We had a wonderful time on VACAYA’s Mississippi River cruise. This was the first ever all-LGBT+ Mississippi River cruise! VACAYA, as always, did a great job in putting together some wonderful entertainers and fun events. The cruise was aboard the American Queen Steamboat Line’s American Duchess and their staff was first-rate.

The cruise started in New Orleans. Highlights there for our Purple Light group were private tours of New Orleans Garden District and from local celebrity/author Frank Perez on the gay history of the city. The World War II museum was also definitely worth seeing. Ports on the tour included the little town of New Roads, Louisiana where we were warmly greeted by all. We also learned how to make pralines from their very colorful retired home economics teacher. Natchez Mississippi was both interesting and thought provoking. There we saw museums with collections highlighting how the south and north still do not see eye to eye on the Civil War. Perhaps the most interesting port was Vicksburg, Mississippi where we had a wonderful tour of their National Military Park. It was here that the battle was fought that turned the Civil War around. The cruise was a real Americana experience.

Here are some photos from this wonderful and fun Mississippi River Cruise:

New Orleans

I guess our waiter wasn’t a vampire as this didn’t keep him away

New Orleans – WWII Museum

Our Boat

A Star Is Born. Singer Mailynn Soulfree Was a VACAYA Cruise Highlight. For Video click HERE

Edie From Zumanity in Vegas Performed

Former Mouskeeteer Lindsey Alley Told Us Dish On Her Colleagues

Look like fun? Want to book a VACAYA trip for a mainstream Mississippi River cruise? Please contact us.

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About the Author

Jonathan Geen is the President of Purple Light Vacations. He received his travel agent certification from Career Quest and has also been awarded the designation of Elite Cruise Counselor, (the highest certification), by the Cruise Line International Association. He is a member of the Travel Leaders consortium and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). He graduated from ASTA's advanced travel advisor certification program and is an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor. He is proud that his company offers added value at no cost to all travelers. Travel in the Know Wherever You Go!