Timeless Holiday Cruises Now Available Aboard American Queen Steamboat Company
American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) announces its 2019 holiday voyages that are now available for booking. With itineraries for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s aboard the American Queen and American Duchess, two of the most elegant paddlewheel steamboats in the U.S., guests can experience time-honored Southern traditions along the Mississippi River.
This season, sailings will include traditional holiday dinners, stunning antebellum mansions and plantations, world-class music and more onboard these limited-edition sailings. Festive-themed sailings include:
Thanksgiving
Guests are invited to traverse the mighty Mississippi, gathering with family and friends to enjoy Thanksgiving favorites, from a grand feast to parades and football games. The journey on the American Queen will showcase the diversity and drama of the lower Mississippi River with history-filled stops in cities known for jazz, barbeque and, of course, the King of Rock and Roll at Graceland. This themed cruise runs from Memphis to New Orleans on November 24-December 2.
Plantation Holiday Market
Amid the glittering elegance of an American Queen cruise is a seasonal spirit larger than life. Guests can experience the best of the antebellum South by indulging in the holidays while becoming acquainted with the traditions of the Cajun and Creole cultures. The highlight of this trip is the experience at Nottoway Plantation, where guests will enjoy live music and dancing and witness the ceremonial lighting of bonfires on the levee followed by a special fireworks display. This themed cruise runs between Memphis to New Orleans December 8-16 and December 15-23.
American Music Holiday
Nowhere else is the music as memorable as it is onboard one of AQSC’s music holiday cruises. Guests can discover the sights and sounds of America’s rivers and the roots that inspired a variety of musical genres. Special musical performances by the boat’s sensational ensemble will take centerstage throughout the nine-day sailing. Whether it’s the sounds of New Orleans jazz, the strains of the uniquely American musical art form the delta blues, the rock and soul of Memphis, or the homegrown country music melodies in Nashville, guests will find that it all harmonizes with the rhythms of the river. This themed cruise runs between Memphis and Clarksville (Nashville), December 1-9 and December 8-16, and from Memphis to New Orleans, December 15-23.
An American Christmas
The merriment of the holidays comes to life on the American Duchess. This voyage whisks guests away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays to experience the easygoing life on the river. From Memphis to New Orleans, this trip makes stops at gracious towns brimming with Christmas cheer and palatial mansions draped in holiday finery. This cruise sails from Memphis to New Orleans December 22-30 and a round trip voyage from New Orleans on the American Duchess December 22-30.
New Year’s Celebration
This cruise has been specially curated to celebrate not only new beginnings, but the achievement and beauty of the year concluding. Evening entertainment will sample the sounds of the South, including an onboard gala with music, dancing and a champagne toast on New Year’s Eve. The highlight of the evening will include a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate with an elaborate firework show from the decks of the steamboat to ring in the New Year. This themed-cruise is roundtrip from New Orleans, December 29-January 3.
Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, holiday fares with AQSC begin at $1,199 per guest. All sailings include a one-night, pre-voyage hotel stay, hop-on hop-off shore excursions in all ports, wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.
(AQSC)
