Old South Takes to the Water

Thoughts of the Old South and America’s Heartland include the Civil War, Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn and sweet Southern drawls. Add a cruise to the equation and this is where the Great American Steamboat Company comes in.

Staying true to the culture of America’s Heartland, the Great American Steamboat Company uses genuine steamboats to chug up and down rivers. Each cruise has a certain theme and is between six to 13 days on the Lower Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers.

One of the themes for spring this year is Springtime on the River, which offers multiple sources of entertainment. One of the cruises featuring Springtime on the River is from Cincinnati to Memphis. Headlining the music on this cruise is the rockabilly band Paul Revere and the Raiders. For the two overnight stops in Cincinnati and Memphis, the hotels will already be included in the cruise fare. Dates for this cruise is May 7- 13.

Other spring themes include the Memphis to New Orleans cruise and the New Orleans roundtrip cruise. Both feature the Rat Pack Show, a rockabilly band that plays music of the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. These nine-day cruises include a one-night stop, which is included in the fare. The Memphis to New Orleans cruise date is May 14- 21,and the roundtrip New Orleans cruise is May 21- 28.

The history buffs will enjoy cruises such as Voyage into American History, Epic Civil War and Kentucky Derby.

American History is a nine-day, roundtrip cruise from New Orleans that gives an additional hotel night out and celebrates Memorial Day at the National World War II Museum. The Juggernaut Jug Band will be aboard playing authentic river music known as “jug music”. The dates for this cruise are May 27-June 4.

The Kentucky Derby cruise is round-trip from Cincinnati and features Dr. Elmo and Wild Blue, which showcases the origins of Kentucky bluegrass music. Patrons have the option to see Kentucky Derby parades during their stops and can even go to the Kentucky Derby itself. The dates for this cruise are May 3- 8.

Epic Civil War is a 13-day cruise that leaves from Chattanooga and debunks in Vicksburg, Miss. These special 10-night adventures provide the ultimate Civil War experience, complete with actors, impersonators, lecturers, balladeers, field trips and reenactments. Dates for these cruises are Aug. 9-19 and Aug. 19- 31.

The winter’s theme is Old-Fashioned Holidays, which will put everyone in the holiday mood. The Old-Fashioned Holidays cruise goes from Memphis to New Orleans, with excursions in towns in  Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. These excursions are included in the cruise price. Those dates run from Nov. 24-Dec. 2, Dec. 1- 8, and Dec. 27-Jan. 3.

Old-Fashioned Holidays also continues with a New Orleans roundtrip. The Annie Moses band will headline throughout the week and this classically trained family will have everyone in the holiday spirit performing seasonal music. The overnight stop in New Orleans is included in the cruise fare and run from Dec. 8- 13, and Dec. 13- 20.

The Great American Steamboat Company offers a way to escape from reality while still exploring the beauty that America has to offer. More information about the different cruises can be seen at www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com or can be acquired at (888) 749-5280. The company receives emails for questions and reservations at info(@)GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com.

**Written for Southern Hospitality in April 2012.