Louisiana/Mississippi
The Best of the Mississippi River: New Orleans to Memphis
Program No. 25495RJ
Sail the Mississippi on a modern riverboat, savor live jazz, uncover Civil War history and experience the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
26 meals (
9B, 8L, 9D
)
5 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
D
Stay:
InterContinental New Orleans
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration & Orientation: 4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, check the message board for the location to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where the Orientation session will take place. You will get any updated information. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions you have about the program. Ground travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. As a special bonus, you will have vouchers to use at a popular New Orleans jazz club and the Louisiana State Museum. In order to be prepared for your upcoming program, we need to collect some menu choices. Please note: in recent years, due to climate change, the Mississippi River has experienced periods of drought during the autumn season. In the event of low water levels, the cruise ship may not be able to follow the same schedule and arrive into their intended ports. Changes are often made based on the river level at the time of sailing, with very little notice. If any of our planned events are missed, we will work with American Cruise Lines to ensure that your program has shore excursions of equal value. We will do our best to keep you informed as changes are made and we kindly ask for your flexibility.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served at Hotel Intercontinental this evening. During dinner, we will enjoy a private jazz performance.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
City Field Trip, Garden District, N.O. School of Cooking
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
InterContinental New Orleans
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 26 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking about 8 blocks and standing during field trip; city streets and sidewalks
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll take a field trip via motorcoach with expert on-board commentary for an overview of the city. We’ll make stops at highlights such as Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, City Park with its magnificent oak trees and Sculpture Garden, and one of the famed and mysterious above-ground cemeteries where the departed — from pirates to voodoo queens — are interred.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, off a select menu.
Afternoon:
With our local expert, we’ll ride down famous St. Charles Avenue under beautiful old oak trees. We’ll then go on a walking field trip in the aptly named Garden District, one of the loveliest neighborhoods in the country. It was laid out in 1832 for incoming, well-to-do Americans who were not interested in mingling with native New Orleanians. The feeling was mutual! Grand houses were built on large lots. The rest of the afternoon has been left free for you to relax at the hotel or visit other sites.
Dinner:
This evening, we will go to the world-renowned New Orleans School of Cooking where an expert local chef will teach us how to cook Creole and Cajun and explain the difference. We’ll see the preparation of traditional dishes, then have them for dinner. Recipes will be included.
Evening:
At leisure. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow. Have luggage ready for pick-up and transport to the riverboat in the morning.
Day
3
World War II Museum
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
American Cruise Lines' American Serenade
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking according to personal preference at World War II Museum
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Morning:
Have luggage ready for pick-up and transport. We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the National World War II Museum. Formerly known as the D-Day Museum, the National World War II Museum was founded by eminent historian Dr. Stephen Ambrose, author “Band of Brothers” and other best-sellers. During our self-directed exploration, we will be able to walk through three buildings that house exhibits highlighting the role of participants from world leaders to the everyday men and women whose contributions helped to win the war, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many items in the vast collection — such as uniforms, weaponry, vehicles, medals, diaries, letters, artwork, photographs, and other mementos — are on display while thousands of records and archives are available to scholars for ongoing research. We’ll also see the film “Beyond All Boundaries” narrated by Tom Hanks. Through first-person accounts and amazing special effects, we’ll take a self-directed journey through the war that changed the world.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served at the museum.
Afternoon:
From the Museum, we’ll reboard the motorcoach, ride to the Port of New Orleans, and board the riverboat. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and relax. Kick off your journey with a Welcome Aboard Reception featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and lively entertainment. Meet the crew and your onboard experts, and connect with fellow Road Scholars. We will participate in the mandatory safety briefing with everyone on board when announced. Please note: In addition to Road Scholar exclusive lectures, you are welcome to enjoy activities and events separate from the Road Scholar program during free time aboard the American Cruise Line Riverboat. The vessel’s daily program will be delivered to cabins each evening with a schedule of the next day’s activities.
Dinner:
Enjoy our first dinner aboard. Meals will feature cuisine that blends local flavors and fine culinary traditions. Dinners aboard will include complimentary house wines, house-select beers, coffees, teas, soft drinks.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
4
Oak Alley, LA--Oak Alley Estate
Location:
Oak Alley, LA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
American Cruise Lines' American Serenade
Activity Note
Be prepared for walking throughout the historic grounds some stairs and uneven surfaces; a two story house.. Getting on/off motorcoach, on/off riverboat.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
This morning, we’ll gather for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
We will step off the boat for an expert-led exploration Oak Alley Estate. From its towering 300-year-old oak trees to its sprawling grounds, Oak Alley’s landscape reflects the story of a Southern plantation through the ages. What began over 200 years ago as a simple land claim has evolved into many things: a sugar plantation, a rice farm, a chicken farm, a cattle ranch, and a country home. Throughout its history, Oak Alley has been walked by agricultural tycoons, sugar planters, slaves, immigrant laborers, and real estate speculators. Today, Oak Alley stands as a National Historic Landmark, dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of those who lived and worked here. stroll beneath its iconic oak-lined alley, explore informative exhibits, engage with knowledgeable staff, and leave with a deeper understanding of this plantation’s complex history. And for the full Southern experience, don’t forget to enjoy a complimentary mint julep!
