Elvis Presley Week

Elvis Presley passed away August 16, 1977. Elvis was born in Tupelo, MS where he grew up poor. He started his career by making a $4 gift at Sam Phillips studio, Sun Studios for his Mother. Sam Phillips was intrigued by Elvis’ voice and asked him to return to the studio to practice with local musicians. This was the launch of the “King of Rock and Roll”.

Elvis Presley’s Birthplace- Tupelo, MS

Graceland Too – Holly Springs, MS

Graceland – Memphis, TN on Aug. 10th.

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American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the Mississippi debut in New Orleans

On Wednesday, March 7^th, American Cruise Lines announced its brand new 150-passenger paddlewheeler, the Queen of the Mississippi, as it nears completion 10-weeks ahead of schedule.

Last week, at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland the 23-ton, 28 foot-wide paddlewheel that was built special for the new riverboat was lifted and installed.

“This marks an important step in the creation of this authentic riverboat,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “The paddlewheel is one of the most important elements of classic riverboats, and this one isn’t just cosmetic – it’s fully functioning.”

Plans for completion will be in May, with a debut in New Orleans on August 11, 2012.

Complimentary amenities and features of Mississippi River itineraries and aboard Queen of the Mississippi include:

• Fully-functioning authentic paddlewheel that can be viewed from the Paddlewheel Lounge
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
• Room Service
• Wi-Fi in all staterooms
• Satellite TV and DVD player in all staterooms
• Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms
• High Tea served in the afternoon
• Top Deck Café – Hot and cold beverages, snacks, pastries available throughout the day
• Bottled water and soft drinks
• Nightly turn-down service

American Cruise Lines says, they will operate the authentic paddlewheeler over the entire Mississippi River System, including the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. The Queen of the Mississippi will also be able to travel at significantly higher speeds than all other Mississippi riverboats, minimizing night travel and making more itineraries possible with longer visits to the river towns. A number of unique riverboat journeys are planned that take passengers as far north as St. Paul, MN on the Mississippi River and as far east as Pittsburgh, PA on the Ohio River.

To plan your trip today:
All About Travel
6104 Northwest 63
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
info [at] allabout-travel.com
415.384.3880

Inaugural of the American Queen Steamboat

Departing from Memphis, TN on April 27, 2012 the American Queen makes it’s debut.

The 7-night voyage includes a stop in Henderson, KY, Louisville, KY, Madison, KY, and will arrive in Cincinnati, OH on Day 8.

The Great American Steamboat Company shares the Special Benefits for this voyage:

• 2 night luxury hotel stay in Historic Memphis

• Welcome Dinner at Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous for World-Famous Barbeque

• Gala Christening Ceremony and Inaugural Ball
• Special On-board Events Hosted by Senior Executives
• Commemorative Keepsake Gift
• Performances by the Harry James Orchestra

Included On All Great American Steamboat Company, American Queen Voyages:

• Free one night luxury hotel stay before your voyage
• Free shore excursions
• Complimentary wine and beer with dinner, free bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees, cappuccino and espresso throughout your voyage and much more
• Special Derby Day party at the Seelbach Hotel
• Gourmet cuisines by celebrated American chef Regina Charboneau

Also, checkout the theme boat  “Epic Civil War” voyages taking place in August and September.

To plan your trip today:
All About Travel
6104 Northwest 63
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
415.384.3880

“Epic Civil War” voyages for 2012 inaugural season of the American Queen

The revival of the American Queen is taking place in April 2012. The Great American Steamboat Company just announced three voyages that will take place August 10th – September 7, 2012.  It’s their “Epic Civil War” voyages that will highlight legendary battlefields and include on-board entertainment. The on-board entertainment will include actors, impersonators, leading lecturers (e.g.  Ric Burns & James I. “Bud” Robertson Jr.) balladeers (e.g. Bobby Horton) and reenactments to enhance understanding of this historical time in the U.S.

The three voyages are set to travel between New Orleans, La., Vicksburg, Miss., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky.

