America’s Great River

Delve into the rich character of the Delta through songs, stories and cuisine during this Privileged Access event. Hosted by Greenville-born and award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Azar, this colorful Privileged Access outing will offer a unique and unforgettable introduction to life in the Mississippi Delta. Upon arrival at your venue, enjoy a Bloody Mary, regional beer or moonshine cocktail, then take a seat and savor a delicious lunch of regional favorites, such as fried catfish, pulled pork, tamales, hush puppies and more. While you dine, watch a spirited musical performance by Azar and his band, as well as other Mississippi artists, that will showcase the blues, rock ’n’ roll, soul and gospel. A noted Greenville native will also regale you with tales of life in the Delta and on the Mississippi. At the conclusion of the show, you will return to your ship.

Gain insight into ongoing agricultural research in the Mississippi Delta during this Privileged Access excursion. Embark on a short drive by motor coach to the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville. An affiliate of Mississippi State University, the Center was founded in 1904 on 200 acres; today, its grounds and facilities cover more than 5,000 acres. Here, scientists and specialists study local agriculture and conduct research into the development of new technologies for crop production and aquaculture. After a welcome introduction, board a bus for a narrated ride through this extensive campus, gaining insight along the way into the endless work being conducted to ensure the livelihood of Delta farmers, while conserving the region’s precious natural resources. Following your excursion, you will return to your ship.

Learn about the life and times of iconic blues legend B.B. King at his namesake museum. Born in 1925, King rose from his simple sharecropper roots to become one of the genre’s most famous and beloved performers, renowned for his distinctive and sophisticated guitar playing. You will travel to Indianola, King’s adopted hometown and the site of the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center. Here, browse its extensive collection of memorabilia and interactive exhibits that interweave King’s story with broader story of African American life and the Civil Rights Movement in the Delta and beyond. See King’s evolution, from his start as the “Beale Street Blues Boy” to touring the Chitlin’ Circuit to eventual worldwide acclaim. Finish your tour by paying your respects at the granite tablet that marks the final resting place of this blues master.

Explore historic downtown Greenville during a walking excursion and delve into the city’s rich heritage. Take a short drive by motor coach to the downtown, arriving at the Greenville History Museum. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour of the restored Miller Building, where memorabilia, photographs and news clippings from the late 1800s through the 1970s offer a vivid look into daily life in the Mississippi Delta. Continue to the Flood Museum to discover original artifacts and powerful images documenting the devastating Great Flood of 1927 and its lasting impact on Delta communities. Next, head to the Hebrew Union Temple, once home to Mississippi’s largest Jewish congregation and still the heart of Jewish culture in the Delta, providing a rare perspective on the region’s diverse religious and cultural history. After, return to your ship.

Hear songs and stories of the Delta and experience the natural beauty of the Greenville Cypress Preserve. From your ship, travel by motor coach to one of Greenville’s leading venues and enjoy a Privileged Access performance by award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Azar. Sip a welcome drink and sit down to a meal featuring authentic dishes from the Delta region as you hear Steve Azar and his band perform, supported by local Mississippi artists. After, you will journey to the Greenville Cypress Preserve, one of the Mississippi Delta’s most unspoiled landscapes. Follow a picturesque half-mile long trail through towering cypress trees—much the same as they appeared to early settlers—as you learn about its unique ecology and wildlife. En route back to your ship, pass historic landmarks and discover how centuries of tradition have intertwined to create this storied region.

Be immersed in the heritage of the Mississippi Delta through music and storytelling, and taste craft spirits. Drive by motor coach to the E.E. Cultural Bass Center for a Privileged Access show featuring soulful sounds of the Delta through music and storytelling. Steve Azar and his band, alongside other Mississippi artists, will entertain you as you dine on a selection of regional dishes. After, you will journey to Rosedale through the wide-open farmlands that define the Mississippi Delta’s agricultural legacy. Upon arrival, step inside the Rosedale Distilling Company for a behind-the-scenes tour led by its founders. See copper stills, fermentation tanks and displays of local grains that highlight the connection between Delta soil and modern craft spirits. Conclude your visit with a guided tasting that reveals the distinctive character of the region before returning to your ship.

Experience the Mississippi Delta where rich history, musical heritage and modern revival come together. Drive to the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center, where a warm blues welcome and Southern-style lunch await. Culture Ambassador Steve Azar will perform with his band, supported by other local Mississippi artists. You will also have the opportunity to view the center’s galleries and its rare 1901 carousel before heading to the Delta town of Leland. Here you will visit the Jim Henson Exhibit, dedicated to the visionary puppeteer, filmmaker and creative pioneer best known as the creator of The Muppets. Learn about Kermit the Frog’s origins and take a scenic stroll along Deer Creek before visiting the historic Thompson House for refreshments and engaging conversation with locals. Enjoy free time to explore the town independently, before returning to your ship.