Brand new riverboat, American Song, arrived to a warm Southern welcome in Memphis on Friday, October 12th after a week’s long inaugural cruise up the Mississippi from New Orleans, stopping at Oak Alley, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Guests were buzzing with excitement as they came ashore at the Beale Street Landing, having enjoyed a marvelous time along the Nation’s most historic river—aboard the very first modern riverboat in U.S. history. (The following day, American Song departed on its 2nd 8-day Lower Mississippi cruise from Memphis back to New Orleans, and as of today, Monday, October 22, the 3rd sailing is in Baton Rouge).
American Song’s inaugural guests were treated to all-inclusive fine dining and complimentary cocktails every sunset. The cruise was highlighted with onboard entertainment and expert lectures, as well as guided shore excursions at every port. Ensconced in the largest most comfortable cabins in the industry, guests enjoyed the gorgeous river views through American Song’s floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to private furnished balconies. The beautiful new riverboat offered scenic views throughout and particularly spectacular views from the ship’s largest observation lounge 40 feet above the water—American Song was designed with 3 times more glass than any other riverboat. American’s inaugural guests were also the very first passengers to use American Song’s unique retractable gangway and opening bow.
Upon arriving in Memphis, many guests headed straight for Graceland on American’s Deluxe Signature Tour, which included a brief tour of historic downtown Memphis and the riverfront area. Other guests chose a Memphis City Experience, including a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum; a complex of buildings incorporating a section of the famed Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Shore excursions were guided at every port, and all throughout the cruise, guests were treated to unique local experiences such as a special private concert at the J.N. Stone House in Natchez, a guided visit to the iconic Oak Alley Plantation, and a tour of the USS Kidd, the infamous “Pirate of the Pacific.” Guests were even invited to participate in a live Gospel performance at the Frogmore Plantation.
The cruise was further highlighted on board with expert presentations on American History featuring many of the specific locations along the itinerary. The cruise visited Vicksburg, a historic Civil War town also known as “The Key to The South,” where some guests spent the day exploring the Vicksburg National Military Park. During the Baton Rouge stop, guests were treated to an authentic Bayou experience during an Atchafalaya Basin Tour which included a special luncheon at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf. All throughout the cruise, guests could choose from an array of shore experiences while also enjoying pleasant walks and free time in the charming historic towns which adorn the Lower Mississippi.
American Cruise Lines is proud to introduce the 1st modern riverboat to U.S. River cruising and delighted to add American Song to its fleet of authentic paddlewheelers. American looks forward to 2019 with continued excitement, when the 2nd modern riverboat, American Harmony, begins sailing the Line’s superb Mississippi River itineraries and American Song heads West to the Columbia and Snake.
American offers 8-Day Mississippi River cruises throughout 2018, including special Holiday-Themed cruises Thanksgiving through New Year’s. The wonderful activities and shore excursions mentioned in this Press Release will continue to be offered along the Line’s 2018 and 2019 Lower Mississippi River itinerary. Complimentary pre-cruise packages are available on cruises originating from New Orleans or Memphis.
