Bourbon, blonde bombshells and behind-the-scenes tours of Mark Twain’s Hannibal hometown — cruises on America’s inland waterways and Great Lakes step up the fun factor this summer with themed voyages aboard several close-to-home cruise ships.
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BOURBON AND WATER
The world’s largest steamboat, the grand and elegant American Queen, journeys from St. Louis to Cincinnati and the reverse on two nine-day themed itineraries: Bourbon (July 10-18) and Presidents & Politics (July 17-25). Both excursions take passengers right into America’s heartland: St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, MO; Paducah, Brandenburg and Louisville, KY; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
On the former, you’ll dip into the history and culture of bourbon and bourbon making with noted experts: Maker’s Mark’s legendary master distiller Bill Samuels Jr., who crafted Maker’s 46; Donn Flinn of Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world’s most award-winning distillery; and Michael Veach, a leading authority on the history of bourbon and author of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage.
Calls will be made at some of Kentucky Bourbon Country’s most famous bourbon distilleries for complimentary tours: Jim Beam Distillery at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse, Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center, Willett Distillery and Wild Turkey. Of course, several are located in the Bourbon Capital of the World — Bardstown, KY.
Coinciding with the GOP Convention is American Queen’s Presidents & Politics cruise, featuring onboard presentations, including a “Presidential Press Conference with Mr. Lincoln,” “The Laughter of Politics,” “Presidents Who Changed the Office” and “Presidency and the Media,” among others.
Special onboard guests include Dr. Michael Nelson, historian and author of more than 25 books on the presidency, elections, southern politics and other topics; George Buss, a sixth generation Illinoisan who has interpreted Abraham Lincoln for a quarter century and to critical acclaim; and Mark Russell, who offers humorous commentary on topical political news.
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THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI
American Cruise Lines voyages into Mark Twain Country with its tribute cruises to American’s foremost humorist and author. Departing from St. Louis, authentic paddlewheelers Queen of the Mississippi or America — ACL’s newest, which sailed her maiden voyage in May, 2016 — will visit upper Mississippi towns, including Hannibal, MO; Davenport, Dubuque and La Crosse, Iowa; and Red Wing and St. Paul, MN.
“The Mississippi River towns are comely, clean, well built, and pleasing to the eye, and cheering to the spirit,” Twain wrote in Life on the Mississippi. “The Mississippi Valley is as reposeful as a dreamland, nothing worldly about it … nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon.”
So relax with a copy of Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as you glide along a picturesque shoreline, cosseted in the elegant comfort of the vessels’ Victorian-style décor. The highlight of this trip? An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the town where Twain lived from age four to 17 that includes the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum and the Becky Thatcher House.
Departure dates for this cruise are July 16, 23 and 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 3 and 24 and Oct. 1 and 8.
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JAZZED ABOUT NOSTALGIA
It is fitting that two of Un-Cruise Adventures’ music-themed cruises take place on its replica 1900’s coastal steamer, the SS Legacy. Resplendent with Old World charm and turn-of-the-century décor, this modern small ship is both elegant and casual — and the perfect backdrop for summer jazz and 1940’s-style music cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Headlining the July 23 departure is Josephine “Josie” Howell. With vocal talents ranging from jazz to R&B, Howell is considered one of the best female vocalists in the Pacific Northwest and was runner-up in the Seattle Stars singing competition. Accompanying Howell will be Paul Richardson, noted keyboard player who has performed with such pop and jazz stars as Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters and Blood, Sweat and Tears, among many others.
On July 30, “America’s Bombshell Duo,” Erinn Diaz and Amanda Newman of the group Letters From Home, brings the 1940s to the SS Legacy. Known for their comedic and moving patriotic performances, the two entertainers combine beautiful harmonies, brilliantly choreographed tap dancing and audience interaction in their shows.
Both have impressive resumes. Diaz is a national tap dance champion and published author who has worked on over 250 theatrical productions nationwide and been in several TV shows and movies. Newman is a dancer who has competed nationally, a choreographer and dance teacher who has performed for a number of theatres and dance companies.
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GREAT LAKES MAGIC
Blount Small Ship Adventures has three eight-night Magical Lake Michigan voyages that live up to the name with visits to these enchanting ports in Michigan and Wisconsin: Holland, its Dutch heritage reflected in an authentic 275-year-old working windmill and cobblestone sidewalks; Beaver Island with its scenic beaches; Mackinac Island with its movie set good looks, proliferation of fudge shops and horse-drawn carriages and Grand Hotel lined with 100 rocking chairs; Sturgeon Bay, a coastal idyll marked by lighthouses and charming downtown; and lively Milwaukee, where you can hoist a craft beer from one of many brewpubs.
Cruising from Chicago’s bustling Navy Pier, the park’s iconic Ferris wheel looming large against the skyline, departures take place on July 14, July 23 and August 1. Likened to sailing aboard a friend’s yacht, onboard life is personalized and relaxed, with family-style meals, a welcome BYOB policy (Blount provides mixers) and casual evening gatherings.
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PLANNING YOUR TRAVELS
—American Cruise Lines, www.AmericanCruiseLines.com, 800-460-4518. The largest U.S. cruise company and operator of the newest fleet of small cruise ships and riverboats in the United States, American Cruise Line offers more than 35 itineraries, from four to 21 nights, to the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, New England, the Southeast and the entire Mississippi River system. Daily lectures, ranging from history and ecology to culture and cuisine, plus complimentary evening cocktail hour and wine and beer with lunch and dinner are part of the fun.
—American Queen Steamboat Company, www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com, 888-749-5280. Cruise fare includes complimentary hop-on/hop-off shore excursions in each port of call, a deluxe hotel stay the night before your voyage and transfers to the American Queen, all onboard meals, 24-hour room service, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and specialty coffees, tea, bottled water and soft drinks throughout, daily lectures by the onboard Riverlorian historian and more.
—Blount Small Ship Adventures, www.BlountSmallShipAdventures.com, 800-556-7450. Fare includes including complimentary house wine and beer with lunch and dinner and entertainment like glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling excursions and performances by local musicians, storytellers and area experts. Three Magical Lake Michigan departures are offered this summer, each with a discount: 20 percent off per person — July 14; 30 percent off per person — July 23rd; and 20 percent off per person — August 1. NOTE: These offers expire July 15, 2016.
—Un-Cruise Adventures, www.Un-Cruise.com, 888-862-8881. Celebrating 20 years of small ship cruise adventures in 2016, this line offers off-the-beaten-path explorations: small-group up-close discoveries, unspoiled natural wonders, insightful cultural encounters. Anniversary special: Save $300 per couple ($150/person) on NEW bookings for travel now through November 19, 2016.
Valid on new reservations made by July 1, 2016; call for details and offer code.
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(Author and travel and lifestyle writer Kathy Witt feels you should never get to the end of your bucket list; there's just too much to see and do in the world. Contact her at KathyWitt24@gmail.com, @KathyWitt.)
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