For several years after Hurricane Katrina, cruises were discontinued on the ‘Big Muddy’, partly due to shoreside facilities damage, partly due to a dropoff in demand. As well, the last of the grand old river ships- the Delta, American, and Mississippi Queens, have been out of service due to insurance issues with wooden ships.
So, when not one, but two companies announced they were commissioning new riverboats, many past cruisers got very excited, and new cruisers ought to, as well.
After all, what could be more quintessential America than a leisurely cruise down the biggest river in the country, eating southern fried chicken and crawdads, listening to a calliope on the aft deck, and big band music at night? This to a backdrop of the American heartlands, from the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers to New Orleans, with lots of cultural immersion, American style!
The Great American Steamboat Company’s 2012 inaugral season aboard the American Queen, features themed voyages ranging from ‘Music of the 50’s’ to ‘Epic Civil War’ and ‘Southern Culture’. You will enjoy blues music, Cajun cuisine, notable speakers and great shore excursions, and much more. The ship is absolutely deluxe, with inclusions usually found only at a ‘fly and flop’ beach resort. But the similarities end there. This is a vacation for the history minded, curious traveler, who appreciates great service, food and comfort. Prices start from $2295 for a week long cruise, plus an added one night hotel stay.
Not to be outdone, American Cruise Lines is launching the brand new Queen of the Mississippi this year, featuring the largest cabins on the river, of which 85% will have balconies. With perhaps not quite the traditional focus of its competitor, there will still be a strong regional emphasis, with onboard experts, shore excursions to the likes of an Audubon State Historic site, to the first Coca-Cola bottling plant, to antebellum homes in Natchez, MS. There will be complimentary wine at lunch and dinner plus pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A nice touch. Their earlybird pricing starts at $3495, with port fees and taxes waived. ACL also operates on the Eastern Seaboard, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers, so the company has a broad presence in the market, with resources to back up their offerings. They are also rolling out a boutique luxury ocean cruise product- Pearl Seas Cruises.
It’s nice to know that high quality river cruising has returned to the Mississippi. Do give CruisePlus a call to find out more about these and other ‘close to home’ calm water options.
Peter Frinton- Niche Cruise Specialist
CruisePlus Management Services
Direct line: (800) 550-3622
Website: http://www.unique-cruise.com
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