On this remarkable journey from Memphis to Nashville, experience the power of the Mississippi River, the grandeur of the Ohio River, and the beauty of the Cumberland River. Each waterway offers unique scenery with rolling hills, steep bluffs, soaring bald eagles, regal blue herons, fascinating historical sites, and sunsets reflecting on the water in indescribable beauty.
Discover the cities, small towns, along these legendary rivers that echo the sounds of the music that originated there. Enjoy diverse and immersive local excursions, as each day is a new delight through a parade of charming towns that echo a bygone era. Hear about the birthplace of blues and home to the King of Rock-n-Roll, from our onboard expert and local guides, who can provide a genuine back story about the performers who provided the soundtrack of America. Nightly onboard entertainment spotlights the musical flair of this region, as does an unforgettable visit to Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry.
Enjoy a relaxing day cruising Lake Barkley and admire the most picturesque scenery in the American Heartland as you bask in the comfort of the most modern American Riverboat on the Mississippi. From large, wonderful windows and your private balcony, gaze at the everchanging views of the river valley and marvel at the ship’s transit through locks and dams.
At the end of an amazing day, indulge the flavors of the South and delight in a delicious beverage as you socialize at the daily cocktail hour.


Highlights


• Memphis

• Paducah

• Dover

• Clarksville

• Nashville

 

Welcome to Memphis, a historic city which rises picturesquely up the hillside from the river, adorned with grand oak trees, lush parks, and historic sites that commemorate everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city’s famous BBQ. After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of The Guest House.  

 

The comfort of your ship awaits at the nearby Beale Street Landing, docked along an impressive, recently renovated city park. Be entertained on board by local musicians as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi.

 

Design a day just the way you want it. Sleep in. Or greet the morning from your stateroom’s private veranda to read, enjoy the scenery, or watch the ship transit through the Ohio River’s newest lock and dam, completed in 2018 after 23 years of construction.

View the awe-inspiring confluence of the Ohio River emptying into the mighty Mississippi. Make new friends as you savor the chef’s scrumptious creations. Enjoy festive onboard activities, captivating lectures to illuminate the region’s history, plus live entertainment highlighting the region’s diverse musical styles.

 

Just upriver of your ship’s dock, the beautiful Tennessee River empties into the Ohio River. Also nearby are confluences with the Cumberland River and the Mississippi. The convergence of these four major rivers crossroads makes Paducah an important port centralized at the axis.

Wander along the landing to admire more than 50 murals which highlight the region’s rich history. Learn the importance of the town as headquarters for Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant as he embarked to secure Union control of the rivers. Only a block away, the excellent River Discovery Center illuminates for you the importance of the rivers to this historic port. View a treasure trove of incredible works of art created with fabric, needle, and thread at the National Quilt Museum.

 

Cruising the Cumberland River’s Lake Barkley is a special day that you will cherish. The 1966 completion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 57-foot Barkley Lock and Dam pooled the Cumberland River back for 134 miles and created a curving, stunning collection of coves totaling more than 1,000 miles of shoreline. 

From large windows and private balconies, enjoy the picturesque, everchanging panorama of grand, sweeping views of craggy, limestone bluffs. Between Lake Barkley and the Tennessee River’s Kentucky Lake paralleling to the west, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area includes more than 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open spaces with roaming herds of elk and bison. Relax and be pampered by our enthusiastic all-American crew, enjoy culinary delights, historical tales from your onboard guest speaker, interactive activities, and visiting with fellow travelers. 

 

At Dover, your ship nestles in at the town’s lovely waterfront park. Locals often welcome the vessel and set up booths of crafts and tasty treats. The adjacent bluff is the site of the historic Fort Donelson National Park, a site that played a pivotal role in the Civil War. It was there that Union forces led by Ulysses S. Grant won their first surrender during this pivotal early victory in the struggle to gain control of the rivers. Learn about the importance of river transportation during the war and the story of this February 1862 battle which led quickly to the Union’s capture of their first Confederate state capital at Nashville.

Within Dover is the Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, an over 8,000-acre habitat of waterfowl and plant life, as well as the Land Between Lakes National Recreation Area.

 

On this narrow and gorgeous stretch of the Cumberland River, your ship docks at the beautiful riverfront park at Clarksville. The town is named for General George Rogers Clark, a frontier fighter, Revolutionary War hero, and brother of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Ramble the waterfront trail along miles of picturesque exploration. View architectural treasures such as the remarkable 1898 U.S. Post Office and Customs House as local guides share the historical importance of the city as a major tobacco port during the 1800s. 

