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Southern Agriculture Experience
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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Rosedown & Catalpa Legacy Experience
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
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The Myrtles - Complimentary Excursion
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Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
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Cochon De Lait Experience
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Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
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Day 8: New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is worth some extra time. 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. Or extend your stay to further explore the delights of the Big Easy.
Pricing
Price starting at :
Single Occupancy Stateroom with Private Balcony (*A RARE FIND!*):
$5700.00 – $600.00 = $5100.00* FOUND ON DECKS 2,3,4,5 same price regardless of deck
Double Occupancy Staterooms with Private Balconies:
$4495.00 per person - $300.00 = $4195.00* per person ON DECK 2, Category AAR
$4770.00 per person - $300.00 = $4650.00* per person ON DECK 3, Category AAL
$4950.00 per person - $300.00 = $4650.00* per person ON DECK 4, Category AAC
$5290.00 per person - $300.00 = $4990.00* per person ON DECK 5, Category AAM
$6995.00 per person - $300.00 = $6695.00* per person ON DECK 5, Owner's Suite
*Our special negotiated group rate represents the very best prices for this sailing. The first number represents the price if you weren't in our group.
Travel Protection: Protect your vacation. Ask about American Cruise Lines' Cancel for Any Reason plan.
A deposit of $300 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Final payment is July 18, 2024.
Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in New Orleans.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.
Your Host
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier stints in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned and escorted many trips for area travelers, including a Paris to Normandy river cruise, facilitated by special guest expert Professor Ray Callahan, a winter getaway to the Tournament of Roses Parade, a weeklong trip to the Islands of New England, and a Tulip Time river cruise in The Netherlands.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium.
