Ken Burns and Tauck to Launch New Mississippi River Cruise

american queenKen Burns and Tauck are launching a new Mississippi river cruise on the American Queen paddlewheel steamboat.

The 11-day, seven-night cruise will launch early next year as part of the company’s “Ken Burns American Journeys” collection.  The new “Life on the Mississippi” itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Memphis, followed by a seven-night Mississippi River cruise aboard the newly relaunched American Queen paddlewheel steamboat, and it concludes with a two-night stay in New Orleans. Along the way, guests will experience cultural experiences and Tacuk-exclusive shore excursions.

Tauck CEO Dan Mahar explains that Ken Burns and his longtime collaborator Dayton Duncan were instrumental in crafting the new itinerary. “Ken and Dayton have an amazingly broad knowledge of the Mississippi, its influence on American history and culture, and the people and places along its banks,” said Mahar. “With their insights and experience, we’ve been able to craft an itinerary for our guests that is truly unique.”

According to Burns, the Mississippi has helped shape America throughout its history, and accordingly, the river’s influence has been explored in a range of his films. “The Mississippi is a thread that runs through America’s history much as it courses through the heart of our country,” says Burns. “It’s only natural that it’s also a constantly recurring presence in my films, including Jazz, The Civil War, Mark Twain, Huey Long and The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.  You can’t tell America’s story without telling the story of the Mississippi.”

Tauck will offer both northbound and southbound versions of the itinerary, with the 7-night cruise on the American Queen bookended by an overnight stay at the famed Peabody in Memphis and two nights at The Roosevelt in New Orleans.

Visit www.tauck.com.