What’s new in American river cruising
American Queen Steamboat Company
The line is debuting a Bourbon and Bluegrass itinerary, a nine-day journey designed to blend historic discovery, music, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Sailing between St. Louis and Cincinnati, guests have the chance to explore local distilleries from the makers of Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace, and Heaven Hill. In addition, famous bourbon makers will be onboard to pair their creations with cuisine from celebrity chef Regina Charbonneau. Guests will also enjoy Bluegrass music on a daily basis.
A few highlights of the Bourbon and Bluegrass cruise include a pre-cruise hotel stay in St. Louis or Cincinnati; onboard Bluegrass shows from Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and Storefront Congregation; lectures and tastings; distillery tours along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail; and premium touring opportunities at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and International Bluegrass Music Museum. Fares begin at $2,549.
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is a good bet for value this year, with complimentary shore excursions (valued at more than $300 per person) on Mississippi and Columbia & Snake River cruises aboard the Queen of the Mississippi and the Queen of the West.
On the Mississippi River, excursions include a tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi; a tour of Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana; and a visit to Mark Twain’s boyhood home and museum in Hannibal, Missouri.
On the Columbia and Snake Rivers, shore experiences include a Mount St. Helens tour in Washington; a visit to the Columbia Gorge Discover Center in The Dalles, Oregon; and a winery tour in Richland, Washington.
For more cruise value, American Cruise Lines is offering free shore excursions on 2014 Southeast Alaska cruises.
Click here to start planning your next river cruise.
