Christmas With The Queen

The school bells are ringing again, summer is over, and it’s time to turn your attention to one of the most wonderful times of the year – Christmas.

It’s only a short four months away and if you would prefer to spend your holidays floating on a boat on the river where the weather is warmer and not so frightful, now is the time to book your American Queen Steamboat Company Holiday Cruise.

This river cruise is only missing one thing – the winter snow -- but that’s about it. The cruise is still rich in southern Cajun and Creole holiday tradition. You’ll drink eggnog, listen to carolers and enjoy a holiday gala with traditional southern cuisine on these 9- and 10-day cruises that travel to and from Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana.

One of the most majestic sights at holiday time is the great mansions that are all decorated in their holiday splendor, and on the cruise you’ll make several stops along the way to enjoy local towns and their landmarks. One such feature, the Nottoway Plantation, is located in White Castle, Georgia and doesn’t disappoint. It is an 1850's sugarcane estate, a member of Historic Hotels of America, and the home of the South's largest existing antebellum mansion. Here you’ll enjoy a traditional Southern Ball performance and an elegant four-course meal before returning to the boat.

Your trip also includes stops in Natchez, Mississippi, to visit its glorious estates and Vicksburg, Mississippi, which was described as the “Key to the South” by Abraham Lincoln.

You won’t be singing the blues when your adventure stops in Greenville, Mississippi, even if it is only a short distance away from the birthplace of B.B. King and many other blues singers. It’s an impressive town which is also known for its gardening and, they say, growing other creative writers, including the author of the Muppets.

READ MORE: Why Natchez? Why Not!?

Holidays can be stressful, but river cruising isn’t supposed to be. It’s meant to be a fun, slower-paced style of travel. Kick your shoes off and chill out on the deck, while the beautiful scenery goes by. The American Queen offers a Mark Twain Gallery if you want to enjoy a good read, you can have some tea in the Ladies' Tea Parlor, or play a board game in the Gentlemen's Card Room.

When you’re not listening to a holiday singalong, there are entertainers in the majestic Grand Saloon, which is two decks tall and resembles the small town opera houses of the 19th century. There are musical revues, regional performances and jazz, blues, ragtime, bluegrass, country and rock and roll in the Engine Room Bar, as well as piano sing-a-longs in the Main Deck Lounge.

The American Queen is the largest steamboat ever built and is a reminder of the American Victorian era. Your journey includes complimentary cappuccino, espresso, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and daily lectures by the Riverlorian.

The holiday cruises run weekly from the beginning of December through the end of the month. It’s a great present to give to yourself or to your loved ones. Better yet, bring the whole family along for one big holiday celebration.