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TENNESSEE

Adventures Afloat: Nashville to New Orleans: Music of America’s Heartland

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18 Days | 17 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Active
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Dec 1 — Dec 18, 2012

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Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day One: Saturday, December 01 - Welcome aboard Grande Mariner. Bring your own beverage for happy... 
Welcome aboard Grande Mariner. Bring your own beverage for happy hour. Dinner onboard the ship. Attend Grand Ole Opry at historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. .

Note: some walking

Arrive To: Grande Caribe, docked at Riverfront Park at 1st Ave. in downtown Nashville

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy downtown Nashville, a beacon of education, culture, industry and recreation in the South, boasting fine arts galleries, antebellum mansions, and sculpture-filled botranical gardens. Welcome aboard party at 5 p.m.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at 5:30 p.m. onboard the ship, leaving in time for 7 p.m. Grand Ole Opry performance

Evening: Grand Ole Opry show at historic Ryman Auditorium, featuring an array of performances by new stars, superstars, and legends of country msuic as well as great bluegrass, comedy, and more. It adds up to an unfortgettable evening of uniquely American entertainment.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Two: Sunday, December 02 - "Cruisin' Down Mid-America's Rivers: Past and Present, " a lecture... 
"Cruisin' Down Mid-America's Rivers: Past and Present, " a lecture about mid-America rivers. Exploration of the first-class Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum; time to explore shops in downtown Nashville; and an evening event, "Country Music in Story and Song," an onboard entertainment by a Nashville songwriter/historian

Note: walking

Breakfast: Family style breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Get acquainted session. Mandatory safety session. A lecture about the Cumberland, Missouri, and Missisippi Rivers in mid America -- all of which will be part of the trip-- by Dr. Charles Vahlkamp

Lunch: Family style luncheon in ship dining room

Afternoon: Exploration of the famed Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, with special exhibits and music shop. Free time to explore downtown Nashville and Printer's Alley. 5-6:30 p.m. “Bluegrass, Blues, and….Welcome Aboard Party,” featuring Tennessee sippin’ whiskey, mint juleps, and other libations, the lounge .

Dinner: Dinner in ship dining room

Evening: Onboard the vessel, "Country Music in Story and Song," an overview of country music and its power and pervasiveness for the past 100 years. Program presenter is Davis Raines of Nashville, a well-known singer/songwriter/historian/recordingartist.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Three: Monday, December 03 - "All Shook Up: The Deep South's Various Identities," an overview of... 
"All Shook Up: The Deep South's Various Identities," an overview of Southern culture. Dock at Clarksville, Tenn. Visit its Customs House Museum, a link to the world's leading tobacco selling area. Rehearsal of volunteers who perform later. Live music.

Arrive To: Clarksville, Tenn.

Breakfast: Family style breakfast in the dining room

Morning: Depart Nashville on the Cumberland River, with time to enjoy the verdant sights along the shore. Morning lecture by Dr. Charles Vahlkamp, "All Shook Up: The Deep South's Various Identifies," explaining the area's culture. Discussion of upcoming shore excursion in Clarksville, Tenn.

Lunch: Lunch in the ship's dining room

Afternoon: Shore excursion to Customs House Museum and Cultural Center to learn about the area's history as the world's leading seller of tobacco..Intial meeting of volunteer musicians who will perform in a show, "Rollin' on the River," at the end of the trip. Bring your own instrument!! Or plan to sing along!! Happy hour onboard the ship. Bring your own beverage; mixers will be provided.

Dinner: Dinner onboard the ship

Evening: Live music show onboard the ship by Jon Byrd, a well-known Nashville musician, songwriter, and recording artist whose new album is attracting rave reviews.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Four: Tuesday, December 04 - Program about famous authors of Tennessee and Kentucky by Sarah... 
Program about famous authors of Tennessee and Kentucky by Sarah Vahlkamp. Screening of "Coal Miner's Daughter," the Loretta Lynn story. Arrive Kuttawa, Ky. A lecture/performance, "The Musical Heritage of Tennessee and Kentucky" by Dr. Jim Claypool of Ky.

