American Queen

Tour Overview

Creole Christmas - Mississippi River Cruise

Get into the holiday spirit with a cruise down the mighty Mississippi River with seven Creole-inspired nights aboard the largest paddlewheeler ever, American Queen Voyages’ American Queen. Begin this festive adventure in Memphis with a visit to Graceland, then embark on a seven-night adventure southbound towards New Orleans. This itinerary includes one premium excursion, and all meals aboard ship! In addition, this Lower Mississippi River cruise includes a special Holiday gala, bonfires on the levee, holiday decorations, and performances. After the cruise enjoy two nights in New Orleans with activities including a guided city tour and visits to Mardi Gras World and the National WWII Museum plus time at leisure to explore the city at its most merry and bright.

The Holiday Advantage
Airfare Included
Airfare Included
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Exceptional Accommodations
Exceptional Accommodations
Most Meals Included
Most Meals Included
Premier Attractions
Premier Attractions
Professional Tour Directors
Professional Tour Directors
Call 1-888-867-2190 to Book

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

EACC
Tour Highlights

Additional Tour Information

Your Holiday Vacations Experience Includes:

Accommodations

All Accommodations Featuring

  • 1 night at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis
  • 2 nights at the Bienville House Hotel in New Orleans
Attractions & Highlights

Attractions & Highlights

  • Ports of Call: Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, Nottoway, New Orleans
  • Graceland
  • GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
  • Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Cleveland, Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville & Baton Rouge
  • Included shore excursion: Grand Southern Plantation Tour
  • New Orleans guided city tour
  • Mardi Gras World
  • The National WWII Museum
Meals

25 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • All meals included aboard ship
  • Farewell Jazz Brunch at Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans

Exclusive Cruise Ship Benefits

  • 7-night Mississippi River Cruise aboard The American Queen
  • Ports of Call:
  • Nottoway Resort
  • Time at leisure in New Orleans
Tour Date & Pricing

Tour Dates & Pricing

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Double Inside

$5599

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Double Veranda

$6399

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Double Junior Suite

$7099

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Single Inside

$6399

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Single Veranda

$7199

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Single Junior Suite

$7899

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Final Payment Date: 08/02/2023

Day Itinerary

Day Itinerary

Day 1 : Fly to Memphis

Enjoy Memphis with a night out on the town to find tasty local cuisine and other activities at your leisure. Our accommodations tonight are in Memphis.

Day 2 : Graceland

Before we embark on our Mississippi River cruise, we tour Graceland, home of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, at the most wonderful time of the year. Voted the #1 Best Historic Holiday Home Tour by USA Today, Graceland continues The King’s tradition of spectacular and over-the-top Christmas décor. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on your own in Graceland, perhaps grabbing a bite at an authentic 50s diner. Next, we board The American Queen for a seven-night cruise.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 : Mississippi Delta (Terrene Landing)

Our first port of call is Cleveland, located along the Mississippi Delta. This distinctive northwest region of the state lies between the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers, dubbed “The Most Southern Place On Earth,” nicknamed for its culture and geography. Follow the currents of the Mississippi Delta that have inspired storytellers and creators for centuries. Tour the new GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and witness cutting-edge interactive exhibits that celebrate the history, breadth, and cultural significance of American music before browsing downtown boutiques and restaurants.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 : River Cruising

Today’s port of call is in Vicksburg, Mississippi. This town is brimming with American history which is highlighted on our included hop-on, hop-off tour. Visit the Church of the Holy Trinity that features 34 stained glass windows and inspired architecture or the Vicksburg National Military Park and its marble Illinois Monument. This site is where the Siege of Vicksburg took place, when the Union Army made its critical push to obtain a favorable position during the American Civil War.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : Natchez

Delight in the charming port of call in Natchez and admire the many historic homes that line the quaint streets. Stock up on Southern staples like muscadine juice, salsas, dips, jellies, and every souvenir imaginable including alligator items at the Old South Trading Post. Discover the history of the of the magnificent Rosalie Mansion on a self-guided tour. This Federal-style structure was built in 1832 by a wealthy cotton planter and has been maintained by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 : St. Francisville

