Southern Culture

[HostDave]

By Timothy Rubacky, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development

Now that the American Queen has finally returned to American river cruising, one of the most rewarding things we’ve seen is the reaction of communities all along the river. We have been greeted with enthusiasm, kindness, warmth and genuine joy in every city and town we have called upon. One of the beautiful things about America is that there is such diversity in geography, people and culture throughout this great land. I can confidently say that Southern culture is unique and that the greetings we’ve received have reflected that culture. In the South, the culture is one of sharing meals, making friends and genuine honesty and integrity.

We celebrate that spirit on each of our voyages but on a few select cruises, Southern culture is the theme of the entire journey. A roundtrip cruise from New Orleans June 8, which includes a 7-night voyage and a 1-night in a luxury hotel, and a second roundtrip New Orleans cruise on June 15 consisting of a 5-night voyage and 1-night luxury hotel stay, are fully dedicated to the culture of the South. A third cruise, sailing July 4 from St. Louis to Louisville for 6 nights plus a 1-night luxury hotel stay, takes place in the midst of Independence Day celebrations, including a fireworks display over the monumental St. Louis Arch.

The June 8 and June 15 cruises immerse you in the literature, music and culture of the South, as well as its traditions, history and cooking. You can journey deep into the worlds of William Faulkner, Mark Twain, Flannery O’Connor, Tennessee Williams and Harper Lee. Special entertainment both onboard and ashore brings you the best of Delta blues and jazz.

Why am I mentioning these specific cruises in today’s blog? Simply because we have a special sale right now that makes them more of a value than ever before and, after all, the word “sales” is part of my title! If you reserve your stateroom this Wednesday, April 25, 1012 through Saturday, April 28, 2012 you will receive up to $150 onboard credit per stateroom. You can apply that credit toward purchases in the onboard AQ Emporium, Premium Choice Tours or Spa Packages. For example, that onboard credit can be used to get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, experience the full range of Cajun culture from dancing to cuisine, or enjoy champagne cocktails at Twin Oaks, the home of the American Queen’s Chef de Cuisine, Regina Charboneau.

Speaking of Chef Regina Charboneau, one of our tours is hosted by the chef herself. Thought not part of the sale mentioned above, the May 29 cruise, a 6-night voyage plus 1-night luxury hotel stay that departs New Orleans, calls at Natchez, Chef Regina’s hometown. She owns a remarkable 1830s, home, Twin Oaks, and you can meet her personally on a tour in which she provides tips on entertaining, offers cooking tutorials and lets you sample her scrumptious seasonal favorites. She’ll share her secrets on working with sustainable fish and seafood, farm-raised quail, free-range chicken, artisan cheeses, wild pecans, rice, honey and stone-ground grits.

Also on that voyage for an extra dose of Southern Culture will be the Chef de Cuisine of legendary Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse in New Orleans who will offer signature dishes and delightful surprises.

Southern culture is part of the charm of the American Queen and I invite you to join us on these voyages for a reminder of the way life should be, each and every day.