8 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from Memphis to New Orleans 2024

Day 1 Memphis, TN

Welcome to Memphis, a historic city which rises picturesquely up the hillside from the river, adorned with grand oak trees, lush parks, and historic sites that commemorate everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city’s famous BBQ. After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of The Guest House.

Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with aHotel Stay where you can enjoy the city at your leisure, before beginning your cruise.

On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Day 2 Cruising the Mississippi River

Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born of the river.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Day 3 Day of River Cruising

Today is a day to truly relax without a care in the world. Revel in the bliss of floating along the current of the mighty Mississippi River, framed by a forest of cottonwood trees dotted with majestic blue herons.

Enjoy fascinating enrichment presentations and festive onboard activities. Savor fine meals and cocktails. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck as you read a book or chat with new friends. Mark Twain described the experience as having “nothing to hang a worry or a fret upon.”

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 4 Vicksburg, MS

Vicksburg is a place of drama. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. The well-fortified connection between river and rail transportation was known as “The Gibraltar of the West.” 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.

Bringing to life the history of this river city from before 1820 to present day, you will explore early Vicksburg in one of the most historical areas of our city. As you leisurely walk the brick streets your guide will draw your attention to antebellum homes with varying architecture, museums with rich history, native flora, and history of past citizens. You will make a stop to enjoy a tasty root beer float at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, where Coca-Cola was first bottled and spend a little time in the Old Cout House Museum. The exploration wouldn't be complete without a final stop at Anchuca, an incredible 1830's antebellum mansion turned bread and breakfast. This is a great opportunity to take in some fresh air and exercise as well.

Activity Level: High| ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Board this convenient shuttlemaking stops at:

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

The museum exhibits examine earlier modes of transportation, the Siege of Vicksburg and many other elements of the city’s history. Inside the museum, you will find railroad memorabilia, a collection of model Civil War gunboats, original war-themed paintings by Herb Mott, a detailed diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, models of architecture styles employed throughout Vicksburg’s past.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Led by a guide, visit Oak Hall, a gorgeous 1910 Mission Revival style mansion that boasts 32 Louis Millet stained glass windows. Gather around the table to learn how to build an aesthetically pleasing presentation of a selection of a variety of Mississippi made or harvested meats, cheeses, spreads, seasonal fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments. Taste seasonal, local products and experience hospitality at its finest. Wow your guests at your next gathering by learning some advanced charcuterie techniques. Top off your experience with cocktails and mocktails made with local products and receive recipes and a souvenir mini board to take home. Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: No

Built in 1858, this museum is a national historic landmark showcasing Vicksburg’s cultural heritage over the past 71 years. The museum’s collection includes the original Teddy Bear given to a local child by Theodore Roosevelt, a sash worn by both George Washington and Jefferson Davis during their presidential inaugurations, a vast collection of Civil War artifacts, Native American and pioneer implements, and much more.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863.Stop at the impressive Illinois Monument, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The exploration concludes at the Visitors Center where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Come along and feel what life was like in the 19th century on this excursion into Vicksburg’s oldest historic neighborhood. Visit Christ Episcopal Church (circa 1839) and view its beautiful Tiffany windows amidst its Gothic revival architecture. The Rector will recreate the stories and history of this church including how the surrounding cannonball fire rang out all around during the siege of Vicksburg.

The second stop is a short walk alongside the neighborhood’s brick streets to Duff Green Mansion (circa 1856). The owner, Harley Caldwell, invites you into her home as a guest of honor. Imagine that you are part of a dinner party hosted by Duff Green and his wife, Mary, back in the 1800’s as you listen to Harley discuss the history of the house and what was happening in Vicksburg at that time. This is the one mansion where the ropes are gone, and you can sit on the furniture and make yourself at home. Experience Vicksburg’s good old fashioned Southern hospitality out of Harley’s silver punchbowl. A short motor coach ride will take you to the last stop of this excursion, Tully’s Cave. The residents of Vicksburg moved into caves for 47 days as the city was bombarded with cannonball fire throughout all hours of the day. Walk through a cave and learn why most of the residents survived the attack.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Visit Jackson Street Gallery at Mulberry in the newly renovated and restored Mulberry Hotel and Loft Apartments. Admire the fine art, décor, and furnishings that make this a unique, upscale location with a cosmopolitan flare. With 40 Mississippi artists and 200 original pieces, the gallery offers a variety of styles and mediums to enjoy, along withan on-site bar.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 5 Natchez, MS

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 Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth.

