New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MNYour Mississippi River CruiseWelcome Aboard

Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™

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Welcome ....................................................3

Itinerary Overview .....................................4

Getting to New Orleans and Your Ship .......6

Staying in New Orleans ..............................7

Boarding Your Ship ....................................8

What to Bring ...........................................9

Meals & Cocktails ......................................10

General Shore Tour information .................11

General Onboard Information ....................12

Concluding Your Cruise .............................13

End of Cruise Transportation Services ........13

Port by Port Shore Tour Information ..........14

Table of Contents

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Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines. From your reservation to your experience aboard your ship, American Cruise Lines is with you every step of the way. Your cruise specialist is always just a phone call away and will be happy to assist you with everything from celebrating a special occasion to ensuring that your stateroom is just the way you like it.

The following pages will answer many of your questions about the cruise and your onboard experience. Your cruise specialist is available and can be reached at (800) 894-8570.www.americancruiselines.com

Welcome Aboard

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Ports of Call

Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents.

Red Wing

La Crosse

Dubuque

DavenportBurlington

Hannibal

Paducah

Chester

Cape GirardeauColumbus

New Madrid

Helena

Vicksburg

Natchez

OakAlley

St. FrancisvilleBaton Rouge

Greenville

Tunica

Houmas HouseNew Orleans

Memphis

St. Louis

Minneapolis-St. Paul

CincinnatiOhio Rive

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Ohio Rive

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Cumberlan

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River

Tennesse

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Illino

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Mississippi River

Missouri River

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPIALABAMA

ARKANSAS

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

MISSOURI

INDIANAOHIO

ILLINOIS

WISCONSINMINNESOTA

FLORIDA

IOWA

New Orleans, LAOak Alley, LAHoumas House, LABaton Rouge, LASt. Francisville, LANatchez, MS Vicksburg, MSGreenville, MSMemphis, TNNew Madrid, MOCape Girardeau, MO

Chester, ILSt. Louis, MODay of River CruisingHannibal, MO Day of River CruisingDavenport, IA Dubuque, IA Day of River CruisingLa Crosse, WI Red Wing, MN St. Paul, MN

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Subject to change.

Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.

Your Ship Will Be Docked At:Thalia Street Wharf 1350 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 70160(between Port of New Orleans Admin. Bldg. and Mardis Gras World)

Driving to Thalia Street Wharf from I-10 East/West1. Merge onto I-90 West Business2. Take exit 11 C—Tchoupitoulas St. and South

Peters St. (last exit before Crescent City Connection Bridge)

3. Turn right onto Tchoupitoulas St4. Turn left onto Henderson St.5. Go over railroad tracks6. Turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place7. Thalia Street Wharf is on the right (located next to

the Port of New Orleans Administrative Building)After dropping your bags off at the ship, the parking garage entrance is about 50 feet down the road on the right, just after going underneath the bridge.

Getting to New Orleans and Your Ship

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Flying Into New Orleans:Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the closest airport to the ship. It is serviced by many major airlines and is approximately 25 minutes from the ship by taxi.

HotelsIf you are arriving to New Orleans the night before your cruise, these hotels are located a few minutes from the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate. Each hotel can arrange for taxi service to the cruise terminal. Dauphine Orleans Hotel (800)-521-7111 415 Rue Dauphine New Orleans, LA 70112Wyndham Riverfront New Orleans (866) 907-0611 701 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70130Hotel le Marais New Orleans 800-935-8740 717 Conti St. New Orleans, LA 70130Crowne Plaza New Orleans (877) 834-3613 Airport Hotel 2829 Williams Blvd. Kenner, LA 70062

Staying in New Orleans

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Boarding TimePlease plan to arrive at the ship between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You may not be able to access your stateroom until about 11:30 a.m. The ship will leave at 1:30 p.m. or earlier if all guests have arrived.

Boarding Your ShipFrom the moment you arrive, everything will be handled for you. American Cruise Lines deckhands wear a distinctive red shirt and will unload your luggage from your car or taxi and bring it to your stateroom aboard the ship. Please keep your boarding passes with you, as it is not necessary for you to stay with your luggage. The Cruise Director will be awaiting your arrival at the gangway of the ship. Please present your boarding passes and photo ID at this time.

Luggage and Luggage TagsAmerican Cruise Lines places no restrictions on luggage. However, it is recommended that you bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed. You will be receiving luggage tags with your boarding pass before your cruise. If you would like additional tags, your cruise specialist will be happy to send you more. If you have cruised with us before, please remove your old luggage tags.

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Casual resort attire is recommended both on the ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sport shirt and slacks, with sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater and slacks, or a dress appropriate.