Note: Very little walking.

Breakfast: Family style breakfast onboard the ship

Morning: "Tennessee and Kentucky Authors," by librarian Sarah Vahlkamp of Danville, Ky., with discussion. Informal birding session on the Sundeck. Rehearsal of "Sound's Great," a group of volunteer musicians who perform later.

Lunch: Lunch onboard the ship

Afternoon: Screening of "Coal Miner's Daughter," a film about country music star Loretta Lynn. Group session to prepare for visit to Kuttawa, Ky. Arrive Kuttawa, Ky. Happy hour.

Dinner: Dinner onboard the ship

Evening: "The Musical Heritage of Tennessee and Kentucky," a musical and historical program by Dr. Jim Claypool of Ky.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Five: Wednesday, December 05 - Overview of the formation of the beautiful lakes in the area; arrive... 
Overview of the formation of the beautiful lakes in the area; arrive Kuttawa, Ky.; explore Rose Hill Museum; program about bluegrass music of Kentucky; lecture on John James Audubon; screening of film about famous banjo pickers

Note: walking required inside museum

Arrive To: Kuttawa, Ky.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship

Morning: Overview lecture about formation of the beautiful lakes in the area by noted author and historian Bill Cunningham, author of five books about the region's history. Excursion to Rose Hill Museum in Kuttawa, Ky.; musical program about Bluegrass music of Kentucky by Dr. Jim Claypool

Lunch: Lunch onboard the ship

Afternoon: "John James Audubon: Artist, Ornitologist, and Naturalist with Ties to the Deep South," by Sarah Vahlkamp. Rehearsal of "Sound's Great," a volunteer musical group who perform later. Happy hour.

Dinner: Dinner onboard the ship

Evening: Screening of "The Three Pickers: Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and Ricky Skaggs," famed banjo players who earned standing ovations from Grand Ole Opry fans

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Six: Thursday, December 06 - Humorous program about Southern culture; screening of film, "River of... 
Humorous program about Southern culture; screening of film, "River of Song"; arrive Memphis, Tenn.; concert of blues music by Jug Band

Arrive To: Memphis, Tenn.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship

Morning: Witness the dramatic confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. "What Is It about the South?" a humorous program by Sarah Vahlkamp. "Rollin' on the River," an informal show by volunteer performers. Session to get ready for Memphis visit

Lunch: Lunch onboard the ship

Afternoon: Screening of PBS "River of Song: Southern Fusion" about the area's music. Mandatory disembarkation session. Captain's complimentary cocktail party

Dinner: Captain's supper with toasts to anniversaries

Evening: Concert, "Memphis Blues," by Bluff City Jug Band of Memphis, a group of musicians who trace the influence of old-time blues from the early 1900s to the present, playing the jug, the washboard, the harmonica, and other simple instruments

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Seven: Friday, December 07 - Program about Memphis musicians with live piano music. Excursion to... 
Program about Memphis musicians with live piano music. Excursion to Elvis Presley's Graceland. Film and tour at Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Stroll down Beale Street. Blues and boogie-woogie concert onboard the ship.

Note: walking

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship

Morning: "Tennessee, Memphis Artists, W.C. Handy, and Ragtime" a program by Dr. Richard Raichelson, author and musician of Memphis. Excursion to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

Lunch: Lunch onboard the ship

Afternoon: Field trip to the famed Rock 'n' Soul Museum with film and exhibits. Exploration of Beale Street with its live musicians, shops, and museums.

Dinner: Dinner onboard the ship

Evening: Get ready to clap your hands and dance, dance, dance to an unforgettable beat by Jerry and Mike Kattawar of Memphis. You'll think it's Jerry Lee Lewis at the piano! What a way to enjoy Memphis!! The concert, "Blues and Boogie-Woogie," will make you HAPPY!

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Eight: Saturday, December 08 - Those taking only the Nashville-to-Memphis part of the trip... 
Those taking only the Nashville-to-Memphis part of the trip disembark. Those taking the Nashville-to-New Orleans trip have free time to explore Memphis, using information from on-site coordinators. Meals and lodging are onboard throughout the stayover.

