Memphis to New Orleans Riverboat Cruise
April 14, 2024 thru April 23, 2024
Explore the land of bawdy blues and Southern belles on the American Queen. This journey showcases the diversity and drama of the Lower Mississippi River. From Memphis to New Orleans, the river rolls slowly and expansively, smooth as a southern drawl. The bayous and woodlands along the shore create dramatic landscapes that are virtually unchanged since the days of the French fur traders. Gracious towns with palatial mansions and tree-lined streets abound. History is everywhere – in silent Civil War cemeteries, and virtually everywhere you turn in Memphis, best known for jazz, barbecue, and of course, The King of Rock and Roll and his home at Graceland.

Transportation
Roundtrip Air Transportation

Transportation
8-day cruise with all meals onboard

Duration
10 days, 9 nights

Activity Level 2
Relaxed

Meals
All meals aboard the cruise included

Availability
Available
Tour Highlights
-
- Memphis Tour
- Greenville
- Vicksburg
- Natchez
- St. Francisville
- Baton Rouge
- Nottaway Plantation
- New Orleans
Inclusions
- Roundtrip airfare ABQ to Memphis / New Orleans to ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
- All airport/hotel/ship transfers
- Transportation by deluxe motor coach
- 7-night cruise with all meals onboard
- 2 nights lodging at excellent hotels
- Shipboard gratuities (not including optional activities)
- Hop-On Hop-Off shore excursions
- Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
- Government fees and air taxes
- Your SUN TOURS Escort (with 20 or more travelers)
Day 1 - Fly to Memphis
We’ll enjoy an overnight stay at the pre-cruise hotel in Memphis. The evening is ours to get acquainted with this city’s famed eateries, unique shops and lively entertainment.
Day 2 - Memphis - Embarkation
In the morning, we have free time to explore Memphis, home of Elvis Presley. Later, it’s time to start our voyage down the Mississippi River, where memories will be made that will last a lifetime.
Meals included: (D)
Day 3 - Greenville
We cruise the ‘Big Muddy’ and see the many small towns that have inspired authors, musicians and painters. Today is the perfect day to enjoy the many public spaces and activities that are available to you onboard. We stop in Greenville, center of Mississippi delta history.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Vicksburg
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Described as the “Key to the South” by Abraham Lincoln, this southern town carries a history unlike any other Civil War city. Vicksburg was founded in 1811 and grew as a vital river port city. It was a major component to the Civil War and carries much of the history within the town. Today, Vicksburg is a popular spot for tourists to learn about the battles of the city, taste the cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Natchez
Natchez is a charming river town that was first inhabited by Natchez Indians and French explorers who shared the land. It was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi. The city is known for its elegance, hospitality, and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner throughout Natchez. Guests will enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical houses located in Natchez, as they explore the beautiful downtown areas.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 6 - St. Francisville
Established in 1809, St. Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes. Below where St. Francisville is located currently, was a settlement called Bayou Sara in the 1790’s. When this settlement was destroyed by flooding and fires, many of the structures and artifacts were hauled up the bluff into St. Francisville, where they are still standing. The town is referred to as “two miles long and two yards wide,” but that definitely doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer! Stop in at one of the unique shops, historical homes, beautiful churches, or breathtaking parks and you will agree with that! Spanish moss trees grow throughout the town, lending a beautiful southern comfort to the atmosphere.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Red Stick (Baton Rouge)
Baton Rouge, the Capital of Louisiana, has a deep culture and rich history. Named by French explorer, Sieur D’Iberville after a reddish pole marking two separate tribal hunting grounds, Baton Rouge has transformed into a rich cultural city. Locals speak a specific version of French in their everyday language. The city is home to Louisiana’s capitol building which is the largest in the United States, as well as the Old State Capitol – a Gothic architectural monument located on the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mississippi. Spend the day exploring all that Baton Rouge has to offer, from the museums and the architecture, to the shops and the cuisine – everyone will enjoy an exciting, busy day!
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Nottoway Plantation
Nottoway Plantation is the South’s largest, most glorious remaining Antebellum mansion with a rich history dating back to 1859. In a fabulous location along the great River Road overlooking the grand Mississippi River, this “White Castle” of the South transports visitors back to an era of glory and grandeur. Set amongst a natural backdrop of vibrant gardens and two hundred-year-old oak trees, Nottoway Plantation captivates all with a brilliant blend of true Southern hospitality, history and mystery!
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 9 - New Orleans
We disembark in New Orleans and overnight, allowing us time to explore this fascinating city.
Meals included: (B)
Day 10 - Fly Home
Today we fly home, remembering our wonderful trip on the Mississippi River.
Itinerary subject to change.
Package Pricing
E - Inside Stateroom per person
$4,975*
Deposit: $500
D - Bay Window Stateroom per person
$5,285*
Deposit: $500
C - Open Veranda Stateroom per person
$5,395*
Deposit: $500
A - Private Veranda Stateroom per person
$6,115*
Deposit: $500
*Price per person, including air from ABQ, double occupancy.
Single occupancy Upon Request, Limited Availability.
Deposit: N/A
Final payment due:
December 11, 2023
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
• Roundtrip airfare ABQ to Memphis / New Orleans to ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
• All airport/hotel/ship transfers
• Transportation by deluxe motor coach
• 7-night cruise with all meals onboard
• 2 nights lodging at excellent hotels
• Shipboard gratuities (not including optional activities)
• Hop-On Hop-Off shore excursions
• Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
• Government fees and air taxes
• Your SUN TOURS Escort (with 20 or more travelers)
Booking Policy
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: December 11, 2023
CANCELLATION FEES:
-
$250 through December 11, 2023
-
25%* – December 12, 2023 – January 10, 2024
-
50%* – January 11 – February 9, 2024
-
75%* – February 10 – March 13, 2024
-
100%* – after March 13, 2023
TRAVEL PROTECTION STARTS AT $447
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 2: Relaxed
Expectations: This tour requires light physical activity combined with shorter travel days. Tour members should expect intermittent walking, with occasional slight inclines and stair climbs, including boarding the motorcoach. Activities may include an occasional city or nature walking tour, stopping along the way. Guests should be able to climb a set of stairs, walk up or down slight slopes and navigate some uneven terrain or cobblestone.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are somewhat physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).
Visit our Activity Level Ratings page for full information on the ratings system.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A Driver’s License or Passport is preferred. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included. Tips for guides/services on optional excursions or individual on-ship services are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
Inquire About This Tour
Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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