American Cruise Lines also recommends that you bring the following:

• Comfortable resort attire • Comfortable walking shoes• Sunscreen• Hat• Light rain wear• Jacket for cool evenings• Camera• Photo identification

Please do not hesitate to ask your Hotel Manager for any item that you may have forgotten.

What to Bring

New Orleans wrought iron9

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American Cruise Lines offers open seating at every meal in the Dining Salon on the Main Deck. Dress is resort attire. At dinner, men often wear a sport coat and women often wear a dress.Breakfast is prepared to order at your leisure between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m.Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and you are welcome to join us at any time before 7:30 p.m.American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening at 5:30 p.m. before dinner.

Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.

Special Diets and MedicationsAmerican Cruise Lines will cater to any special dietary needs. Please tell your cruise specialist approximately two weeks prior to your cruise so that we may plan accordingly. Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection.

Meals and Cocktails

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Your onshore experience is as important as your onboard experience, so American Cruise Lines has taken special care to research and plan excursions at each port. With American Cruise Lines, you will experience what makes each destination a special place.

Every tour will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you true insight to the area’s culture, heritage and history. On each excursion, you’ll be joined by local experts, historians or naturalists to further enhance your experience.

For detailed descriptions of each tour, please see pages 14-23.

For additional information about the places you will visit or alternative activities available, your Cruise Director or onboard guest speaker will be happy to help.

Shore excursions come in one of three categories:

You may sign up for most tours onboard with the Cruise Director. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to making your onshore experience a true American Adventure.

Shore ToursPlease note that all shore tours are subject to availability and change.

F FeaturedFeatured tours are complimentary to all guests.

P Premium

Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise.

S Signature

Signature tours are limited-availability excursions. We recommend that you reserve and pay for these tours in advance with your Cruise Specialist.

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Subject to change.

American Cruise Lines will work to meet your onboard needs and cater to special requests. If at any point there is an item that you would like to see provided, please let your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director know.

Emergency MessagesEmergency messages can be directed to the main office in Connecticut at (800) 894-8570. They will be relayed to the ship at the first opportunity. You are urged to provide American Cruise Lines with email addresses and cellular phone numbers, as well as an emergency contact prior to your departure date. Cell phones are generally available onboard the ship for emergency purposes.

TippingTipping is entirely at your personal discretion. Tips are generally given to the Hotel Manager near the end of the cruise. They are then divided equally among the stewards and deckhands. Tips generally average about $125 per person on a 7-night cruise. Stewards and deckhands do not expect and cannot accept tips directly. Credit cards, personal or travelers checks, and cash are accepted. If you choose to pay by credit card, please contact the Hotel Manager at least one day before the end of your cruise.

General Onboard Information

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On most cruises, the ship will arrive in St. Paul, MO the evening prior to the final day of the cruise. The ship docks at the Lambert’s Landing, 180 Shepard Road, St. Paul, MN 55102. On the last day of your cruise, breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and passengers may disembark until 8:30 a.m. At the conclusion of your cruise, consider extending your stay in St. Paul with one of the tours on page 19. Your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will be available to assist with tour arrangements.

For passengers flying home, American Cruise Lines offers transportation from the ship in St. Paul to:Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – departs the ship at 8:30 a.m.For more information, prices, or reservations, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570. During the cruise, your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will also be happy to assist you with travel arrangements.

Concluding Your Cruise End of Cruise Transportation Services

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Oak alley, laOak alley PlantatiOn tOur

Located on the Mississippi River, between the historic cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the Oak Alley Plantation has been called the Grande Dame of the Great River Road. A quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees, believed to be nearly 300 years old, forms an impressive avenue that leads

you to this classic, Greek-revival style antebellum home. This imposing mansion has been restored to its 19th century glory, a noble tribute to those who left their indelible mark on this rich river region. Experience the beauty of this opulent mansion during a guided tour.

HOumas HOuse, laHOumas HOuse & PlantatiOn

Admire the southern splendor of “The Sugar Palace” when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. A one hour guided tour of the house is offered throughout the morning. Following your introduction to the Houmas House and its history, you can explore on your own and enjoy 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley. Feel the breeze off the Mississippi and navigate through the shadows of ancient oaks as you experience Southern plantation life

Port by Port Shore Tour Information

Oak Alley, Louisiana

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BatOn rOuge, laHistOric BatOn rOuge

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge. This 160-year-old statehouse has withstood war, fire, scandal, and an occasional fistfight. Today, the building serves as a museum, depicting the history of the State of Louisiana, and stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship. The museum’s multimedia exhibits engage visitors in an interactive exploration of the events and people that contributed to Louisiana’s story.

cajun Heritage & rural life museum

Experience 19th century plantation life during a guided tour of this outdoor living history museum. The Plantation Quarters showcase the kitchen, slave cabins, and grist mill of a typical 19th century working plantation. After a tour of the Plantation Quarters, discover the life of early Louisiana settlers during a tour through a replica 19th century town.

