When you think of a Christmas markets river cruise, it’s hard not to think of Europe. However, whilst we have many options throughout countries such as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland, we can also offer a totally different holiday cruise across the pond.
The American Queen Steamboat Company, which operates a fleet of two paddle steamers along the Mississippi, Snake, Columbia, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, has announced a selection of festive river cruises for 2015 and 2016. These itineraries will give cruisers the chance to experience the holiday season in America and see how the Christmas markets there differ from the ones we are used to closer to home.
The 8-night sailings will take place along the Mississippi River, aboard the beautiful American Queen, with three scheduled for this year. They will travel between Memphis and New Orleans, in both directions, stopping at places such as Nottoway, Greenville and Natchez along the way. You are sure to feel the holiday spirit wash over you, as you discover Christmas markets within the grounds of the Nottoway plantation (above) and Greenville’s main square. This festive feeling will only be enhanced by listening to the strolling carolers in St. Francisville and by relaxing to the smooth sounds of the Steamboat Syncopators, the cruise line’s resident jazz and blues band.
In North America, the holiday season also includes Thanksgiving. The first Christmas themed river cruise begins just a couple of days afterwards, offering the perfect opportunity for you to experience a traditional Thanksgiving before embarking on a journey along the meandering Mississippi. The exact dates for 2015 are November 28th – December 6th and December 12th – December 20th from New Orleans to Memphis and December 19th – December 27th from Memphis to New Orleans.
The American Queen Steamboat Company has also announced it is to offer 22-night cruises along the full length of the Mississippi. Usually, itineraries only visit the upper or lower part of the river, but by combining three of these together, the cruise line has created an extended trip from St Paul to New Orleans and in reverse. There are currently two ‘Mighty Mississippi’ cruises available, departing on August 14th, 2016 (forward) and September 4th, 2016 (reverse) respectively.
If you would like to experience life on a traditional paddle steamer, we can offer the river cruises below and many more. Call today for more information or submit your enquiry online.
