Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its vibrant live music scene, and unique cuisine, reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. ‘The Big Easy’ 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.

New Orleans hotel

This morning you will gather, with your fellow travellers, in the hotel lobby ready to be transferred to your riverboat. Your bags will be collected and taken directly from the hotel and placed in your cabin aboard the ship.

Once you board your ship, you will be greeted at a Welcome Reception, where there is a chance to meet the crew and your fellow passengers. Spend the afternoon relaxing as you begin cruising along the majestic Mississippi, a river woven into the fabric of American history and culture.

You will also be able to enjoy some live musical entertainment provided by local performers who will bring to life the music that originated from along the river.

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As you cruise up the Mississippi two standout landmarks will come in to view, and are worth disembarking to explore.

Oak Alley is renowned for its captivating avenue of ancient oak trees that lead up from the river to a majestic historic residence. Providing a glimpse into the richness and intricacy of the Southern region’s history, this impressive stately home stands as a testament to the area’s rich architectural and agricultural legacy.

Houmas House, affectionately called “The Sugar Palace,” unveils the grandeur born from the flourishing sugar cane industry of the 19th century. Surrounded by stunning gardens and enchanting water features, this estate offers a glimpse into the extravagant lives of its former inhabitants, as well as the narratives of those who toiled on its grounds.

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Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker from the area and reflects the city’s long multicultural 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 or visit the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the river.

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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 indigenous Natchez community, the town was grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth.

Spared from the Civil War fighting, Natchez still features hundreds of historical 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 join a guided tour to discover the elaborate townhouses, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon.

Wander through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the park.

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As your ship turns and prepares to head back downstream, you can spend the day visiting the town of Vicksburg, before returning to Natchez and reboarding the boat.

During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be crucial. The well-fortified connection between the river and rail transportation became known as “The Gibraltar of the West.” for its formidable defenses. 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.

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St. Francisville, a storied cotton port has the best view from the high banks over the river. This picturesque town traces its origins to the early 19th century, a time when it flourished under Spanish rule in West Florida before American settlers claimed it, weaving it into the fabric of the United States.

St. Francisville invites you to wander through its history, whether you prefer to venture alone or join one of many engaging guided tours. Explore the Historic District, where grand mansions stand as testaments to the town’s past wealth and elegance, surrounded by eclectic boutique stores. The landscape shifts from towering cottonwoods to majestic oaks, their limbs draped in the ethereal beauty of Spanish moss, creating a scene that captures the essence of the South’s timeless allure.

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Your Mississippi cruise comes to an end as you disembark your riverboat back in New Orleans.

You could choose to return to the airport to continue your holiday or return home. Alternatively you may like to spend some more time exploring New Orleans and the neighbouring areas.

Breakfast