AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
11 Days | Mississippi River Gateway Cruise
Southbound

ST. LOUIS TO NEW ORLEANS

Day 1
 | New Orleans, LA. Embark. Explore the French Quarter, with its architectural blend of Spanish, French, Creole, and American styles. Also known as the Vieux Carré, it is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. The distinctive and romantic character of the area has long inspired writers and artists since the time of Mark Twain, Lafcadio Hern and John James Audubon.

Day 2 | 
Baton Rouge, LA. Experience the wonder of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital. Known as the Red Stick, Baton Rouge has everything you would expect to find in a state capital, but with a down-home flavor that is part of its charm.

Day 3 | Natchez, MI. Settled in 1716, Natchez is rich in history and southern hospitality. Enjoy a guided exploration of this fascinating city which has retained its antebellum charm since its surrender during the Civil War. Visit Frogmore, a historic cotton plantation still in use today, or attend a special piano concert in the J. N. Stone House music room.




Day 4 | Vicksburg, MS. U.S. history is alive in Vicksburg. This “Queen City of the Bluff” offers plenty of opportunities to 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 learn about Vicksburg’s rich history as displayed on the riverfront murals.




Day 5 | 
Day of River Cruising. As we make our way from historic New Orleans to St. Louis, revel in the sights and sounds of the spectacular Mississippi River. Spend time chatting with other passengers in the lounges or enjoy a cocktail on your private balcony.

Day 6 | Memphis, TN. The largest city in Tennessee offers plenty to see, including Graceland, the W.C. Handy Museum; Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in the country; and the “twisted” Ornamental Metal Museum. In the heart of “Blues City,” you will find the Peabody Memphis, one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Day 7 | New Madrid, MO. Originally founded in 1776 by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodriguez, early settlers of New Madrid were required to become citizens of Spain in order to reside here. Today, New Madrid is a living monument to early American history with sites including the Kochtitsky Home, the Trail of Tears, and Veterans Park.

Day 8 | 
Paducah, KY. Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. As you walk the streets of this Chickasaw village site, discover Paducah’s rich history. View the Wall-to-Wall Mural Program, a collection of over 50 murals that covers a number of subjects including Native American history, the Civil War, and area landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library. Led by our expert guide, tour this enchanting city with a stop National Quilt Museum.

Day 9 | 
Day of River Cruising. Sit back and enjoy the gentle sounds of the paddlewheel as it churns through the placid waters of the Ohio River. One of the highlights of this cruise is the chance to watch the ever-changing scenery pass by and experience the river as early explorers did centuries ago.

Day 10 | St. Louis, MO. St. Louis, known as the “Gateway to the West,” is sure to win you over. Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum.

Day 11 
| St. Louis, MO. Disembark. Departure day. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens. Or extend your stay in New Orleans.

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

SOUTHBOUND ITINERARY 11 DAYS | ST. LOUIS TO NEW ORLEANS Click HERE to view 11-day NORTHBOUND itinerary.