Today’s port of call, St. Francisville, features a natural formation of bluffs, ridges, and foothills in addition to the historic city center. Pre-war homes, quaint shops, and beautiful views make this an idyllic place to spend the day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 : Houmas House

Our stop in the historic city of Baton Rouge. Get a feel for the bustling city with an included hop-on, hop-off tour including stops at the Capitol Park Museum and the USS Kidd, a 376-foot long 1945 Fletcher-Class Destroyer now converted into a museum.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 : Nottoway

Our stop today is at the American Queen Voyages exclusive port of Nottoway. Delight in the grandeur of a bygone era on a tour of Nottoway Resort, one of the South's largest remaining antebellum mansions. This 64-room, three-story palatial mansion was completed in 1859 and has been fully restored. Today we embark on our included shore excursion, "Grand Southern Plantation Tour." Set out on a journey through the fields of southern Louisiana toward two of the South’s most prestigious and picturesque plantations.  We will begin our adventure at Oak Alley Plantation where 300-year-old live oak trees line the pathway that welcomes guests to the grand entrance. Then discover what life was like for a wealthy sugar baron at the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Enjoy a truly southern-style lunch buffet and a guided tour of the grand mansion before exploring the beautiful grounds and sprawling gardens.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 : New Orleans

Welcome to New Orleans! After we disembark, take a guided tour of the city cloaked in dazzling decorations and enjoy lunch on our own at the French Market. Explore the exciting Mardi Gras World where we get a historical overview of the famous festival and view floats so elaborate you will have a new appreciation for the artists who create these massive 3D pieces. Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 : National WWII Museum

Visit the masterful National WWII Museum featuring immersive multimedia experiences, first-person oral histories, massive collections of artifacts, and more that showcase and honor the Greatest Generation and its veterans who made so many sacrifices in the name of freedom. Later we enjoy a farewell jazz brunch at the world-renowned Court of Two Sisters. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city and its holiday offerings as you please.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 : Fly Home

Breakfast
Tour Map

Tour Map

Tour Map for Creole Christmas - Mississippi River Cruise
Departure Cities

Departure Cities

WHO Radio Pickup Locations:

Des Moines, IA - Des Moines International Airport

Creole Christmas - Mississippi River Cruise

Get into the holiday spirit with a cruise down the mighty Mississippi River with seven Creole-inspired nights aboard the largest paddlewheeler ever, American Queen Voyages’ American Queen. Begin this festive adventure in Memphis with a visit to Graceland, then embark on a seven-night adventure southbound towards New Orleans. This itinerary includes one premium excursion, and all meals aboard ship! In addition, this Lower Mississippi River cruise includes a special Holiday gala, bonfires on the levee, holiday decorations, and performances. After the cruise enjoy two nights in New Orleans with activities including a guided city tour and visits to Mardi Gras World and the National WWII Museum plus time at leisure to explore the city at its most merry and bright.

The Holiday Advantage
Airfare Included
Airfare Included
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Exceptional Accommodations
Exceptional Accommodations
Most Meals Included
Most Meals Included
Premier Attractions
Premier Attractions
Professional Tour Directors
Professional Tour Directors
Call 1-888-867-2190 to Book

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

EACC

Additional Tour Information

Your Holiday Vacations Experience Includes:

Accommodations

All Accommodations Featuring

  • 1 night at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis
  • 2 nights at the Bienville House Hotel in New Orleans
Attractions & Highlights

Attractions & Highlights

  • Ports of Call: Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, Nottoway, New Orleans
  • Graceland
  • GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
  • Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Cleveland, Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville & Baton Rouge
  • Included shore excursion: Grand Southern Plantation Tour
  • New Orleans guided city tour
  • Mardi Gras World
  • The National WWII Museum
Meals

25 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • All meals included aboard ship
  • Farewell Jazz Brunch at Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans

Exclusive Cruise Ship Benefits

  • 7-night Mississippi River Cruise aboard The American Queen
  • Ports of Call:
  • Nottoway Resort
  • Time at leisure in New Orleans

Tour Dates & Pricing

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Sold out. Call to join the waitlist.

