A Customer Loyalty Extravaganza!

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If you have not already booked our special returning guest voyage on the American Queen departing December 13, 2013 then don’t miss out. See the itinerary Old-Fashioned Holiday Dec 13, 2013. And as a special Holiday offer to our loyal returning guests, choose the promotion right for you:

-- Save up to $1,850 per stateroom* (15% discount off any cabin category), OR
-- Book 2 staterooms, Get the 3rd stateroom FREE**

In addition to your cruise aboard the American Queen, accept our invitation to the 3-day / 2-night Crescent City Old-Fashioned Holidays experience at our special returning guest price.

-- The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans pre-cruise returning guest program for just $250 per person (an $800 value per person). Available only with purchase of the December 13-21, 2013 voyage.

Day One, December 12, 2013

Luxuriate in The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans at Canal and Dauphine Streets in the French Quarter, and our exclusive concierge hosts await your arrival on December 12th. Enjoy a spa experience, stroll the Quarter, take the streetcar through the Garden District, or just relax in the luxury and ambience of the premier hotel in New Orleans.

We have planned a memorable welcome evening just for you. Join us in the Fountainbleau Room for a full evening of New Orleans heavy hors ‘d oeuvres, libations, and a private performance of the famous “Riverman” show by the original author and musician, Tom Hook and his Jazz Band. Hailed by historians, music lovers and fans of Americana, RIVERMAN! is a musical excursion through the life of "Buck" Mitchell, steamboat pilot. A multi-media presentation of sight, story, and song, it transports young and old to an era of Pioneers and Patriots, with tales as timeless as "Old Man River" himself. Through a series of original songs, carefully researched stories and photographs, Tom Hook brings to light some of the most powerful and poignant events of the last century. A collection of tales both factual and fascinating, RIVERMAN! will leave you with your hands clapping and toes tapping, asking yourself, "Why didn't I learn about that in school?"

Linger through the evening as Tom and his band play Dixieland and dance sets for our enjoyment.


Day Two, December 13, 2013

“Best Brunch in New Orleans” – Southern Living Magazine. Sleep in a little, then we’ll begin our day where visitors and locals all love go dine – the sumptuous and world famous Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters on Royal Street in The Quarter, followed by a most enjoyable tour of New Orleans that spins the yarns and relates the true stories of this “City that Care Forgot,” by taking us through the Garden District and its stately Victorian architecture, ancient Live Oaks, cast iron fences and calmingly quiet streets.

This afternoon we are free to relax at The Ritz or explore on our own – remember, we already found Royal Street at brunch this morning – blocks and blocks of galleries and amazing antiques and only steps away! Our returning guest hosts will be on hand to assist you in planning your activities and to offer their local insight.

Rested up for our evening? We’ve made it “The Big Easy” evening with our returning guest private dinner, cocktails and genuine local entertainment, all in one place – at Muriel’s on Jackson Square in the heart of the Quarter. Right next to St. Louis Cathedral where we will have a dining experience unlike any other, celebrating the fine Creole cuisine, historical ambience, and culture of New Orleans. For our private dinner and evening entertainment, none other than former Mississippi Queen trombone player, Rick Trolsen and the “New Orleans Po’ Boys”. These recording artists (“New Orleans Lullaby” and “Sunrise on Bourbon Street”) have played with everyone from Al Hirt, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, to Doc Severinsen and Natalie Cole. We’re in for a memorable evening tonight.


Day Three, December 14, 2013

This morning, after an exquisitely served breakfast at The Ritz, we are off to a special tour of the World War II Museum and our “Meet the Author” presentation by the creators of Loyal Forces: The American Animals of World War II, written and compiled by Museum curators Toni M. Kiser and Lindsey F. Barnes. At a time when every American was called upon to contribute to the war effort – whether by enlisting, buying bonds or collecting scrap metal – the use of American animals demonstrates the resourcefulness of the military and the many sacrifices that led to victory. Loyal Forces captures the heroism, hard work and skills of the animals as they fought to protect, transport, communicate and sustain morale. A private Q & A session and a book signing will follow for our Members .

Now we’re off to Mardi Gras World for a private lunch, tour of the history of Mardi Gras, and meeting the artists creating next year’s parade floats, narrated for us by members of the famous Kern family, whose artists have created the themes and floats for Mardi Gras Krewes for most of the last century. We will even be trained, coached and participate in our own “Second Line” parade, becoming true locals in the process!

While we have been enjoying our day on the town, our luggage has been moved from The Ritz to our American Queen staterooms and the Captain is awaiting our early pre-boarding arrival to welcome us to his returning guest champagne reception, and to discuss our upcoming cruise events and Old-Fashioned Holidays plans.

We hope you will join us and we can’t wait to share all of our special returning guest events and special arrangements with you. To Book, please ask your travel agent or our Reservations staff for The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans 2-night / 3-day pre-cruise event when booking your December 13-21, 2013 Old-Fashioned Holidays cruise.

Don’t Forget…

If you have not already booked our special returning guest voyage on the American Queen departing December 14, 2013 then don’t miss out. See the itinerary Old Fashion Holiday Dec 13, 2013. And as a special Holiday offer to our returning guests, choose the promotion right for you:

-- Save up to $1,850 per stateroom (15% discount off any cabin category), OR
-- Book 2 staterooms, Get the 3rd stateroom FREE


*Offer expires October 31, 2013 and is valid on new bookings only. Not valid on groups and may not be combinable with other offers. Savings of 15% is valid on these 2013 voyage dates: 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27. Offer applies only to the price of the cruise; not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare.

**Offer expires October 31, 2013 and is valid on new bookings only. Not valid on groups and may not be combinable with other offers. Complimentary stateroom category will be equal to the lowest stateroom category booked for each reservation and will be assigned upon final payment. Only cabin categories of B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I are available for this offer and only on these 2013 voyage dates: 11/22, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27. Offer does not apply to the 11/29 voyage. Offer applies only to the price of the cruise; not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare.

Port Charges of $69 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare. Promotional fares and amenities are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and category of accommodations and may be withdrawn without notice. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include air or land transportation. Additional terms and conditions may apply. The American Queen is owned and operated by the American Queen Steamboat Company; is regularly inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard; is U.S.-flagged; and employs American officers, crew and staff .