Southern Culture and Civil War June 9-18, 2018

We've chosen a new, more intimate steamboat for the iconic Mississippi River voyage from Memphis to New Orleans. The 166-passenger American Duchess, an all-suite, boutique paddle wheeler with the largest cabins in every category available on the river, is more to our style. Our latest voyage down America's greatest waterway will offer not only music and good times but also comfort and convenience. With that assured, we invite you to join us for a new perspective on the modern South and its cultural and political history.

During the Civil War, the Mississippi River was the strategic objective of the Campaign in the West. Many of the places we will see-from battle elds to plantations to port cities-will remind us of the history of the war, as well as the culture of the American frontier and the antebellum South. From Memphis, where we have accommodations at the renowned Peabody Hotel, and thereafter, we'll discover the war's continuing hold on the American imagination.

From the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, we visit the Shiloh Battle fields and continue on the American Duchess to our ports of call along the Mississippi, including Helena, Cradle of the Delta Blues; Vicksburg, site of the war's most vicious siege; and Natchez, one of the few towns spared destruction. We'll travel through the deltas and bayous surrounding St. Francisville and Baton Rouge and stroll toward the main plantation house of Oak Alley through a corridor of 300-year-old oaks. After a visit to Nottoway Plantation, the South's largest antebellum plantation, we'll conclude the program in New Orleans. An optional extension will allow you to discover the wonderful music, delectable cuisine, and elegant architecture that make New Orleans one of the most delightful destinations in America.

With the combination of a charming steamboat cruise, a fascinating 10-day itinerary, and commentary by faculty from W&L and our partner institutions, this program is bound to be popular. We urge you to make your reservations soon.

Itinerary

DayDescription
1 Memphis, Tennessee Arrive, overnight at The Memphis Peabody hotel
2 Memphis, Tennessee Overnight at The Memphis Peabody hotel
3 Memphis, Tennessee – Embark
4 Helena, Arkansas
5 Vicksburg, Mississippi
6 Natchez, Mississippi
7 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
8 St. Francisville, Louisiana
9 Nottoway, Louisiana
10 New Orleans, Louisiana – Disembark

Program Includes

  • 7 nights aboard the American Duchess, an opulent all-suite riverboat.
  • 2-night pre-cruise hotel stay at The Memphis Peabody hotel.
  • Exclusive tour of Shiloh National Military Park.
  • Vicksburg Premium Shore Excursion.
  • Onboard gratuities.
  • Award-winning shore excursions.
  • Onboard entertainment.
  • Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, an onboard historian and river expert.
  • Onboard meals.
  • 24-hour room service.
  • Cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks.
  • Wine and beer with dinner.

Suite Categories & Cost

  • Interior Suite: $4,495
  • Veranda Suite: $6,495
  • Deluxe Suite: $8,495
  • Loft Suite: $8,995
  • Owner's Suite: $10,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy (unless indicated). Port charges are additional. Airfare and airport transfers are not included. Dates, pricing, and itinerary are subject to change.

Distinguished Lecturer Series

Gain new insights and discover fascinating perspectives on the places you’ll explore from an engaging group of distinguished guest lecturers. The vast range of topics presented will enrich your travel experience and provide you with a deeper understanding of America’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Exclusive Benefits

  • Services of an onboard Go Next program manager
  • Private reception with hot and cold canapés, wine, beer, and soft drinks
  • Bottle of wine in your stateroom
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information including shore excursion and dining options

Ports of Call

Memphis, Tennessee

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, Memphis has been welcoming steamboats since before the Civil War. Today the city abounds with Americana, from legendary Beale Street to Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Helena, Arkansas

The queen of the Arkansas Delta, Helena is filled with fascinating 19th-century architecture from before and after the legendary Battle of Helena. The Delta Cultural Center lays out Helena’s antebellum roots and is also home to King Biscuit Time, the nation’s longest running blues radio program.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Billed as the Red Carpet City of the South, Vicksburg is a unique blend of old and new and displays its heritage with tremendous pride. The site of a dramatic siege and major turning point in the Civil War, Vicksburg is now a center of Southern hospitality with a vibrant downtown area.

