Memphis to New Orleans Riverboat Cruise
March 19, 2023 thru March 28, 2023
Explore the land of bawdy blues and Southern belles on the American Queen. This journey showcases the diversity and drama of the Lower Mississippi River. From Memphis to New Orleans, the river rolls slowly and expansively, smooth as a southern drawl. The bayous and woodlands along the shore create dramatic landscapes that are virtually unchanged since the days of the French fur traders. Gracious towns with palatial mansions and tree-lined streets abound. History is everywhere – in silent Civil War cemeteries, and virtually everywhere you turn in Memphis, best known for jazz, barbecue, and of course, The King of Rock and Roll and his home at Graceland.

Transportation
Air transportation included

Transportation
8-day cruise with all meals onboard

Duration
10 days, 9 nights

Activity Level 2
Relaxed

Meals
All meals aboard the cruise included

Availability
Available

Pickup/Dropoff
Livery to/from your home included
Tour Highlights
- Memphis Tour
- Greenville
- Vicksburg
- Natchez
- St. Francisville
- Baton Rouge
- Nottaway Plantation
- New Orleans
Inclusions
- Roundtrip air transportation to MEM/New Orleans (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
- Pick-up/livery service
- Transfers
- 7 nights lodging aboard the American Queen
- 1 night lodging in Memphis
- 1 night lodging in New Orleans
- All meals aboard the ship
- Admissions & tours as described
- Services of a tour director
- Baggage handling (1 piece)
- All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping, special excursions and services)
Day 1 - Fly to Memphis
We’ll enjoy an overnight stay at the pre-cruise hotel in Memphis. The evening is ours to get acquainted with this city’s famed eateries, unique shops and lively entertainment.
Days 2 - Memphis - Embarkation
In the morning, we have free time to explore Memphis, home of Elvis Presley. Later, it’s time to start our voyage down the Mississippi River, where memories will be made that will last a lifetime. (D)
Day 3 - Greenville
We cruise the ‘Big Muddy’ and see the many small towns that have inspired authors, musicians and painters. Today is the perfect day to enjoy the many public spaces and activities that are available to you onboard. We stop in Greenville, center of Mississippi delta history. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Vicksburg
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Described as the “Key to the South” by Abraham Lincoln, this southern town carries a history unlike any other Civil War city. Vicksburg was founded in 1811 and grew as a vital river port city. It was a major component to the Civil War and carries much of the history within the town. Today, Vicksburg is a popular spot for tourists to learn about the battles of the city, taste the cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Natchez
Natchez is a charming river town that was first inhabited by Natchez Indians and French explorers who shared the land. It was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi. The city is known for its elegance, hospitality, and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner throughout Natchez. Guests will enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical houses located in Natchez, as they explore the beautiful downtown areas. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - St. Francisville
Established in 1809, St. Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes. Below where St. Francisville is located currently, was a settlement called Bayou Sara in the 1790’s. When this settlement was destroyed by flooding and fires, many of the structures and artifacts were hauled up the bluff into St. Francisville, where they are still standing. The town is referred to as “two miles long and two yards wide,” but that definitely doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer! Stop in at one of the unique shops, historical homes, beautiful churches, or breathtaking parks and you will agree with that! Spanish moss trees grow throughout the town, lending a beautiful southern comfort to the atmosphere. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Red Stick (Baton Rouge)
Baton Rouge, the Capital of Louisiana, has a deep culture and rich history. Named by French explorer, Sieur D’Iberville after a reddish pole marking two separate tribal hunting grounds, Baton Rouge has transformed into a rich cultural city. Locals speak a specific version of French in their everyday language. The city is home to Louisiana’s capitol building which is the largest in the United States, as well as the Old State Capitol – a Gothic architectural 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 the cuisine – everyone will enjoy an exciting, busy day! (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Nottoway Plantation
Nottoway Plantation 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 Mississippi River, this “White Castle” of the South transports visitors back to an era of glory and grandeur. Set amongst a natural backdrop of vibrant gardens and two hundred-year-old oak trees, Nottoway Plantation captivates all with a brilliant blend of true Southern hospitality, history and mystery! (B,L,D)
Day 9 - New Orleans
We disembark in New Orleans and overnight, allowing us time to explore this fascinating city. (B)
Day 10 - Fly Home
Today we fly home, remembering our wonderful trip on the Mississippi River.
Itinerary subject to change.
Package Pricing
520-325-8839
Please call for availability on this cruise.
Deposit:
E - Inside Stateroom
$3,635*
Deposit: $500
D - Bay Window Stateroom
$4,235*
Deposit: $500
C - Outside Veranda Stateroom
$4,535*
Deposit: $500
A - Private Veranda Stateroom
$4,935*
Deposit: $500
*Price per person, including air from TUS, double occupancy.
Single occupancy Upon Request, Limited Availability.
Deposit: $500
Final payment due:
November 11, 2022
Deposit: Final Balance Varies
Price Includes
• Roundtrip air transportation to MEM/New Orleans (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
• Pick-up/livery service
• Transfers
• 7 nights lodging aboard the American Queen
• 1 night lodging in Memphis
• 1 night lodging in New Orleans
• All meals aboard the ship
• Admissions & tours as described
• Services of a tour director
• Baggage handling (1 piece)
• All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping, special excursions and services)
Booking Policy
CANCELLATION FEES:
- $250 through November 11, 2022
- 25%* – November 12 – December 13, 2022
- 50%* – December 14, 2022 – January 13, 2023
- 75%* – January 14 – February 14, 2023
- 100%* – after February 14, 2023
Final Payment Due: November 11, 2022
*Percentage of total price
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and are happy to go over our booking policies with you. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at 520.325.8839, or visit our Booking Policies page.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer the following Travelex Insurance Services protection plan for this tour:
360° GROUP CHOICE
360° Adult Group Choice Flyer – Provides an overview of benefits and coverage limits
360° Adult Group Choice Policy – Provides the full coverage term details, including exclusions and limitations
$248 –covers trip costs up to $4,000 or $313 covers trip costs up to $5,000. Cost may be more or less depending on your total trip cost. If you do not wish to purchase at booking, the plan can be purchased any time prior to final payment. Contact us to purchase. For questions regarding benefits or coverages, please contact Travelex Insurance Services at 888-574-7026 and reference plan number GCB-0521.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276. X41
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 2: Relaxed
Expectations: This tour requires light physical activity combined with shorter travel days. Tour members should expect intermittent walking, with occasional slight inclines and stair climbs, including boarding the motorcoach. Activities may include an occasional city or nature walking tour, stopping along the way. Guests should be able to climb a set of stairs, walk up or down slight slopes and navigate some uneven terrain or cobblestone.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are somewhat physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).
Visit our Activity Level Ratings page for full information on the ratings system.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has a day-by-day breakdown of times and events, and hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and providing it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
All hotel baggage handling fees are included. We also include basic gratuities for the Tour Director, Coach Driver, Livery Drivers and local Tour Guides.
Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LIVERY
For your convenience, we have a (round-tour) door-to-door pickup service with each multi-day tour. (This service is not available to all clients depending on your location.) Approximately 2 to 3 days prior to the departure date you will receive a call from our office and we will tell you your assigned pickup time. (These times can vary up to 15 minutes depending on traffic.)
MOTORCOACH SEATING
With passenger health in mind, we are not currently offering daily seat rotation. You will have an assigned seat and boarding order to allow for social distancing among passengers. At booking let us know if you prefer Front, Middle or Back of motorcoach. Each section comprises 4 to 5 rows. We will try to accommodate all requests. If we are unable to honor all requests, preference will be given based on date of your tour deposit.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
At time of booking or as soon as possible please notify us of mobility limitations or food allergies. We will forward these to restaurants and attractions as needed. Please also let us know if you have dietary preferences. We usually can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
LODGING REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please let us know at booking or as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying will be listed on the itinerary sent to you before the tour.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
RESPONSIBILITY
Pleasurebent Tours acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER/CLOTHING/MISC.
Weather along the river is generally pleasant this time of year, however a rain coat is certainly recommended. Average temperature is in the 70s during the day and 40s-50s at night.
Inquire About This Tour
Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.
Call 520.325.8839 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
Not done exploring?
We have plenty of tours to choose from, so take a look around!