Double Inside

$5599

Double Veranda

$6399

Double Junior Suite

$7099

Single Inside

$6399

Single Veranda

$7199

Single Junior Suite

$7899

Final Payment Date: 08/02/2023

Day Itinerary

Day 1 : Fly to Memphis

Enjoy Memphis with a night out on the town to find tasty local cuisine and other activities at your leisure. Our accommodations tonight are in Memphis.

Day 2 : Graceland

Before we embark on our Mississippi River cruise, we tour Graceland, home of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, at the most wonderful time of the year. Voted the #1 Best Historic Holiday Home Tour by USA Today, Graceland continues The King’s tradition of spectacular and over-the-top Christmas décor. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on your own in Graceland, perhaps grabbing a bite at an authentic 50s diner. Next, we board The American Queen for a seven-night cruise.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 : Mississippi Delta (Terrene Landing)

Our first port of call is Cleveland, located along the Mississippi Delta. This distinctive northwest region of the state lies between the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers, dubbed “The Most Southern Place On Earth,” nicknamed for its culture and geography. Follow the currents of the Mississippi Delta that have inspired storytellers and creators for centuries. Tour the new GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and witness cutting-edge interactive exhibits that celebrate the history, breadth, and cultural significance of American music before browsing downtown boutiques and restaurants.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 : River Cruising

Today’s port of call is in Vicksburg, Mississippi. This town is brimming with American history which is highlighted on our included hop-on, hop-off tour. Visit the Church of the Holy Trinity that features 34 stained glass windows and inspired architecture or the Vicksburg National Military Park and its marble Illinois Monument. This site is where the Siege of Vicksburg took place, when the Union Army made its critical push to obtain a favorable position during the American Civil War.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : Natchez

Delight in the charming port of call in Natchez and admire the many historic homes that line the quaint streets. Stock up on Southern staples like muscadine juice, salsas, dips, jellies, and every souvenir imaginable including alligator items at the Old South Trading Post. Discover the history of the of the magnificent Rosalie Mansion on a self-guided tour. This Federal-style structure was built in 1832 by a wealthy cotton planter and has been maintained by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 : St. Francisville

Today’s port of call, St. Francisville, features a natural formation of bluffs, ridges, and foothills in addition to the historic city center. Pre-war homes, quaint shops, and beautiful views make this an idyllic place to spend the day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 : Houmas House

Our stop in the historic city of Baton Rouge. Get a feel for the bustling city with an included hop-on, hop-off tour including stops at the Capitol Park Museum and the USS Kidd, a 376-foot long 1945 Fletcher-Class Destroyer now converted into a museum.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 : Nottoway

Our stop today is at the American Queen Voyages exclusive port of Nottoway. Delight in the grandeur of a bygone era on a tour of Nottoway Resort, one of the South's largest remaining antebellum mansions. This 64-room, three-story palatial mansion was completed in 1859 and has been fully restored. Today we embark on our included shore excursion, "Grand Southern Plantation Tour." Set out on a journey through the fields of southern Louisiana toward two of the South’s most prestigious and picturesque plantations.  We will begin our adventure at Oak Alley Plantation where 300-year-old live oak trees line the pathway that welcomes guests to the grand entrance. Then discover what life was like for a wealthy sugar baron at the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Enjoy a truly southern-style lunch buffet and a guided tour of the grand mansion before exploring the beautiful grounds and sprawling gardens.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 : New Orleans

Welcome to New Orleans! After we disembark, take a guided tour of the city cloaked in dazzling decorations and enjoy lunch on our own at the French Market. Explore the exciting Mardi Gras World where we get a historical overview of the famous festival and view floats so elaborate you will have a new appreciation for the artists who create these massive 3D pieces. Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 : National WWII Museum

Visit the masterful National WWII Museum featuring immersive multimedia experiences, first-person oral histories, massive collections of artifacts, and more that showcase and honor the Greatest Generation and its veterans who made so many sacrifices in the name of freedom. Later we enjoy a farewell jazz brunch at the world-renowned Court of Two Sisters. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city and its holiday offerings as you please.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 : Fly Home

Breakfast

Tour Map

Tour Map for Creole Christmas - Mississippi River Cruise

Departure Cities

WHO Radio Pickup Locations:

Des Moines, IA - Des Moines International Airport