Here is a marvellous opportunity to join just 120 fellow travellers aboard one of the greatest stern paddle wheelers ever to grace the Mississippi River. We have chartered the American Splendor which embodies the spirit of traditional Mississippi River cruising and the grandeur of riverboats of the past while still offering all the comforts and amenities of modern day cruising.
Meaning the ‘Father of Waters’, the mighty Mississippi River is one of North America’s greatest natural wonders. Winding boldly through the heartland of America, the river has played a pivotal role as a route for trade and travel. Connecting people, places and cultures, it created a rich history integral to the fabric of America. Travelling in style and navigating the waters between Memphis and New Orleans we will follow in the wake of pioneers, Native Americans and fur-trading French.
Throughout the Civil War, the Mississippi River was an invasion route for Union Armies and during this historic journey we will pass the scenes of many important battles when the North and South were at war, each armed with conflicting visions of what was worth fighting for. In turn, we will learn and celebrate much of the local musical styles that were transported across the globe and have made this particular area so well associated with blues, gospel and jazz. From quaint and slow-paced towns such as Natchez, to the carnival atmosphere of New Orleans, our journey will ensure the traveller is given a true taste of this region’s most marked and engaging displays.
Our View
“ I was thrilled to be asked to be Cruise Director for our Mississippi Riverboat cruise from Memphis to New Orleans. While I have sailed all over the world on Noble Caledonia’s ocean-going ships, I had always been fascinated to explore the ‘Deep South’ of the USA. I can assure you that there is no better way to travel in this area, than on board ‘American Splendor’. Her paddlewheel may be decorative, but to stand on the aft deck and watch it rotate as we meander down the mighty Mississippi makes you feel as though you have become a character in a Mark Twain novel. The history is fascinating, from the stories of the American Civil War to the horrors of slavery. However, the musical culture truly gripped me. I will never forget strolling along Beale Street in Memphis, with the sound of live blues bands in every bar; or being mesmerised by the improvisations at the legendary Preservation Hall in New Orleans. In Natchez, we docked adjacent to the venue where Jerry Lee Lewis made his professional debut in the late 1940s, and on this occasion a visit to Elvis’s home beckons. I am delighted that Noble Caledonia will be returning to the Mississippi and hope that you will join us.”
Neil Horrocks – Cruise Director
Itinerary Highlights
• Travel in the company of just 120 like-minded fellow passengers on this exclusive charter.
• Explore the history, music, food and culture of the region.
• Tour the infamous home of Elvis Presley – Graceland.
• Visit a number of cotton plantations and gins, entirely unique to this region of the world.
• Experience a swamp tour in search of alligators and other native wildlife.
• Take in arguably the two most influential cities in the ‘Deep South’, Memphis and New Orleans.
• Enjoy talks by Guest Speakers and musical performances on board.
American Splendor
The American Splendor was launched in 2016 and recently refurbished in a classical style with muted colours, luxurious textiles, fine linens and regionally inspired artwork, fitting of the legendary Mississippi River. The vessel features an authentic paddlewheel, offers spacious staterooms and provides more space per passenger than many other river cruise ships operating on the Mississippi. The American Splendor can accommodate up to 180-passengers, however for this exclusive charter we will be limiting passenger numbers to just 120 in order to enhance guests’ enjoyment further. Beneath her gleaming woodwork and brass fixtures is a framework of modern cruise ship technology that provides passengers with comfortable surroundings and personalised service whilst cruising the Mississippi.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to your centrally located hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2 Memphis.
Memphis is the city where American soul and blues music rose to prominence and where Elvis made his home within the elegant walls of Graceland. This morning will be free to explore at your own pace, perhaps enjoy a stroll down vibrant Beale Street, considered to be the birthplace of blues, or watch the duck parade at the Peabody Hotel. This afternoon, embrace the roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll as we pass by Sam Phillips’ legendary Sun Studios, where the ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis all-but created Rock ‘n’ Roll, as we head out to Graceland, the colonial Revival-style mansion where ‘The King’ lived for twenty years.
Day 3 Memphis.
After breakfast we will visit the National Civil Rights Museum where we learn of this important history and the role of Martin Luther King who was assassinated in Memphis. We then transfer to the American Splendor and enjoy a welcome drink on board followed by lunch, before setting sail along the mighty Mississippi to our first scheduled port of call, Vicksburg.
Day 4 Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Enjoy the morning cruising along the Mississippi. This afternoon we arrive in Vicksburg, which, with sweeping views of the Mississippi River, blends Southern culture and heritage along with hallowed stories of Civil War battles. After a tour of the National Military Park we can enjoy Southern hospitality in its most authentic form in a city bursting at the seams with history at some of its most poignant turns, art at its most creative angles and food at its finest flavours. Moor overnight in Vicksburg.
