Treasures of the Mississippi
Flights from London→Memphis → Cleveland → Vicksburg → Natchez → St Francisville → Mississippi → Vacherie → New Orleans→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £9195
per person
Overview
A journey along the Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans aboard the American Splendor accompanied by Neil Horrocks
This is a marvellous opportunity to join the American Splendor, one of the greatest stern paddle wheelers to grace the Mississippi River. The vessel embodies the spirit of traditional Mississippi River cruising and the grandeur of riverboats of the past while still offering all the comforts and amenities of modern day cruising. For this exploration of the Mississippi River, Noble Caledonia is working with their associates at American Cruise Lines who, with more than 50 years of experience, are the perfect partners for this journey between Memphis and New Orleans, and Noble Caledonia has secured an allocation of cabins from them aboard the American Splendor.
Meaning the ‘Father of Waters', the mighty Mississippi River is one of North America's greatest natural wonders. Winding boldly through the heartland of America, the river has played a pivotal role as a route for trade and travel. Connecting people, places and cultures, it created a rich history integral to the fabric of America. Travelling in style and navigating the waters between Memphis and New Orleans, guests will follow in the wake of pioneers, Native Americans and fur-trading French.
Throughout the Civil War, the Mississippi River was an invasion route for Union Armies and during this historic journey, guests will pass the scenes of many important battles when the North and South were at war, each armed with conflicting visions of what was worth fighting for. In turn, guests will learn and celebrate much of the local musical styles that were transported across the globe and have made this particular area so well associated with blues, gospel and jazz. From quaint and slow-paced towns such as Natchez, to the carnival atmosphere of New Orleans, this Noble Caledonia journey will ensure you get a true taste of this region's most marked and engaging displays.
Highlights
- Delve into the regional heritage, culinary traditions, local music, and cultural backdrop.
- Walk through the legendary Memphis estate of Elvis Presley, Graceland.
- Tour a variety of historic plantations and antebellum residences, which are distinctive to this part of the globe.
- Witness the impact of the Civil War firsthand at Vicksburg’s National Military Park.
- Spend time in Memphis and New Orleans, widely considered the two most significant hubs of the Deep South.
- Take pleasure in onboard live music sessions and presentations by expert guest lecturers.
Explore further
More river cruises
The ship
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the Peabody Hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. The legendary Peabody Hotel first opened in 1869 and has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation. Famous for its five resident Mallard ducks that march twice daily through the lobby it is ideally located in downtown Memphis, with the famed Beale Street entertainment district just a short walk away.
- 2
Day 2 Memphis.
Memphis is the place where Martin Luther King was assassinated in the turbulent days of the Civil Rights Movement, the city where Elvis made his home within the elegant walls of Graceland, and where American soul and blues music rose to prominence. Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore at your own pace, perhaps enjoy a stroll down vibrant Beale Street, considered to be the birthplace of blues, or watch the duck parade in the hotel lobby. This afternoon join a tour to Graceland, the Colonial Revival-style mansion where ‘The King' lived for 20 years. We will also stop at the legendary Sun Studio where many musical icons, including Elvis Presley, launched their careers. This evening meet for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
- 3
Day 3 Memphis.
After breakfast, we will visit the National Civil Rights Museum before we transfer to the American Splendor. Enjoy a welcome drink on board followed by lunch, before setting sail along the Mississippi river to our first scheduled port of call, Cleveland, Mississippi. (B, L, D)
- 4
Day 4 Cleveland, Mississippi.
Known as the ‘City of Hospitality', Cleveland has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the South. Its history is intertwined with agriculture, in particular cotton farming, where remnants of the city's trading past are reflected in the historic downtown area which we will explore. The city is also celebrated for its contribution to American music, as part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, and there will be the opportunity to visit the Grammy Museum Mississippi, which pays tribute to the many legendary musicians who have left their mark on the region. Sail later this afternoon. (B, L, D)
- 5
Day 5 Vicksburg.
We have a full day in Vicksburg, which, with sweeping views of the Mississippi River, blends Southern culture and heritage along with hallowed stories of Civil War battles. After a tour of the National Military Park, spend the afternoon enjoying Southern hospitality in its most authentic form. A shuttle bus will include stops at some of the most important sites in the city including the Old Courthouse Museum, Civil War Museum and the Local Merchant District. (B, L, D)
- 6
Day 6 Natchez.
Sitting high on a bluff above the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez is a city of some 300 years in the making. This morning's tour shows us the city, which has over a thousand of its historic structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and includes a stop at Rosalie, a pre-Civil War antebellum mansion built in 1823 which became the prototype for later mansions across the South. (B, L, D)
- 7
Day 7 St Francisville, Louisiana.
Today we arrive in what has been described as “one of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America” meandering through St Francisville's historic centre with its two centuries of architecture and lifestyle. Take a tour to The Myrtles estate, a former plantation built in 1796 which showcases a blend of Creole cottage style and Southern architectural elegance with a grand veranda and intricate cast-iron railings. There will also be time to explore the town of St Francisville with its own museum, local boutiques and historic cemetery. (B, L, D)
- 8
Day 8 Cruising the Mississippi.
After a busy few days, relax and unwind on board as we continue our journey south along the Mighty Mississippi. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of forests and wetlands from the sun deck or join a talk on local history from one of the guest speakers. (B, L, D)
- 9
Day 9 Vacherie.
From our mooring spot in Vacherie, drive to Oak Alley, often referred to as the Grande Dame of the Great River Road. Its entrance encompasses a quarter-mile canopy of giant oak trees forming an impressive avenue that leads us to this classic Greek-revival style antebellum home. The imposing mansion has been restored to its 19th century glory as a noble tribute to those who left an indelible mark on this rich river region. There will be a guided tour of the Big House before some time at leisure to explore the magnificent grounds and enjoy a mint julep. We will sail to New Orleans arriving in the late evening for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
- 10
Day 10 New Orleans.
