Australians can save up to US$2000 per couple on a mighty Mississippi cruise from New Orleans to Memphis with the American Queen Steamboat Company. Departing February 23, 2020, the cruise is timed to coincide with New Orleans’ spirited Mardi Gras season – the city’s biggest and brightest festival.
For two weeks each year, New Orleans comes alive with elaborate parades, floats, masquerade balls, dancing, colourful beads, revelry and striking costumes as part of Mardi Gras. The festival was first celebrated by the southern city in the 17th century as part of its Catholic origins, and today the city doubles in size each year for the bold and bright celebration.
The package includes a pre-cruise stay in New Orleans, where guests can uncover iconic cuisines, visit the famous French Quarter, see its stunning Garden District and of course the many parades and activities comprising the Mardi Gras festival.
From there, guests board the 436-passenger American Queen – the largest river steamboat ever built and a fully-working, six-deck recreation of a classic, steam paddlewheeler. While the steamboat has the appearance and opulence of the American Victorian era, it is also equipped with all the modern amenities. Guests will travel north on the Mississippi for seven nights, and the first shore excursion is the Nottoway Plantation, the South’s largest and most glorious remaining mansion. Set among a background of vibrant gardens and 200-year oak trees, the mansion boasts three floors and beautiful ballrooms.
The cruise then continues north to St. Francisville – a quaint town situated between rolling countryside and the bluffs of the Mississippi, and Natchez – the oldest city on the Mississippi. A memorable shore excursion will be made at Vicksburg, a major battle site during the Civil War and now a popular tourist spot, with beautiful historic buildings and a rich history. The American Queen will take guests to small river towns that have inspired authors, musicians and artists for centuries before the cruise concludes in Memphis – the town Elvis called home.
The package includes one night’s hotel stay in New Orleans before the cruise, seven nights onboard the American Queen, guided, hop-on-hop-off shore excursions, beer and wine with dinner and soft drinks, water and specialty coffees throughout the cruise. The package is available from US$2235 per person, twin-share for an interior cabin, including a saving of US$300 per person if booked by December 31, 2019. Fares for a bay window cabin start at US$3135, which includes a saving of US$1000 per person if booked by Dec 31.
American Queen Steamboat Company is the most award-winning, authentic and opulent river cruise line in America, offering the most inclusive cruises with guided shore excursions, nightly Broadway-calibre entertainment and regionally inspired fine dining included in the fare.
To book, consumers or travel agents can call the Australian representative for the American Queen Steamboat Company, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au
