Mississippi Delta Explorer

New Orleans

Enjoy today’s exquisite excursion:

French Quarter Walking Tour: Tour the famous French Quarter with a local expert, who will narrate the history of this 85-square-block area. Highlights of the tour include Jackson Square, the Cabildo, and the Pontalba Buildings. Your guide will also highlight some renowned eateries and bars that you may wish to try in your own time.

Darrow

Take a look at today’s selection of experiences:

– Houmas House & Gardens: Explore the former Burnside estate and its sprawling gardens filled with both indigenous and exotic plants, bridges, sculptures, courtyards and water features.

– Laura Plantation: Visit a historic Creole mansion during a Privileged Access visit, where you can have a closer look at artifacts and enjoy exclusive tours of the original home and gardens.

– Whitney & St. Joseph: Visit two historic homes for an honest look at how Louisiana’s estates operated.

– Cajun Swamp Experience: Explore the ecosystems and hear the lore of Louisiana’s bayou country on a boat tour of Manchac Swamp with a guide, who will teach you the natural history of the Manchac Swamp and the diverse wildlife that thrives in these wetlands. Please note that many of the creatures—alligators, turtles, raccoon, wild boar and more—are unafraid of humans and may approach the boat.

– Houmas House Cooking Demonstration: Enjoy a special cooking demonstration of traditional Louisiana cuisine at Houmas House, whereupon you will meet your expert chef who will give you a cooking demonstration and show you how to prepare chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, as well as crab cakes. You’ll also get to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and eat the freshly prepared food after the demonstration.

– Sugarfield Distillery: Embark on a tour and private cocktail-making workshop at the Sugarfield Distillery. You will transfer to the distillery in Gonzales, where you will meet your guide, tour the facilities and get to taste a selection of Sugarfield products before your private cocktail-making workshop.

– Historic Homes of Louisiana: Explore the Laura Plantation, a National Register of Historic Places site, for a Privileged Access look at the artifacts on display in its 19th-century main house. Continue to Oak Alley and enjoy lunch before touring the lavish rooms.

– The Great River Road Museum: Take a self-guided tour of the museum and browse at leisure its many exhibits.

St. Francisville / Baton Rouge

Enlighten yourself with a range of fascinating excursions:

– Rosedown Plantation: Explore one of the South’s most intact manor homes, the Rosedown Plantation, and explore its stunning gardens.

– Panoramic Baton Rouge: See Baton Rouge’s most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum, where you will get to observe informative exhibits that provide insight into Louisiana’s industry and culture.

– Coastal Protection & Restoration Center at LSU: Learn about river and coastal dynamics at the Louisiana State University Center for River Studies. Upon arrival, watch a short introductory video before a guided tour of the 10,000 square foot exhibit area, which features interactive displays and illustrations that highlight the important work being done in coastal restoration and river management.

– Audubon’s Oakley Plantation: Discover the Oakley Plantation, a historic destination that has 17 rooms, nature trails and landscaped grounds that you can explore. While here, why not try your hand at blacksmithing or attend an art lesson where Audubon drew his inspiration and sample food from the original 200-year-old hearth.

– The Myrtles & Greenwood: Explore the Myrtles and hear the stories of past denizens, some of whom are believed to make ghostly appearances in what has been called “one of America’s most haunted homes.” You will also visit the Greenwood Plantation.

– Port Hudson Nature Hike: While visiting Port Hudson, enjoy a guided nature hike followed by time for self-exploration on the extended trail system.

– Cajun Heritage: Gain insights into Cajun culture with Privileged Access to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University, whereupon you can listen to folktales, sample Cajun cuisine and enjoy music and dance performances, including traditional Cajun dances.

– Afton Villa Southern Living: Upon arrival at the estate, meet your historic interpreter, who will introduce you to the Barrow family’s legacy and tell the story of the fire of 1963 that completely destroyed the mansion. Afterward, set out on foot to discover the formal gardens and pleasure grounds at your leisure. Following your walk, enjoy refreshments and then witness a flower-arranging demonstration before attending a lecture on botany.

