About the Journey 

Join an illustrious line-up of renowned scholars and cruise down the mighty Mississippi River aboard the 185-berth American Splendor. On this journey from Memphis to New Orleans, dive deep into U.S. history, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, enjoying a robust educational program that includes a keynote lecture from Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. 

Begin the journey in Memphis, Tennessee, birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and home to the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis’s Graceland. As you cruise downriver, the American Splendor brings you to prominent Civil War sites, including Vicksburg, key to the Union’s victory and home to the best-preserved battlefield in the U.S., and the pre-Civil War mansions of Natchez. 

Visit the historic sugar plantations of St. Francisville and Vacherie, Louisiana, including Oak Alley and Creole Laura Plantation, and even venture out on a swamp tour for an up-close look at the flora and fauna of the Louisiana Bayou. Conclude the adventure in New Orleans’s architecturally distinct French Quarter, with time to explore all this city has to offer. 

This unique journey along one of North America’s great waterways is expected to sell out, so we encourage you to reserve your space today! 

Accommodation 

The Guest House at Graceland Memphis, Tennessee 
Opened in 2016, the Guest House at Graceland offers an unprecedented resort experience inspired by Elvis Presley, and located just steps away from the iconic Graceland Mansion. A perfect blend of style and Southern hospitality, the Guest House is a whole new way to experience Memphis — the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and home of the blues. The 450-room resort offers two restaurants, a fitness room, movie theater, and an expansive outdoor area. 

American Splendor 
American Splendor allows guests to experience the nostalgia of classic paddle-wheeler travel while enjoying modern comfort and amenities. Recently renovated, American Splendor features serene color palettes, luxurious textiles and linens, new furniture and carpets, and updated artwork and flourishes. From the staterooms and suites to the lounges and dining rooms, the new décor pays homage to the legendary Mississippi River. On board, guests can relax in a casual ambiance while admiring panoramic views of the passing scenery. Each spacious stateroom is outward facing, allowing commanding views of the riverside landscape, and includes all of the amenities you expect from a fine hotel. These staterooms also offer a sitting area, desk, and full-size bathrooms, and most feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a private balcony. With only 180 passengers, fellow travelers will quickly become new friends. 

Itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

• Tuesday, March 3 | Home / Memphis, Tennessee
  Depart home on independent flights to Memphis and check in to the Guest House at Graceland. Just steps away from Elvis’ Graceland, this property reflects Elvis’ iconic style combined with the Southern charm of Memphis. This evening, meet fellow travelers at a festive welcome reception and dinner, featuring a keynote address by eminent Pulitzer-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.
  The Guest House at Graceland (R, D)
   
• Wednesday, March 4 | Memphis, Tennessee
  Following an opening lecture, spend the morning exploring Memphis’ diverse heritage. Choose between three optional tours: 1) Stroll down Beale Street, the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll; 2) Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which has preserved a multitude of soul music artifacts within vibrant and interactive exhibits; or 3) Tour the National Civil Rights Museum, a moving and historically significant museum built on the site of the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. In the afternoon, board the American Splendor and begin the journey down the mighty Mississippi River.
  American Splendor (B, L, D)
   
• Thursday, March 5 | Cleveland, Mississippi
  Today the American Splendor arrives in Cleveland, Mississippi. Choose between a visit to the Grammy Museum, a guided tour along the Mississippi Blues Trail, or an excursion to the nearby town of Mound Bayou, an all-Black community known as an oasis during the turbulent beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement.
  American Splendor (B, L, D)
   
• Friday, March 6 | Vicksburg, Mississippi
  During the Civil War, Vicksburg served as a key to Union victory as General Grant’s successful 47-day siege in the summer of 1863 brought control of the Mississippi River. Today visit the National Military Park, considered the best-preserved battlefield in the United States; the ironclad gunboat Cairo; and the Lower Mississippi River Museum, with exhibits depicting life in historical Vicksburg and an aquarium featuring local fish species. Later, explore Vicksburg's historic downtown area independently.
  American Splendor (B, L, D)
   
