For centuries, river barge transportation has been the mainstay of travel on the major rivers of the United States.
You will still see the commercial-type barges as you float along the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland Rivers. Your mode of transportation; however, will be on a hotel river barge outfitted for comfortable cruising.
Staterooms are spacious with a choice of twin or super queen beds. All rooms feature individually controlled air-conditioning or heat, satellite TV, VCR, mini-fridge, coffee maker, binoculars, phone, full-sized tub and shower, hair dryer, big picture window that opens. Platinum deck staterooms have a balcony. A limited number of accessible staterooms for disabled guests are available.
Public areas are attractive. Enjoy deliciously prepared meals in a relaxed, casual setting with open seating. Raid the "cookie jar" for snacks throughout the day. For entertainment, take in a show in the theater. Work off those great meals in the excercise room or on the walking / jogging track. Play shuffleboard, bumper pool, board game, or cards. Read an interesting book from the library. Or relax in the whirlpool tub.
Get off the beaten track in heartland America. Go where cars can't; see things you can't see from the highway. There is a lot of history on the heartland riversides of the USA, and you will learn all about it on your RiverBarge cruise.
Trivia -- Do you know:
The St. Louis Gateway Arch symbolizes America's opening of the West to commerce and settlement?
There is a pyramid in Memphis, comparing ancient Egypt's society to ours?
The biggest United States earthquake fault line is not is California; it's in Missouri where the largest quake to hit the USA occurred in 1811.
Do you know where the steamboat graveyard is located?
These are some of the stories and the history behind them you will learn when you take a RiverBarge cruise -- oops -- the word excursion is preferred by RiverBarge Excursions.
What does your all inclusive cruise include?
- Accommodations
- Entertainment
- All meals
- Snacks
- Tips
- Taxes
- Port charges
- Scheduled shore activities
Things you can count on: Cleanliness, friendliness, and reliability, and a desire by all staff and crew members to serve guests in the best possible way.
Evenings are spent with local entertainers who board the vessel in each city.
Platinum Stateroom
Royal Stateroom
Cruising between St. Louis and Memphis, you will see how the great Mississippi River changes at the Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi. You will see the difference between the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. This is where the biggest fault line in America lies near the old Spanish settlement of New Madrid (pronounced New Mad -rid not Ma - drid). See Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee legend says was formed by the 1811 earthquake. See the great St. Louis Arch and the Memphis Pyramid. Home of the "Blues", Memphis also has some of the best ribs you'll ever taste. And don't leave St. Louis until you see what's brewing.
The Cumberland River Valley was home to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Shawnee Indians as well as French fur traders and Daniel Boone. Travelers on this river expanded our frontier. Fiddles and banjos from that era made Nashville what it is today. Take an Expanding Frontiers cruise and see the great locks and dams of the Tennessee River Authority which brought electricity to millions -- but also through the suffering of a few who lost their homes and land.
The Atchafalaya River Basis and the Lower Mississippi River tells the story of Cajuns and Creoles -- the Indian, French, Spanish, and Canadian cultures. There are swamps, alligators, and Bourbon Street, but there is also haute cuisine, gracious living, old world architecture, and charm. A place where there is still a unique language mix of French / American, and unique Zydeco music. You'll sometimes feel as though you're in a foreign country. This cruise -- excursion is a "feast for the senses". Taste incredible food. Hear lively music. See museums and plantations filled with artifacts of yesterday. Smell the pungent earth that can only be found in the bayou. Feel the spirit of the region sink deep within your soul.
Along the Ohio River, you can transport yourself back in time to envision the early keelboats and steamboats that were the main transportation in this area in the 1700's through the 1800's. As before, this stretch of river is a mix of cultures, people, and ideas. See Cave In Rock where notorious river pirates hung out. The Ohio River is a dividing line between mint juleps and German-brewed beer. This was the river that was the passageway for settlement in the West, used by all nationalities as they spread their way through America.
Delta South cruises transport you back in time to the "land of cotton". Mingle with the people who live here now and learn of the rich Southern history of this part of America. Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, and Baton Rouge all have great Civil War stories from their past. This era in American history is evident in the grand plantation homes that dot the river. Cotton was king on this stretch of river but so was Evis whose spirit still lives in Memphis.