– Atchafalaya Swamp by Airboat & Cajun Lunch: Cruise the Atchafalaya Swamp by airboat in search of wildlife, then enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch.

Natchez

Discover incredible architecture and Southern delicacies with today’s choice of excursions:

– The Best of Natchez: Learn about local history during a tour of Natchez that takes you to the city’s main sights, including the Rosalie Mansion and Gardens – a National Historic Landmark – the Stratton Chapel, and Magnolia Hall, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the mansion. After, make your way to the “Proud to Take A Stand” monument.

– Frogmore Plantation & Longwood Estate: Travel to the Frogmore Cotton Plantation and Gins, take a walk into the cotton fields and step inside an authentic cabin. At the National Historic Landmark-listed Longwood estate, tour an unfinished mansion known as “Nutt’s Folly” and discover why the structure was never completed.

– Lansdowne and Joseph Stone House & Concert: Visit the Joseph Stone House with Joseph Britton Stone, a descendant of the original owner, and enjoy a guided tour. In the Music Room, attend a concert featuring classical music played on a 1903 Steinway grand piano. After, visit the Lansdowne Plantation and partake in a specially prepared lunch.

– Natchez Architecture & Design: Embark by motor coach on a narrated drive through Natchez before arriving at Melrose, a stately mansion. Here, enjoy free time to walk its grounds before continuing to Choctaw Hall.

– Soul Food & Music: Visit the Dunleith Historic Inn, a National Historic Landmark. At The Castle Restaurant, try some classic Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, black-eye peas, okra, biscuits and more. Then, embark on a panoramic tour around Natchez, stopping at Forks of the Road, a former auction site for enslaved persons. Afterward, go to the Zion Church to learn about the evolution of African American music in the South and listen to an a cappella rendition of gospel music by a local singer.

Vicksburg

Uncover the history of Vicksburg:

– Vicksburg National Military Park: Visit the Civil War site where a Licensed Battlefield Guide will be narrating your tour. See the historic trenches, markers and monuments. You’ll also get to visit USS Cairo.

– Vicksburg by Foot: Enjoy Privileged Access to several historic sites during a guided walking tour of downtown Vicksburg, which includes stops at the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Wahl-Shaffer Cottages, and Tully’s Cave, a reproduction of a cave used during the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg, where you’ll learn about life during war time.

– Vicksburg’s Historic Neighborhoods: Begin your tour at Christ Episcopal Church before continuing on to the surrounding neighborhood and learning about its architecture during a guided walk. Depending on availability, you will visit the nearby Wahl-Schaffer Cottages before embarking on a short trip to the Martha Vick House. After the tour, you can stay in town for further exploration or return to your ship if you wish.

– Poverty Point: Upon arrival, meet your local expert, who will explain the history of the hand-built mounds that served this Indigenous community in the area for 600 years before being abandoned.

Greenville

See what delicacies and entertainment Greenville has to offer:

– Steve Azar’s Mississippi: Hosted by award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Azar, this Privileged Access outing will see you arrive at your venue, enjoy a beverage, and partake in a delicious lunch of regional favorites, such as fried catfish, pulled pork, tamales, hush puppies and more. While dining, watch a musical performance by Azar and his band, as well as other Mississippi artists.

– Steve Azar’s Mississippi & B.B. King Museum: Enjoy all the luxuries of the above excursion coupled with a trip to Indianola, B.B. King’s hometown and the site of his museum, whereupon you can browse its collection of memorabilia and interactive exhibits.

– Steve Azar’s Mississippi & Delta Agriculture: Hosted by award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Azar, this Privileged Access outing will see you arrive at your venue, enjoy a beverage, and partake in a delicious lunch of regional favorites, such as fried catfish, pulled pork, tamales, hush puppies and more. While dining, watch a musical performance by Azar and his band, as well as other Mississippi artists. Depending on the timing of your visit, you will either transfer to the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville for insights into its agriculture research and education efforts with local farmers, or head to Patterson Farm to learn about the soybean industry.

