Music Cities Cruise

Day 1 – Memphis, TN

This city, where the soul of music meets the rhythm of history, is the birthplace of blues, a genre that took root in the early 20th century in the bustling streets of Beale Street, now a neon-lit hotspot brimming with live music and buzzing nightlife. This city also launched the careers of music legends like B.B. King and Elvis Presley, transforming the global music scene forever. You can’t forget about their world-famous barbecue, where smoky, slow-cooked pork ribs and pulled pork sandwiches drenched in rich, spicy sauces reign supreme.

Prior to embarking, enjoy an included over-night stay in Memphis (for reservations made at least 30 days in advance). On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby and enjoy transportation to the ship to begin your cruise from Memphis. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Day 2 – Cruising the Mississippi River

Listen to the music of the Mississippi as you make your way through its bends. You ship awaits at Beale Street Landing, located within a recently updated urban park. This area, rejuvenated with fresh landscaping and contemporary art installations, offers a striking contrast to the flowing waters of the Mississippi. As you glide along the river, the Memphis skyline unfolds—a dramatic backdrop of both historic facades and sleek modern architecture mirrored beautifully in the river’s surface. Onboard, let the energetic performances of local musicians become the background music for your afternoon as you cruise down the iconic Mississippi.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails), Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 3 – Cruising the Ohio River

The day is yours. So, go ahead, hit snooze and stay in the comfort of your cozy bed, or wake early to witness the morning from your private veranda. From here, you can indulge in a good book, appreciate the quiet views, or watch as the ship navigates through the Ohio River's most recent lock and dam, a project completed in 2018 after two decades of meticulous work. Experience the breathtaking scene where the Ohio River flows into the vast Mississippi, a striking display of nature's power. Form new connections onboard and taste the freshest flavors from the river with a curated menu. Your day is filled with excitement: participate in fun onboard activities, absorb informative lectures on the local area, and revel in live shows that celebrate the diverse musical culture of the region.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails), Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 4 – Paducah, KY

Home to the renowned National Quilt Museum, Paducah is where dazzling fabric artworks captivate visitors from around the world. As a proud UNESCO Creative City, downtown Paducah is a hive of artistic activity, filled with galleries, stunning wall murals, and lively artisan workshops. The city's historical significance shines through its beautifully maintained 19th-century buildings and its once-thriving riverfront, a testament to its past as a vital commercial hub. Each spring, Paducah transforms into a floral wonderland during the Dogwood Trail Celebration as the streets light up with the blooms of dogwood trees.

Enjoy the Paducah Local Loop complimentary excursion which explores downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the areas many museums and shops and stop at the riverfront to view the wall murals that tell the story of Paducah's past. This excursion makes stops at the Paducah Railroad Museum, Inland Waterways Museum, The National Quilt Museum, Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood.

Day 5 – Cruising the Lake Barkley & Cumberland River

Cruising along Lake Barkley on the Cumberland River promises a day brimming with unforgettable moments. The construction of the Barkley Lock and Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1966 transformed the river, creating an expansive waterway with over 1,000 miles of winding shoreline dotted with serene coves. From the comfort of your room, take in the breathtaking views through large windows or from your own private balcony, where the landscape of craggy limestone cliffs continuously shifts before your eyes. Sandwiched between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake to the west lies the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a sprawling 170,000-acre oasis featuring forests, wetlands, and vast open spaces where elk and bison roam free.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails), Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 6 – Dover, TN

This quaint town is drenched in American history, offering a spirited blend of past and present. It's famous for the Battle of Fort Donelson in 1862, where Ulysses S. Grant secured a critical victory that boosted his military career. Today, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield stands as a captivating monument, offering interactive tours and impressive views of the Cumberland River, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore pivotal moments in history.

Enjoy the Fort Donelson National Military Park complimentary excursion. Once the gateway to the Confederate Heartland, the Battle of Fort Donelson became a key victory for Ulysses Grant and Union forces. Enjoy a warm welcome at the visitor’s center by tour guides who are eager to share their knowledge. After a short introductory film, tour the grounds of the fort, surrender site, and National Cemetery while learning about the military strategies employed by each side and how the Union victory impacted the entire Civil War.

Day 7 – Clarksville, TN

Your vessel pulls into port at the enchanting riverfront park of Clarksville, located along the meandering Cumberland River. This vibrant town bears the moniker of General George Rogers Clark, renowned for his gallantry in the frontier battles and as the illustrious sibling of William Clark from the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition. Stroll along the narrow waterfront trail, to trace its past from a bustling tobacco hub to a dynamic modern center, where echoes of frontier bravery resonate in its very streets. Behold architectural marvels like the awe-inspiring 1898 U.S. Post Office and Customs House, standing tall as proud sentinels of the city's past. Listen intently as local guides retell history’s anecdotes, painting vivid portraits of Clarksville's pivotal role as a bustling tobacco hub throughout the tumultuous 19th century.

Enjoy the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center complimentary excursion. Built in 1898, this building originally housed a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade. This architecturally fascinating structure was designed by architect, William Aicken, who was commissioned by President Grover Cleveland. It consists of Italianate ornamentation, a Far East influenced roof, Romanesque arches and Gothic copper eagles perched at the building’s four corners. The museum is among the most photographed buildings in Tennessee. It features rotating shows, fine art galleries and a sculpture garden.

Day 8 – Nashville, TN

From the hallowed halls of the legendary Ryman Auditorium to the illustrious galleries of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville proudly showcases its rich musical influence in every square inch. As you walk its lively streets, adorned with colorful murals and bustling with activity, you'll find yourself drawn into a world where creativity knows no bounds. Explore hidden gems tucked away in historic neighborhoods, where local artisans create unique works of art and the city’s signature hot chicken spices things up. Amidst the lively chatter and laughter, the soulful strains of aspiring musicians spill out from tiered pubs and intimate venues, adding to the city's unmistakable charm. And when the sun sets, embark on a journey to the Grand Ole Opry, the crown jewel of Nashville's entertainment scene, where the spirit of country music comes alive in a spectacular showcase of talent and tradition.

Enjoy the Grand Ole Opry Show complimentary excursion. Enjoy live country music at its best with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. The evening show will begin at 7:00 pm, featuring up and coming country artists, as well as musical groups that have been Opry Members for years.

Day 9 – Nashville, TN

You’ll end your Nashville river cruise back again in the Music City, but of course there’s so much to see if you’re not ready to hit pause on your adventure just yet. Spend the day at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the charming Patsy Cline Museum, or the legendary Johnny Cash Museum to get up close and personal with the key players in the country music scene. Of course, there’s more to Nashville than the sounds that ring through its street. Visit President Andrew Jackson's captivating Hermitage estate or awe at the intricate architecture of the Tennessee State Capitol. Whether you choose to stay or head back home, American Cruise Lines encourages you take the sounds of the Mississippi with you.