WHY IT RATES: Who doesn't love when history and travel come together? It's why people visit Washington D.C., for instance. Well, American Queen is ready to take you on some incredible historical voyages of its own. - Rich Thomaselli, TravelPulse Senior Editor
PHOTO: The dining room aboard one of the American Queen Steamboat Company's ships (Courtesy American Queen Steamboat Company)
American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of America's most opulent and luxurious paddlewheel vessels, has several themed cruises planned for 2016.
Among these themed cruises are the "Music of America" cruises and the "Civil War" voyages which are sure to be a hit among guests. These journeys showcase the diversity and drama of the mighty Mississippi River as the American Queen travels from New Orleans to Memphis beginning this spring.
"We are thrilled to offer these highly-anticipated themed cruises which celebrate the lively and soulful sounds of our country," said American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. "From jazz and gospel blues to silent Civil War cemeteries, these voyages bring the history, music and culture of the South to life."
While cruising through the land of bawdy blues and Southern belles, the history of this nation's music and military lives on in every port of call on the below itineraries:
* Civil War: Memphis, Tenn. to New Orleans, La., March 6 - March 14, 2016
Guests can journey past fertile cotton fields, vast sugar cane plantations and imposing pillared mansions while distinguished guest lecturers James Robertson Jr. and Richard McMurry captivate audiences with astounding Civil War presentations. An exclusive tour of Vicksburg National Military Park is also included in this cruise. Scheduled musicians for this cruise include: Bobby Horton, a music historian who has combined his passions for music and Civil War history to create 14 volumes of authentic Civil War tunes, and Dave and Cathy, traditional bluegrass musicians. Ports of call include: Greenville, Vicksburg and Natchez, Miss.; St. Francisville, Baton Rouge and Nottoway, La.
SEE MORE: Cruising The Heartland
* Music of America: New Orleans, La. to Memphis, Tenn. March 27 - April 04, 2016
Discover the sights and sounds of America's Mighty Mississippi and the roots from which sprung a variety of musical genres. This sailing from Bourbon St., New Orleans, to Beale St., Memphis focuses on the Delta Blues and features onboard entertainment from celebrated songwriter and dynamic performer Eden Brent and Barbara Sims, the one-woman publicity and sales promotion department at Sun Records during its glory years of recording Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. In addition to Brent and Sims, this cruise will also feature guest performances from Steve Spracklen, Storefront Congregation, Preston Shannon, and Joyce Cobb. Ports of call include: Oak Alley and St. Francisville, La.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; and Helena, Ark.
* Civil War: New Orleans, La. to Memphis, Tenn. June 12 - June 20, 2016
In addition to Bobby Horton and Dave and Cathy, guest lecturers for this cruise include Professor Gary Joiner Ph.D., an author, cartographer and historian of Civil War inland naval battles, and author and Civil War historian Gene Salecker. An exclusive tour of Vicksburg National Military Park is also included in this cruise. Ports of call include: Oak Alley and St. Francisville, La.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; and Helena, Ark.
SEE MORE: History on the Mississippi
* Music of America: Nashville, Tenn. to Memphis, Tenn. October 23 - October 31, 2016
With a focus on Country and Blues, guests onboard will hear from author and country music expert Dan Rogers, and Ellis Kell, music historian and multi-instrumentalist, while traveling from Music City, USA to the Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock n' Roll. This cruise will also feature guest performances from Steve Spracklen, Storefront Congregation, Preston Shannon, and Joyce Cobb. Ports of call include: Clarksville, Dover and Savannah, Tenn.; Paducah, Ky.; and New Madrid, Mo.
Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, fares for nine-day sailings on the American Queen begin at $2,249 per person based on double occupancy. All journeys include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.
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