NOTE:  This cruise is selling fast.  Apply now; don't be disappointed!

 

All Aboard!  

 

      

See the Jewels of the Lower Mississippi as you relax aboard the opulent American Queen Riverboat and lazily cruise through the drama and diversity of the Lower Mississippi River.   Dream of days gone by as the river smoothly glides along showing you bayous and woodlands largely unchanged since the time of French fur traders. 

Gracious towns with palatial mansions and tree-lined streets abound.  History is everywhere:  from silent civil war cemeteries and battlefields to soulful gospel blues, Memphis famed for jazz, barbecue, and of course the King of Rock 'n' Roll and his mansion at Graceland -- now a museum and awaiting your visit.

 

 Travel Passport

is proud to offer the following tour of

Southern Antebellum Days

in this

Jewels of the Lower Mississippi Cruise

aboard the American Queen Riverboat

 

September 10 - 18, 2017

 

Once in your deluxe stateroom, unpack your bags only once; then set back to enjoy a full week of luxury:  shows, music, scenery, visits to historic cities, scrumptious meals, visiting with friends, being pampered by an attentive staff -- even room service is available!

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Whether your tastes lean to bawdy blues, rock 'n' roll, history, or culture;  you will soon feel right like a Southern Gentleman or a true Belle.

 

 

Most ports-of-call include shore excursions with a deluxe motorcoach giving you Hop On - Hop Off convenience to visit the sites you want experience.

Optional add on excursions are also available for purchase in addition to "extra days" stays before or after the tour.

 

Included shore excursions at:

   Greenville, MS              Vicksburg, MS           Natchez, MS                   St. Francisville, LA               Baton Rouge, LA                   Nottoway, LA

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ITINERARY

 

                                                  

Day 1:  Hotel Stay -- Memphis, TN

Enjoy your complimentary stay at the official American Queen Pre-Cruise Hotel.  Venture out on the streets of Memphis to see the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll.  Sample scrumptious eateries, visit unique boutiques and shops, and experience some of the city's most historic attractions including Beale Street, Graceland, the Civil Rights Museum, and Sun Studios! 

Day 2:  Memphis, TN

Riverboat Departure at 5:00 PM

Prepare to begin your real adventure on the river.  The transfer from the hotel to the riverboat is included.  Check in is from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.  Once you have checked in, you will be free to explore more of Memphis on your own, or you may want to join a Premium Pre-Crusie Shore Excursion at 10:00 AM, concluding at the American Queen Dock at 3:30 PM (reservations required).

It's time to start your voyage! Board the American Queen and begin a luxurious voyage down the Mississippi River, where memories will be Mississipi Delta.

 

 

 

Day 3:  Greenville, MS

Greenville is the heart and soul of the Mississippi Delta.   Only a short drive away is the birthplace of B.B. King and many other blues singers.  Naturally Greenville has lots of Blues as part of its culture.  Many authors were born or reside in this small town.  Local legend says that the Greenville water grows writers!  The author of the Muppets actually got started here along with many other renowned writers.  The town is known for gardening and has been recognized for growing the largest carpet plant in the nation.   Many museums display most anything you could want to see.   Prepare to have this town win your heart with its southern charm and soul.

 

 

 

Day 4:  Vicksburg, MS

 
Vicksburg blends southern charm and culture with exciting modern-day attractions.   Abramham Lincoln described it as the "Key to the South."   Of course it was a major component of the Civil War and much of that history is carried within the town.  Here you can learn about the battles for the city and visit many museums which tell the story including the only complete diorama showing the Battle of Vicksburg.  This may be the perfect place to find the perfect Civil War souvenir.  Taste true southern cusine as well during your visit.

 

 

Day 5:  Natchez, MS

This charming river town was first inhabited by the Natchez Indians and French explorers who shared the land.  It was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city in Mississippi.  The city is known for its elegance, hospitality, and the impressive preservation of history as found on every corner.  Guests enjoy unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical homes -- all of which contribute to Hugh Bayless' book The 100 Best Towns in America.