Disembark after breakfast. Enjoy a guided tour of the city taking in the charming cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. Following lunch in a local restaurant, we will transfer to the InterContinental New Orleans Hotel for a two night stay. The hotel is ideally located just a short walk from the historic and vibrant French Quarter, with all the jazz bars, Cajun eateries and street performances that make this city so unique. The remainder of the day is at leisure. We are including a three-day ‘Jazzy Pass' which allows unlimited downtown travel by local bus, streetcar, paratransit or ferry. (B, L)
- 11
Day 11 New Orleans.
Enjoy a full day to explore New Orleans at leisure. (B)
- 12
Day 12 New Orleans to London.
Check out this morning. We will have lunch at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B, L)
- 13
Day 13 London.
Arrive this morning.
The Ship
American Splendor
The American Splendor was launched in 2016 and is furnished in a classical style with muted colours, luxurious textiles, fine linens and regionally inspired artwork, fitting of the legendary Mississippi River. The vessel can accommodate up to 180 passengers and features an authentic paddlewheel, offers spacious staterooms and provides more space per passenger than many other river cruise ships operating on the Mississippi. Beneath her gleaming woodwork and brass fixtures is a framework of modern cruise ship technology that provides passengers with comfortable surroundings and personalised service whilst cruising the Mississippi.
Deck plan
Life aboard American Splendor
Launched in 2016, the American Splendor offers an intimate and refined way to cruise the Mississippi River. With its authentic paddlewheel design and spacious, balcony-equipped staterooms, the ship balances classical style with modern comfort for a maximum of 180 passengers.
Quick facts
Year built
2016
Passenger capacity
180
Crew size
44
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Suites
All staterooms and suites are designed with a focus on space and private outdoor access. Each cabin offers a balcony, ranging in size from 230 to 445 square feet.
- •All accommodations feature private balconies.
- •In-room facilities include satellite TV, DVD player, and gourmet coffee machine.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi and phones for room service are provided in every cabin.
- •Safes are exclusive to Veranda Suites, though reception offers a communal safe.
- •Individually controlled heating and air-conditioning in all rooms.
Life on board
The atmosphere is relaxed and scholarly, with a focus on American heritage and history. Guests can enjoy social spaces like the paddlewheel lounge, The Study, or the open-air Sun Deck.
- •Onboard local experts and historians provide lectures and activities.
- •Sun Deck features comfortable seating and a putting green.
- •The 4th deck Sky Lounge offers complimentary snacks throughout the day.
- •Fitness room available on the 4th deck.
- •Lift access is available to all decks.
Dining
Dining is a casual affair in a single-seating venue with a smart-casual dress code. Menus focus on regional American specialties using fresh ingredients.
- •Complimentary wine and beer included with lunch and dinner.
- •Complimentary cocktail hour with canapés held every evening.
- •Open seating policy in the main Dining Room.
- •Room service breakfast available for balcony dining.
- •Dietary requests must be provided in writing at the time of reservation.
Practical information
The ship operates a signed-chit system for onboard purchases, with a final bill settled at the end of the journey. Guests should be aware of the American electrical standard and strict smoking policies.
- •Voltage is 110v/60Hz; use of personal hair dryers or irons is prohibited.
- •Smoking is strictly prohibited in cabins, on balconies, and in public areas.
- •No doctor is on board; crew members are trained in First Aid.
- •Gratuities are included in the holiday price.
- •Laundry: No service available, but a complimentary washing machine is on the 5th deck.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 6 to 18 November 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Stateroom Balcony Stateroom on second deck (304 sq. ft.) | £9495 | £9295 |
| Deluxe Balcony 2 Stateroom on third deck (304 sq. ft.) | £9795 | £9595 |
| Deluxe Balcony 1 Stateroom on fourth deck (304 sq. ft.) | £10195 | £9995 |
| Premium Balcony Stateroom on fifth deck (328 sq. ft.) | £10695 | £10495 |
| Veranda Suite on third/fourth/fifth deck (445 sq. ft.) | £11595 | £11395 |
| Single Balcony Stateroom on second/third/fourth deck (230 sq. ft.) | £11795 | £11595 |
Tour Reference Code: RCAS081127
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 8 to 20 November 2027 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price |
| Stateroom Balcony Stateroom on second deck (304 sq. ft.) | — |
| Deluxe Balcony 2 Stateroom on third deck (304 sq. ft.) | — |
| Deluxe Balcony 1 Stateroom on fourth deck (304 sq. ft.) | — |
| Premium Balcony Stateroom on fifth deck (328 sq. ft.) | — |
| Veranda Suite on third/fourth/fifth deck (445 sq. ft.) | — |
| Single Balcony Stateroom on second/third/fourth deck (230 sq. ft.) | — |
Tour Reference Code: RCAS081127
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Memphis • Seven nights aboard the American Splendor • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • House wine, beer and soft drinks with included meals • Excursions as described • Two nights hotel accommodation in New Orleans • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • New Orleans three day Jazzy Pass • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes
Not Included:
Here is the information formatted for clarity:
Important Travel Information:
- Documentation:
- Travel insurance
- US visa or ESTA
- Excursions: Optional excursions beyond the included itinerary will be offered at an extra cost. Detailed information will be provided approximately 60 days before departure.
- Accommodations: Cabin sizes are approximate.
- Itinerary: Ports, itineraries, and schedules are subject to change due to water levels or other operational factors.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787