With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum 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 enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon. Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park.

Explore the Historic Natchez Cemetery. Established in 1822, the occupants of this important cemetery tell tales of the history, grandeur, mystery, and tragedy of Natchez. Surrounded by majestic live oaks and set on the bluffs high above the Mississippi River, the beautiful grounds offer stunning panoramic views. Enjoy a guided walking excursion through the oldest section of the cemetery and hear fascinating stories about the residents buried there.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Explore this early 19th-century antebellum mansion set in twenty-six acres of manicured gardens. Wander around the meticulously nurtured gardens and amidst blooming magnolias, roses, azaleas, and Monmouth’s signature collection of angel statuary, accompanied by the gentle humming of cicadas. Stroll further down a stone pathway to an elegant, purple wisteria-clad pergola.

Admire two garden ponds nearby that are framed with beautiful large bald cypress trees. Across the romantic wooden pond bridge, view the Monmouth Cemetery, protected by a centuries old iron fence. After, enjoy a mint julip in the comfort of the Quitman Study and Lounge where you can view a variety of historic artifacts.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

On your way to Ellicott Hill, view Fort Rosalie, the site of the Natchez Indian Battle. Our local historian/scholar will paint an intriguing picture of the first French settlers arriving in Natchez in 1716, meeting with the indigenous Natchez tribe, forging a friendship soon to be lost, resulting in war and retaliation. Upon arrival at Ellicott Hill, visit the site of where the first American flag was raised over this vast new American territory with a spectacular view of the Mississippi River. Learn about the colonization of Natchez, its history and culture, as well as the history of tamales. The Natchez indigenous tribes are said to have taught the enslaved Africans how to make tamales, and from there the rest is culinary history. Enjoy two Mississippi Hot Tamales, regional beer or lemonade, and explore this historic building which dates back over three centuries. AMajor Andrew Ellicott impersonator will bring this experience to life.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Longwood, the only octagonal mansion in the region, epitomizes the rise and fall of the South. As the Civil War began, the workmen stopped construction and the house was never completed. View the finished lower level still adorned with original family furnishing and the upper stories and rotunda that are still a work in progress. This truly is a place where time has stood still, preserved for all to experience.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessibility: Partial

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure at the Double C Ranch, perfect for nature-lovers and wildlife-enthusiasts. Aboard your private sport utility vehicle, guided by a local professional, enjoy breathtaking views as you travel through scenic hardwood forest, cattle fields, farmlands, and pine plantations. Back at the ranch, watch in awe during live tomahawk throwing, bullwhip popping, archery, and lasso throwing demonstrations. After, get some pointers on form and technique and prepare to shine and surprise yourself as you give it a try! Take home a survivor certificate and photos to share.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessibility: No

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.

Board this convenient shuttle, making stops at:

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Nineteen historical buildings, dating from 1790’s to 1900, are a restored tribute to Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins, a modern 1,800-acre working cotton estate with a computerized farm and gin. Before beginning your exploration, meet the owner who will explain the farming and ginning operations. Participate in picking cotton and removing the seeds and tour a rare, steam engine gin listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.

Be seated in the hand-hewn log cabin and listen to narration and the vocalist’s songs highlighting the history of southern plantations, including the Constitution, Emancipation Proclamation, and accurate statistics of the enslaved and planter families. After an enlightening overview of the historical Frogmore owners, explore the cotton fields and authentic cabins to learn the origin of southern cuisine, the day-to-day operations and how their labor force evolved into sharecropping, a way of life for 100 years. Enjoy a complimentary beverage as you browse an original plantation store.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessibility: Partial

Join us for a candlelight exploration of one of Natchez oldest houses. Built in 1798, the house gives up her dark secrets by candlelight. Chilling tales of former inhabitants bring the long dead back to life in this informative and entertaining excursion, combining historical lore with tales of the macabre. Will a spectral visitor be in attendance? Come find out! Enjoy a welcome reception, featuring locally distilled rum punch and an assortment of dessert items.