Day 5 Vicksburg to Natchez.
This morning enjoy some time at leisure to further explore the wonderful town of Vicksburg. During lunch we will set sail for an afternoon of cruising along the mighty Mississippi before arriving into Natchez this evening.
Day 6 Natchez.
Sitting high on a bluff above the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez is a city of some 300 years in the making. This morning’s tour shows us the city, which has over a thousand of its historic structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and includes a stop at Longwood, one of the elegant houses that grace the historic district. After lunch enjoy a tour of Frogmore Plantation, home to a rare antique steam gin and the only completely computerised gin in the nation.
Day 7 St Francisville to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Today we arrive in what has been described as “one of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America” meandering through St Francisville’s historic centre with its two centuries of architecture and lifestyle. Nearby plantations will beckon you back to a time when coquettish southern belles and their chivalrous suitors sipped mint juleps on the shady porches of grand estates. Sail in the early evening for Baton Rouge where we will arrive during dinner.
Day 8 Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge is affectionately referred to as The Red Stick and remains one of the best known towns of America’s Deep South. Of course, no exploration of this region would be complete without a tour of one of its swamps and, during our morning excursion we will head out in search of alligators, hawks, egrets and herons, all the while enjoying the richness of life that the backwater swamps provide. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure to enjoy the facilities aboard our vessel or to explore Baton Rouge with its fascinating State Museum and New State Capitol.
Day 9 Houmas House to New Orleans.
This morning we will explore Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, which have been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the opulence and wealth that this sugarcane farm boasted during the 1800s. Learn about plantation life and the 250 year history of the manor, including its architectural evolution to becoming a grand estate. After lunch we will drive to Oak Alley, often referred to as the Grande Dame of the Great River Road. Its entrance encompasses a quarter-mile canopy of giant oak trees forming an impressive avenue that leads us to this classic Greek-revival style antebellum home. The imposing mansion has been restored to its 19th century glory as a noble tribute to those who left an indelible mark on this rich river region. There will be a guided tour of the Big House before some time at leisure to explore the magnificent grounds. We will sail to New Orleans arriving in the late evening for an overnight mooring.
Day 10 New Orleans.
Disembark after breakfast. Enjoy a guided tour of the city taking in the charming cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral. Following lunch in a local restaurant, we will transfer to our centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 11 New Orleans to London.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 12 London.
Arrive into London this morning.
Dates and Prices
| 18 to 29 November 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Cat AAR Stateroom on second deck (304 sq. ft.) | Fully Booked | |
| Cat AAL Stateroom on third deck (304 sq. ft.) | Fully Booked | |
| Cat AAC Stateroom on fourth deck (304 sq. ft.) | Fully Booked | |
| Cat AAM Stateroom on fifth deck (328 sq. ft.) | Fully Booked | |
| Owner’s Suite Suite on third/fourth/fifth deck (445 sq. ft.) | Fully Booked | |
| Single Stateroom on second/third/fourth deck (230 sq. ft.) | Fully Booked | |
Tour Reference Code: RCAS181124
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Memphis with breakfast • Seven nights aboard the American Splendor on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Onboard speakers • Shore excursions • Overnight hotel accommodation in New Orleans with breakfast • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, American visa/visa waiver, lunch on day 2, dinner on days 1, 2 & 10.
NB: Excursions, sailing schedule and events ashore are subject to change. Water levels may affect itinerary.
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Deck Plan
American Splendor
The American Splendor was launched in 2016 and recently refurbished in a classical style with muted colours, luxurious textiles, fine linens and regionally inspired artwork, fitting of the legendary Mississippi River. The vessel features an authentic paddlewheel, offers spacious staterooms and provides more space per passenger than many other river cruise ships operating on the Mississippi. The American Splendor can accommodate up to 180-passengers, however for this exclusive charter we will be limiting passenger numbers to just 120 in order to enhance guests’ enjoyment further. Beneath her gleaming woodwork and brass fixtures is a framework of modern cruise ship technology that provides passengers with comfortable surroundings and personalised service whilst cruising the Mississippi.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
We are delighted you have chosen the American Splendor for your upcoming journey along the iconic Mississippi River. Launched in 2016, the vessel features an authentic paddlewheel, offers spacious staterooms and provides more space per passenger than many other river cruise ships operating on the Mississippi.
Beneath her gleaming woodwork and brass fixtures is a framework of modern cruise ship technology that provides passengers with comfortable surroundings and personalised service whilst cruising the Mississippi. The onboard crew is American and provide a personalised service. A typical day will include an informal breakfast with your fellow guests followed by time cruising and an exploration ashore with experienced guides. In addition to nightly entertainment, the onboard local experts and historians will enhance your knowledge of the places you are visiting.There will also be a Noble Caledonia team travelling on board with you.
