Put on your most extravagant hat and get ready for the 2023 Kentucky Derby with American Queen Voyages. The Kentucky Derby began in 1875 by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the grandson of William Clark from the Lewis and Clark expedition. He named track Churchill Downs after his uncles John and Henry Churchill in honor of making their land the very place of the racetrack.
Today, the Kentucky Derby is the most well-known horse race in North America, becoming a cultural event. Thousands of people eagerly flock to the event each year to watch horseracing, drink the event’s signature mint juleps, and watch the Run of the Roses®. Whether it’s your first Kentucky Derby or your fifth, it never hurts to have a refresher on how to best prepare. And at American Queen Voyages, we have all the information you need.
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- Attend Our Derby Talk – Once onboard the luxurious American Countess®, you can expect our crew to fill you in on everything you need to know with our Derby Talk. Head to the Theatre (Deck 1, Main Deck) for a run-down of your Kentucky Derby adventure. Everything from the schedule to transportation will be discussed so that you can go into racing day with peace of mind. At the end of the Derby Talk, you’ll get your tickets along with some other goodies.
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- Get Dressed in Your Best Duds – The Kentucky Derby is the perfect time to pull out that extravagant headpiece and your favorite dress or suit. The event is one where dressing to the nines is commonplace, making it a fun opportunity to get dolled up. Pack your dashing dresses, genteel suits, polished loafers, show-stopping hats, and accessories, and get ready for the weekend of a lifetime in style. Keep in mind that the weather could vary. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a poncho, and other items that will help you feel comfortable in hot or rainy weather.
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- Come Hungry – Bring your appetite with you when you step onboard American Countess. Not only are the dining options onboard delicious, but we have a special dinner in store for guests. Our Culinary Ambassador, Regina Charboneau, will be cooking a dinner that is sure to make your mouth water. Get a sneak peek of some of Regina’s most-known recipes with our In the Kitchen with Regina blog series
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- Come Thirsty – What’s the Kentucky Derby without mint juleps? The famous cocktail consists of bourbon, sugar, water, simple syrup, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint. It’s equally as refreshing as it is delicious, making it the perfect addition to the derby festivities. Enjoy this signature drink at the event or on the boat.
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- Get Excited About the Great Steamboat Race – The Great Steamboat Race is an annual steamboat race that typically takes place the Wednesday before the first Saturday of May. The race began in 1963 and takes place on the Ohio River. Past steamboat competitors included Belle of Cincinnati and the one and only Delta Queen. However, when the Delta Queen came out of the race in 2009, a new competitor replaced it come 2012. You might have heard of the steamboat… the American Queen®.
Book Your Kentucky Derby Voyage Today!
If the Kentucky Derby has been on your list of must-do events, then the American Countess May 1 to May 9, 2023 voyage is perfect for you. Set sail from Louisville, Kentucky, to Cincinnati, Ohio, for the cruise of a lifetime. Attend one of the biggest horse racing events of the year and get to see other parts of North America, all on the same sailing. Per guest fares for the Kentucky Derby Cruise sailing from $2,999 and escorted VIP Kentucky Derby Ticket Packages are $1,999. Check out the itinerary now and join us in counting down the days until the 2023 Kentucky Derby!
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