PHOTO: There's a theme cruise just right for you on virtually any AQSC vessel. (Courtesy American Queen Steamboat Company)
Cruises aren't just about docking at a beach or an island. American Queen Steamboat Company has a wide variety of themed river cruises to choose from that focus on music, history, politics, wine and liquors and so much more.
Wine connoisseurs will love the 'Vineyards, Vintages and Varietals' themed cruises that include meeting local wine makers for tastings along the Washington and Oregon regions. Guests will also enjoy meals made with local wines and activities that educate about America's Pacific Northwest wine country. There are two November voyages to choose from and two in March, 2017.
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If bourbon is more your choice of beverage, then the Bourbon Cruise puts guests right into the heart of Kentucky's bourbon region to see where liquor comes from, how it is made and the ways to distinguish the unique characteristics of different distilleries. Enjoy tastings, treats and cooking demonstrations as well.
If it's history that you love, immerse yourself in a three-week Mighty Mississippi voyage and explore the towns and lakes which inspired Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain. Here you'll see the historic towns of Red Wing, Minnesota; LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Memphis, Tennessee and so many more.
Speaking of Mark Twain, the American Queen Steamboat also has a 9-day boat trip that visits the author's home of Hannibal, Missouri from where much of his inspiration for his stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn is derived. You'll enjoy presentations from special guest speakers from the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, Missouri and Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut.
There are also special Civil War-themed cruises, as well as the Presidents & Politics theme that coincides with the dates of the 2016 Republican and Democratic National Conventions, which includes entertainment, speakers and events on topics such as American presidents, politics and elections.
Oh the weather outside may be frightful in other parts of the country, but on the American Queen holiday cruises the weather is perfect and the season is magical. Start with the Autumn Colors cruise that takes you on a ride where you see the leaves change beautiful colors for the season.
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Celebrate Thanksgiving aboard the Thanksgiving Festival cruise and travel the lower Mississippi River and enjoy learning about the history of the Civil War, capped off with a Thanksgiving meal and holiday activities. Or spend Christmas traveling from Memphis to New Orleans on this 9-day cruise that includes stops in Nottoway, Louisiana to see the Nottoway Plantation and Natchez, Mississippi for a traditional southern holiday celebration including old-fashioned carolers. There's also a 9-day New Year's Eve Cruise from Memphis, Louisiana to New Orleans where you can start the year off looking back at history and colonial times. If you'd prefer to sail during the summer, the 4th of July cruise is the perfect option to celebrate history during our nation's birthday.
It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing, and this Big Band Voyages has it and then some. The 13-piece orchestra, "The Great American Swing Band," will play your favorites as you enjoy the music and dance the night away on this 9-day excursion that starts at the home port of Memphis and travels to St. Louis' bustling Union Station marketplace. There is also a roundtrip New Orleans voyage too. When you're not dancing, enjoy shore excursions in Oak Valley, Louisiana, and see its 300-year-old oak trees, Vicksburg, Mississippi and its Civil War history, as well as Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Maybe you'd rather be a little all shook up on the cruise and the 9-day Elvis voyage from Memphis to New Orleans would be perfect. The American Queen Steamboat also hosts a Music Of America cruise where you can learn about the melody of the regions through which you are traveling, including New Orleans Jazz, Delta Blues, the Rock and Soul of Memphis, or the homegrown Country Music melodies from Nashville.
Finally, explore the Five Rivers of The Heartland in one itinerary that allows you to experience five rivers in one incredible voyage - the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.
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