The Route of Jean Lafitte flows on the Intercoastal Waterway between New Orleans and Galveston and Port Isabel, Texas. Jean Lafitte was known as the "gentleman pirate" who commanded a force of 1000 privateers and fifty ships. In exchange for their help, Andrew Jackson promised them American citizenship -- and they were one of the deciding forces in the British defeat in the Battle of New Orleans. After the battle, many became trappers and fisherman. Lafitte traveled south along the coast to Texas and Mexico. Rumor has it that he buried his treasure along this route, but it has never been found. Along this interesting route, you will experience the world of bayous, lakes, rivers, and bays. You will find Cajun and Texas hospitality. See wildlife up close. Learn the story of "black gold". Tour lovely, grand Victorian homes in Galveston or shop the fabulous antique stores. Corpus Christi and Padre Island offer some of best TexMex cuisine found anywhere.
Cumberland Valley RiverBarge
Cruise / Excursions
St. Louis & Memphis On The Upper & Lower Mississippi River
America's Junction
The Ohio River Valley
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American River Barge Vacations On The Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland Rivers And Intercoastal Waterway
Contact Stoney Creek Travel
877-658-2582
Weaverville / Asheville, NC
RiverBarge Excursion Brochures: Postage & Handling $5
Rare On The RIver -- Prairie Cajuns: Learn about Cajun culture, taste their unique style of cooking, and experience the Zydeco rythems that make the people of this area of the United States very unique. Enjoy their wonderful hospitality on this one-of-a kind excursion.
Rare On The River -- Confluence: The muddy Missouri, The blue Ohio, and the Illinois with its Great Lakes commerce all add to the beauty and strength of the mighty Mississippi. Experience the many aspects of this great river.
Rare On The River -- Mouth Of The Mississippi: See Mile Zero at the Head of Passes and the place where the mighty Mississippi opens wide. Visit historic Fort Jackson, La. and learn about Pilottown, LA -- where pilots exchange duties.
Rare On The River -- Barges & Buggies: Barge on beautiful Ohio River and enjoy a buggy ride through Amish country. Get an insider's look at the world of the Amish. Learn about their unique customs and beliefs on this guided tour through the back roads of Amish country including visits to a winery and more.
Rare On The River -- Fall Foliage & Fillies: Visit Keeneland Race Course in the heart of Kentucky horse country. See some of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time. Hobnob with big time owners and breeders as you watch the ponies run. Experience the beautiful scenery along the Ohio River as it changes color at the peak of fall.
Rare On The River -- Rivers To Rails: Explore the history of river and rail travel and how the marriage of the two connected the eastern seaboard with the west. Enjoy some very scenic barging on the Ohio River. :You'll hop aboard an operating railroad museum and take a scenic ride.
Rivers & Canals: Barge on the clear waters of the Ohio River and float down a section of the restored Ohio and Erie Canal on a canal boat replica. Step into the life of a canal traveler from the 1800s. Soak up the history of two major inland water transportation routes and learn how they shaped America.
Rare On The River -- Christmas Bonfires On The Levee: Make this Christmas your most memorable family holiday ever. See visions of sugarplums and the centuries old Christmas Eve tradition of lighting bonfires on the levee of the Mississippi River. Thousands of children line the levees as their parents' light huge bonfires that guide the way for Le Pere Noel (Father Christmas). Have Christmas dinner on the R/B River Explorer and enjoy the holiday, New Orleans style.
Rare On The River -- New Years In New Orleans: Celebrate the New Year in New Orleans safely and in style when the barge docks in the Crescent City for 3 nights. Enjoy an open bar throughout this excursion. On New Year’s Eve, the Champagne will be flowing as you witness the incredible fireworks show on the Mississippi River from the best seat in the city, the R/B River Explorer
RiverBarge Excursions cruises are steeped in history and culture. Take a special Rare On The River Theme Cruise for additional enrichment as you learn about your United States and the great rivers that helped our nation grow.