• Saturday, March 7 | Natchez, Mississippi
  Having suffered little destruction during the Civil War, Natchez is home to the largest concentration of restored pre–Civil War properties in the United States. Today visit your choice of three of these historic homes: Longwood, with its unique octagonal design; Rosalie, which served as Union headquarters during the Civil War; and Stanton Hall, constructed in 1851 and regarded today as one of the most opulent historic mansions in the country. There will also be an opportunity for free time in central Natchez with an optional lunch ashore.
  American Splendor (B, L, D)
   
• Sunday, March 8 | St. Francisville, Louisiana
  Today visit the once-thriving cotton port of St. Francisville to learn about the town’s rich legacy. In the Historic District, take optional excursions to magnificent mansions and plantation homes including a walking tour of historic St. Francisville; Rosedown Estate and Garden, one of the few privately maintained formal gardens of the 19th century; Myrtles Plantation, reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America; the Oakley Plantation, the home of John James Audubon; and Port Hudson Historic Site, where you will learn about the culminating battle and Campaign to open the Mississippi River.
  American Splendor (B, L, D)
   
• Monday, March 9 | Vacherie, Louisiana
  Disembark on the west bank of the Mississippi River to explore historic Oak Alley, a grand Greek Revival plantation home famous for its namesake double row of 18th-century canopy oak trees lining the approaching path. Nearby Laura Plantation, a restored Creole plantation, is a fascinating contrast to Oak Alley, illuminating the personal stories and culture of its inhabitants and boasting twelve buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including slave quarters. For those that feel adventurous, embark on a swamp tour through the ecologically rich Louisiana Bayou and navigate through cypress and pine for an upclose look at waterfowl and other Bayou creatures. Arrive late this evening in New Orleans, where American Splendor will remain docked for the next two nights.
  American Splendor (B, L, D)
• Tuesday, March 10 | New Orleans, Louisiana
  Spend the day exploring New Orleans with optional tours of the extravagantly styled and landscaped Garden District and the highly acclaimed National World War II Museum. Here immersive galleries tell the story of American courage and sacrifice in the war that changed the world. American Splendor will remain docked overnight, allowing for time to enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer.
  American Splendor (B, L, D)
   
• Wednesday, March 11 | New Orleans, Louisiana / Home
  After breakfast disembark and transfer to the airport for afternoon flights home.
  (B)

Pricing

• Category A, Standard Stateroom, Cabins 118 & 120, Deck 1, window, 290 sq. ft.: $8,990 per person sharing
   
• Category B, Private Balcony Suite, Cabins 202-204 & 206-222, Deck 2, 245 sq. ft.: $9,790 per person sharing; $10,990 per person single occupancy
   
• Category C, Private Balcony Suite, Cabins 303-310, 312-315, 317-328 & 333-336, Deck 3, 245 sq. ft.: $10,590 per person sharing; $13,790 per person single occupancy
   
• Category D, Private Balcony Suite, Cabins 403-408, 410-413 & 415-424, Deck 4, 245 sq. ft.: $11,390 per person sharing
   
• Category E, Private Balcony Suite, Cabins 504-515 & 517-521, Deck 5, 245 sq. ft.: $12,190 per person sharing
   
• Category F, Owner’s Suite, Cabins 301-302, 401-402, 502 & 516, Decks 3,4,5, private balcony, 375 sq. ft.: $13,690 per person sharing
   
• Category S, Single Balcony Suite, Cabins 205, 223-226, 311, 316, 329-332, 409 & 414, Decks 2,3,4, 185 sq. ft.: $10,290 per person single occupancy

Inclusions

Included in the program cost are: All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Fireside address by Doris Kearns Goodwin in Memphis • Departure group transfer from the ship to the airport in New Orleans • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome reception and dinner including all drinks • Daily cocktail hour and nightly entertainment while on board American Splendor • Filtered water on motorcoaches • Professional tour managers throughout the program

Not included: U.S. domestic airfare • Medical expenses and immunizations • Arrival airport transfers • Departure airport transfer outside of group departure date • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the
included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone and internet charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature

Reservations

Please view the tour terms and conditions, then register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.