Mississippi River Cruise aboard American Serenade

Overview

To replace the River Cruise offered by American Queen Steamboat Company, we're offering a Mississippi River Cruise presented by American Cruise Lines aboard their American Serenade. Inaugurated in 2023, this 180-guest capacity, American-made ship features trendy interior décor, an innovative hydraulic bow and retractable ramp, one of the most gorgeous sun decks ever seen on a river-going ship, a four-story atrium in the center of the ship offering panoramic views, an onboard fitness center, shuffleboard, self-service laundry, nightly entertainment, and a variety of sizable lounges. The ship offers spacious staterooms & suites (ranging from 250 to 650 sq feet), all offering full-size bathrooms, roomy closets, and private balconies. Its interior design is both elegant & refined, drawing inspiration from geography across America and highlighting natural textural elements and serene color palettes. American Serenade sets the bar high for domestic US river cruising.

ACL Itinerary Detail

American Cruise Lines' finalized itinerary is not released until about 90 days prior to cruise departure.

American Cruise Lines offers one complimentary excursion (Featured Excursion) per day and additional excursions at an additional cost. An entire list of the offered excursions will be available via your individual portal about 60 days prior to cruise departure. At that time, you will be able to select your excursions and pay through the portal.

Pre-registering for all excursions when the information is available is recommended, especially for Premium & Signature excursions. Reservations may also be made aboard the ship, but please be aware that some excursions may be sold out ahead of time.

Day 1

We depart this morning for our 12-day journey. Traveling south will bring us to Wytheville, VA, the location of our overnight accommodations. Stops for rest and lunch will be made enroute. We will also make a short attraction stop along Interstate 81 before arriving at our hotel. Dinner will be on our own this evening.

Day 2

After a continental breakfast we will check-out of the hotel and continue southwest to Birmingham, AL. A lunch stop will be made enroute. We'll stop in Chattanooga, TN to stretch our legs and enjoy some sights. Upon arrival, we'll check-in to our overnight accommodations. You can enjoy the free Kickback dinner at the hotel from 5:30-7:00 PM.

Day 3

After breakfast we'll depart on the last leg of our journey to New Orleans, LA. Stops will be made enroute for rest and lunch. Upon arrival we will visit the National WWII Museum which tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world - why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means. We will then check-in to our New Orleans accommodations. This evening is yours to get acquainted with this culturally diverse city that is steeped in history and brimming with culinary legacies of flavor. Dinner is on our own.

Day 4

New Orleans, LA - This morning, after breakfast, we'll enjoy a driving city tour of New Orleans with a step-on guide. Celebrate New Orleans' unabashed and unapologetic joy and experience the city from a first-person perspective. Later this morning, you will board American Cruise Line's American Serenade. We'll set sail this afternoon. Lunch and dinner are provided aboard the ship.

Day 5

Vacherie, LA - Vacherie is a small settlement in St. James Parish, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River exactly halfway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Vacherie is one of the many places in Louisiana found on Creole culture - a mix of influences from the French, Spanish, West Africans, and Native Americans combined. Specific excursion information TBA.

Day 6

Baton Rouge, LA - Founded in 1699 by French explorers, its rich past is evident in its diverse architecture, from historic homes to modern skyscrapers. Here we can learn about the many diverse aspects of Louisiana. Specific excursion information TBA.

Day 7

Natchez, MS - Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi and is a walkable, vibrant, and beautiful historic city where preservation and progress go hand in hand. The city has a reputation as a friendly, welcoming town where "Y'all means all!" Specific excursion information TBA.

Day 8

Vicksburg, MS - Founded in 1811 and incorporated in 1825, Vicksburg rapidly grew as a center for commerce, agriculture, and river traffic. Vicksburg's best-known contribution to American history is probably the part she played in the Civil War. Here you can visit the Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg National Cemetery, USS Cairo, Old Court House, and more. Specific excursion information TBA.

Day 9

Full Day of River Cruising - Sit back, relax, and enjoy the amenities of the ship & the slow-paced lifestyle of cruising on the Mississippi River. Enjoy daily entertainment in the River Lounge, catch some rays on the Sun Deck, or play a round of shuffleboard. The day is yours to do as you please aboard the ship.

Day 10

Memphis, TN - Also called Homes of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock & Roll, Memphis is where Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash recorded albums at the legendary Sun Studio. Other landmarks include Elvis' Graceland, Rock n Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Specific excursion information TBA.

Day 11

Today after breakfast, we disembark the American Serenade. After disembarkation, we depart for Wytheville, VA, the location of our lodging for this evening. Stops for lunch and rest will be made along the way. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day 12

Today we complete our homeward journey, arriving back in Pennsburg by early evening. Stops for rest and lunch will be made along the way.

Please note

Our intention is to run each tour as originally planned and published. However, if deemed necessary to do so, Perkiomen Tours reserves the right to make changes to tour components, schedules or itineraries without prior notification.

Tips for Perkiomen motorcoach drivers and tour escorts are not included in the price of this tour. We feel that these gratuities should be extended on an individual basis and dictated by the level of service provided.

Motorcoach seating is assigned at the time of reservation but cannot be guaranteed. Although we do our best to keep each traveler in the seat assigned at the time of reservation, there are times that it is necessary to move seat locations. Please be sure to verify your final seat number(s) with your driver at the time of boarding. Historically, daily seat rotation was practiced on most multi-day tours. We have suspended this practice for a period of time. Seat rotation will be explained by your driver or tour escort if reinstated.

CB=Continental Breakfast, B=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner