Your Cruise Your Way Cruise Blog

The small ship experience has long been a mystery to most American cruisers, yet it is probably the best, most up-close way of seeing America. Majestic America, one of the more popular small ship lines, is hosting eight themed cruises on select 2008 itineraries. It’s the ideal way to gain a more in-depth experience—perfect for history buffs, or travelers who often sit back and think “I would love to know more about….. Whether you like antebellum mansions of the Mighty Mississippi in spring or a pioneer holiday celebration on the Columbia River in the fall, Majestic America is offering the chance to see this great land up close and personal. Civil War history, steamboat races, Big Band music and a touch of Cajun America are just some of the opportunities you can savor. As an added benefit, many shore excursions are included on select themed cruises, thus affording you an added value to an already enriched cruise experience. Do yourself a favor, and look over these adventures. It’s a cruise experience you won’t soon forget.

Spring Pilgrimage
Evoke the days of Scarlett and Rhett when you go on the Spring Pilgrimage in Natchez, Mississippi. Tour the antebellum mansions that open to guests only once a year, and then be delighted by the 200 costumed performers of Natchez’s Spring Pilgrimage Pageant that has entertained visitors for more than 75 years.

American Queen | 7-day cruise departures March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5
Mississippi Queen | 7-day cruise departures March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13

Three Steamboat Race
Get your adrenalines going as you cheer on your ship as she races against another in the fleet to commemorate the Great American Steamboat Race. Take a tour of Mud Island River Park in Memphis, sing along with guest musicians, and hear lectures from experts about the fascinating history of steamboat races.

Delta Queen | 14-day cruise departure April 18

Legends of the River
There’s no better way to experience the history of our rivers than by sailing on a National Historic Landmark. When you sail aboard the Delta Queen, a ship built in 1926, you’ll hear riverboat chronicles from onboard experts and stop over in Paducah, Kentucky or Cincinnati to visit museums rich in river heritage.

Delta Queen | 10-day cruise departures May 10, June 14, August 2, September 13, October 4, 21
Delta Queen | 11-day cruise departures June 3, July 22, September 2, 23

Remembering the Civil War
Relive the drama of our nation’s Civil War while cruising down the Mississippi River. Onboard experts will share insight and history while guest performers will celebrate with old battle songs from the period. Go on a tour of a famous Civil War battleground to get an idea of what it was like to be a part of this epic battle.

Delta Queen | 7-day cruise departures May 20, July 15, August 12, 26

Music of America
Put on your dancing shoes and strike up the big band, because this cruise is all about getting you out on the dance floor. Cruise America’s Heartland to the sounds of the Big Band era, and take daily refresher classes to brush up on your favorite moves.

American Queen | 7-day cruise departure June 28
Mississippi Queen | 7-day cruise departure June 29

Fall Foliage
Marvel at the kaleidoscope of autumn colors America’s Heartland has to offer this fall. Experience it with the help of onboard Discovery Guides whose entertaining presentations enhance the scenery with their fun facts.

American Queen | 7-day cruise departures September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25
Mississippi Queen | 7-day cruise departures September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26
Delta Queen | 10-day cruise departures September 13, October 4, 21
Delta Queen | 11-day cruise departures September 2, 23
Delta Queen | 7-day cruise departure October 14

Old-Fashioned Cajun Holidays
Have a down-home holiday in 2008 when you cruise the Lower Mississippi River. Decorate gingerbread cookies, warm your hands at a holiday bonfire and enjoy a special Holiday Show and Gala Feast, where a local Cajun storyteller shares the traditions of a true Louisiana holiday.

American Queen | 7-day cruise departures November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 27
Mississippi Queen | 7-day cruise departures November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28

Western Heritage Holidays
Go back to the frontier days as you celebrate the holidays while cruising down the Columbia River in the American West. Shipboard festivities include holiday cooking demonstrations, performances by cowboy poets and musicians, and of course, a hearty holiday feast.

Empress of the North | 7-day cruise departures November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 27

For more information on Majestic America cruises, contact Destination Oceans by calling 1-800-374-3740.