Old-Fashioned Holiday Dec 13, 2013 on the American Queen Steamboat Company

The American Queen (courtesy photo)

In addition to your cruise aboard the American Queen, accept our invitation to the 3-day / 2-night Crescent City Old-Fashioned Holidays experience at our special returning guest price.

Depart from New Orleans, with stops in

Oak Alley, LA – Located in the Saint James Parish, Oak Alley is a much-photographed plantation that combines architectural splendor and the natural wonder of its 300-year-old oak trees. Spend time strolling beneath the canopy of these trees, and learn about the rich history and culture of this southern estate.

—St. Francisville, LA – This quaint town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is your window to the past. With over 140 buildings on the National Register, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling Main Street shops, you’ll find plenty to keep you on the go in St. Francisville.

Natchez, MS – Step into the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum south in Natchez, site of numerous restored mansions. Visit historic Jefferson College, or just amble down the Natchez Trace.

Vicksburg, MS – Discover a unique blend of old and new in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Take in the diversity from National Historic Landmarks to the Waterways Experiment Station. Billed as the ÔÇ£Red Carpet City of the South,ÔÇØ Southern hospitality is alive and well and awaiting your arrival.

Baton Rouge, LA – The capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the center of all the great things the state has to offer-visitors delight in the seamless blend of past and present experiencing authentic Louisiana at every turn. With its semi-tropical climate, the outdoors is tempting and the attractions abound. No wonder this is one of the south’s fastest growing cities.

Houmas House, LA – Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of “The Sugar Palace” when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork.

New Orleans

And as a special Holiday offer to our loyal returning guests, choose the promotion right for you:

Save up to $1,850 per stateroom* (15% discount off any cabin category), OR

Book 2 staterooms, Get the 3rd stateroom FREE**

In addition to your cruise aboard the American Queen, accept our invitation to the 3-day / 2-night Crescent City Old-Fashioned Holidays experience at our special returning guest price.

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans pre-cruise returning guest program for just $250 per person (an $800 value per person).— Available only with purchase of the December 13-21, 2013 voyage.

Day One, December 12, 2013

Luxuriate in The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans at Canal and Dauphine Streets in the French Quarter, and our exclusive concierge hosts await your arrival on December 12th. Enjoy a spa experience, stroll the Quarter, take the streetcar through the Garden District, or just relax in the luxury and ambience of the premier hotel in New Orleans.

We have planned a memorable welcome evening just for you. Join us in the Fountainbleau Room for a full evening of New Orleans heavy hors ‘d oeuvres, libations, and a private performance of the famous ÔÇ£RivermanÔÇØ show by the original author and musician, Tom Hook and his Jazz Band. Hailed by historians, music lovers and fans of Americana, RIVERMAN! is a musical excursion through the life of “Buck” Mitchell, steamboat pilot. A multi-media presentation of sight, story, and song, it transports young and old to an era of Pioneers and Patriots, with tales as timeless as “Old Man River” himself. Through a series of original songs, carefully researched stories and photographs, Tom Hook brings to light some of the most powerful and poignant events of the last century. A collection of tales both factual and fascinating, RIVERMAN! will leave you with your hands clapping and toes tapping, asking yourself, “Why didn’t I learn about that in school?”

Linger through the evening as Tom and his band play Dixieland and dance sets for our enjoyment.

Day Two, December 13, 2013

ÔÇ£Best Brunch in New OrleansÔÇØ — Southern Living Magazine. Sleep in a little, then we’ll begin our day where visitors and locals all love go dine — the sumptuous and world famous Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters on Royal Street in The Quarter, followed by a most enjoyable tour of New Orleans that spins the yarns and relates the true stories of this ÔÇ£City that Care Forgot,ÔÇØ by taking us through the Garden District and its stately Victorian architecture, ancient Live Oaks, cast iron fences and calmingly quiet streets.

This afternoon we are free to relax at The Ritz or explore on our own — remember, we already found Royal Street at brunch this morning — blocks and blocks of galleries and amazing antiques and only steps away! Our returning guest hosts will be on hand to assist you in planning your activities and to offer their local insight.

Rested up for our evening?— We’ve made it ÔÇ£The Big EasyÔÇØ evening with our returning guest private dinner, cocktails and genuine local entertainment, all in one place — at Muriel’s on Jackson Square in the heart of the Quarter. Right next to St. Louis Cathedral where we will have a dining experience unlike any other, celebrating the fine Creole cuisine, historical ambience, and culture of New Orleans. For our private dinner and evening entertainment, none other than former Mississippi Queen trombone player, Rick Trolsen and the ÔÇ£New Orleans Po’ BoysÔÇØ. These recording artists (ÔÇ£New Orleans LullabyÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Sunrise on Bourbon StreetÔÇØ) have played with everyone from Al Hirt, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, to Doc Severinsen and Natalie Cole. We’re in for a memorable evening tonight.

Day Three, December 14, 2013

This morning, after an exquisitely served breakfast at The Ritz, we are off to a special tour of the World War II Museum and our ÔÇ£Meet the AuthorÔÇØ presentation by the creators of Loyal Forces: The American Animals of World War II,— written and compiled by Museum curators Toni M. Kiser and Lindsey F. Barnes. At a time when every American was called upon to contribute to the war effort — whether by enlisting, buying bonds or collecting scrap metal — the use of American animals demonstrates the resourcefulness of the military and the many sacrifices that led to victory.— Loyal Forces captures the heroism, hard work and skills of the animals as they fought to protect, transport, communicate and sustain morale. A private Q & A session and a book signing will follow for our Members .

Now we’re off to Mardi Gras World for a private lunch, tour of the history of Mardi Gras, and meeting the artists creating next year’s parade floats, narrated for us by members of the famous Kern family, whose artists have created the themes and floats for Mardi Gras Krewes for most of the last century.— We will even be trained, coached and participate in our own ÔÇ£Second LineÔÇØ parade, becoming true locals in the process!

While we have been enjoying our day on the town, our luggage has been moved from The Ritz to our American Queen staterooms and the Captain is awaiting our early pre-boarding arrival to welcome us to his returning guest champagne reception, and to discuss our upcoming cruise events and Old-Fashioned Holidays plans.

We hope you will join us and we can’t wait to share all of our special returning guest events and special arrangements with you.

Fares range from $3000 to $7000

To Book, please email me at heidi@allthingscruise.com

Ask for the ÔÇ£Old-Fashioned Holiday Dec 13, 2013. ÔÇ£And as a special Holiday offer to our loyal returning guests, choose the promotion right for you:

Save up to $1,850 per stateroom* (15% discount off any cabin category), OR

Book 2 staterooms, Get the 3rd stateroom FREE** Fares subject ot change without notice.

*Offer expires October 31, 2013 and is valid on new bookings only. Not valid on groups and may not be combinable with other offers. Savings of 15% is valid on these 2013 voyage dates: 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27. Offer applies only to the price of the cruise; not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare.

**Offer expires October 31, 2013 and is valid on new bookings only. Not valid on groups and may not be combinable with other offers. Complimentary stateroom category will be equal to the lowest stateroom category booked for each reservation and will be assigned upon final payment. Only cabin categories of B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I are available for this offer and only on these 2013 voyage dates: 11/22, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27. Offer does not apply to the 11/29 voyage. Offer applies only to the price of the cruise; not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare.

Port Charges of $69 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare. Promotional fares and amenities are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and category of accommodations and may be withdrawn without notice. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include air or land transportation. Additional terms and conditions may apply.— The American Queen is owned and operated by the American Queen Steamboat Company; is regularly inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard; is U.S.-flagged; and employs American officers, crew and staff .

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