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
5
St. Francisville, LA--Angola Prison, Road Scholar Lecture
Location:
St. Francisville, LA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
American Cruise Lines' American Serenade
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
We will visit the Louisiana State Penitentiary, the state’s maximum-security prison on 18,000 acres in Angola, widely known as The Farm. We’ll be joined by a local expert who will tell us about this penitentiary that was once a plantation, its troubled history, and how it operates today. Aboard our motorcoach, we will ride through farmland where inmates harvest more than 4 million pounds of produce annually in addition to enterprises including a license tag plant, printing services, a mattress/broom/mop shop (including suicide prevention mattresses), and a herd of 1,600 cattle. Led by a warden, we will explore the prison museum, the Red Hat cellblock, and the largest chapel where we will have an opportunity to hear the enlightening stories from current inmates. The museum was the brainchild of a warden whose stated goal was to document the history of Louisiana’s prisons and not repeat the horrors of the past. After more than a century of terrible conditions, abuses, corruption, and real attempts at reform, Angola achieved accreditation in 1994 from the American Correctional Association. ACA accreditation acknowledges “policies and procedures necessary for the operation of correctional programs that safeguard life, health and safety of the personnel who work in juvenile and adult facilities and programs; as well as the offenders who are a part of the correctional system.” Angola has partnerships with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Ashland University, and the Louisiana Department of Education that offer opportunities for inmates to participate in educational programs. Since 1965, the prison has held a professional rodeo to entertain its inmates, employees, and the public. A portion of the proceeds support the Louisiana Penitentiary Inmate Welfare Fund. Angola also has its own magazine and radio station.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
We’ll gather for another Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
6
Natchez, MS--Longwood Mansion
Location:
Natchez, MS
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
American Cruise Lines' American Serenade
Activity Note
From the landing at Natchez-Under-the-Hill, there is a ramp up to the street; golf carts are available if needed. Short walks from motorcoach to mansions; standing inside.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
We will begin the day with an exploration of Natchez by visiting Longwood Mansion. Longwood was an exotic departure from typical homes of the period, octagonal and in Oriental Revival style. Begun in 1860 but interrupted by the Civil War, only nine of its 32 rooms were finished. The numerous antebellum mansions of Natchez recall a bygone era. Following Longwood Mansion, we will take a tour of Choctaw Hall. Built around 1836, the mansion features a blend of Greek Revival and Federal styles. The four story home is characterized for its swirling oval staircase, double porches, white columns, and beautiful gardens.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, hop on/ hop off buses will be available for anyone who wants to visit other sites in Natchez. Suggested stops include Rosalie Mansion, Magnolia Hall, the Natchez Visitor's Center, Stanton Hall, and the Museum of African American History and Culture.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
7
Vicksburg, MS--Vicksburg National Military Park
Location:
Vicksburg, MS
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
American Cruise Lines' American Serenade
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
This morning, we will take a field trip to Vicksburg National Military Park. The Vicksburg campaign was waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863. The Union victory was one of the decisive moments in the Civil War. Congress commemorated the battlefield as a national military park in 1899. There are 1,325 historic monuments and markers, 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks, 144 emplaced cannon, the restored Union gunboat USS Cairo and its museum, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Led by a local expert, we’ll make three stops: at the Visitor Center, where Park Rangers are ready to answer questions, one of the larger monuments; and the Cairo, sunk in 1862, raised from the depths of the Mississippi in 1964, and later reconstructed. Its museum displays artifacts including weapons, munitions, naval stores, and personal gear of the sailors who served on board.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will have another private lecture. The rest of the afternoon is left free for you to enjoy activities aboard the ship.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
8
Cleveland, MS--Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour
Location:
Cleveland, MS
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
American Cruise Lines' American Serenade
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach at several stops.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
This morning we will have another exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
In Cleveland, we’ll have an opportunity to take advantage of the American Cruise Lines hop-on/hop-off bus to see the town. Known as the "City of Hospitality," Cleveland, Mississippi, holds a rich history that has shaped the cultural fabric of the South. The city's roots are deeply connected to agriculture, especially cotton farming, with echoes of its cotton trading past still visible in the historic downtown. Cleveland is also a cornerstone of American music history, with its ties to the Mississippi Blues Trail. Legendary musicians like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson have all left their mark on the area. A standout cultural attraction is the GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi, which celebrates the region’s profound influence on American music.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
9
Memphis, TN
Location:
Memphis, TN
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
American Cruise Lines' American Serenade
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
We’ll gather for a final exclusive lecture
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
Get ready to experience the vibrant heart of Memphis, a city with a rich history that pulses along the Mississippi River. With its iconic skyline, oak-lined streets, and historic landmarks, Memphis is alive with culture. Feel the rhythm of the city on legendary Beale Street, where the sounds of blues and jazz fill the air. Savor some of the best BBQ in the world, then unwind at The Guest House, your perfect retreat in this dynamic city.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
10
Memphis, TN--Disembarkation, Program Concludes
Location:
Memphis, TN
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Check-out and disembarkation, followed by motorcoach transfer to the Memphis Airport.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
After disembarking, we’ll board a motorcoach and transfer to Memphis International Airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys back home!
Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Oct 14, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
Apr 16, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
Oct 14, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
Oct 14 - Oct 23, 2026 Itinerary Differences:
This departure is on the American Serenade.
