When you book one of American Queen Voyages Holidays on the River cruises, you can embrace the winter chill and enjoy a laidback holiday vacation on North America’s rivers. With holiday cheer, charming river towns, and festive decorations, the river is the perfect place to spend the holiday season.
Our holiday cruises offer a variety of options to suit your vacation preferences. Whether celebrating with family and friends or enjoying time alone, you will find the perfect itinerary for a holiday escape. The small historic towns along the Mississippi River will do the trick. No matter your destination, you and your loved ones will enjoy a selection of festive menus, shore excursions, and a traditional Réveillon dinner cooked by Chef Regina Charboneau.
Here are four Holidays on the River cruises you can book with American Queen Voyages.
Roundtrip New Orleans
Plenty of cultural and rich history awaits you on this cruise itinerary. Explore the historic streets in the French Quarter or Garden District and eat the most fantastic Cajun dishes.
Then you will board the American Queen and travel north along the Lower Mississippi River.
You will make several stops in Mississippi, including Natchez, a historic southern town known for its hospitality and preservation of historic homes. Most homes that survived the American Civil War are still in use today. Their histories flow in abundance along the Mississippi River.
Here are the port stops that include excursions on the mainland:
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- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nottoway, Louisiana
- Pointe Coupee, (New Roads) Louisiana
- Natchez, Mississippi
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
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Memphis to New Orleans
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States. The southern portion is filled with dramatic history and rich cuisine that will delight your tastebuds. You will enjoy the charming bayous, and small towns lit up at night with beautiful string lights.
Here are the port stops that include excursions on the mainland:
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- Memphis, Tennessee
- Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Mississippi
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Natchez, Mississippi
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- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Nottoway, Louisiana
- New Orleans, Louisiana
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New Orleans to Memphis
Alternatively, you can book the New Orleans to Memphis cruise, you get an introduction to the American South and its unique sights. There is always something new waiting around each bend on the beautiful Mississippi river, so enjoy every moment!
Here are the port stops that include excursions on the mainland:
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- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nottoway, Louisiana
- St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Natchez, Mississippi
- Vicksburg, Mississippi
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- Greenville, Mississippi
- Memphis, Tennessee
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Our Christmas Cruise Amenities
Our cruises include a pre-cruise hotel stay the night before you board the cruise line. The evening is yours to explore on your own! Our hospitality desk is conveniently located in the hotel and can assist with anything you may need related to your upcoming voyage.
The vessels also include a one night pre-cruise hotel stay, transportation between vessel and hotel, unlimited beverages and open bars in lounges, regionally inspired cuisine, unlimited Wi-Fi, and live daily onboard entertainment, and live music.
Packing List for Christmas Cruises
Carry-on bag
Whether you bring checked luggage, you’ll need a carry-on bag to access your necessities quickly. Your bag should have your ID, wallet, cell phone, medications, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and anything else valuable to you.
Dinner attire
For most cruise lines, dinner attire generally means cocktail dresses, dress slacks, dress shirts, and jumpsuits. Many people also wear sports jackets and suits. At American Queen Voyages, we recommend coming country-club casual to dinner.
Mix-and-match clothing
It’s a good idea to pack light so if you can limit your suitcase to three or four tops and two or three bottoms, you’ll have more room in your suite and won’t have to worry about packing up so much stuff at the end of your trip. Pack light clothing and bring a light jacket and some accessories like scarves and hats if you need to keep warm. We recommend that you bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, lightweight rainwear, an umbrella, and a jacket or sweater to wear in the evenings.
Comfortable shoes
You can expect to do a lot of walking during the shore excursions, so pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking
Over-the-door organizers
Over-the-door organizers with pockets on the outside are ideal for holding hygiene products, makeup, and jewelry because they save counter and drawer space. These organizers make it easy to find what you’re looking for! You can also pack a shoe organizer in the closet or bathroom door.
Bottom Line
Cruising on a paddle-wheeler is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The sound of the paddlewheel is mesmerizing and exciting, and it’s a unique way to see North America.
American Queen Voyages provides an authentic way to experience the banks of America by sailing on their luxurious vessels. This is one of the most memorable experiences you will have on vacation, thanks to American Queen Voyages’ expert navigation and attention to detail.
American Queen Voyages provides various accommodations options that fit all singles, couples, and families. Whether you want to stretch out in spacious suites or staterooms, our cruise lines have something for you. Our luxury accommodations and free Wi-Fi make traveling aboard our ships an enjoyable experience, regardless of your destination.
New Orleans