At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA or reverse
- From:
- $3,930
- Time of Year:
- February - December
On this 8-day Lower Mississippi River cruise sailing between New Orleans, Louisiana and Memphis, Tennessee, enjoy customized excursions from iconic ports in Oak Alley and Natchez where you gain an insiders’ perspective of classic antebellum homes and renowned plantations.
Aboard this Lower Mississippi River cruise, presentations by your onboard speaker connect you to the region’s culture and history. Local guides also share insights to illuminate your shore excursions. Memphis offers savory barbeque, rich music history museums, Sun Studios, and the amazing tour of Elvis’ Graceland mansion exhibits. You can explore why the Mississippi River and the port of Vicksburg were so important during the Civil War as you explore the Vicksburg National Military Park. Enjoy beautiful architecture, antiques, and gardens at grand plantation homes as you learn southern stories from local guides and fascinating museums. Take in the local shops and museums of quaint and cozy towns like St. Francisville and Natchez. Perhaps sip and savor a tasty mint julep while strolling under the canopy of the 300-year-old trees at Oak Alley Plantation or explore the lavishly restored mansion and the expansive, manicured grounds surrounding Houmas House Plantation.
Savor a week aboard our intimate and relaxed modern riverboats as we cruise the lower Mississippi River. Our enthusiastic all-American crew share with you a wonderful journey filled with historical tales, culinary delights, unique culture, vibrant music, and new friends. Enjoy time onboard the ship in your comfortable and spacious stateroom. From your private balcony, enjoy expansive river views, the rising bluffs of the historic river towns, and the tree-lined banks accented with blue herons and bald eagles. Delight in the diverse menu of delicious meals carefully crafted by our onboard culinary team to include samples of regional cuisine. Make new friends at every meal with our popular open table seating.
Traveling on this Lower Mississippi River cruise with American Cruise Lines is an experience like no other. The carefully selected onboard experts bring the history and culture of this region to life with award-winning enrichment programs.
Lower Mississippi River Cruise Highlights
- New Orleans, LA
- Oak Alley, LA
- Baton Rouge, LA
- St. Francisville, LA
- Natchez, MS
- Vicksburg, MS
- Memphis, TN
Lower Mississippi River Cruise Details
Pre-Cruise: Pre-Cruise
On this Lower Mississippi River cruise itinerary, a variety of convenient Pre-Cruise options are offered, providing you will a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. For cruises starting in Memphis, choose from our 2-Night Graceland Pre-Cruise Package or our Complimentary 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay.
For cruises starting in New Orleans, choose from our Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans Pre-Cruise Package or our Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in New Orleans.
Pre-Cruise Packages and Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Day 1: Memphis, TN
Welcome to Memphis! Home to Blues, BBQ, Beale Street, and of course, the King of Rock ‘n Roll – Elvis Presley. This amazing city is the perfect place to begin your Mississippi River Voyage. Come a day or two early and immerse yourself in sights, sounds, and tastes of this exciting destination.
Day 2: Day of River Cruising
Bask in the warmth of the Mississippi River sun as we cruise from Memphis to Vicksburg. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck.
Day 3: Vicksburg, MS
The city of Vicksburg served as a pivotal turning point during the American Civil War. Come with us as our informative historian leads us through the National Military Park, commemorating the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. Our expert guides and park rangers will take you to battlefields, the U.S.S. Cairo gunboat, and the most significant historic places.
Day 4: Natchez, MS
Settled in 1716, Natchez is rich in history and southern hospitality. Enjoy a guided exploration of this fascinating city which has retained its antebellum charm since its surrender during the Civil War. Visit Frogmore, a historic cotton plantation still in use today, or attend a special piano concert in the J. N. Stone antebellum music room.
Day 5: St. Francisville, LA
This southern town charms with simple pleasures and unique treasures. Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville has been called, “One of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America.” Take a stroll through its historic center where two centuries of architecture and lifestyle are on display. Enjoy visits to restored antebellum mansions including Rosedown.
Day 6: Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge features all the history and wonder you would expect in a state capital, but with an added down-home flavor that makes it truly unique. Our local expert guides will take you on a tour of the cities’ most famous attractions including the Old and New State Capitols and the interactive Louisiana State Museum.
Day 7: Oak Alley, LA
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 path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival antebellum mansion is simply breathtaking.
Day 8: New Orleans, LA
End your journey in the vibrant city of New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, where art and culture abound. The open-air artist colony proudly displays local works on the iron fence in Jackson Square, while the city’s 45 museums carefully preserve its rich history. Stay an extra day or even a few nights to enjoy the famed French Quarter.
| Date | Direction | Ship | A | AAR | AAL | AAC | AAM | Veranda Suite | Owner's Suite | Grand Suite | Single | Single w/ Balcony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01, 2023 | New Orleans to Memphis | American Symphony | $5,115 | $5,830 | $6,335 | $7,050 | $9,805 | |||||
| Dec 02, 2023 | Memphis to New Orleans | American Heritage | $4,215 | $4,785 | $5,210 | $5,455 | $5,930 | $7,455 | $5,440 | $6,010 | ||
| Dec 08, 2023 | Memphis to New Orleans | American Symphony | $5,115 | $5,830 | $6,335 | $7,050 | $9,805 | |||||
| Dec 20, 2023 | New Orleans to Memphis | American Symphony | $5,115 | $5,830 | $6,335 | $7,050 | $9,805 | |||||
| Dec 28, 2023 | Memphis to New Orleans | American Symphony | $5,115 | $5,830 | $6,335 | $7,050 | $9,805 |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Prices displayed are per person based on double occupancy.
Prices subject to change.
Included
- Cruise passage
- All gourmet meals
- Breakfast room service
- Snacks
- Cocktail hour each evening
- Entertainment aboard the ship
- Acclaimed enrichment program
- Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Personalized service from a dedicated crew
Not Included
- Air transport to/from embarkation/debarkation destinations
- Most shore tours (unless otherwise noted)
- Port charges and fees
American Heritage
The 150-passenger American Heritage offers an authentic paddlewheeler experience with all the comforts of home. Guests can enjoy large staterooms with private balconies, hotel-style bathrooms, and complimentary room service.
American Jazz
The 195-passenger American Jazz has the contemporary styling and modern amenities that make river cruising more attractive and comfortable than ever before. Featured are a gorgeous five-story glass atrium, private balconies in all of its spacious staterooms, and spectacular views from everywhere on the ship. It also features an opening bow and retractable gangway.
American Melody
The 195-passenger American Melody showcases all the beautiful modern styling and state-of-the-art technical features. The ship features the distinctive opening bow and retractable gangway.
American Serenade
The 175-passenger American Serenade is the newest modern riverboat sailing the Mississippi River. She is one of the most sophisticated and elegant riverboats available on U.S. waters.
American Splendor
The 185-passenger American Splendor is one of the finest paddlewheeler ever built, introducing features never before seen on the Mississippi. America embodies a casual ambiance and relaxed atmosphere while providing panoramic views of the passing scenery. Fellow guests will quickly become new friends.
American Symphony
The 175-passenger American Symphony is the newest modern riverboat sailing the Mississippi River. She is one of the most sophisticated and elegant riverboats available on U.S. waters.