Natchez, Mississippi

One of the oldest European settlements in the Lower Mississippi River Valley and former capital of the state, Natchez is a charming and authentic Southern town with a rich heritage shaped by Native Americans and those of French, African, British, and Spanish descent.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Boasting a storied past and vibrant present, Baton Rouge lives up to its motto, “Authentic Louisiana at Every Turn.” The capital city’s unique political history is reflected in a collection of memorable landmarks, from the elegantly furnished Old Governor’s Mansion to the imposing neo-Gothic Old State Capitol.

St. Francisville, Louisiana

With over 140 buildings and plantation homes on the National Register, this quaint town is a window to the past. Here are the legacies of the Butlers, the Forts, the Barrows, and the Turnbulls—families who helped build the South.

Nottoway, Louisiana

Between Baton Rouge and New Orleans lies one of the South’s most magnificent plantation homes, Nottoway. Showcasing three floors, sixty-four bedrooms, twelve hand-carved Italian marble fireplaces, and twenty-two soaring exterior columns, this extravagant mansion was constructed with 365 doors and windows—an opening for each day of the year.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Experience some of the best of New Orleans, from the traditional Southern oaks and Spanish moss of City Park to the French Quarter’s legendary Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.

Operator/Participant Agreement

Go Next, Inc. (hereinafter GN), located at 8000 West 78th Street, Suite 345, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439-2538, in return for full payment by you of the amount specified, is responsible to arrange for the transportation, accommodations and other services specified as included in this brochure as and to the extent you have selected them, and subject to the following terms and conditions. Unless expressly specified as included by this brochure, services, taxes and fees are not included.

Responsibility

GN is responsible to you for arranging all included transportation, accommodations and other services. However, in the absence of negligence on its part, GN and the sponsoring association are not responsible for personal injury, property damage, or any other loss, claim or damage arising out of or related to goods or services offered or included. GN and the sponsoring association are not responsible for personal injury, property damage or any other loss, claim or damage related to or arising out of, in whole or in part, the acts or omissions of any direct air carrier, cruise line, hotel, ground operator, or other person not its direct employee or not under its exclusive control supplying any services or providing any goods offered or included. GN and the sponsoring association are not responsible for personal injury, property damage or any other loss, claim or damage arising out of, either in whole or in part, acts of God, weather, labor strife, government actions, mechanical breakdowns, war-like acts, terroristic activities or other causes reasonably beyond the respective control of GN and the sponsoring association. GN and the sponsoring association are not responsible for incidental or consequential losses or damages.

Neither GN nor the American Queen Steamboat Company (hereinafter AQSC) nor the sponsoring association are responsible for any penalty, loss or inconvenience resulting from air or land arrangements made independently by travelers, including non-refundable conditions, restricted travel or frequent flyer tickets.

Payment

A deposit in the amount shown on the reservation form and a signed agreement for each person is required to secure reservations. Final payment is due as shown on the reservation form.

Prices

GN RESERVES THE RIGHT TO INCREASE PRICES IN THE EVENT OF ANY INCREASED SECURITY OR FUEL RELATED SURCHARGES, OR FARE INCREASES IMPOSED BY THE AIRLINE OR CRUISE LINE THAT MAY BE IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF TICKETING OR TRAVEL, FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC TAX INCREASES, OR ADVERSE CURRENCY EXCHANGE FLUCTUATIONS, AFTER JANUARY 01, 2016. GN RESERVES THE RIGHT, IF NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE, TO SUBSTITUTE HOTELS BUT IS NOT OBLIGED TO DO SO.

Baggage

GN CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LUGGAGE LOST OR DAMAGED. YOU SHOULD GIVE IMMEDIATE NOTICE OF ANY LOST OR DAMAGED LUGGAGE TO THE INVOLVED AIR CARRIER, HOTEL, CRUISE LINE AND TO YOUR OWN INSURANCE COMPANY.

Aircraft and Cruise Line Boarding

GN CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR AIRLINE OR CRUISE LINE DELAYS.