Note: walking as desired

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship

Morning: Free time to explore Memphis. Get advice and directions from Road Scholar on-site coordinator.

Lunch: Lunch provided onboard the Grande Caribe

Afternoon: Free time to explore Memphis. Get advice and directions from Road Scholar on-site coordinator.

Dinner: Dinner provided onboard the Grande Caribe.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Nine: Sunday, December 09 - Grande Mariner docked in Memphis; free time for on-shore activities... 
Grande Mariner docked in Memphis; free time for on-shore activities all day and evening. Breakfast and dinner provided onboard ship. Lunch provided in town. Optional: meals in the city. On-site coordinator will advise about Dutch-treat field trips.

Note: walking as desired

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Those not enrolled in Memphis-to-New Orleans part of the program have free time to enjoy Memphis. A Road Scholar coordinator will be onboard to advise and assist with Dutch-treat excursions in Memphis.

Lunch: Lunch onboard ship

Afternoon: Those not enrolled in Memphis-to-New Orleans part of the program have free time to enjoy Memphis. A Road Scholar coordinator will be onboard to advise and assist with Dutch-treat excursions in Memphis.

Dinner: Dinner is onboard the ship

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Ten: Monday, December 10 - Grande Mariner docked in Memphis; free time for on-shore activities... 
Grande Mariner docked in Memphis; free time for on-shore activities all day. Breakfast and dinner provided on ship. Lunch provided in town. Optional meals in the city. On-site coordinator will advise with Dutch-treat field trips. Newcomers arrive. Cocktail party. Jug Band concert onboard.

Note: walking as desired

Arrive To: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Those enrolled in Nashville-to-New Orleans have free time to enjoy Memphis. A Road Scholar coordinator will be onboard to advise and assist with Dutch-treat excursions in Memphis.

Lunch: Lunch onboard ship

Afternoon: Those enrolled in Nashville-to-New Orleans part of the program have free time to enjoy Memphis. A Road Scholar coordinator will be onboard to advise and assist with Dutch-treat excursions in Memphis. Those taking Memphis-to-New Orleans portion of the program begin boarding ship at noon. Welcome session at 5 p.m. in ship lounge for all. Complimentary welcome cocktail party in lounge for all.

Dinner: Supper, ship dining room

Evening: "Memphis Blues," a concert with commentary on the history of blues music by Bluff City Jug Band of Memphis, with selections differing from those of concert Dec. 6. Band plays unusual and regular instruments, including jug, washboard, harmonica, guitar.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Eleven: Tuesday, December 11 - Nashville-to-New Orleans group has field trips to Sun Studio, Stax... 
Nashville-to-New Orleans group has field trips to Sun Studio, Stax Museum, National Civil Rights Museum, and Belz Museum. Program about Memphis music onboard. Rock 'n' Roll concert. Optional Dutch-treat evening at B. B. King's blues club.

Note: walking

Breakfast: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Field trip to Sun Studio, where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash were discovered. Trip to Stax Museum, mecca of American Soul Music. Both sites are icons in the music-recording world.

Lunch: Lunch in the ship dining room

Afternoon: Field trip to National Civil Rights Museum, on the site of the assasination of Martin Luther King Jr. Field trip to Belz Museum, an impressive collection of Judaic jade. Program with music about music in the Deep South by Dr. Richard Raichelson, author of Beale Street Talks

Dinner: Dinner in the ship dining room

Evening: "Blues and Boogie-Woogie," a rock 'n' roll show with favorites of the 50s and 60s by the Kattawar Brothers. The show will have different musical selections from the show on Dec. 7. Get ready to sing along and DANCE! Those wishing to immerse themselves in Beale Street music can catch the late show at B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale (Dutch-treat).

