A Holidays on the River cruise with American Queen Voyages™ encapsulates the holiday spirit. Everything from gingerbread cookies and steaming hot chocolate to twinkling lights and snow flurries can be found on the charming American Queen®. To add to the magic, sailing holiday cruises during this time of year presents nothing short of a winter wonderland. As you venture down the Lower Mississippi River, you will visit spectacular ports of call, including Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Vicksburg, Natchez, Greenville, Tunica, Mississippi; St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, Nottoway, Louisiana. Each day presents new holiday activities that are sure to spread holiday cheer.
- Dine on a Traditional Réveillon Dinner
Culinary Ambassador Chef Regina Charboneau, known for her delicious buttermilk biscuits, has even more up her sleeve. On select Holidays on the River cruises, Chef Regina will bring old traditions onboard in the form of a traditional Creole réveillon dinner. The dinner typically includes egg dishes, sweetbreads, daube glacé, almond tart, delicious wines, and much more. To get a sneak peek of the mouthwatering cuisine to come, try her almond tart from the comfort of your home.
- Stay Warm with a Bonfire on the Levee
Embrace the winter chill with a bonfire on the levee. On select voyages, cuddle up to the steamy fire for an authentic holiday experience. Enjoy the extra time in port by exploring the town at night or watching the currents of the river pass you by. In the background, the boat will sit waiting to welcome you back aboard with delicious holiday beverages.
- Join in on Holiday Sing-Alongs
Get ready to sing your heart out with holiday sing-alongs. Sing holiday classics, such as “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Whether you are a natural-born performer or secretly sing in the shower, the holiday sing-along is a fun activity to get everyone in the holiday spirit. As you sing with your fellow travelers, you will make memories that last a lifetime.
- Attend a Holiday Gala
Get ready to put on your dancing shoes! On select holiday cruises, there will be a holiday gala full of fun surprises. Get in the holiday spirit as you dance the night away with other discerning travelers. Listen to your favorite holiday songs as you bask in the glow of the string lights.
- Craft Holiday Ornaments
Exercise your creativity with ornament making. Get inspired by the holiday decor in each quaint river town and bring your vision to life. Keep it traditional or add a modern twist; the options are endless. As you create, get to know the fellow travelers that are joining you on a Lower Mississippi River adventure of a lifetime.
- Decorate Gingerbread Cookies
Indulge in holiday sweets and decorate gingerbread cookies. Play with different frosting colors, an array of candies, and other edible edifices before tasting your creation. Match your gingerbread cookies to your gingerbread house or vice versa. Let your creativity shine through!
- Build a Gingerbread House
Combine old traditions with new ones by building a gingerbread house on our riverboat. Grab your frosting, candy, and sprinkles, and get ready to become an architect for the day. Match your gingerbread house to your gingerbread man or switch it up. While you craft the perfect gingerbread house, stay warm with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
- Enjoy Holiday Entertainment
Hear your favorite holiday classics during the dedicated holiday show. Enjoy the Broadway-inspired entertainment taken up a notch with extravagant costumes, iconic songs, and festive sets. Grab a drink, get comfortable, and prepare for an evening of holiday fun. Sing and clap along to the seasonal classics as our live performers play their hearts out.
- Sit in on a Holiday Movie Marathon
Keep old traditions alive with a holiday movie marathon. Elevate your holiday experience aboard one of our elegant vessels while feeling like you are back in the comfort of your home. Sit in on the whole movie marathon full of holiday film classics, or pop in and out as you please. On our Holidays on the River voyages, you get to spend the holidays your way. And with an array of festivities, the fun never ends.
- Participate in Door Decorating
Last but certainly not least, participate in holiday door decorating. Show off your creativity with the help of ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, and tissue paper, among other materials. Get in on the fun, then stroll around the riverboat to see what festive doors your neighbors came up with. The experience of walking around the community to see holiday lights is replicated onboard with holiday doors.
Book One of Our Holiday Cruises Today!
Get ready to spread holiday cheer on one of our holiday cruises of a lifetime. Embrace the holiday season with an abundance of activities, iconic ports of call, and delicious holiday culinary staples. As you sail from New Orleans to Memphis, visit river towns along the way that are reminiscent of a snow globe. Embark on compelling excursions that take you through each winter wonderland.
Whether you are a seasoned holiday traveler or looking to shake things up this year, we got you covered with all your favorite holiday traditions. Contact our Concierge Services or your trusted travel advisor to start planning your holiday adventure on the river!
New Orleans