Aircraft and cruise line boarding privileges are limited to persons whose full payment and signed agreement have been received by GN and whose names are on the manifest given to the carrier before departure. Improper documentation, inadequate proof of identity, inadequate proof of age for children under 2, or any other reason may result in denial of boarding privileges. The air carrier and cruise line reserve the right to decline, accept or retain any person on the flight or cruise at any time within their sole discretion. If you are denied boarding privileges, you forfeit all monies paid and will be assessed any non-recoverable costs.

Advance Travel Information

U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. traveling exclusively inside U.S. borders do not need a passport or visa for travel. Homeland Security laws require that all guests travel with government-issued photo identification (ID) (such as a driver’s license) at all times. ID must be presented at the time of boarding. Guests without proper ID will be denied boarding. AQSC is required to provide all guests’ ID information including ID number, expiration date, and place of issue to the Coast Guard and/or other government entities prior to the vessel’s departure. Guests must provide this information to AQSC in advance. Travel documents will not be released until received. Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada entering the U.S. are required to bring their passport. For other nationalities, passports are required to enter the U.S. It is your responsibility to check with your local U.S. embassy/consulate to confirm visa requirements and to obtain the proper visa/U.S. alien card (green card).

AQSC's Land Packages/Shore Excursions

Tours are operated in the various ports of call by AQSC or local tourist service companies contracted by the cruise line. They are not under the control of GN. Cancellation penalties may differ from the cruise program related penalties. AQSC may modify the cruise itinerary up to and during the voyage.

Federal Maritime Commission Protection

Under Public Law 89-777, the FMC requires vessels having berth or stateroom accommodations for 50 or more passengers and which embark passengers from U.S. ports to maintain acceptable evidence of financial responsibility to indemnify passengers for nonperformance of transportation. AQSC maintains an escrow agreement to protect passenger payments for water transportation. This escrow agreement has been reviewed and approved by the Federal Maritime Commission.

Hosts and Lecturers

Advertised hosts and lecturers (if applicable) are subject to availability and may be contingent on a minimum number of travelers; therefore, they cannot be guaranteed.

Notices

Any complaints or claims against GN must be made in writing and received by GN within 90 days after scheduled termination of the trip. Any action or suit against GN must be commenced within 1 (one) year after scheduled termination of the trip or be forever barred.

The rights and remedies relating to cancellations and major changes prior to departure, made available under this agreement are in addition to any other rights or remedies available under applicable law. However, we offer any refunds under this agreement with the express understanding that the receipt of that refund by you waives all other remedies.

While Go Next makes every effort to adhere to the specifics shown in this brochure, all information contained herein is subject to change. Go Next is not responsible or liable for typographical errors, omissions or misprints.

Insurance

Travel insurance is available and can provide coverage for unforeseen circumstances that could disrupt your trip. See panel above for details.

If you change plans or cancel, your rights to a refund are limited

The following charges will be assessed for cancellations. If you cancel or change plans more than 119 days prior to departure, a full refund, less a $350 per person administrative fee plus any applicable pre- and/or post-cruise program cancellation fees, is provided. Any refunds are provided only in accordance with the following schedule. Any requests for cancellation must be communicated to GN in writing. Applicable refunds, if any, will be made within fourteen days after the cancellation.

Cancellations

Upon receipt of written cancellation from you, the following fees will apply. Cruise Program cancellations received:

  • 120 days or more prior to departure, $350 per person
  • 119-75 days prior to departure, 50% of total fare
  • 74-45 days prior to departure, 75% of total fare
  • 44-0 days prior to departure, 100% of total fare.

Health

Any physical or mental condition requiring special medical attention or equipment must be disclosed in writing to GN at the time the participant makes a reservation. GN may reject the reservation of any person who, in the opinion of GN is unfit for travel or might be a danger to themselves or incompatible with others on the trip. Participants requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who agrees to provide the required assistance. GN reserves the right to terminate the participation of any participant whose conduct or condition materially inconveniences other participants.

There are no exceptions of any kind (including medical exceptions) to these policies. No refunds will be made for any portion of the arrangements we have made for you that are not actually utilized by you. There is no variance from these policies for the services we arrange as described in this brochure.

California Seller of Travel Registration No. 2077280-40, Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. 602-900-725, Iowa Seller of Travel Registration No. 477