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Inside the Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge15

Highlights include the pioneers’ cabin, shotgun house, and dogtrot house.

st. francisville, larOsedOwn PlantatiOn tOur

Rosedown Plantation embodies the lifestyle of the antebellum South’s wealthiest planters in a way very few other surviving properties can. This perfectly preserved plantation showcases the cultural traditions and lifestyles of the Old South’s wealthiest inhabitants. This historic plantation will give you a hands-on appreciation for the people who lived and worked on an antebellum plantation.

natcHez, msnatcHez city tOur

Natchez is a grand city steeped in a rich and tumultuous history. Tour through the heart of downtown Natchez, bustling with activity around every bend. Hear blues musicians playing along the city’s streets, and discover how music has helped

Cannons sit in formation in Vicksburg, MS

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shape the city. Tour beautifully restored antebellum homes while you learn about the Civil War’s impact on Natchez. Everything that the magnificent city has to offer is available to you on this unique tour.

frOgmOre PlantatiOn tOur

An 1800-acre working cotton farm, the Frogmore Plantation has 18 restored antebellum structures that date from the early 1800s. Along with the history of the early Natchez planters, the tour includes a rare Smithsonian-quality steam cotton gin. The tour continues through modern day farming life, including the planting, harvesting, and computerized ginning of cotton.

vicksBurg, msBattle Of vicksBurg tOur

National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863 and includes over 1,370 monuments and markers, a restored Union gunboat, and a national

cemetery. Explore this sprawling battlefield with a professional guide who has a vast knowledge of civilian life and military operations on both sides of the siege and battle. Your tour will end at the Visitors’ Center, filled with an impressive array of exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg.

greenville, msgreenville city tOur

Experience the city of Greenville, MS on a narrated city tour. After an hour of historical discovery with your docent, a stop will be made at the Greenville History Museum and the 1927 Flood Museum. The Greenville History museum is housed in the restored Miller Building, and provides a glimpse into local history from the late 1800s to the 1970s. The 1927 Flood Museum commemorates one of the country’s worst natural disasters in history, the break in the levee is reported to have put flood waters over the rooftops of houses 75 miles away!

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BB king museum & delta interPretive center

The B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta between Greenwood and Greenville. Opened in mid-September 2008 and built to honor the life and music of one of the most accomplished musicians of our time, the museum serves as a vital resource to the State of Mississippi and the City of Indianola. The museum’s exhibits and educational programs serve to build bridges between the community and the world while preserving the rich cultural and musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta.

memPHis, tnnarrated city tOur

Relax and let your See Memphis guide show you the highlights of the fascinating City on the Bluff. Memphis is located on the Mississippi River at the northern end of the Mississippi Delta where the blues were born. Its history is linked to cotton and to music. You’ll drive past Mud Island, a Mississippi River

Educational Park; Cotton Row, where 60% of the nation’s cotton was once traded; National Civil Rights Museum, located where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated; St. Jude Children’s Research hospital, the largest research center of its kind in the world; and old neighborhoods such as the Pinch District. You’ll be entertained all the way and you’ll experience Southern hospitality at its best!

graceland tOur

Memphis is the hometown of Elvis and a stop here would not be complete without a tour of Graceland. A local guide will take you on a brief tour of the historic downtown area, Mississippi riverfront, Sun Studio, and

Graceland

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Old St. Vincent’s Church

other interesting sites before you head out of the city limits to the Presley estate. Here, you will enjoy a self-guided tour which will include the Jungle Room, the Trophy Room, and more.

new madrid, mOwalking tOur Of new madrid

Stroll through the quaint town of New Madrid on this 1.3 mile walking tour. Begin on the picturesque, newly completed River Walk before continuing on to the Historical Museum. Continue through town passing the Higgerson School, Veteran’s Park, and the Greek Revival County Courthouse. The last stop is at the Hart-Stepp House, the oldest home in New Madrid.

caPe girardeau, mOtrail Of tears state Park

Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the tragedy of the forced march of Cherokees through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and

Arkansas to Oklahoma. The park allows you to retrace the steps of the Cherokee through a series paintings, maps, and artifacts.

narrated city tOur & Old st. vincent’s cHurcH

Join a local guide on a narrated tour through Cape Girardeau’s beautiful Old St. Vincent’s Church. The church’s English Gothic Revival architecture is both beautiful and rare, as very few churches of this style still exist in America today. After visiting Old St. Vincent’s Church, travel down the

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street to the Crisp Museum which features fine art exhibitions, prehistoric Native American artifacts, and interpretive regional history displays.

cHester, ilcity tOur

Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Chester is known as The City of Popeye as it is the birthplace of his creator, Elzie Segar. Founded in the early 18th century, Chester offers a combination of beautiful natural surroundings and interesting small town history. Join a local guide who will tell you about the people and places of this little corner of America.

st. lOuis, mOdiscOver st. lOuis tOur

Narrated tour will include downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square and a driving tour of Forest Park. Also enjoy a Stables Only tour at Anheuser Busch InBev Brewery if available. See the St. Louis Arch

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stables of the world-famous Clydesdale horses and sample free products in the hospitality room.

