Welcome to New Orleans, celebrated globally for its live music scene and distinctive cuisine that mirror its background as a blend of French, African and American cultures. This lively city is an ideal starting point for your historic Mississippi River cruise.

Check into your hotel, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Wander down avenues shaded by trees, enjoy a carriage tour through the French Quarter, ride a streetcar to the beautiful Garden District, or explore the famous 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.

On board your ship, join the Welcome Reception; 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.

Delight in the entertainment provided by onboard performers, who will bring to life the music that originated from the river itself, encapsulating the soul and spirit of the regions it touches.

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As you cruise up the Mississippi two standout landmarks will come in to view; Oak Alley and Houmas House.

Oak Alley is renowned for its striking avenue of centuries-old oak trees that lead up from the river to a majestic residence. Now a National Historic Landmark, the property offers a glimpse into the grandeur and complexity of the South’s past. The exhibits focus on its time as a sugar plantation.

An optional excursion to Houmas House is also on offer. Known as “The Sugar Palace,” the mansion is surrounded by stunning gardens and water features. The tour takes in 16 rooms filled with rare period antiques and Louisiana artwork, and provides insight into the extravagant lives of its former inhabitants, as well as the narratives of those who toiled in the grounds.

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Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker from the area. 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.

A visit to the acclaimed Louisiana Art & Science Museum is included, or alternatively you can join an optional guided walk through the city to learn about the area’s culture, politics and history as you pass iconic and historic landmarks.

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In Natchez, grand homes adorn the bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River. The elaborate mansions built were by planters in the 1800’s to flaunt their wealth, and with the town spared from fighting during the Civil War, still stand today.

A tour of the town is included in your Mississippi Cruise, as is an excursion to Vicksburg National Military Park, around 70 miles north.

Abraham Lincoln described Vicksburg as the ‘key to the south’ and the 47-day siege and fall of the town in 1863 marked a strategic Union victory. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park, stopping at the impressive Illinois Monument and USS Cairo amongst other memorials.

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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 for themselves.

Enjoy a stroll through Parker Memorial Park, then down to the picturesque Grace Church of West Feliciana, or hop on the complimentary motorcoach tour of the town.

Alternatively, and also included in your Lower Mississippi River cruise, is an excursion to The Myrtles, an 18th Century mansion with a 125 foot iron-fenced veranda, that is reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in the USA…

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Welcome to New Orleans, where every street corner has a story to tell. Enjoy a stroll through the French Quarter, past charming balconies and courtyard cafés, to get a feel for this vibrant city.

Savour some beignets at Café du Monde and indulge in a bowl of gumbo or a po’ boy sandwich, because in New Orleans, there’s no such thing as too much good food!

Use the shuttle to hop between Jackson Square, the Historic French Market and Louis Armstrong Park, or join the optional excursion to the impressive National WWII Museum, consistently ranked as one of the USA’s best attractions.

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

A complimentary transfer to the airport is included, or you may like to add extra nights in the city to explore further – just let your Travel Consultant know what you would like to do.

Breakfast