Holiday Cruises Add New Christmas Markets

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The American Queen Steamboat Company has announced its lineup of holiday sailings onboard the American Queen for 2015, including new Christmas Markets and entertainment options. Here's the latest.

The American Queen will sail nine-day cruises between Memphis and New Orleans beginning this Thanksgiving.

New this year are Christmas markets along the river in ports, offering music as well as seasonal and locally produced crafts and goods. All old-fashioned holiday themed sailings include special entertainment such as strolling carolers in St. Francisville, LA, departure serenades from the levees of Vicksburg and Natchez, MS, and the favorite Steamboat Syncopators singing holiday favorites throughout the journey, as well as Christmas markets in Greenville, MS, and Nottoway Plantation.

Holiday sailings on the American Queen include:

Memphis to New Orleans, November 21 – 29, December 5 – 13 and December 19 – 27, 2015

Guests will explore cotton fields, sugar cane plantations and pillared mansions. A highlight of the late-November voyage includes a Thanksgiving feast and celebration onboard the boat.

New Orleans to Memphis, November 28 – December 6 and December 12 – 20, 2015

The bayous and woodlands along the shore offer dramatic landscapes for this trip, and as an exclusive event for this sailing travelers will enjoy a Christmas Ball at the historic Nottoway plantation in Nottoway, LA. The “White Castle of Louisiana” will be adorned with complete Christmas décor and lighting throughout the grounds, public spaces, and mansion for this festive evening. Guests may enjoy costumed carolers and dancers as they stroll the gardens and front lawn before entering the mansion for a private dinner featuring a combination of Cajun cuisine.

Roundtrip New Orleans, December 26, 2015 – January 3, 2016

Travelers can ring in the New Year on the Lower Mississippi while discovering famous plantations like Oak Alley, located in the Saint James Parish.

Fares on the American Queen begin at $2,699 based on double occupancy. All journeys include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and other amenities.

Visit www.AQSC.com