HanniBal, mONarrated Trolley Tour

Relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s time in Hannibal during a historic trolley tour. Your experienced guide will share the history of Hannibal and take you to places of historical significance, including the Rockcliffe Mansion, an amazing 13,500 square foot American castle built to overlook the mighty Mississippi River. This tour will highlight many of the exciting places that inspired Mark Twain’s famous tales.

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum

Discover the Hannibal of Samuel Clemens’ youth at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. Become reacquainted with one of the world’s most beloved authors at his historic home, then explore the inspirational setting for the stories he created by visiting the Huckleberry Finn house and Becky Thatcher house.

Be sure to also visit Judge Clemens’ Justice of the Peace Office, the setting for Muff Potter’s trial and the Museum Gallery, which features a series of Norman Rockwell paintings.

davenPOrt, iaJohn Deere Pavilion

Visit the newly renovated John Deere Pavilion and Store. The John Deere Pavilion shares the story of the company’s ongoing contributions to agricultural development through exhibits and equipment displays. Discover antique tractors, giant combines, and interactive displays on this self-guided tour.

John Hauberg Indian Museum

Enjoy a guided tour of the Hauberg Indian Museum. Located in the Black Hawk State Historic Site, this museum interprets the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians who once called this place home. During the tour, view full-size replicas of Sauk winter

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and summer homes, dioramas with life-size figures of the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians, and traditional artifacts, including authentic trade goods and jewelry.

duBuque, iaNational Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

Take an entertaining and informative journey along the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. On this guided tour, you will discover the lives of the pioneers, explorers and artists who lived along the Mississippi River and get close to nature as you make your way through six large aquariums.

The museum’s interactive exhibits will give you an inside look into the Mississippi’s past, present and future.

Historic City Tour

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Victorian era Dubuque during a tour through the town’s many historic attractions. Learn about the architecture, families and events that made 19th century Dubuque such a unique treasure. Your guide will lead you through Dubuque’s beautiful historic sites, including the Mathias Ham House and The Old Jail Museum.

la crOsse, wiHistoric City Tour

Tour this wonderful city and view the historic late 19th and early 20th century buildings that define La Crosse. Gain insight into the architectural development of La Crosse from its boomtown Riverboat Days through the roaring 20s. Discover the evolution of the historic downtown and the well-preserved residential neighborhoods during this narrated bus tour.Lock and dam, Dubuque

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Eco-Tour

Spend an afternoon on this signature backwater cruise, specifically designed for nature lovers and bird watchers. Explore a variety of wetland habitats and discover the wide array of wildlife that lives within the “Upper Miss” wildlife refuge. Highlights include up close views of bald eagle nests, beaver lodges, sunning turtles, great blue herons, egrets, red fox, and playful river otters.

red wing, mnBald Eagle Viewing Cruise

Join Captain Rusty for a cruise along the river to see the majestic creatures that call the shores of the Upper Mississippi home. Enjoy coffee and doughnuts as you cruise along, spotting wildlife along the way. There are 14 eagle nests within five miles of the dock. Captain Rusty will narrate and take you to see three 1,500 pound nests and their inhabitants. You will be closer than you could ever imagine and will come away with a great appreciation for the bald eagle.

Red Wing City Tour and visit to Red Wing Pottery Tour

In 1877, the Red Wing Stoneware Company opened its doors for business. The famous pottery maker is still open today, making kitchenware and decorative accent pieces for the entire home. Tour the Red Wing Stoneware factory and observe firsthand the intricate processes that go into the creation of their beautiful pottery and stoneware. There will be time after the tour to shop in the factory store and to observe the production floor in action.

st. Paul, mnCathedrals to Capitols Tour

Discover the old world charm of Minnesota’s capital city during this downtown tour. This tour takes you to a number of historic buildings, including the State Capitol, Landmark Center, and the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Between each landmark, you will see lovingly restored Victorian homes adorned with wrought iron, stained glass and stone facades.

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741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200Guilford, CT 06437(800) 894-8570

(800) 894-8570www.americancruiselines.com

tHank yOu fOr cruising witH us!

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