New Orleans, The Old South & Florida + Bahamas Cruise
Combine the easy-going rhythms and colourful culture of the Deep South with a stay in the fun-packed Sunshine State and a cruise to the beautiful Bahamas.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - New Orleans.
Fly to New Orleans where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights.
DAY 2: New Orleans.
The birthplace of jazz and home of the Mardi Gras is a lively colourful city with a distinctly French feel. On your morning city tour you will see the French Quarter, including St Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Then drive by the Garden District to see its stately mansions and stop at a typical New Orleans above ground cemetery. The rest of the day and evening are yours to do some more sightseeing, go shopping for souvenirs or simply relax and re-charge your batteries.
DAY 3: New Orleans.
Another full day to experience more of this charming city. For keen shoppers, Canal Street and the French Quarter offer an extensive array of unique stores and designer boutiques, or why not join our swamp boat ride through the bayous?
DAY 4: New Orleans - Baton Rouge - Natchez.
Drive through the heart of Cajun country to Baton Rouge for an orientation tour, featuring the Governor's Mansion and the State Capitol. Then it's on to elegant Natchez, once a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. During your included guided tour you'll visit a gracious pre-Civil War home featuring fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In the evening, relax at your hotel or play the slots in the nearby casino.
DAY 5: Natchez - Memphis.
Drive to Jackson, then through rural Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Upon arrival, acquaint yourself with the town during an included orientation tour. For your first night in the 'home of the blues', why not visit one of the famous music clubs on Beale Street?
DAY 6: Memphis - Graceland - Nashville.
No visit to Memphis would be complete without a trip to the palatial home of the 'King', Elvis Presley. Your guided Platinum tour focuses on the splendid garden and the opulent 15,000 square-feet mansion. Then head through the fertile farmlands of Tennessee to the 'Capital of Country Music', Nashville. The evening is yours to relax or explore.
DAY 7: Nashville.
Its association with country music has made the name Nashville Tennessee world famous, but it's not just music fans who will find this charming southern city a delight. Start the day with a sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks including the Parthenon, Bicentennial State Park and the recording studio of Music Row. Then visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments and Elvis Presley's solid gold Cadillac! In the evening you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the mecca of country musicians since 1925.
DAY 8: Nashville - Chattanooga - Atlanta.
First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then enter the 'Peach State' of Georgia and continue through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the fast-growing metropolis of Atlanta, former home and burial place of assassinated civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. After a sightseeing tour of the city, the rest of the day is yours to explore further or relax.
DAY 9: Atlanta - Savannah.
Head through rich rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah where your included tram tour highlights such attractions as the City Market, Forsyth Park, the Mercer House, Madison Square and River Street. This evening is free to enjoy the many charms of this fascinating city.
DAY 10: Savannah.
A day at leisure to explore this southern town. Shop on cobblestoned River Street or stroll among the many squares surrounded by elegant homes and majestic gardens. Don't miss Forsyth Park, with its lovely fountain and flowers, or the impressive Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, where you can learn about Savannah's important role in maritime history.
DAY 11: Savannah - St Augustine - Orlando.
Travel into the famous 'Sunshine State' of Florida, stopping first at St Augustine, the oldest European city in the United States. On your orientation tour you will see the city's historic district and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos. Then drive to the magical city of Orlando, USA's fun capital.
DAY 12: Orlando.
The day is yours to take advantage of the many attractions in the area, such as Universal Studios Florida and its companion parks, Islands of Adventure and of course, the world-famous Walt Disney World Resort.
DAY 13: Orlando - Port Canaveral to embark your cruise ship.
Transfer to Port Canaveral to embark your cruise ship, Monarch of the Seas. (D)
DAY 14: CocoCay, Bahamas.
Part of the beautiful Berry Islands chain in the Bahamas, the idyllic islet of CocoCay is completely uninhabited and offers up calm, translucent seas and shimmering white sands fringed by palms and tropical greenery. Today is yours to enjoy this paradise and its wide range of amenities as you wish or to join any of the optional excursions or activities available. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Nassau, Bahamas.
Situated on New Providence Island, the capital of the Bahamas is a vibrant and charming town with a past as colourful as its brightly painted houses and government buildings. Enjoy free time to explore at your leisure or take one of the optional excursions that will be available. (B, L, D)
DAY 16: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 17: Port Canaveral - Orlando - UK.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to Orlando airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 18: Home landing in the UK.
Note: Maximum elevation on the tour is 840 ft.
Accommodation on Tour
New Orleans: Sheraton New Orleans; Natchez: Isle of Capri; Memphis: Crowne Plaza; Nashville: Holiday Inn Express; Atlanta: Country Inn & Suites Buckhead; Savannah: Inn at Ellis Square; Orlando: Wyndham Orlando Resort.
Your Holiday Map
New Orleans, The Old South & Florida + Bahamas Cruise
Monarch of the Seas
A member of Royal Caribbean International's traditional fleet of Sovereign Class ships, Monarch of the Seas blends the essence of classic old-world cruising with a fantastic selection of modern amenities, contemporary décor and a wealth of dining and entertainment options. Comfortably accommodating 2755 guests in spacious, well-appointed cabins, Monarch of the Seas is a welcoming, laid-back environment in which to enjoy the fascinating entertainment, activities and shore excursions on offer.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 swimming pools; 2 whirlpools; Claude's and Vincent's dining rooms; Windjammer café; Jade speciality Asian fusion restaurant; Sorrento's Italian restaurant; pool bar; Viking Crown observation lounge; Sound of Music Lounge; Circuit Lounge bar and disco; Ben & Jerry's Latté-Tudes ice cream and coffee shop; Schooner bar; Boleros Latin-theme lounge; day spa and fitness centre; beauty salon; climbing wall; jogging track; basketball court; internet café; shopping gallery; art and photo galleries; 12 lifts.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. Breakfast and lunch are open seating and all meals are served in either the Claude's or Vincent's dining rooms. The My Time Dining option gives you the flexibility to choose when you want to dine each evening. Dinner is a four-course meal served at your chosen time. The Jade Sushi Bar and Restaurant offers speciality Asian fusion cuisine (at a charge) while Sorrento Italian Restaurant offers family style dining and a 'make-your-own' pizzeria (at a charge). Buffet meals are on offer in the Windjammer Café and light snacks are available from many of the lounges, cafés and bars.
Cabins
All cabins have twin beds; air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; hairdryer; telephone; 24-hour room service and private bathroom. Your holiday price includes a category Q inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
Q Twin inside cabin lower/middle deck
K Twin inside cabin middle deck
H Twin outside cabin lower deck
I Twin outside cabin middle/upper deck
F1 Twin outside cabin middle deck
Tipping
A gratuity of approximately $12 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.
Holiday Availability
Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices
New Orleans, The Old South & Florida + Bahamas Cruise
What's Included
- Flights UK - New Orleans; Orlando - UK
- Accommodation in a twin room with private facilities on tour and as per cruise ship details
- Meals Room only on tour and full board on cruise ship
- Services of a tour director on tour
- Porterage at hotels on tour and on cruise ship (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
- All local, port and airport taxes
- Single share option (on tour only) no supplement to pay
Holiday highlights
- New Orleans City sightseeing
- Natchez City sightseeing, visit to an elegant pre-Civil War mansion
- Graceland Guided audio Platinum tour
- Grand Ole Opry Evening performance
- Country Music Hall of Fame Visit
- CocoCay
- Nassau
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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