America’s Great River

See Baton Rouge’s most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum. Crowned with a soaring skyscraper, the 450-foot-tall New State Capitol reflects the modern architectural designs of the 1930s. In contrast, the Old State Capitol boasts a neo-Gothic facade reminiscent of a medieval castle. Drive past the Tiger Stadium; home to the LSU Tigers; the venue can house more than 100,000 fans and is the eighth largest stadium in the world. Learn about the state’s historic university, founded in 1860, before stopping at the Capitol Park Museum. Here you will pause to view informative exhibits that provide insight into Louisiana’s industry and culture, from its musical heritage to the world-famous annual Mardi Gras event. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Experience the wonders of river and coastal dynamics at the Louisiana State University Center for River Studies. Upon arrival, watch a short introductory video, then take a guided tour of the state-of-the-art 10,000 square foot exhibit area, featuring interactive displays and illustrations that highlight the critical work being done in coastal restoration and river management. View the impressive Lower Mississippi River Physical Model, which simulates the river’s flows, depths and sediment transport across a 14,000-square-mile-section of southeast Louisiana. Enhanced with high-resolution projectors displaying aerial photographs and animated simulations, this model provides a comprehensive understanding of river and coastal dynamics. Having gained insight into the vital importance of the Mississippi River Delta and the ongoing coastal land-loss crisis, you will return to your ship.

Discover the history of Baton Rouge during a guided walk through the city’s downtown district. As you stroll, your guide will regale you with colorful stories about Baton Rouge’s past, including how the city received its name and the long-lasting legacy of Huey Long, nicknamed “The Kingfish” and the state’s controversial governor and state senator during the 1920s and ’30s. Admire the eclectic mix of old and new architectural styles, such as the neo-Gothic facade of the Old State Capitol. Finish your walk at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, named after the Jolly Roger-flying USS Kidd, a Fletcher-class destroyer. During your informative self-guided museum tour, view its gallery of historic photos and displays, including a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and a full-scale replica of the gun deck of USS Constitution. At the end of your tour, you will transfer back to your ship.

Gain insights into Cajun culture with Privileged Access to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University. Listen to folktales, sample Cajun cuisine and enjoy music and dance performances, including traditional Cajun dances. With more than 30 historic buildings, the museum complex opens a window into the lifestyle of 18th- and 19th-century rural Louisianans—a blend of French, Spanish, Native American, African, German and British influences. Learn about their history and observe artisan demonstrations as you explore the museum’s three main areas: the Exhibit Barn, filled with artifacts; the Plantation Quarters, featuring a blacksmith shop, sick house, sugarhouse, grist mill and cabins; and the Louisiana Folk Architecture, a collection of various rural houses.

Sail through the Atchafalaya Swamp by airboat in search of wildlife and native flora. This 1.4-million-acre wilderness of majestic cypress and tupelo-covered swampland is home to hundreds of plant, bird, fish and reptile species. With nutrient-rich water flowing in from the Mississippi, the Atchafalaya supports half of America’s migratory waterfowl and is an important habitat for neotropical migratory birds and other avian species of the Mississippi Flyway. Your captains will navigate to specific places that have a high probability of alligator sightings, and you will also have the chance to see the beavers, otters, owls, bald eagles, egrets, ospreys and turtles who frequent the area.