Criterion Travel, a leader in expert-led, customized educational travel for affinity groups, is now accepting reservations for “A Mississippi River Voyage,” March 3–11, 2026. This rare departure, open to independent travelers, offers an extraordinary cruise along one of America’s great waterways aboard the American Splendor, a classic paddle-wheeler that blends 19th-century riverboat opulence with modern amenities.
The nine-day program features a keynote address in Memphis by Presidential Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin, along with a series of lectures and panel discussions throughout the voyage. Travelers will experience a unique blend of American history, culture, music and regional cuisine as the ship journeys from Memphis to New Orleans.
“Criterion Travel is delighted to present this immersive Mississippi River voyage aboard American Splendor,” said Steve Ridgway, president of Criterion Travel. “Led by expert historians including author Doris Kearns Goodwin, guests will discover the culture and history of the storied Mississippi River and its vibrant cities and towns. Alongside carefully curated educational enrichment programs, it is a journey that will engage the mind as much as the senses.”
Highlights of the nine-day voyage from Memphis to New Orleans include:
- Exclusive fireside chat with Doris Kearns Goodwin, world-renowned presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize–winning author
- Visits to historic Vicksburg, site of a pivotal Civil War battle, and Natchez, home to the grand mansions of the Steamboat Era
- Excursion options such as Memphis’ National Civil Rights Museum, Cleveland’s Grammy Museum, and the Garden District of New Orleans
- Opportunities to tour plantations and Creole heritage sites in St. Francisville and Vacherie, LA
- A comprehensive educational program with lectures, panel discussions, and cultural insights that illuminate the Mississippi’s influence on American history, music, and identity
This special voyage is limited to 160 participants to ensure a welcoming, small-ship atmosphere. Prices begin at $8,990 per person, double occupancy. Program rates include accommodations, meals, lectures, excursions, gratuities, and more.
For more information, call 1-888-328-2089 or visit www.criteriontravel.com.
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