American Duchess

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Overview
Charms of the South Cruise
American Duchess

American Duchess

Take a leisurely voyage through the Southern states, experiencing the culture, the music, the food, and the unique history and hospitality of the Deep South as you cruise along its iconic waterways.

For nautical traditionalists, the original American Queen vessels retain all of their steamboat charm, while the American Duchess, a 166-passenger all-suite paddlewheel boat, is setting new standards in Mississippi River cruising.

Comfort, character and a sense of adventure await all who step aboard

This USA river cruise holiday can be tailored to suit your exact requirements, so just let us know your ideal trip.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect USA holiday.

Inclusions

International flights from UK
Breakfast at hotel
Full Board on cruise
10 night Mississippi River Cruise
ATOL Protection
Travel Trust Protection

Accommodation

8 nights American Duchess
2 nights Memphis

Day 1: UK - New Orleans

Fly from the UK to New Orleans where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in New Orleans.

Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city.

The Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences.

Overnight New Orleans.

Day 2: New Orleans

Transfer to board your Mississippi River Cruise.

New Orleans’s Creole, Cajun and other diverse residents blended to develop art, cuisine, music and general culture unlike any other in the United States.

Uncover the treasures of the city as you indulge in iconic cuisine spiced with the cultural flavours of the city’s past, explore the unique sites and attractions lining the historic streets as seen in the famous French Quarter or admire the beauty in the stunning Garden District or City Park.

Overnight On Board.

Day 3: Nottoway

American Queen Steamboat Company features an exclusive port at Nottoway.

While the boat is docked, visit the sugarcane estate – the largest standing antebellum mansion in the South.

Nottoway is an intricate building with impressive detail. Original furnishings mingle with era-appropriate antiques to create an atmosphere that does justice to the home’s original ambiance.

It is fascinating history and luxurious aesthetic packaged in Southern hospitality – an experience that you will not want to pass up.

Overnight On Board.

Day 4: St. Francisville

St. Francisville today is a testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, with its plethora of charming antebellum-period homes and striking architecture.

With over 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside and bustling Main Street shops, this quaint town situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi River has a style all its own.

Overnight On Board.

Day 5: Natchez

It seems as if history fell asleep and awoke unscathed by the changing of times in this magical port.

This charming river town was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi River.

It’s known for its elegance, hospitality and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner.

Enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums and historic homes, all of which inspired Hugh Bayless to include Natchez in his book “The 100 Best Towns in America.”

Overnight On Board.

Day 6: Vicksburg

Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions.

As a major battle site during the Civil War, this Southern town carries a history unlike any other.

Learn about the historic conflicts of the city, taste its cuisine, visit the many museums and pick out the perfect souvenir.

Overnight On Board.

Day 7: Port of the Mississippi Delta

The Mississippi Delta is more than a geographical region. It is a way of life – a true cultural experience based on agriculture, music and history.

These small river towns have been the inspiration of authors, musicians and artists for centuries.

Catch a unique glimpse into the Port of the Mississippi Delta, and discover a muse of many.

Overnight On Board.

Day 8: Mississippi River

Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck.

Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

Overnight On Board.

Day 9: Memphis

Transfer from your cruise to the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

Your 2 night stay in Memphis includes a Meal voucher for Blues City Café, an Elvis experience tour including a Self-guided digital tablet tour through Graceland Mansion

You have an admission pass included to three of Memphis’s highest-rated attractions:
• Sun Studio
• Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
• National Civil Rights Museum

You also have a three-day trolley pass, for transportation throughout downtown Memphis.

Overnight Memphis.

Day 10: Memphis

Your stay in Memphis also includes a walking tour, visiting The Peabody Memphis and the famous duck parade.

Overnight Memphis.

Day 11: Memphis – UK

As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider an airport transfer.

Transfer to Memphis Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 12: Arrive UK

Arrive back in the UK.

The American Duchess

Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady epitomizes the grace and grandeur that have made cruising on the Mississippi River a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries.

Spacious luxury awaits aboard the floating masterpiece that is the American Duchess.

This boutique-style riverboat offers exquisite dining, beautiful decks and exceptional amenities.

Her suites range from 180 to 550 square feet, allowing guests to stay in some of the largest accommodations on the rivers.

Unique to the American Duchess are her Loft Suites, which feature two stories enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows, two full bathrooms, a comfortable dining area, a beautiful lounge with a queen sofa-bed, a private balcony and an upstairs bedroom.

Accommodation

The country’s first all-suite paddlewheeler, the American Duchess treats passengers to luxury and comfort.

The suites are among the largest on the rivers, including Loft Suites split over two levels with full bathrooms, dining area and lounge plus a private balcony and space upstairs.

Dining

Dine in style in the elegant Grand Dining Room against the backdrop of river views where award-winning chefs serve delicious dishes using regional ingredients.

For a more intimate atmosphere head to the River Club & Terrace with an open-view kitchen and outdoor terrace.

Entertainment

Enjoy nightly live entertainment in the majestic Show Lounge, watching Broadway-worthy shows, reliving history or listening to famous tales once told by Mark Twain.

A diverse line-up of guest historians will also transport you to another era as they share the heritage of the Deep South.