This Wednesday we’re going to take a trip up and down these gorgeous aqueous channels we call American rivers. We’ll amble through America’s waterways on the luxury vessels of American Cruise Lines, just like Lewis and Clark did it 200 years ago. If they had panoramic views, deck chairs and wi-fi, that is.
Karen Devine of 3-D Cruise Partners, on behalf of American Cruise Lines, will be at the helm, taking us on two exciting itineraries through the waterways of the U.S.A.
What to wear, darlings? This week, we’re asking you to channel the American explorer, storyteller, or literary character in you, anyone who made an impact on American discovery or culture of this diverse land - reach for your best Mark Twain, your Lewis & Clark (or yes! Sacagawea), Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, John Steinbeck, Atticus Finch, Henry Hudson, Flannery O’Connor, Holly Golightly, Louisa May Alcott, John Muir…
Plus, darlings, the first five after 3:55 to log into the call (no earlier than 3:55 pm, please) will win an early bird gift.
And as an added bonus, each week we’ll award a planner who goes “all in” a special gift from Kelly McAlister with Maui Jim.
American Cruise Lines
Hold onto your binoculars, we’re taking two All-American trips this week to very distinct, breathtaking settings: up the mighty Mississippi, and across the beautiful Columbia and Snake Rivers! Two itineraries mean two ways to experience the majestic beauty that this land has to offer.
The Ships
American Cruise Lines’ modern ships are a testament to premier nautical engineering, luxurious comfort, and river cruising convenience. Their fleet of modern riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of-the-art navigation, and safety equipment.
Cruising on the world-class ships, enjoy comfortable lounges and large observation decks that provide the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interest in American heritage. Glass enclosed dining salons provide panoramic views of the spectacular scenery you will see on every American Cruise Lines trip.
The spacious staterooms are the largest in the small cruise ship industry. These hotel-like rooms feature large opening picture windows, roomy baths, and many offer furnished private balconies. From charming small towns to gracious southern ports, the American Cruise Lines fleet will bring you to your desired destination in luxury and comfort.
NEW ORLEANS ITINERARY ON THE AMERICAN JAZZ and AMERICAN HARMONY
Board one of the brand new American Cruise Lines riverboats, American Jazz and American Harmony, as we celebrate the music, history, and culture of the Lower Mississippi. Your journey begins and ends in New Orleans, a melting pot of French, African, and American culture. Here you can enjoy exclusive access to its vibrant music scene and the best in Cajun and Creole cuisine.
On the curated tours of area plantations such as the Oak Alley, Frogmore, and Rosedown, hear stories about southern life from a team of passionate experts who we have assembled to show you each place in detail.
Explore historic towns and beautiful gardens along the way and be treated to an exclusive American Cruise Lines classical piano concert at the famous J.N. Stone House. In Vicksburg, their expert guides show you the battlefields, the USS Cairo, and the most significant historic sites throughout the city.
NEW ORLEANS ITINERARY
On your 700 mile Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to Vicksburg and back, enjoy grandiose plantations, historic homes, beautiful gardens, and Civil War battlefields.
NEW ORLEANS, LA > OAK ALLEY, LA > NEW ORLEANS, LA > OAK ALLEY, LA > NATCHEZ, MS > VICKSBURG, MS > ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA > BATON ROUGE, LA > HOUMAS HOUSE, LA > NEW ORLEANS, LA > NATCHEZ, MS > VICKSBURG, MS > ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA > BATON ROUGE, LA > HOUMAS HOUSE, LA > NEW ORLEANS, LA
IT DON’T MEAN A THING IF IT AIN’T GOT THAT SWING
Of course, we could be talking about porch swings, y’all, which is what you’ll see a lot of on your cruise up the Mississippi. Until then, enjoy these vibes that are most decidedly ‘NOLA.’
- The Neville Brothers in concert with The Meters - from ‘Congo Square,’ to ‘Voodoo,’ to the classic ‘Hey Pocky Way’ - this is a full hour and a half of pure New Orleans funk.
- Dr. John - the fantastic jellyroll piano man live at Montreux Jazz Festival playing Iko Iko. We also love the double-whammy of Dr. John and Eric Clapton doing Right Place, Wrong Time.
- The late, great Ellis Marsalis doing ‘Homecoming.’
- Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick visit the New Orleans Musicians’ Village.
- And here’s a short list of NOLA’s most famous musicians: Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick, Jr., Fats Domino, Jellyroll Morton, Trombone Shorty, Louis Prima, Mahalia Jackson, Dr. John, The Meters, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Emma Barrett, the Marsalis family (yes, pretty much all of them), Terence Blanchard, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
- The story of Voodoo - we ‘a gris-gris’ that there’s a lot of history here.
SOME CREOLE COOKING IDEAS
What’s the difference between Creole and Cajun cooking? Check out the differences.
Feel like cooking up a little spiciness? Here’s a collection of 22 famous Creole dishes from which you can choose. Aiyeeeee!!!!
SAZERAC COCKTAIL
The Sazerac is a local New Orleans variation of a cognac or whiskey cocktail, named for the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac brandy that served as its original main ingredient.
INGREDIENTS
- 1-1/2 oz Rye whiskey or Cognac
- 1/4 oz Absinthe
- One sugar cube
- Three dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
PREPARATION
- Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with the absinthe, add crushed ice and set it aside.
- Stir the remaining ingredients over ice and set it aside.
- Discard the ice and any excess absinthe from the prepared glass, and strain the drink into the glass.
- Add the Lemon peel for garnish.
- Served: Straight up; without ice
- Standard garnish: Lemon peel
- Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass
COLUMBIA AND SNAKE RIVERS CRUISE ON THE AMERICAN SONG
From the deepest canyon in America to the awesome sight of Multnomah Falls, each stop along your journey on the route of Lewis and Clark has its own story, embodied in the history and culture of the region.
COLUMBIA AND SNAKE RIVERS EXCURSION
Below are some examples of the classic interior of the American Cruise Lines ships.
Kelly McAlister, Maui Jim
Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim will be with us on the calls each week as judge and jury to see which planner really goes all-in with the theme. So engage, be creative, and have fun... and you may be the winner!
She’ll be doing some gifting that will surely lift your shelter-in-place spirits!