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Twelve: Wednesday, December 12 - Cruising the river. Lecture by Sarah Vahlkamp about John James... 
Cruising the river. Lecture by Sarah Vahlkamp about John James Audubon's life and work in Miss. and La. Program by Dr. Charles Vahlkamp about the South's various identities. Screening of blues film. Two live music concerts. Arrive Greenville, Miss.

Note: walking onboard the ship

Breakfast: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Mandatory safety session; Program by Sarah Vahlkamp on John James Audubon's life and work in Miss. and La. Program by Dr. Charles Vahlkamp, "All Shook Up: The Deep South's Various Identities." Cruising from Memphis to Greenville, Miss.

Lunch: Lunch in ship dining room

Afternoon: Screening of blues documentary. Session to get ready for Vicksburg Miss. Organizational meeting of "Sound's Great," a volunteer group of Road Scholar musicians who will later perform. Blues performance by Miss. Delta blues musician.

Dinner: dinner in ship dining room

Evening: "Southern Songs and Stories on the Big Muddy," a program with live music by Tricia Walker, director, Delta Blues Institute, Delta State University, Cleveland, Miss. Depart Greenville.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Thirteen: Thursday, December 13 - Arrive Vicksburg, Miss. Film about Vicksburg and the Civil War and... 
Arrive Vicksburg, Miss. Film about Vicksburg and the Civil War and the National Military Park. Field trip to the park. Programs about the Miss. River and humor in the south. Country music show by Nashville star.

Note: walking

Breakfast: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Arrive Vicksburg. Screening of "Struggle for Vicksburg," a National Park Service film about Vicksburg and the Civil War. Field trip to the National Military Park.

Lunch: Lunch onboard the ship

Afternoon: Program by Dr. Charles Vahlkamp, "The Mighty Mississippi." Humorous program by Sarah Vahlkamp, "What Is It about the South?" Session to get ready for Natchez visit.

Dinner: Dinner onboard the ship

Evening: "Country Music in Story and Song," a show by Billy Ray Reynolds, recording star, singer/songwriter of Nashville and Mississippi.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Fourteen: Friday, December 14 - Arrive Natchez, docking across the river at Vidalia, La. Program... 
Arrive Natchez, docking across the river at Vidalia, La. Program about Natchez history. Tour of the mansions Longwood, Rosalie and Stanton Hall. Tour of historic photograph exhibit. Classical music at Trinity Church. Gospel concert.

Note: walking

Breakfast: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Arrive Natchez, docking across the river at Vidalia, La. Program about Natchez history by historian/scholar Marion Smith of Natchez. Visit to the mansions Longwood and Rosalie, lavishly decorated for Christmas. Classical concert at noon at Trinity Episcopal Church (1822).

Lunch: Lunch at Trinity Church's parish house

Afternoon: Field trip to Stanton Hall, a National Historic Landmark. Visit to Natchez in Historic Photographs, a gallery. Happy hour.

Evening: Dinner in ship dining room

Evening: Gospel music concert

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Fifteen: Saturday, December 15 - Arrive Baton Rouge, La. Lecture on La. history, including Huey Long.... 
Arrive Baton Rouge, La. Lecture on La. history, including Huey Long. Excursions to La. State Capitol Museum, USS Kidd, and Maritime Museum. Cajun music concert with commentary. Cajun and SW La. dance program. Screening of film about La. music

Note: walking

Morning: Breakfast in ship dining room

Afternoon: Lunch in ship dining room

Afternoon: Screening of "Louisiana: Where Music Is King," a PBS film. "Five Centuries of Cajun Music," a musical history program by David Greely and Friends, descendants of Cajun settlers.

Dinner: Captain's supper in ship dining room, with toasts to birthdays and anniversaries.

Evening: "Music and Dancing, Cajun and Southwest Louisiana Style," by Shirley and Roaldn Doucet of Louisiana State University, with audience participation. Depart Baton Rouge.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Sixteen: Sunday, December 16 - Cruising the river. Presentation of "Rollin' on the River," a musical... 
Cruising the river. Presentation of "Rollin' on the River," a musical program by Road Scholars. Arrive New Orleans. Visits to the French Quarter. Live jazz after dinner onboard with dancing.