Scenic Sailing: Lower Mississippi

Enjoy a day filled with scenic sailing across the Lower Mississippi.

Memphis

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home.

Memphis

Board the ship and settle into your stateroom.

Scenic Sailing: Lower Mississippi

Enjoy a day filled with scenic sailing across the Lower Mississippi.

Greenville

See what delicacies and entertainment Greenville has to offer:

– Steve Azar’s Mississippi: Hosted by award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Azar, this Privileged Access outing will see you arrive at your venue, enjoy a beverage, and partake in a delicious lunch of regional favorites, such as fried catfish, pulled pork, tamales, hush puppies and more. While dining, watch a musical performance by Azar and his band, as well as other Mississippi artists.

– Steve Azar’s Mississippi & B.B. King Museum: Enjoy all the luxuries of the above excursion coupled with a trip to Indianola, B.B. King’s hometown and the site of his museum, whereupon you can browse its collection of memorabilia and interactive exhibits.

– Steve Azar’s Mississippi & Delta Agriculture: Hosted by award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Azar, this Privileged Access outing will see you arrive at your venue, enjoy a beverage, and partake in a delicious lunch of regional favorites, such as fried catfish, pulled pork, tamales, hush puppies and more. While dining, watch a musical performance by Azar and his band, as well as other Mississippi artists. Depending on the timing of your visit, you will either transfer to the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville for insights into its agriculture research and education efforts with local farmers, or head to Patterson Farm to learn about the soybean industry.

Vicksburg

Uncover the history of Vicksburg:

– Vicksburg National Military Park: Visit the Civil War site where a Licensed Battlefield Guide will be narrating your tour. See the historic trenches, markers and monuments. You’ll also get to visit USS Cairo.

– Vicksburg by Foot: Enjoy Privileged Access to several historic sites during a guided walking tour of downtown Vicksburg, which includes stops at the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Wahl-Shaffer Cottages, and Tully’s Cave, a reproduction of a cave used during the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg, where you’ll learn about life during war time.

– Vicksburg’s Historic Neighborhoods: Begin your tour at Christ Episcopal Church before continuing on to the surrounding neighborhood and learning about its architecture during a guided walk. Depending on availability, you will visit the nearby Wahl-Schaffer Cottages before embarking on a short trip to the Martha Vick House. After the tour, you can stay in town for further exploration or return to your ship if you wish.

– Poverty Point: Upon arrival, meet your local expert, who will explain the history of the hand-built mounds that served this Indigenous community in the area for 600 years before being abandoned.

Natchez

Discover incredible architecture and Southern delicacies with today’s choice of excursions:

– The Best of Natchez: Learn about local history during a tour of Natchez that takes you to the city’s main sights, including the Rosalie Mansion and Gardens – a National Historic Landmark – the Stratton Chapel, and Magnolia Hall, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the mansion. After, make your way to the “Proud to Take A Stand” monument.

– Frogmore Plantation & Longwood Estate: Travel to the Frogmore Cotton Plantation and Gins, take a walk into the cotton fields and step inside an authentic cabin. At the National Historic Landmark-listed Longwood estate, tour an unfinished mansion known as “Nutt’s Folly” and discover why the structure was never completed.

– Lansdowne and Joseph Stone House & Concert: Visit the Joseph Stone House with Joseph Britton Stone, a descendant of the original owner, and enjoy a guided tour. In the Music Room, attend a concert featuring classical music played on a 1903 Steinway grand piano. After, visit the Lansdowne Plantation and partake in a specially prepared lunch.

– Natchez Architecture & Design: Embark by motor coach on a narrated drive through Natchez before arriving at Melrose, a stately mansion. Here, enjoy free time to walk its grounds before continuing to Choctaw Hall.

– Soul Food & Music: Visit the Dunleith Historic Inn, a National Historic Landmark. At The Castle Restaurant, try some classic Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, black-eye peas, okra, biscuits and more. Then, embark on a panoramic tour around Natchez, stopping at Forks of the Road, a former auction site for enslaved persons. Afterward, go to the Zion Church to learn about the evolution of African American music in the South and listen to an a cappella rendition of gospel music by a local singer.