August 10-20, 2012: 10-nights between New Orleans, La., Vicksburg, Miss., and Chattanooga, Tenn. Ports: Helena, Miss., Memphis, Tenn., Paducah, Ky., Savannah, Tenn., and Decatur, Ala.

August 20-30, 2012: 10-nights between Chattanooga, Tenn. and Vicksburg, Miss.  Ports: Decatur, Ala., Florence, Ala., Savannah, Tenn., Paducah, Ky., Ashport Landing, Tenn., Memphis, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss.

August 30- September 7, 2012: 8-nights between Vicksburg, Miss., and Louisville, Ky. Ports: Helena, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., Henderson, Ky., and Louisville, Ky.

“We are thrilled to offer the ultimate historical experience during our Civil War cruises onboard the American Queen,” explains Christopher Kyte, president of the Great American Steamboat Company. “Our guests will discover so much of this country’s rich history told by leading academics and passionate storytellers.”

Meet some of the Guest Speakers: 

Distinguished Faculty Lecture: James I. Robertson, Jr.

 

Ric Burns

From the American Experience documentary “New York” by Ric Burns

 

Cathy Barton & Dave Para

 

Bobby Horton

 

To plan your trip today:
All About Travel
6104 Northwest 63
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
415.384.3880

The revival of the American Queen – steamboating the Heartland of America

“A steamboat was as beautiful as a wedding cake without the complications!” ~Mark Twain

In April 2012, the Great American Steamboat Company unveils  the revival of the  largest steamboat ever built, the American Queen, “the only overnight steamboat on our nation’s rivers.”

Great American Steamboat Company claims its Distinctions are:

• The only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America.
• The acclaimed cuisine of famed American chef Regina Charboneau.
• The only steamboat with multiple specialty dining options, all at no additional charge.
• Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.
• Complimentary wine and beer at dinner.
• All staterooms feature gourmet coffee brewers and Starbucks coffee.
• Gracious, friendly service from a professionally trained all-American staff.
• Elegant-casual attire throughout your voyage; no formal wear required.
• Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, their onboard river historian.
• Professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly.
• Enthralling calliope concerts and a chance for guests to play!
• Complimentary shore excursions.
• Dedicated fleet of “Steamcoaches.”
• All-inclusive package includes your overnight stay in a select luxury hotel in the city in which your voyage originates, plus breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the Steamer American Queen.
• The greatest value in all-American vacations!

 

 

Headline Acts Scheduled For 2012 Include:

• Glenn Miller Orchestra
• Harry James Orchestra
• Rat Pack  Show
• B.J. Thomas
• The Lovin’ Spoonful
• The Platters
• Bill Haley’s Comets
• Annie Moses Band
• The New Orleans Jazz All-Stars
• Juggernaut Jug Band
• Storefront Congregation

Steamboating the Upper Mississippi Destination Highlights:

• St. Paul, Minnesota
• Hannibal, Missouri
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Dubuque, Iowa

Lower Mississippi Destination Highlights:

• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Oak Alley, Louisiana
• Vicksburg, Mississippi
• Natchez, Mississippi

Ohio and Tennessee River Voyages Destination Highlights:

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Marietta, Ohio
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Chattanooga, Tennessee

Themeboating Adventures Highlights:

• Civil War Vacations
• Old Fashioned Holiday Vacations
• Epic Civil War
• Music of Your Life
• Southern Culture
• Kentucky Derby
• Fall Colors Vacation
• July 4th

Sample of Luxury Hotels included:

• The Westin New Orleans Canal Place, New Orleans
• Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, St. Louis
• The Seelbach Hilton, Louisville
• Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Cincinnati
• Omni WIlliam Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh
• The Westin Memphis Beale Street, Memphis
• Sheraton Read House Hotel, Chattanooga

Your hotel package will include your transfers to the American Queen port. The length of voyages the American Queen will be offering will be from 3 to 10 day voyages.

“When it’s steamboat time, you steam”~Mark Twain

To plan your trip today:
All About Travel
6104 Northwest 63
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
415.384.3880

Sample menu/itineraries:

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