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Grand Heartland Cruise

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Grand Heartland Cruise

From From £6,118 pp pp

Enjoy an epic 15-day journey on our Grand Heartland Cruise. This cruise on the Mississippi River travels from the northern reaches of St. Paul, MN all the way down to the basin in New Orleans. View the dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River which have long inspired artists, writers, and steamboat passengers. Visit Hannibal, the hometown of Mark Twain where the characters in his most popular works come to life. Immerse yourself in the culture of Memphis, the mid-South’s most vibrant city, famous for Blues and BBQ. As you journey down the river, hear stories about southern life on the plantation and tour historic Civil War sites led by our local area experts. On your final stop, New Orleans, enjoy privileged access to its vibrant music scene and the best in Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Whats Included:

  • Pre-cruise hotel night
  • Gourmet dining with all meals and snacks included on the cruise
  • Daily Cocktail hour plus wine & beer served with meals
  • Exciting and engaging shore excursions
  • Onboard Music entertainment
  • Onboard Experts, Historians and Riverlorians
  • Breakfast room service & afternoon tea
  • Twice daily stateroom service
  • Wifi
  • All American Experience

Flights are available on request, please call for details

Day 1 - Pre cruise Package

Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Package, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Breakfast

Day 2 - St Paul , Minnesota

St. Paul is a thrilling place to begin your adventure on the Mississippi River. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which showcases gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800’s. St. Paul’s enchanting art galleries, world class museums, and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination.

Breakfast

Day 3 - Red Wing, Minnesota

Nestled among the scenic bluffs of the upper Mississippi River, Red Wing’s beauty has inspired artisans and craftspeople for over 150 years. Red Wing delivers a diverse blend of arts, entertainment, and activities for your pleasure. Enjoy a show at the historic Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre or observe the beauty of nature at one of Red Wing’s 38 parks.

Day 3 - Red Wing, Minnesota

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Natchez, Mississippi

Step into 19th-century America in La Crosse, located on the banks of three captivating rivers. La Crosse is home to Riverside Park, where you can enjoy beautiful gardens, an outdoor performance center, and inspiring sculptures.

Day 4 - Natchez, Mississippi

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Dubuque, Iowa

A “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the river. Take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway, or try your luck in one of Dubuque’s state-of-the-art casinos. View colorful Victorian mansions, stroll through the bustling downtown area, or visit the national Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

Day 5 - Dubuque, Iowa

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - Davenport, Iowa

Voted one of the Most Livable Small Cities in America, Davenport is often described as a lively, active city with a hometown feel. The Legacy of John Deere, the largest agricultural exhibit in the world, resides here. Music enthusiasts will enjoy Davenport’s many festivals, including the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, The Mississippi Valley Fair, and the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival.

Day 6 - Davenport, Iowa

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Day of River Cruising

As we cruise from Davenport to Hannibal, enjoy the day relaxing on the upper deck or admiring the breathtaking view from your private balcony.

Day 7 - Day of River Cruising

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Hannibal, Minnesota

Hannibal, “America’s Hometown,” is a place where you can rediscover adventures from Mark Twain’s era. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn come to life in this charming Missouri town, where you can run your hand along Aunt Polly’s fence, explore Injun Joe’s Cave, and get reacquainted with one of the world’s most beloved authors. The downtown area is a thriving haven for artisans, filled with specialty shops unique to Hannibal.

Day 8 - Hannibal, Minnesota

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 - St. Louis, Minnesota

St. Louis is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens.

Day 9 - St. Louis, Minnesota

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 - Day of River Cruising

Curl up with a good book in one of our spacious lounges, or grab a pair of binoculars and enjoy the fall foliage as we make our way down the Mississippi River.

Day 10 - Day of River Cruising

Breakfast, Lunch & DInner

Day 11 - Vicksburg, Mississippi

U.S. history is alive in Vicksburg. This “Queen City of the Bluff” offers plenty of opportunities to take a step back in time. Civil War battlefields, century old churches, cotton fields, and restored train depots are just a few of the many intriguing landmarks that await your visit. Marvel in the beautiful antebellum-style homes and learn about  Vicksburg’s rich history as displayed on the riverfront murals.

Day 11 -  Vicksburg, Mississippi

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12 - Natchez, Mississippi

Settled in 1716, Natchez is rich in history and southern hospitality. Enjoy a guided exploration of this fascinating city which has retained its antebellum charm since its surrender during the Civil War. Visit Frogmore, a historic cotton plantation still in use today, or attend a special piano concert in the J. N. Stone antebellum music room.

Day 12 - Natchez, Mississippi

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15 - Baton rouge, Louisiana

Experience the wonder of Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital and one of the most historic and unforgettable cities in the South. Known as the Red Stick, Baton Rouge has everything you would expect to find in a state capital, but with a down-home flavor that is part of its charm.

Day 15 - Baton rouge, Louisiana

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16 - New Orleans, Louisiana

Welcome back to New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz. Culture and art abound around every corner of this unique city. The open-air artist colony proudly displays local works on the iron fence in Jackson Square, while the city’s 45 museums carefully preserve its rich history. Stay an extra day or more to enjoy the famed French Quarter.

Day 16 - New Orleans, Louisiana

Breakfast

American Splendor Riverboat

Launched in 2016, and recently fully renovated, American Splendor (formerly America) combines the nostalgia of a traditional paddlewheeler with the safety and comfort of modern amenities.

American Splendor embodies a casual ambiance and relaxed atmosphere while providing panoramic views of the passing scenery. With only 180 guests, fellow guests will quickly become new friends.