St. Francisville / Baton Rouge

Enlighten yourself with a range of fascinating excursions:

– Rosedown Plantation: Explore one of the South’s most intact manor homes, the Rosedown Plantation, and explore its stunning gardens.

– Panoramic Baton Rouge: See Baton Rouge’s most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum, where you will get to observe informative exhibits that provide insight into Louisiana’s industry and culture.

– Coastal Protection & Restoration Center at LSU: Learn about river and coastal dynamics at the Louisiana State University Center for River Studies. Upon arrival, watch a short introductory video before a guided tour of the 10,000 square foot exhibit area, which features interactive displays and illustrations that highlight the important work being done in coastal restoration and river management.

– Audubon’s Oakley Plantation: Discover the Oakley Plantation, a historic destination that has 17 rooms, nature trails and landscaped grounds that you can explore. While here, why not try your hand at blacksmithing or attend an art lesson where Audubon drew his inspiration and sample food from the original 200-year-old hearth.

– The Myrtles & Greenwood: Explore the Myrtles and hear the stories of past denizens, some of whom are believed to make ghostly appearances in what has been called “one of America’s most haunted homes.” You will also visit the Greenwood Plantation.

– Port Hudson Nature Hike: While visiting Port Hudson, enjoy a guided nature hike followed by time for self-exploration on the extended trail system.

– Cajun Heritage: Gain insights into Cajun culture with Privileged Access to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University, whereupon you can listen to folktales, sample Cajun cuisine and enjoy music and dance performances, including traditional Cajun dances.

– Afton Villa Southern Living: Upon arrival at the estate, meet your historic interpreter, who will introduce you to the Barrow family’s legacy and tell the story of the fire of 1963 that completely destroyed the mansion. Afterward, set out on foot to discover the formal gardens and pleasure grounds at your leisure. Following your walk, enjoy refreshments and then witness a flower-arranging demonstration before attending a lecture on botany.

– Atchafalaya Swamp by Airboat & Cajun Lunch: Cruise the Atchafalaya Swamp by airboat in search of wildlife, then enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch.

Darrow

Take a look at today’s selection of experiences:

– Houmas House & Gardens: Explore the former Burnside estate and its sprawling gardens filled with both indigenous and exotic plants, bridges, sculptures, courtyards and water features.

– Laura Plantation: Visit a historic Creole mansion during a Privileged Access visit, where you can have a closer look at artifacts and enjoy exclusive tours of the original home and gardens.

– Whitney & St. Joseph: Visit two historic homes for an honest look at how Louisiana’s estates operated.

– Cajun Swamp Experience: Explore the ecosystems and hear the lore of Louisiana’s bayou country on a boat tour of Manchac Swamp with a guide, who will teach you the natural history of the Manchac Swamp and the diverse wildlife that thrives in these wetlands. Please note that many of the creatures—alligators, turtles, raccoon, wild boar and more—are unafraid of humans and may approach the boat.

– Houmas House Cooking Demonstration: Enjoy a special cooking demonstration of traditional Louisiana cuisine at Houmas House, whereupon you will meet your expert chef who will give you a cooking demonstration and show you how to prepare chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, as well as crab cakes. You’ll also get to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and eat the freshly prepared food after the demonstration.

– Sugarfield Distillery: Embark on a tour and private cocktail-making workshop at the Sugarfield Distillery. You will transfer to the distillery in Gonzales, where you will meet your guide, tour the facilities and get to taste a selection of Sugarfield products before your private cocktail-making workshop.

– Historic Homes of Louisiana: Explore the Laura Plantation, a National Register of Historic Places site, for a Privileged Access look at the artifacts on display in its 19th-century main house. Continue to Oak Alley and enjoy lunch before touring the lavish rooms.

– The Great River Road Museum: Take a self-guided tour of the museum and browse at leisure its many exhibits.

New Orleans

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home.