Natchez Brewing Company is located in historic downtown Natchez, known as the oldest established city on the Mississippi River and a central hub during steamboat era. Their beer is crafted with a passion for local flavor and a love for tradition. Enjoy a step-by-step demonstration of the brewing process in the production area, from grain to glass. Learn about the ingredients, equipment, and styles of beer and sample the varieties of your choice.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Take a cultural, moving journey through the history of Natchez that goes beyond grand estates and mansions and tells the stories of African Americans, from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to the present day.

Along this Historic Path to Freedom, you will visit Dunleith Mansion to learn about John Roy Lynch, a child servant who became the first African American to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Your exploration will continue through Natchez, where you will see and learn about places such as "Forks in the Road" and the RhythmNightclub Fire site.

Travel to the Zion Station Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church for a brief introduction by the Pastor and a spiritual musical experience by Natchez noted gospel performers. Learn about The Parchman Ordeal and how it forged the way for economic progress for the African American citizens of Natchez. This well-told, enlightening experience will conclude with a visit to the Natchez Museum of African American Culture, where the exhibits will underscore the importance of the stops made along this exclusive American Cruise Lines experience.

Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessibility: Yes

Join a local guide for a unique and unforgettable experience, combining the history and culture of Natchez, with the opportunity to taste some of the most iconic cocktails of the region. On a guided exploration, admire the architecture and design of two historic mansions. Make a stop at Historic Dunleith, where you will be welcomed with the refreshing taste of hibiscus mimosas, a classic cocktail made with freshly squeezed orange juice, champagne, and a house-made hibiscus syrup. While sipping, learn about Natchez history and admire the beauty of this mansion built in 1856, as well as the stunning grounds. Continue on to Historic Linden, an early suburban villa, where you will have the chance to try a classic southern cocktail, milk punch. Dating back to the 18th century, this libation is made with brandy, milk, sugar, and nutmeg. Delight in the rich and smooth taste, while learning about the legends of Linden, built in 1790. Activity Level: Low |ADA: Partial

Experience a multitude of National treasures, historic sites, and local points of interest from the comfort of your motorcoach. Natchez boasts more National Landmarks than any other town in Mississippi. Begin your exploration atthe mighty Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Yourlocal guide will entertain you with local lore and legends, in addition to historical facts.Viewhistoric architectural gems, African American sites, local favorites, and a few quirky place. Complete your experience with a complimentary guided exploration of Historic Rosalie Mansion, so exquisite, she’s known as "Our Lady on The Bluff." Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessibility: No

Day 6 St. Francisville, LA

As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port of St. Francisville. Overlooking the river from atop a high, St. Francisville began as a part of Spanish West Florida in the early 1800s until American settlers overthrew the Spanish governing forces, and the region later became part of the United States.

Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss.

Led by an expert historian in a once in a lifetime opportunity, explore locations that were critical to the Battle of Baton Rouge and hear about the history surrounding Vicksburg in the Civil War. You will learn about the culminating battle and Campaign to open the Mississippi River. Visit Fort Desperate, the only location on the battlefield assaulted twice, see an interpretive demonstration, have the opportunity to hold bullets and artillery shells fired during the battles, and have a private guided exploration of the museum

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

From crawfish to cane, explore a third-generation farm that is one of the most unique, innovative agriculture operations in Louisiana. Learn about the Four Oaks family farm that is the top crawfish producing farm in the heart of Cajun country. Witness live field demonstrations of crawfish harvesting, sugarcane planting, and crop management. When you return from the field, you will be treated to a superb tasting of crawfish and produce harvested on the farm. This is a true sensory experience where you will see, smell, and taste the products made farm-to-table. End the experience with a traditional crawfish boil!

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Built in 1830 and accented with 28 columns, Greenwood is considered the South’s finest example of Greek-revival architecture. Though the original house burned down in 1960, the columns and front steps remained. It was rebuilt and now stands as it did over a century ago, amidst rows of majestic, moss-draped oaks. Explore the beautiful 1830 original Barrow family furnishings, as well as pieces from the many movies filmed at this location.

Explore and learn about the legacy and lineage of the Turnbull family at Rosedown and Catalpa. On the National Listing of Historic Landmarks, Rosedown is located in one of the most historic corridors of South Louisiana. The presence of the Mississippi River along its shores created rich soil overtime which proved extremely valuable during the cotton boom. As you stroll through this grand estate, local guides will regale you with stories of the families who lived there and plantation life in the 1800s. Enjoy exploring one of the few and largest privately maintained formal gardens of the 19th century.

