Mississippi River Cruise
March 6-13, 2026
Starting at $4,500
American Cruise Lines proudly features its modern ship American Melody on this sailing from New Orleans, Louisiana to five southern Mississippi historic ports. Included are roundtrip flights from Palm Springs, port fees, gratuities, one night at the InterContinental New Orleans Hotel, and guided shore excursions in every port that bring out the distinct flavor and unique culture of the destinations. All meals served to order, no buffets. Enjoy complimentary beer and wine at all meals. What else? Nightly cocktail hours with hors d’oeuvres. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available in lounges 24 hours a day. The Melody’s one open-seating restaurant allows guests to eat when and with whom they please. Finally, all of A.C.T.’s staterooms feature 316 sq. ft Deluxe Balconies!
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Palm Springs/New Orleans
From Palm Springs Airport (PSP), flyto New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-
clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. This vivacious
city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience. Settle into your 1st class hotel and enjoy a feast for your senses as you explore this
magical city. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the
renowned National World War II Museum. INTERCONTINENTAL NEW ORLEANS
Cruising the Mississippi River
Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the
view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born of the river.
Houmas House/Oak Alley, LA
Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most
distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-
century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking.
Baton Rouge, LA
Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s
long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long.
Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of
granite and marble. Explore many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods, while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature along the route. If you
feel adventurous, take a narrated boat ride through a Louisiana swamp.
Natchez, MS
In Natchez, grand homes sparkle like jewels, adorning the bluffs that tower above the river. Since 1716, when the French first
built a fort here among the Natchez Indians, the town has grown to boast elaborate mansions built by planters in the 1800s to flaunt their wealth. With no Civil
War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a
charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality. Explore on your own or enjoy an array of curated, guided explorations. Tour
the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon.
Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park.
Natchez/Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg is a place of drama. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major
turning point. The well-fortified connection between river and rail transportation was known as “The Gibraltar of the West.” A narrated exploration of the
well-preserved National Military Park battlefield enlivens this powerful story and highlights its significance. President Abraham Lincoln summarized
Vicksburg’s importance clearly when he said, “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket… They can defy
us from Vicksburg… As valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so.” Several other interesting excursion options are available.
St. Francisville, LA
As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port
of St. Francisville. Overlooking the river from atop a high, St. Francisville began as a part of Spanish West Florida in the early 1800s until American settlers
overthrew the Spanish governing forces, and the region later became part of the United States. As you explore, discover and revel in the Historic District.
New Orleans, LA
Disembark your ship with cherished memories and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Palm Springs.
