Mississippi River Paddle Boat
New Orleans to Memphis With Branson American Queen Paddle Wheel Steamboat 15 day cruise/tour - November 27, 2021Information
We love sailing right after Thanksgiving, from New Orleans to Memphis. Many of our stops have opened their Christmas Markets and put up Christmas lights, BUT WHAT MAKES 2021 SPECIAL, WE WERE ABLE TO ADD CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON!!! It is a 5-hour drive from Memphis to some of the BEST Christmas Shows in the world. Next year’s cruise will not only have all that is wonderful on the Mississippi, the added Branson experience will include many Christmas Shows PLUS the 6 million Christmas lights of Silver Dollar City. All together we will be seeing 9 fantastic Christmas Shows during our stay in Branson.

River Cruise Description
The excitement, fun, and relaxation of a Mississippi paddleboat cruise combined with the study of American History with Michael Wilcox and the Civil War with Jeff Lawson. This fantastic paddleboat cruise starts in New Orleans and travels the Mississippi to Memphis. We have combined the American Queen Paddle Steamboat package with 1 additional night in New Orleans before the cruise and 1 night in Memphis along with 4 nights in Branson after the cruise. Our tour in New Orleans will include the World War II Museum, the Mardi Gras World (where they are in the middle of building next year’s floats), and Bourbon Street. Our tour in Memphis will include the Civil Rights Museum and the home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Our tour in Branson will include 9 wonderful Christmas Shows in Branson along with a visit to Silver Dollar City with its staggering 6 million lights on display.
You do not want to be touring or sailing the Mississippi in the heat of 90 plus degrees and 90 to 100% humidity. We have picked the perfect time of year, the end of November in the South has the best temperatures. The average temperature at the time of our sailing is 70 degrees in New Orleans and the vast majority of our stops the average high-temperature range between 60 to 70. There are fewer crowds along with perfect touring and walking temperatures. In Branson, the temperature this time of year is usually mid 50’s with most of your time spent indoors.
Another reason this is the perfect time of year is that New Orleans lights up for Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend. We will see the pageantry and beauty of Christmas in New Orleans and other cities as we travel the Mississippi without the cold temperatures of Christmas.
Pricing
Package Price Includes:
American Queen Package Price Includes:
- 8 days 7 nights sailing on the American Queen Steamboat.
- Category E inside stateroom.
- 2-nights deluxe hotel in New Orleans before the cruise.
- 1-night deluxe hotel in Memphis after the cruise.
- Touring in New Orleans.
- Touring in Memphis.
- 4 nights Deluxe Hotel Branson.
- 9 Christmas Shows in Branson.
- Silver Dollar City Christmas lights with two Broadway Quality Shows.
- A visit to Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
- A visit to the Mardi Gras World Studio.
- All transfers, if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before our Fun For Less group flights.
- 3 meals a day on the ship.
- Music and evening shows on the ship.
- $199 in ship taxes and fees.
- Shore Excursions: They have Hop on Hop off buses at their ports of call. They are free and are included. They work perfectly for most ports of call. THE EXCEPTIONS: The free buses do not do the Civil War site of Vicksburg, and the ship does not include any touring in Memphis or New Orleans. We have added to our package, the Civil War site of Vicksburg, Memphis & New Orleans.
- Guest Educator: Dr. Michael Wilcox & Jeff Lawson.
- Fun For Less Tours Staff throughout the tour and cruise.
- Use of our “Whisper Perfect Headset receivers.”
Package Price: 4,295
Package Price: $4,295 - This price is for a category E inside cabin.*
*Per person cash discount price, based on double occupancy.
Does not include airfare, tips or optional extension package.
Airfare Prices will be announced soon.
Itinerary
Cabin Categories
Category E
Inside Staterooms (E)
Surrounded by wonderful period details and with every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments upon entering these cozy havens. Ample shelving and storage spaces keep your necessities out of the way but easily accessible.
- 132-140 sq. ft.
- Queen Bed or Two Single Beds
- Shower or X-Large Shower
- Flat-screen TV
- Observation and Texas Decks
Category D
Deluxe Outside Staterooms with Bay Window (D)
An expansive bay window overlooking the ever-changing scenery of America’s Heartland is the main draw of this spacious category. Curl up in front of the window with a new novel and savor a moment that belongs to only you.
- 190 sq. ft.
- Queen Bed or Two Single Beds
- Tub/Shower Combination
- Flat-screen TV
- Bay Window
- Cabin Deck
- Interior Access
Category C
Outside Staterooms with Open Veranda (C)
Relax in your sitting area, open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river slip majestically by. Sit on the deck outside your stateroom and take in the expansive views or enjoy a leisurely morning in bed with room service.
- 140-160 sq. ft.
- Queen Bed or Two Single Beds
- Shower or Tub/Shower Combination
- Flat-screen TV
- French Doors Open onto Deck
- Observation, Cabin, and Texas Decks
- Exterior Access
Category B
Outside Staterooms with Open Veranda (B)
Can you imagine opening French doors to a sweeping river vista and the sweet scent of magnolia trees? There’s no need to dream any longer in these staterooms. Sit on the deck outside your stateroom and greet early morning strollers, relax in bed with your favorite book, or soak in a hot bath.
- 190-205 sq. ft.
- Queen Bed or Two Single Beds
- Tub/Shower Combination
- Flat-screen TV
- French Doors Open onto Deck
- Observation Deck
- Interior and/or Exterior Access
Category A
Deluxe Outside Staterooms with Private Veranda (A)
With your own private veranda, these staterooms are so enjoyable you might decide to extend your journey. Sit in your cozy armchairs and prop your feet up on the ottoman as you read through the River Times, our daily program, and discover the delights that await you.
- 190 sq. ft. with 40 sq.ft. Veranda
- Queen Bed or Two Single Beds
- Tub/Shower Combination
- Flat-screen TV
- French Doors Open onto Veranda
- Texas Deck
- Interior Access
Category AA
Superior Outside Staterooms with Open Veranda (AA)
Settle in your sitting area, open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river slip majestically by. Some staterooms in this category offer a view of the paddlewheel, while others offer expansive views of America’s heartland.
- 210 sq. ft.
- Queen Bed or Two Single Beds
- Tub/Shower Combination
- Flat-screen TV
- Sitting Area
- Vanity Mirror and Desk
- French Doors Open onto Deck
- Promenade and Observation Decks