American Splendor Onboard Features & Facilities

  • 180 passengers,
  • Grand dining room
  • Multiple lounges
  • Library and chart room
  • Afternoon tea in the Sky Lounge
  • Open air exercise area
  • Laundry facilities
  • Jazz and evening music entertainment
  • Breakfast room service
  • All American crew
  • Lift access to all decks
  • Cocktail hour daily
  • On board Historians and Naturalists
  • Food offered from locally sourced ingredients
  • Complimentary Wifi

Accommodations & Amenities

American Splendor staterooms are the most spacious in the small ship cruising industry.  All range between 200 and 450 square feet in size, and feature full-size bathrooms and modern amenities. After an invigorating day, your spacious stateroom is a comfortable haven and the perfect place to relax and unwind. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery from your large opening picture window or from your private balcony.

  • 98 Staterooms and Suites
  • Breakfast Room Service
  • Twice daily stateroom service
  • Private Balconies in most staterooms/ Suites
  • Bathrooms with full amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player in each stateroom
  • Individual Climate Control
American Splendor - Owners Suite

Owners Suite

Up to 445 ft² – Decks 3, 4 & 5

  • Luxurious suite
  • Sliding glass doors to an expansive private balcony
  • Full size bathroom with amenities
  • Spacious seating area
  • Desk, Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service

AAM

328  ft² – Deck 5

  • Spacious stateroom
  • Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors out to a private balcony
  • Full size bathroom with amenities
  • Seating area
  • Desk, Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service
American Splendor - Cat AAM Balcony Stateroom
American Splendor - Cat AAC, AAL + AAR Balcony Stateroom

AAC, AAL & AAR

304  ft² – Decks 4, 3 & 2

  • Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors out to an walk out balcony
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Desk, Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service

A

290  ft² – Deck 1 (Mail Deck)

  • Picture window
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service
American Splendor - Cat A Stateroom
American Splendor - Single Balcony Stateroom

Single Balcony

230  ft² – Decks 2, 3 & 4

  • Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors out to a private balcony
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service

Single

203  ft² – Deck 1 (Main Deck)

  • Picture window
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service
Related Cruise

American Splendor – Deck Plan

American Harmony

The American River Cruise revolution continues with American Harmony, the newest ship in American Cruise Lines’ highly anticipated series of contemporary riverboats. These, the first modern riverboats ever in the U.S., have introduced many pioneering innovations to America’s waters. American Harmony will feature lounges soaring 40 feet above the water with triple the glass of other riverboats for astounding views. The new riverboat will also feature the Atrium, a four-story glass-enclosed area with a large domed skylight, which will serve as the central gathering point for the entire ship. Our new suite design will allow for unprecedented comfort while traveling, beginning with the new Grand Suites featuring 900 square feet of private space. These spacious suites include two glass walls and a wraparound private balcony. Complimentary room service during select mealtimes is available for every stateroom, but the Grand Suites offer ample space to host small cocktail parties or private dinner events. American Harmony will continue American Cruise Lines’ decade’s long tradition for innovation in river cruising. With a capacity of just 187 guests, this new ship has the modern design features and contemporary styling that today’s traveler has come to expect. Experience the American Harmony for yourself on the Mississippi River.

American Harmony Jazz

Onboard Features & Facilities

  • 190 passengers, 60 crew
  • Complimentary Wifi
  • Lounges
  • Exercise room
  • Laundry facilities
  • Evening entertainment, focused on music and history
  • Breakfast room service
  • all American crew
  • lift access to all decks
  • Grand dining room
  • Putting green on the top deck
  • Cocktail hour daily
  • On board Historians and Naturalists
  • Food offered from locally sourced ingredients

Accommodations & Amenities

The staterooms in our newest riverboats are the most spacious and modern in U.S. small ship cruising – each with the finest appointments, modern décor a private bathroom. Your stateroom is a comfortable haven and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery from your large private balcony.

  • 99 Staterooms and Suites
  • Breakfast Room Service
  • Twice daily stateroom service
  • Private Balconies in most staterooms/ Suites
  • Bathrooms with full amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player in each stateroom
  • Individual Climate Control
American Harmony Grand Suite (Private Balcony)

Grand Suite

900 ft² – 3rd Deck

  • Luxurious suite
  • 270◦ of panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors lead out to a wrap-around balcony complete with a private dining area
  • Separate Bedroom and living areas
  • Large Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service

Owners Suite

575  ft² – 3rd Deck

  • Luxurious  Suite
  • Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors out to an expansive balcony
  • Separate Bedroom and living areas
  • Large Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service
American Harmony Owner's Suite
American Harmony Veranda Suite

Veranda Suite

405  ft² – 5th Deck

  • Spacious stateroom
  • Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors out to an walk out balcony
  • Seating area
  • Large Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service

AAM

350  ft² – 4th Deck

  • Spacious stateroom
  • Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors out to a private balcony
  • Large Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service
American Harmony AAM
American Harmony AAC

AAC

316  ft² – 3rd Deck

  • Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
  • Sliding glass doors out to a private balcony
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service

AAL

300  ft² – 2nd Deck

  • Floor-to-ceiling glass doors out to a private balcony
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service
American Harmony AAL
American Harmony AAR

AAR

275  ft² – Main Deck

  • Large Picture windows
  • Door out to a private balcony
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service

Single

250  ft² – 2nd, 3rd & 4th Deck

  • Sliding glass doors out to a private balcony
  • Bathroom with amenities
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
  • Twice daily stateroom service
American Harmony Single Balcony

For our latest prices & availability please call 0800 471 4754



Excursions falls into one of three categories: 1) COMPLIMENTARY  shore tours are included free. 2) PREMIUM shore tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and may be purchased onboard with your Hotel Manager. 3) SIGNATURE shore tours are particularly unique tours with limited-availability and which often cost more than $70. We recommend that you reserve these tours in advance with your Cruise Specialist. For more information on shore tours, please speak with your Cruise Specialist.


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