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Memphis, Tennesse, USA downtown cityscape at dusk over Beale Street

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Memphis - New Orleans - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American Melody
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Embark on a captivating 9-day cruise aboard the American Melody from Memphis to New Orleans, navigating the mighty Mississippi River. Explore Memphis' musical legacy and vibrant culture before cruising through days of enchanting river views. Vicksburg unfolds its Civil War history, Natchez showcases antebellum charm, and St. Francisville invites you into its historic cotton port. Baton Rouge reveals tales of Governor Huey P. Long, and Houmas House and Oak Alley offer glimpses into grand plantation life. The cruise concludes in New Orleans, where the vibrant city beckons with its cuisine, music, and cultural delights. Extend your stay for an immersive exploration of the Big Easy's charms.
Visit historic Memphis, TennesseeVisit Louisiana's capital city of Baton RougeView monuments from the Civil War in MississippiVicksburgMemphis, Tennesse, USA downtown cityscape at dusk over Beale Street
Highlights
  • Admire the mix of architecture and cultures of New Orleans
  • Discover the distinctive culture of the Mississippi River Delta region
  • Learn about the historic conflicts of Vicksburg, Mississippi
  • Immerse yourself in the musical history of Memphis, Tennessee
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: 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. 

Day 2: Memphis, TN | 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 of the river.

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.”

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.

Vicksburg Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
 Board this convenient shuttle making stops at:
  • Jackson Street Gallery
  • Local Shops
  • Old Courthouse Museum 
  • Biedenharn Coca–Cola Museu
  • Vicksburg Civil War Museum 
  • Lower Mississippi River Museum 
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 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: 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.

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 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.

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 8: Houmas House, LA

Step off your ship docked right at Houmas House and explore one of the most elaborately renovated of the grand homes along the river, once a private home and a thriving historical agricultural enterprise. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the magnificently restored home’s unmatched collection of stunning period furnishings and artwork. The ornately landscaped grounds include 38 acres of gardens, fountains, and majestic live oak trees.

Later, experience the opulence and natural wonder of the Oak Alley estate with its breathtaking parallel row of 28 ancient and massive live oak trees. Here, you can savor a complimentary taste of one of the best mint juleps in the South.

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 9: 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 Melody

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
$5,190 2-3 travelers
Single Balcony
Queen-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi Size: 250 sq. ft., including balcony
Standard Balcony
King-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to a private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi Size: 275 sq. ft., including balcony
Deluxe Balcony
King-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi, Size: 316 sq. ft., including balcony
Premium Balcony
King-size bed that can convert to two twin beds, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi. Located on the top deck, these spacious staterooms feature commanding views of the passing river landscapes. Size: 350 sq. ft., including balcony
Veranda Suite
King-size bed that can convert to two twin beds, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, large living area, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi. Size: 405 sq. ft., including balcony
Grand Suite
Grand Suite
King-size bed, floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering 270-degree panoramic views, large balcony, private dining area, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi, individual climate control. Each Grand Suite features a separate bedroom and living area, ideal for gathering with family and friends after an invigorating day of exploration. Size: 650 sq. ft., including balcony
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 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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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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