Some of my favorite Riverboat cruises are the Civil War tours, but this one really caught my attention.
The 12-night voyage aboard the newly refurbished American Queen will launch “This Republic of Suffering”
Of special interest to Civil War buffs, the 12-night cruise aboard the American Queen will help launch the 90-minute documentary “This Republic of Suffering.”
PBS’ flagship history series “American Experience” and Artful Travelers present the Epic Civil War Journey filmed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns and producer Mark Samels. The Epic Civil War Journey is scheduled for Vicksburg – Chattanooga – 12 nights, Aug. 9, 2012 – Aug. 21, 2012.
Based on the best-selling book “This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War” by Drew Gilpin Faust. The book examines how the unprecedented death toll of the Civil War challenged American cultural attitudes about death and changed federal government policies regarding soldiers. The highly-anticipated production is scheduled to air on PBS stations across the country beginning in September 2012.
The 12-night travel experience begins with an overnight stay in New Orleans and then cruises the historic waters of the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers, to Chattanooga. Stops are scheduled for a number of fascinating ports of call along the way. Passengers will explore the famed locations and battlegrounds that shaped the future of the United States of America.
Burns, Samels and other special guests will share their vast knowledge and discuss the upcoming PBS special with passengers aboard, during presentations and other planned events.
Also included
Example of Deluxe Outside Stateroom - Category D photo: The Great American Steamboat Company
- Shore excursions to fascinating river towns and cities included in the price of your voyage.
- Captain’s Champagne Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.
- A luxury hotel stay is included before and after your voyage. For this itinerary, rooms are reserved at one of these properties:
- New Orleans/Vicksburg – The Westin New Orleans Canal Place or Hilton New Orleans Riverside or Chattanooga – Sheraton Read House Hotel Chattanooga
Guest Speakers
Civil War Experience on the American Queen
Ric Burns – has been writing, directing and producing historical documentaries for nearly 20 years. He is best known for his epic series New York: A Documentary Film (1999-2003), which premiered nationally on PBS to wide public and critical acclaim.
Mark Samels – is executive producer of American Experience, PBS’s flagship history series. Produced by WGBH/Boston, American Experience is television’s most-watched and longest-running history series.
Also on board, Barry Meadows, tribute artist: General Ulysses S. Grant and Al Stone, tribute artist: General Robert E. Lee
The ship is currently under the ownership of the Memphis-based Great American Steamboat Company, headed by Jeffrey D. Krida, who was the president of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company in the 1990’s. Visit the American Queen, First Lady of the Mississippi at or call 888-749-5280.