Visit Catalpa and hear from Mary, a descendant of the original owners. She will host you in her gracious home filled with the treasures of five generations and recount stories of the family and growing up in this beautiful place. Fine portraits, exceptional antiques and beautiful old china, porcelain and silver are original to either Catalpa or Rosedown, home of the owner's grandmother. Conclude your exploration with a special beverage that has been served for years at Catalpa.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

At first glimpse Myrtles, built in 1796, envelopes one with a complete sense of peace and tranquility. However, it is reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America. Surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass, open-pierced frieze work crown molding, Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, Carrara marble mantels, gold-leafed French furnishings and ghosts.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Enjoy a hands-on experience in the gallery and at several outbuildings, including ahome exploration, a cooking demonstration with samples, a blacksmith demonstration, a short exploration of the grounds, and a museum visit.

Explore the unique home where Audubon resided. Audubon Historic Site is located on Oakley Plantation where John James Audubon lived and worked 1821, completing or beginning 32 of his bird paintings while in residence. During this time, he was commissioned to teach illustration to the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Pirrie, owners of Oakley. Although his engagement was brief and there is no record of his success in teaching Miss Pirrie, Audubon worked on several of his paintings while in the lush, natural, and peaceful setting of Oakley, filling his sketch pad with notes and drawings for his famous series of bird illustrations.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessibility: No

Enjoy a traditional Louisiana Cochon De Lait with local musicians and Bayou Sara setting the atmosphere. Cochon de lait is the art of cooking a pig before an open hardwood fire, a custom which began at least a century ago and has since been popular throughout Cajun country. Be treated to a presentation of the hog along with a verbal history lesson of its significant importance in traditional Louisiana culture. Delight in the flavors of pork, Louisiana boudin, traditional potato salads, seasonal vegetables, as well as bread, crackers, and sauces to accompany dishes.

Activity Level:Low |ADA Accessability: Yes

Day 7 Baton Rouge, LA

Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long 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. If you feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp.

Experience the sights, sounds, and wonders of Baton Rouge, the Capital City of Louisiana. Led by a local expert guide, admire iconic and historical landmarks while exploring many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods on foot. Enjoy fascinating stories of the area’s culture, politics, history, and legends while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature on the route. Walk past the levee, USS KIDD, Louisiana Art and Science Museum, the Capitol Building, and through Spanish Town.

Activity Level: High| ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages. The art galleries showcase changing fine art exhibitions and selections from a permanent collection. The Ancient Egypt Gallery houses ancient artifacts and a Ptolemaic-era mummy that rests in a re-created rock-cut tomb. The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium features sky shows, large-format films, visual music shows, and galleries devoted to space science.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Known as the “Pirate of the Pacific,” this Fletcher-class destroyer is a memorial to the men and women that served in the American armed forces and was named for Medal of Honor recipient Isaac C. Kidd Sr., who was killed aboard his flagship USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Take a step back in time on a self-guided exploration as you view artifacts and aircraft from World War II.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Since 1859, this family's estate has raised sugarcane on the banks of an ancient Mississippi River oxbow. This sharp bend in the river has made for fertile land, sweet sugarcane, and enchanting rum. Generations have farmed this land, and Oxbow Rum is a tribute to them. Visit Oxbow Rum Distillery to learn how sugarcane is harvested, milled, then turned into delicious local rum. The distillery experience culminates with a tasting of our fine sipping rums, as well as a cocktail demonstration so you can enjoy a delightful beverage at home too. Bottles, cocktails, and merchandise is available for purchase.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Experience the mighty Mississippi River from the unique perspective of your personal boat captain who has spent a lifetime on the river – a modern-day Mark Twain! Witness the bustling activity around Baton Rouge and hear countless stories and amazing facts about the Mississippi River’s round-the-clock towing industry. Marvel at the sheer size of the panamax vessels operating in this part of the river and pass the nearby the Exxon facility where you are likely to see the ships loading petroleum for shipment overseas. Learn how the river barges are lashed together with ratchet straps and thick cables and how the experienced river tug captains safely navigate the river with numerous barges in tow. See the Dreyfuss grain elevators working in tandem with the barges being loaded and unloaded, fueling the country’s Midwest commerce. Pause underneath the towering I 10 Bridge en route to Mulatto Bend and hear how the original community was washed away by the river, where the renowned Southern University now stands.

Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Partial

Led by an expert historian, explore locations that were critical to the Battle of Baton Rouge and hear about the history surrounding Vicksburg in the Civil War. Visit the historic Magnolia Cemetery and stand upon the very ground where the most intense fighting of the battle took place. Baton Rouge was the most fought over land in Louisiana’s history and this experience will cover not only the Civil War, but the American Revolution and the Florida Rebellion. Although the landscape of Baton Rouge isn’t the same as it was in the 1780s or 1810s, its history will be brought to life by your guide. Visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation, a Baton Rouge city park. Magnolia Mound, unlike other antebellum house museums along the Lower Mississippi, is not your grand mansion. Rather, it’s a simple structure built during Louisiana’s colonial history, and around the time of its Statehood into the Union. Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 8 Oak Alley, LA / Houmas House, LA

Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking.

Enjoy a narrated boat ride in the Manchac Swamp, a privately owned wildlife refuge. Relax in a comfortable, covered boat, with walking room and open viewing from any seat. Swamp creatures are unafraid and responsive to our captain’s voice. In the safety and comfort of the boat, you will be able to get within a few feet of our “jumping gators.” Other animals to be on the lookout for include nutria, ibis, turtles, herons, raccoons, egrets, and more.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Discover the swamps and bayous of southeast Louisiana in Cajun country. Traveling along Bayou Lafourche, a river that was once called the longest Main Street in America, explore the sugarcane region of Louisiana with a visit to the historic Laurel Valley Plantation village. America’s largest surviving 19th and 20th century sugar plantation, the complex features worker cabins, a school house, a general store, and a church. Next, venture to the Acadian Wetlands Center, where you can learn about the cultural influence and journey of the Acadians and how they made the banks of Bayou Lafourche their home.

From its canopy of 300-year-old oaks to its vast open spaces, Oak Alley's landscape tells the story of a southern plantation over time. Over 200 years ago, Oak Alley was just a land claim on a map and has since served many purposes, including as a sugar plantation, a rice farm, a chicken farm, a cattle ranch, and a country home. Agricultural tycoons, sugar planters, slaves, immigrant laborers, and real estate speculators have traversed its grounds over time.

Today, Oak Alley is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of its inhabitants. With an emphasis on its time as a sugar plantation, visitors are invited to walk under its iconic alley, explore the exhibits, interact with staff, and leave with a richer, more powerful understanding of this plantation's complex history. For the full southern experience, don't forget to take time for a complimentary mint julep.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessibility: Partial

Admire the southern splendor of “The Sugar Palace,” as you step into 16 rooms filled with rare period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Explore the mansion, which has been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the opulence and wealth that this sugarcane farm boasted during the 1800s. Learn about plantation life and the 250-year history of the manor, including its architectural evolution to becoming a grand estate.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Come “veiller” (shoot the breeze) with Boudreaux and Thibodeaux as you stir up your very own “ti” (junior) pot of jambalaya in the old Robert Barn by the Cajun Cottages. Be entertained with Cajun folktales while getting step-by-step coaching from a local Cajun jambalaya cook. After dining, enjoy shopping in the Cajun Village, a unique location with specialty crafts and Louisiana items. In case you have the “envie” (craving) for a cup of café au lait and beignets, you can swing by the Coffee House for complimentary beignets. Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Partial

Step beyond the myths of the American South to experience true-life, first-hand compelling accounts of four generations of Créole women, children, and slaves. Experienced guides transport you into the complex, vanishing world of Créole Louisiana at Laura Plantation, a 200+ year-old sugar habitation. A new, permanent exhibit honors the men, women, and children who were enslaved here, including detailed biographies of former slaves who fought for the freedom in the Union Army during the Civil War. Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: No

Day 9 New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is worth some extra time. Enjoy a feast for your senses if you linger in this magical city, renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and rich culture with an international flair. 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. If departing the ship in New Orleans, enjoy available city excursions and motorcoach transfers to the airport. Or extend your stay to further explore the delights of the Big Easy.

Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.

Travel through three centuries of history, legends, and romance as you encounter “The City That Care Forgot!” on this exciting excursion. Exploring the highlights of New Orleans, you will see many of the major sights and attractions including the famous French Quarter, homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions, and the exclusive Garden District. The city is filled with culturally significant art, history, culture, museums, and architecture.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes