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Visit Louisiana's capital city of Baton Rouge

Historic Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans Roundtrip - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard American Heritage
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Board American Heritage for this 8-day cruise along the Mississippi River. Explore unique sites and attractions, admiring the beauty of the world on a roundtrip river cruise from New Orleans. Uncover the history of Oak Alley Plantation, Baton Rouge's dynamic blend of history and modernity, and the allure of Natchez with its antebellum homes. Explore Baton Rouge's museums, landmarks, or stroll along the river path. Vicksburg, a pivotal Civil War site, reveals its significance through a narrated exploration of the National Military Park. The journey concludes in St. Francisville, a historic cotton port with magnificent mansions and rich Spanish-influenced history. Choose to return to New Orleans for an extra day of exploration or depart with fond memories.


 
Mississippi RiverExplore historic New OrleansExplore the vibrant nightlight of New OrleansLearn about the troubled history of the SouthExplore the legendary bayou of the deep southView monuments from the Civil War in MississippiVisit Louisiana's capital city of Baton Rouge
Highlights
  • Explore the antebellum elegance of Natchez with its captivating homes
  • Discover important sites of Civil War history
  • Discover Oak Alley's historic charm and breathtaking plantation surroundings
  • Visit charming cities and ports along the Mississippi River, including Natchez
Activities
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: New Orleans, Louisiana

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. 

Day 2: New Orleans | Cruising the Mississippi River | Embark

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 from the river.

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 flavors 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. 

Day 3: Houmas House | Oak Alley

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.

Oak Alley Plantation - Complimentary Excursion
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

Day 4: Baton Rouge

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.

Baton Rouge City Experience with Rural Life Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Being your excursion with a narrated city exploration with views of the impressive Governor's Hall and the New State Capitol. Admire the Old Louisiana State Capitol also known as the State House. Enjoy views of Magnolia Mound, a French Creole plantation house built in 1791 and a rare example of the architecture influenced by early settlers from France and the West Indies.
Next you will be driven to the LSU Rural Life Museum; a museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of materials from the cultures of 18th and 19th-century rural Louisianans. The museum highlights how the rest of the south lived in comparison to the mansions and plantations visited throughout this itinerary. Experience life in a rural setting in the early lives of Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries. You will leave the facility with a better understanding of the differences in the material, social, and economic cultures during this time period, and of today's lifestyles. 
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Louisiana Art & Science Museum - Complimentary Excursion
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

Day 5: Natchez, Mississippi

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.

Natchez Local Loop- Complimentary Excursion
Board this convenient shuttle, making stops at:
  • Fort Rosalie & Trading Post
  • Historic Natchez in Photos 
  • Historic Natchez Bluffs & Gazebo 
  • Rosalie House 
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Natchez Landmark Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
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 at the mighty Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Your local guide will entertain you with local lore and legends, in addition to historical facts. View historic 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: Natchez | Vicksburg

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.

Vicksburg National Military Park- Complimentary Excursion
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

Day 7: St. Francisville | Disembark

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.

The Myrtles - Complimentary Excursion
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

Day 8: New Orleans, LA | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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.

Ship/Hotel

American Heritage

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Special Offers 23942
Promotional rates are available on select departures for a limited time. These offers cannot be combined with other discounts and are only valid on new bookings.  Please discuss with your trip planner about applicable dates and cabin types.
Applies to select departures

Per person starting at
$3,475 2-3 travelers
Single Waterview
Single staterooms provide 203 sq. ft. of space with essential amenities. Each room has an interior entrance, a large window for Mississippi River views, desk and chair, dresser, and large closet. In-room single-serve coffee brewing, premium toiletries, and complimentary WiFi included.
Single Balcony
Ideal for solo travelers, Single staterooms provide amenities similar to those of a fine hotel. With 230 sq. ft. of space, these rooms feature spacious bathrooms and large sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony.
Standard Waterview
The 290 sq ft staterooms offer exceptional comfort and a relaxing living area. With large opening picture windows, modern amenities, full-size bathrooms, and ample closet space, provides a comfortable and well-appointed accommodation.
Standard Balcony
Located on the second deck, features 304 sq. ft. of living space, a dresser, and a closet. Complimentary WiFi is available, with in-room single-serve coffee brewing. The full-size bathroom includes premium toiletries. A private balcony with outdoor seating provides river views.
Deluxe Balcony 2
Discover comfort in the Deluxe Balcony 2 staterooms on the third deck. The 304 sq. ft. space includes a full-size bathroom, desk, reading chair, dresser, storage, in-room coffee brewer, toiletries, and WiFi. River views can be enjoyed from the private balcony through large sliding glass doors.
Deluxe Balcony 1
Located on the fourth deck, the stateroom offers views of the Mississippi River. It measures 304 sq. ft. and includes a sitting area, desk, and full-size bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to a private balcony. The room is equipped with a desk and chair, dresser, storage, and an in-room single-serve coffee brewer. Complimentary WiFi is also available.
Premium Balcony
Located on the top deck, these staterooms are 328 sq. ft. and include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a private balcony, a sitting area, a desk, and full-size bathrooms. The room also features an in-room single-serve coffee brewer, toiletries, and complimentary WiFi.
Veranda Suite
Experience a Veranda Suite aboard American Heritage. Each suite includes a refrigerator with regularly refreshed beverages and offers up to 445 sq. ft. of living space. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors connect the living area to a private balcony. The suite features a seating area, desk, full-size bathroom, and complimentary WiFi.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snacks
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Port charges and fees
  • Complimentary cocktail parties
  • Dining service
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Signature shore excursion - Should be reserved in advance due to limited availability.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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