Unique River Cruise Woos Antique Lovers

Fans of Antiques Roadshow—the show that has aired on PBS for 27 seasons—will want to check out the latest offering from American Cruise Lines.

A special sailing of American Serenade, dubbed the “Antiques” cruise, will depart from Memphis, Tennessee, on April 27th, 2023.

In a one-of-a-kind shore excursion, guests on board will be able to participate in a taping of the popular TV show when the riverboat arrives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The May 2nd production event will be held at the LSU Rural Life Museum at Louisiana State University. (While early seasons taped episodes in convention centers and ballrooms, the show has now moved to locations at historical sites such as this one).

At the taping, American Cruise Lines guests will have the opportunity to bring two items with them that can be appraised by one of the show’s 70 professional appraisers.

American Serenade: The newest ship in the American Cruise Lines fleet

Cruise lovers interested in new ships sporting the latest innovations will appreciate that they’ll be on the second official sailing of American Serenade. The ship’s contemporary staterooms and public spaces were designed by Miami-based Studio DADO.

With the popularity of close-to-home cruising post-pandemic, the new vessel will be the line’s sixth modern riverboat sailing the Mississippi River, among its fleet of 17 ships. These ships were purpose-built for the Mississippi: With 91 staterooms in six categories, all have private balconies that offer unobstructed river views. American Serenade can hold up to 180 passengers.

This classic 8-day Lower Mississippi River itinerary will also include stops in Vicksburg, MS; Natchez, MS; St. Francisville, LA; and Houmas House, LA, before reaching New Orleans. Guided, small-group excursions are available at every port of call.

This region of the country is known for its mix of cultures, with cuisines ranging from Cajun to Creole to Barbecue. In addition to a full program of onboard enrichment and entertainment, this special sailing will have a culinary focus, showcasing the region’s rich heritage with local dishes on the menu, cooking demonstrations, wine pairings, and other presentations.

An outgrowth of the Antiques Roadshow/American Cruise Lines collaboration

The luxury river cruise line has been a national sponsor of Antiques Roadshow since 2021. Now in its 28th season (scheduled to air in 2024), the show features antique and collectible owners who search their attics and basements for family heirlooms and other items and bring them to be appraised by leading experts.

“American Cruise Lines’ guests have a common bond with Antiques Roadshow,” said Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines, in a press release announcing the Antiques cruise. “They share a passion for American culture and uncovering the fascinating histories which often exist right in our own backyards.”

The collaboration seems to be a natural given Antiques Roadshow’s tagline: part adventure, part history lesson, and part treasure hunt.

The cruise line offers domestic flat-rate airfare ($300 for one-way and $495 round trip) for all its U.S. cruises, and one-night complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays from departure cities.

For additional information about the “Antiques” cruise and other ships and itineraries, visit the American Cruise Lines website.