Here is a marvellous opportunity to join the American Splendor, one of the greatest stern paddle wheelers to grace the Mississippi River. The vessel 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. For our exploration of the Mississippi River, we are working with our associates at American Cruise Lines who, with more than 50 years of experience, are the perfect partners for our journey between Memphis and New Orleans, and we have secured an allocation of cabins from them aboard the American Splendor.
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 you get a true taste of this region’s most marked and engaging displays.
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 can accommodate up to 180 passengers and 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the Peabody Hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. The legendary Peabody Hotel first opened in 1869 and has recently undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation. Famous for its five resident Mallard ducks that march twice daily through the lobby it is ideally located in downtown Memphis, with the famed Beale Street entertainment district just a short walk away.
Day 2 Memphis.
Memphis is the place where Martin Luther King was assassinated in the turbulent days of the Civil Rights Movement, the city where Elvis made his home within the elegant walls of Graceland, and where American soul and blues music rose to prominence. Enjoy a leisurely morning 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 in the hotel lobby. This afternoon join a tour to Graceland, the Colonial Revival-style mansion where ‘The King’ lived for 20 years. We will also stop at the legendary Sun Studio where many musical icons, including Elvis Presley, launched their careers. This evening meet for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 3 Memphis.
After breakfast, we will visit the National Civil Rights Museum before we transfer to the American Splendor. Enjoy a welcome drink on board followed by lunch, before setting sail along the Mississippi river to our first scheduled port of call, Cleveland, Mississippi. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Cleveland, Mississippi.
Known as the ‘City of Hospitality’, Cleveland Graceland, Memphis New Orleans has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the South. Its history is intertwined with agriculture, in particular cotton farming, where remnants of the city’s trading past are reflected in the historic downtown area which we will explore. The city is also celebrated for its contribution to American music, as part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, and there will be the opportunity to visit the Grammy Museum Mississippi, which pays tribute to the many legendary musicians who have left their mark on the region. Sail later this afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Vicksburg.
We have a full day 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, spend the afternoon enjoying Southern hospitality in its most authentic form. A shuttle bus will include stops at some of the most important sites in the city including the Old Courthouse Museum, Civil War Museum and the Local Merchant District. (B, L, D)
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 Rosalie, a pre-Civil War antebellum mansion built in 1823 which became the prototype for later mansions across the South. (B, L, D)
Day 7 St Francisville, 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. Take a tour to The Myrtles estate, a former plantation built in 1796 which showcases a blend of Creole cottage style and Southern architectural elegance with a grand veranda and intricate cast-iron railings. There will also be time to explore the town of St Francisville with its own museum, local boutiques and historic cemetery. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Cruising the Mississippi.
After a busy few days, relax and unwind on board as we continue our journey south along the Mighty Mississippi. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of forests and wetlands from the sun deck or join a talk on local history from one of the guest speakers. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Vacherie.
From our mooring spot in Vacherie, 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 and enjoy a mint julep. We will sail to New Orleans arriving in the late evening for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
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 the InterContinental New Orleans Hotel for a two night stay. The hotel is ideally located just a short walk from the historic and vibrant French Quarter, with all the jazz bars, Cajun eateries and street performances that make this city so unique. The remainder of the day is at leisure. We are including a three-day ‘Jazzy Pass’ which allows unlimited downtown travel by local bus, streetcar, paratransit or ferry. (B, L)
Day 11 New Orleans.
Enjoy a full day to explore New Orleans at leisure. (B)
Day 12 New Orleans to London.
Check out this morning. We will have lunch at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B, L)
Day 13 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 8 to 20 November 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Stateroom Balcony Stateroom on second deck (304 sq. ft.) | £9195 | £8995 |
| Deluxe Balcony 2 Stateroom on third deck (304 sq. ft.) | £9495 | £9295 |
| Deluxe Balcony 1 Stateroom on fourth deck (304 sq. ft.) | £9895 | £9695 |
| Premium Balcony Stateroom on fifth deck (328 sq. ft.) | £10395 | £10195 |
| Veranda Suite on third/fourth/fifth deck (445 sq. ft.) | £11295 | £11095 |
| Single Balcony Stateroom on second/third/fourth deck (230 sq. ft.) | £11495 | £11295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCAS081127
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Memphis • Seven nights aboard the American Splendor • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, B - Breakfast) • House wine, beer and soft drinks with included meals • Excursions as described • Two nights hotel accommodation in New Orleans • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • New Orleans three day Jazzy Pass • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, US visa or ESTA, optional excursions (additional excursions to those detailed will be offered at an extra cost, further details will be provided approximately 60 days before departure).
Please note that cabin sizes shown are approximate. Ports and itinerary subject to change and water levels.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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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 can accommodate up to 180 passengers and 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.
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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. We hope this information answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel.SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Registered: United States
Passengers: 180
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 a single serve coffee brewer with coffee and tea pods.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is the US Dollar. The ship accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and cash (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 Veranda 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, on your balcony, 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.
TOUR MANAGER
A Noble Caledonia Tour Manager will accompany you thoughout the journey.
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 Study 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
Travelling with You
We’re delighted that our Senior Cruise Director Neil Horrocks will be accompanying our group of passengers for this exploration along the Mississippi:
“ It has been a joy to accompany two previous Mississippi Riverboat cruises 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 to be returning to the Mississippi for a third time and hope that you will join me.”
Neil Horrocks
Also of Interest
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A voyage from Halifax to Milwaukee aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Halifax / Prince Edward Island / Iles de la Madeleine / Gaspe / Tadoussac / Saguenay / Quebec / St Lawrence / Toronto / Lake Ontario / Welland Canal / Lake Erie / Windsor / Detroit River / Lake Huron / Tobermory / Killarney / Parry Sound / Sault Sainte Marie / Mackinac Island / Milwaukee
19 nights
from
£13795
Next Departure:
19 September 2026
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000