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The American Queen Steamboat Company and its Australian partner, Cruise Traveller, are offering savings of US$1000 per couple on a cruise covering almost the entire length of the Mississippi River from Minneapolis in the north to New Orleans in the south, including visits to colonial mansions, music museums, art galleries, wineries and the boyhood home of legendary American writer, Mark Twain.

The 15-night package begins on August 16, 2020, with one night’s pre-cruise hotel stay in Minneapolis, near the source of the 3730km-long Mississippi followed by the 14-night cruise traversing almost the entire length of America’s great river – a bucket-list journey for many travellers.

Guests can choose from several premium shore excursions to add to their holiday, including a visit to the front lines of the Civil War outside Vicksburg, watching live cabaret shows and the Elvis Experience – including a visit to the Memphis home of the King himself, Graceland.

Guests will travel aboard the largest river steamboat ever built – the 417-passenger American Queen – as they explore the legendary lands of bawdy blues, southern belles and drawls, stopping at quaint and historic towns which line the banks of the mighty Mississippi. While onboard, guests will feel transported back in time to an era of leisurely and romantic travel as they enjoy the sweeping panoramas, storybook American towns and deep blue lakes. While the steamboat has the appearance and opulence of the American Victorian era, it is also equipped with all the modern amenities.

Highlights of the river cruise include visits to La Crosse – a historical city famous for its local breweries, the Gateway Arch city of St Louis- founded in 1764 by French explorers, and Memphis – with its flurry of music attractions such as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar factory and the blues clubs of Beale Street. A memorable shore excursion will also be made at Vicksburg, a major battle site during the Civil War and now a popular tourist spot, with beautiful historic buildings and a rich history.

Guests will also visit the Nottoway Plantation, the South’s largest and most glorious remaining mansion, as an included shore excursion. Set among a background of vibrant gardens and 200-year-old oak trees, the mansion boasts three floors and beautiful ballrooms. The mansion is known as “The white castle of Louisiana” due to its eye-catching 22 white columns and dates back to 1859.

The cruise concludes in New Orleans, where guests can visit the famous French Quarter with its jazz bars, Cajun eateries and toe-tapping buskers.

Australians can save US$500 per person, if they book the cruise by December 31, 2019. Including the discount, fares are available from US$7671 per person, twin-share, for a cabin with river views.

American Queen Steamboat Company is the most award-winning, authentic and opulent river cruise line in America, offering the most inclusive cruises with guided shore excursions, nightly Broadway-calibre entertainment and regionally inspired fine dining included in the fare.

To book, consumers or travel agents can call the Australian representative for the American Queen Steamboat Company, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au