HOLIDAY THEMES

[HostDave]

The holidays are always a special time of year. Though we often spend them at home with family and friends, it’s nice to treat ourselves now and then to a special trip to celebrate. Given the strong demand for the American Queen Steamboat Company’s holiday-themed voyages, a lot of people are looking to spend that special time of year on the Mississippi River soaking in the best Southern traditions of food, entertainment and hospitality. Which cruise will you choose?

Thanksgiving

Turkey with all the trimmings is just part of what makes Thanksgiving special aboard the American Queen. Famed Southern chef Regina Charboneau presents a cornucopia of traditional treats while you enjoy a fabulous feast and then settle into a rocking chair on the Front Porch of America for an after-dinner nap. Surrounded by Victorian décor and new friends with the river rolling by, you’ll have a deep appreciation for all your many blessings. Join us on this 9-day journey November 22-30, 2013 sailing roundtrip from New Orleans to some of our favorite Southern destinations. Sailing the Lower Mississippi River, the American Queen will take you to Louisiana favorites like Houmas House, Oak Alley and Baton Rouge. In Mississippi, enjoy the historic towns of Vicksburg and Natchez. Entertainment includes the New Orleans All Stars, Lewis Hankins’ one-man Mark Twain show, and The Quebe Sisters Band.

Elvis Tribute & Old Fashioned Holidays

Only in the South do Elvis and the holidays go together like biscuits and gravy. On this one-of-a-kind cruise, enjoy the holidays and our Elvis tribute, featuring guest speakers from Elvis' past and some of the best tribute artists around. Savor Cajun and Creole traditions such as a Reveillion Christmas Dinner with all of its delectable culinary treats and a stunning array of desserts. Get in the holiday spirit with entertainment such as Terry Mike Jeffrey, an Elvis tribute performer; Bill Cherry, an Elvis impersonator; and the Imperials and Stamps, gospel back-up singers for Elvis. You’ll also have the chance to meet Elvis’ bodyguard, Sam Thompson; his musical director, Joe Guercia; and Chris Noel who co-starred with the King of Rock and Roll in The Trouble with Girls. This 9-day voyage from Memphis to New Orleans sails November 29-December 7, 2013.

Old Fashioned Holidays

Step aboard the American Queen, her halls decked out in Victorian holiday finery. Sip a glass of eggnog with a Southern twist, join in carols and watch the riverbanks for the Cajun bonfires lit to guide Papa Noel on his way. Amid the glitter and elegance of a riverboat holiday is the camaraderie of new friends, the joy of family and the satisfaction of knowing this journey is unlike any other.

Our New Orleans to Memphis 9-day journey December 20-28, 2013 features some fantastic entertainment by Laura Sable, Riverboat Gambler Bill Wiemuth and the Las Vegas Rat Pack Show. Or join us earlier in the month for a 9-day voyage December 6-14, 2013 from Memphis to New Orleans with Laura Sable, Bill Wiemuth and the joyous sounds of the Juggernaut Jug Band.

New Year’s Eve

Start the New Year just like Mark Twain might have 150 years ago with this special voyage on the American Queen. Imagine celebrating the arrival of Baby New Year in the Grand Saloon, surrounded by Victorian details, confetti, champagne and newfound friends. Ring in 2014 the old-fashioned way and be one of the select few who can claim to have celebrated New Year’s Eve aboard the world’s largest, grandest and most majestic riverboat. Embark in our homeport of Memphis for your 9-day journey to New Orleans sailing December 27, 2014-January 4, 2014. Enjoy historic ports of call along the way, including Vicksburg and Baton Rouge, and then finish your voyage in the city famous for its good food and good times: New Orleans. Let your New Year’s Resolution be to join our new American Empress as she begins to travel the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest beginning in April 2014.