 

 

                                                    

Day 6:  St. Francisville, LA

Established in 1809,  this is the oldest town in the Forida Parishes.  Below it was a settlement called Bayou Sara in the 1790's which was destroyed by floods and fires.  Many of the structures were moved up on the bluffs and into St. francisville where they still stand today.  Sometimes the town is said to be "two miles long and two yards wide," yet it still has a lot to offer visitors including unique shops, historical homes, beautiful churches, and breathtaking parks.  Seeing the trees growing with Spanish moss throughout the town will create an atmosphere of true southern comfort.

 

 

Day 7:  Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge, the Capital of Louisiana, has a deep culture and a rich history.  Named by French explorer, Sieur D'Ibeville, after a reddish pole marking two separate tribal hunting grounds; Baton Rouge has transformed itself into a rich cultural city.   Locals speak a specific version of French in their everyday language.  This is the home to the Louisiana state capitol building -- the largest and tallest in the nation.  Be sure to see the Old State Capitol as well -- a Gothic architectual monument located on the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mississippi.  Spend the day exploring all that Baton Rouge has to offer, from the museums and the architecture, to the shops and cuisine -- everyone will enjoy an exciting, busy day!  

 

 

Day 8:  Nottoway, LA

Nottoway is the South's largest, most glorious remaining Antebellum mansion with a rich history dating back to 1859.  In a fabulous location along the great River Road overlooking the grand Miossissippi River, this "White Castle" of the South transports visitors back to an era of gl ory and grandeur.  Set amongst a natural backdrop of vibrant gardens and two-hundred-year-old oak trees,  Nottoway Plantation cativates all with a brilliant blend of true Southern hospitality, history, and mystery.

 

 

  

Day 9:  New Orleans, LA

Riverboat Arrival 8:00 AM

Sadly, we have reached the end of our cruise.  Tie up in New Orleans near historic Jackson Square and bid your steamboat adieu.  Give in to the temptation to hanging around this great city with our three day, two night Big Easy Stay package.   (Or be adventurous and design your own great gettaway here.)

 

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Memphis to New Orleans

September 10, 2017 to September 18, 2017

 

"Jewels of the Lower Mississippi" 

aboard the American Queen

 

Your Cruise Fare Includes:

• Complimentary Hop-On Hop-Off shore excursions in each port of call

• Complimentary deluxe hotel stay the night before your voyage – includes breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Queen

• All onboard meals, including both fine dining and casual cuisine

• 24-Hour Room Service

• Complimentary wine and beer with dinner

• Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, tea, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage-Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian

• Professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly

• Our own dedicated fleet of deluxe motorcoaches
  
  Available for Purchase: Additional Pre-voyage Hotel Night
  Available for Purchase: Optional Post-voyage Hotel Night

 

 Stateroom costs inculde the above amenities, steamboat fares, taxes, and port charges

 - per person, double occupancy

 

Inside Stateroom     $2,068.00

Outside Stateroom (aft) with open verandah     $3,768.00

Outside Stateroom (forward) with open verandah     $4,068.00

*Single staterooms are limited but available -- prices will be forthcoming

 

This cruise is selling fast already;  don't procrastinate!

 

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*Airfare to Memphis and the return from New Orleans will be additional.  We will be happy to help you arrange for your flights.

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Want to see more?   Considerer extending your stay.   American Queen Steamboat Company offers a "Big Easy" City Stay of an additional 3 nights and 2 days in New Orleans.   The package inculdes deluxe hotel accommodations, two full American Breakfasts, City tour, transfer from the American Queen to hotel, private transfer from hotel to the airport, and more.

$699.00 per person, double occupancy

 

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This will be an incredible cruise!  Don't miss out! 

Please contact us to begin your adventure!

You can fill out the application on our website and mail that in and then call in your credit card information.

For more information,  contact:

 

Travel Passport

Carla Teasdale or Joan Hahn

800-677-4750, 801-423-1081

e-mail:  carlatravelp@yahoo.com or joantravelp@yahoo.com