Note: dancing

Breakfast: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Mandatory disembarkation meeting. Session to get ready for New Orleans. Presentation of "Rollin' on the River," a show by talented Road Scholars.

Lunch: Lunch on the Sundeck, weather permitting

Afternoon: Docking in New Orleans mid-afternoon (tentative). Independent visits to downtown and the French Quarter, accompanied by Road Scholar staff.

Dinner: Dining in ship dining room OR opt to indulge in one of New Orleans' celebrated restaurants for a taste of the city on your own.

Evening: "Ethnic Diversity and New Orleans Jazz," a musical program by Dr. Bruce Boyd Raeburn, jazz archivist, Tulane University.

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: Bow ramp for landing on beaches. Shallow draft and collapsible pilothouse ensure that passengers survey the scenery close up. Dress code is casual throughout day and evening. BYOB rule with complimentary mixers, soda, glass, ice.

Ship Information: Length: 184' Beam: 40' Draft: 6'6" Passenger Capacity: 86 Passenger Cabins: 48 Commissioned: 1997 Refurbished: 2009 Flag: United States Built By: Blount Boats, Warren, RI

Contact info:
Blount Boats
Warren, RI 02885 USA
phone: 401-245-8300
web: www.blountsmallshipadventures.com

Room amenities: Daily maid service; daily fresh towels. Bed linens are changed twice during the trip. Sufficient stowage under the bed and in compartments. Mirrors, hanging space. Most cabins are too small to have a chair. Most cabins have a window or a port hole.

Facility amenities: Each cabin ranges in size from 77 square feet to 120 square feet with private small bathroom. Built-in stowage is adequate. Twin beds or queen bed. Some twins convert to queen. Most but not all cabins have a window or port-hole.They are on three decks, with most accommodations on mid and upper decks. A large comfortable lounge, which also serves as a lecture hall, is forward on the higher of the two upper accommodations decks. The dining room, one deck below, doubles as a card room and reading area. The American food is fresh, well prepared, and served family-style at one open sitting. Menus are posted in advance. The sundeck extends nearly the full length of the ship and has a viewing area covered by an awning. Considered Spartan in its simplicity, the Grande Mariner is nevertheless popular with many returning passengers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Cabins have compartmented shower and separate toilet/lavatory. Shower only.

Additional nights before: $250
To reserve a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn., for night of Nov. 30, 2012, before the program begins, or to reserve a hotel room in New Orleans, La., for night of Dec. 18, 2012, after the program ends, call program provider at 601-446-1208. Deadline to reserve a room is Nov. 1. Send a check for $197 per room per night for Nashville hotel or $120 per room per night for New Orleans hotel to Educational Travel Associates, Inc., PO Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121. Put on the check what it is for.

Day Seventeen: Monday, December 17 - Walking tour of the French Quarter; exploration of Mardi Gras Museum... 
Walking tour of the French Quarter; exploration of Mardi Gras Museum and St. Louis Cathedral. Cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde. "The Best of New Orleans Jazz," a concert by Don Vappie Creole Jazz Serenaders

Note: walking

Breakfast: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: Guided walking tour of French Quarter, with tours of Mardi Gras Museum at the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square; cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde

Lunch: Lunch in ship dining room. Optional, Dutch-treat lunch in one of New Orleans famed restaurants

Afternoon: Free time.

Afternoon: Farewell supper, ship dining room; optional, Dutch-treat dinner in one of New Orleans' famous restaurants

Evening: Jazz concert by the world-renowned Don Vappie's Creole Jazz Serenaders

Lodging: Grande Mariner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Eighteen: Tuesday, December 18 - Disembarkation after breakfast 
Breakfast: Breakfast in ship dining room

Morning: About 8:30 a.m. depart by bus for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for flight that leaves no earlier than 11 a.m. or for rental car, arranged for in advance.

Meals Included: Breakfast
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•17 nights of accommodations
•44 meals: 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 14 dinners
•25 Expert-led lectures
•21 Field trips
•16 Hands-on experiences
•23 Performances
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