We hope this information answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel.SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Registered: United States
Passengers: 120
Crew/Staff: 44
Gross Tonnage: 4093 ITC// 98 GRT
Net Tonnage: 1227 ITC// 07 NRT
Length: 333 feet
Width: 53 feet
Year built: 2016
Language: EnglishAIR-CONDITIONING
All cabins have individually controlled heating and air-conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
ALL ABOARD
Your times for embarkation and disembarkation will be provided by your Cruise Director.
BAR/BEVERAGES
Your bill for drinks consumed throughout your journey should be settled at the end of your journey. Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the ship’s lounges throughout the day. Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included in your holiday price.
BOOKS & GAMES
A small selection of books, games and magazines are available for use on board.
CABIN FACILITIES
All cabins feature a television, writing desk and stationery, hairdryer, toiletries and coffee machine.
CRUISE DIRECTOR
A Noble Caledonia Cruise Director will accompany you on your voyage, along with a Noble Caledonia Tour Manager.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is the US Dollar. The ship accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cash (USD only) and Travellers Cheques (USD only).
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities, will be delivered to your cabin each evening.
DRESS CODE
Comfortable and practical attire is recommended during the day for excursions and something dressier for the evening.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage on board is 110v/60Hz (American standard) and charging in your cabin is restricted to low voltage electrical appliances only (e.g mobile phone or camera charger). Please note that the use of personal hairdryers, clothing irons, curling tongs etc is strictly prohibited within your cabin. We recommend you take an adaptor with you.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. Please take careful note of all safety instructions provided to you by the Master and crew of the vessel.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.
FIRST AID
Please note there is no Doctor on board the vessel. A number of crew are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Further medical assistance can be sought from one of the hospitals along the river in the event of emergency.
FITNESS ROOM An exercise room is available for use on the 4th Deck.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
LAUNDRY
While no laundry service is available on board, a washing machine is available for guests to use on the ship’s 5th Deck without charge.
LIFT
A lift is on board for passenger use. The lift accesses all decks.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are included within your holiday price. While all meals are generally served, there is a self-service area at breakfast (fruits, cereals etc) and afternoon tea is also buffet-style. An included cocktail hour with canapés will be available every evening before the commencement of dinner. Dietary requests can be catered for (on request). Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager upon your embarkation.
MOSQUITOES
Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions to guard against mosquito bites.
ONBOARD PAYMENTS
The vessel operates a signed-chit system whereby no payment is immediately required (the vessel only requiring a signature for your purchase) and, at the end of the cruise will you be presented with your final itemised bill to settle.
POST
The vessel’s crew will be happy to send any post you may have on your behalf (although please note that as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself).
QUESTIONNAIRES
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed during peak hours. You will always be able to contact a member of the crew 24 hours a day.
ROOM SERVICE
Room service is available at no additional charge.
SAFE
Safes are only available in the Owner’s Suites aboard the ship. There is also a small safe in Reception should you wish to put valuables there. Please remember to remove all items from the safe prior to departing the vessel at the end of the cruise.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.
SUN DECK
The ship has a Sun Deck which is available for guests to enjoy. There may be times, for example at periods of inclement weather or low bridges, whereby it is necessary to close the Sun Deck. Please listen carefully to the Captain and crew for instruction. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms. The ship’s Sun Deck is equipped with a putting green.
TELEPHONE
Telephones are provided in all suites and staterooms. To make an internal call to another cabin please dial the corresponding cabin number. The number for the ship’s reception desk will be provided upon embarkation.
VISITORS
Visitors are not permitted aboard the vessel.
WATER
Complimentary water is available during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bottled water is available within your cabin and in a number of the ship’s lounges during the day.
WI-FI
There is complimentary Wi-Fi on board. The Chart Room also has a laptop with complimentary internet access for passenger use.
Please note: The information contained in this booklet should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some more time in vibrant New Orleans we are offering a two night extension staying at a centrally located hotel. We are including a three day ‘Jazzy Pass’ which allows unlimited downtown travel by local bus, streetcar, paratransit or ferry and a two day ‘City Pass’ allowing entry to over 25 attractions and places of interest. Whether you want to visit the museums, listen to jazz or simply immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this melting-pot of a city these passes will allow you to explore independently and with ease.
New Orleans streetcar
The Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 New Orleans, USA.
Enjoy a further two days in New Orleans exploring at leisure with the use of your ‘Jazzy Pass’ and ‘City Pass’.
Day 3 New Orleans to London.
Transfer to the airport for your return scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 4 London.
Arrive this morning.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
28 November to 1 December 2024 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1195 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in New Orleans with breakfast • New Orleans ‘Jazzy Pass’ • New Orleans ‘City Pass’ • Transfer from hotel to airport • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager.
Not Included: Travel insurance, American visa/visa waiver.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000