Group Size: American Splendor can accommodate up to 170 passengers for this voyage.
Price: Starting from $7,990 per person double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Carleton Alumni Association, Commonwealth Club of California, Dartmouth Alumni Travel, National Trust Tours, World Affairs Council, and additional sponsors to be announced.
Trip Overview
Begin in New Orleans with a keynote address by Presidential Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning Author, Doris Kearns Goodwin. Explore the distinctive architecture of the French Quarter, the gorgeous homes of the Garden District and the new National WWII Museum. After boarding the American Splendor, cruise upriver, visiting the sugar plantations, Creole cottages, and lush landscapes of Bayou country; the city of Natchez whose architectural grandeur reflects the prosperous Steamboat era of the early 1800s; and Vicksburg, where a 47-day civil war battle ensued before control of the Mississippi River was taken by the north. Conclude in Memphis exploring historic Beale Street to the rhythm of the Blues.
The American Splendor offers all modern amenities in a setting of 19th century riverboat opulence, including comfortable cabins in the style of a bygone era fine cuisine and lively performances by onboard musicians. Throughout the program travelers will also enjoy panel discussions and opportunities for direct engagement with the outstanding team of lecturers.
Schedule by Day
- Mar 5: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Mar 6: New Orleans
- Mar 7: Oak Alley & Laura Plantations
- Mar 8: St. Francisville
- Mar 10: Natchez, Mississippi
- Mar 11: Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Mar 12: Cruising on the Mississippi
- Mar 12: Memphis, Tennessee / Home
Pricing
Per person double occupancy:
- Category A, Standard Stateroom, Deck 1: $7,990
- Category B, Private Balcony, Deck 2: $8,490
- Category C, Private Balcony, Deck 3: $8,990
- Category D, Private Balcony, Deck 4: $9,490
- Category E, Private Balcony, Deck 5: $9,990
- Category F, Owner's Suite: $11,490
Single occupancy:
- Category S, Private Balcony Suite, Single: $8,990
Accommodations
- One night at the Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
- Eight nights aboard American Splendor
Extensions
None
What to Expect
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy and requires participants to be in good health and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. To make the most of what each locale has to offer, excursions during the cruise will be active, and you will often be spending much of the day off the ship. These excursions will be offset by relaxing time spent cruising, with the opportunity to enjoy the passing scenery, the ship’s amenities, and the full lecture program.
Travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoach, with the longest drives lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. Daily activities can involve up to two miles of walking, and many walking tours will take place in older quarters and historic sites, where the sidewalks or paths are uneven. Many historic buildings do not have elevators, and you’ll occasionally encounter steps without handrails. The American Splendor has two elevators which serve all decks with cabins, dining, and lounges, but not the sun deck.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