 

From the legendary Ryman Auditorium to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville hosts an array of museums and performance venues that pay tribute to its heritage as the home of Country Music. The lively streets are lined with art galleries and unique shops that welcome you at every turn and the sounds of talented performers hoping for stardom echo from every pub.  

Enjoy transportation and tickets to the renowned live show at the Grand Ole Opry featuring longtime Opry performers in addition to rising stars!

 

Nashville is well worth a pre- or post-cruise stay to further explore attractions such as the incredible Country Music Hall of Fame, the Patsy Cline Museum, and the Johnny Cash Museum. Walk in the footsteps of country music history with a VIP guided backstage tour of the legendary 1880 Ryman Auditorium. Visit President Andrew Jackson’s fascinating Hermitage home, the Tennessee State Capitol, a full-size replica of the Parthenon, or the opulent Gaylord Opryland Hotel’s nine acres of indoor gardens, rivers, and waterfalls. Throughout your stay, savor the town’s warm welcome, the extensive options for delicious southern cuisine, and a plethora of musical entertainment venues.

Itineraries are subjuect to change. 

More Departure Dates Available

Please contact us for more information.

Cabin. From

$5,190 USD pp
Cabin. From
Our 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.

Fleet of Small Ships
American Cruise Lines offers the newest fleet in America, each ship accommodating just 90 to 180 guests. We offer 6 unique ship styles, including a new class of Patriot Class, Coastal Cats, Classic Paddlewheelers, Constellation Class Ships, Independence Class, and the only modern American Riverboats. We have become the industry leader by continuing to introduce new and innovative ships each year, with the most diverse fleet in the country.

These new ships, built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, are a testament to premier nautical engineering and safety equipment, as well as state-of-the-art navigation. On board a sophisticated aesthetic, an unprecedented level of comfort, the largest staterooms globally, with full private balconies where indicated, and modern accommodations including high-speed internet powered by Starlink.

Our fleet allows us to provide a genuine and customized exploration of areas inaccessible to large ships and crowds, and to explore each region in the most meaningful way possible. With land never out of sight allowing for more time to savor the scenery. Our small ship river cruises offer a more intimate look at American cities from charming small towns to gracious southern ports.

American Riverboats | 180 Guests
American Serenade - American Symphony - American Melody - American Jazz - American Song - American Harmony

• Operates along the U.S. Rivers
• Multiple Dining Venues
• Sophisticated and Modern Décor 
• Outdoor Walking Track and Fitness Center
• Multi-Story Glass Atrium
• Unique Bow Ramp for Easy Boarding
• Elevator Access to All Passenger Decks

Coastal Cats Cruise Ships | 100 Guests
American Eagle - American Glory - American Liberty - American Legend

• Shallow Draft for Inland Exploration
• Modern Interior Design
• Multiple Dining Venues
• Bow Observation Area for Scenic Viewing
• Sun Deck with Walking Track
• Activity / Tender Platform
• Fitness Center
• Elevator Access to Each Deck

Constellation Class Coastal Ships | 170 Guests
American Constellation - American Constitution

• Traditional Bow for Coastal Travel
• Main Deck Restaurant with 270º Views
• Sun Deck with Shaded Lounge Area
• Entertainment Lounge
• Reading Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Elevator Access to All Passenger Decks

Paddlewheelers | 180 Guests
American Heritage - American Splendor - American Pride - American West

• Classic Paddlewheel Aesthetic
• Glass-Enclosed Restaurant 
• Open Seating Dining
• Three Distinct Guest Lounges 
• Cozy Study Enclave
• Fitness Center
• Elevator Access to All Passenger Decks

Independence Class Coastal Ships | 90 Guests
American Independence - American Spirit - American Star

• Traditional Bow for Coastal Travel
• Main Deck Restaurant with 270º Views
• Sun Deck with Shaded Lounge Area
• Entertainment Lounge
• Reading Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Elevator Access to All Passenger Decks

Patriot Class Coastal Ships | 125 Guests
American Patriot - American Pioneer

• Uniquely Designed Bow for Deeper Drafts
• Luxurious Grand Suites
• Open Seating Dining
• Multiple Guest Lounges
• Bow Terrace for Observation
• Fitness Center
• Elevator Access to All Decks

Cabin layout for American Cruise Line Ships

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Selected beer and wine included with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary cocktail hour each evening
• Coffee, tea, water and soft drinks
• Entertainment on board
• Free wif-fi on board (subject to coverage)
• Gratuities not expected

Exclusions


• International or domestic flights
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Port charges/taxes
• Shore excursions unless otherwise stated (Information provided in pre-tour booklet prior to departure, excursions can be booked and paid on board)
American Cruise Line Ships
East Coast (USA) Small Ship CruiseSmall Ship Cruise
9 Days from
$577 USD per day

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NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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