New Orleans & Southern Charms

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in New Orleans,

  Arrive in New Orleans today and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Riverwalk or browse the antique shops of the French Quarter and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Your Viking Host is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

• Day 2: New Orleans, Louisiana

  After breakfast, join a walking tour of the French Quarter. You will see the iconic Creole town houses with their wrought iron balconies; Royal Street, lined with antique shops and art galleries; and Jackson Square. After free time for lunch on your own, board a motor coach for a panoramic drive to Lake Pontchartrain. Explore its picturesque wetlands during a boardwalk stroll, then visit the New Orleans Lakefront Living Museum to learn about the region’s aviation legacy.

• Day 3: New Orleans, Louisiana

  Following breakfast, honor the sacrifices and spirit of America’s “Greatest Generation” at the National WWII Museum. Tour a replica of the Higgins Boats, watch the award-winning film Beyond All Boundaries produced by Tom Hanks and take part in the interactive Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience. Afterward, you will embark your ship.

• Day 4: Darrow, Louisiana, United States

  Darrow, Louisiana, offers a captivating glimpse into the Deep South's rich plantation history and Southern charm. Nestled along the Great River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, this small riverside community is home to some of the most iconic and well-preserved antebellum estates in the country. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss and sweeping grounds set the scene for grand plantation homes that tell stories of Louisiana’s storied past. Must-see sights include: Houmas House and Gardens—often called the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road”—along with nearby attractions like Bocage Plantation, St. Joseph Plantation, and Oak Alley Plantation. American Queen Voyages™ visits to Darrow include immersive experiences such as guided tours of the Houmas House Estate, as well as optional excursions exploring neighboring plantations and regional cuisine.

• Day 5: St. Francisville, Louisiana, United States

  St Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes of Louisiana and harks back to a bygone era with its plethora of charming antebellum-period homes and striking architecture. With over 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling Main Street shops; this quaint town situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi River has a style all its own. Must-see sights include: The Rosedown Plantation, Grace Church of West Feliciana Parish, Audubon State Historic Site, Greenwood Plantation, The Myrtles Plantation, and West Feliciana Historical Society Museum. American Queen VoyagesTM include a St Francisville Hop-On Hop Tour plus optional excursions such as Plantations of the Back Roads and Redemption and Rehabilitation of Angola Prison.

• Day 6: Natchez, Mississippi, United States

  Step ashore in the magical port of Natchez and it seems as if history fell asleep and awoke unchanged by modern times. This charming river town was founded in 1716 - making it the oldest city on the Mississippi River - and is famous for its elegance, hospitality, and impressive preservation of history. Enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and antebellum houses such as Rosalie Mansion, Longwood, Melrose Mansion, and Stanton Hall; all of which inspired Hugh Bayless to include Natchez in his book 'The 100 Best Towns in America'. Step back in time at Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Natchez Museum - African American or taste local wines at Old South Winery. American Queen VoyagesTM include a Natchez Hop-On Hop Tour and optional excursions such as Inside Regina's Kitchen with Celebrity Chef Regina Charboneau, The Story of Cotton in the American South, Home Hosted Visit with Ginger and James, and more.

• Day 7: Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States

  Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions. As a major battle site during the Civil War, this Southern town boasts a unique history. During your time ashore; learn about the historic conflicts of the city, taste its cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir. The Siege of Vicksburg is commemorated at the vast Vicksburg National Military Park; which is also home to the restored USS Cairo gunboat and Vicksburg Cemetery. Perhaps go to see the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals, McRaven House, the Civil War artefacts at Old Court House Museum, and Mississippi River Museum's aquarium and interactive exhibits. Excursion options here with American Queen VoyagesTM include A Round of Golf at the Vicksburg Country Club and On the Front Lines of the Civil War.

• Day 8: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

  Baton Rouge is an energetic port where history-facing museums and landmarks contrast with forward-looking art and industry to offer a unique visitor experience. Choose to hop on one of the deluxe motor coaches and explore the diversity this city has to offer, or alternatively, take a walk down the river path alongside the boat. Don't miss the Old Louisiana State Capitol, Magnolia Mound Plantation, Old Governor's Mansion, LSU Rural Life Museum, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and the USS KIDD Veterans Museum. Get up close to local nature and wildlife at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo and Bluebonnet Swamp Nature or escape to the idyllic surrounds of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. American Queen VoyagesTM also offers optional excursions including the Ultimate Cajun Adventure.

• Day 9: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

  New Orleans — known as the 'Crescent City' and the 'Big Easy' — sits on the Mississippi River and is home to world-class restaurants, lush green landscapes and a vibrant music and night-time scene. Wander the streets of the French Quarter and visit restaurants serving traditional Creole fare and listen to street musicians playing lively Jazz. Take a steamboat cruise along the river, visit historic Jackson Square or experience the carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras World.

• Day 10: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

  Disembark ship and fly back to the UK