NEW! Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass

Discover Louisville’s rich industrial and cultural heritage as you explore its streets by foot and motor coach. Walk with your guide, heading into the historic district of the city. Stroll along West Main Street to see some of the city’s oldest buildings and America’s second-largest collection of cast-iron facades. Pass by Whiskey Row to view restored bourbon warehouses and learn how the city’s history was shaped by this spirit. Glimpse the outside of cultural landmarks, including the Muhammad Ali Center and the Louisville Slugger Museum with its Big Bat, the largest baseball bat in the world. Next, board your motor coach for a panoramic drive through the greater Louisville area. See the renowned Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, before crossing the Ohio River to visit Ashland Park, where you can take in Louisville’s skyline.

Visit the Churchill Downs to step behind the scenes of the Kentucky Derby, one of America’s biggest horse races. Upon arrival, watch The Greatest Race, a 360-degree film that allows you to experience the thrill of race day, surrounded by the cheers of the crowd and the thunder of hooves. After, walk through the Grandstand and take in the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack and its iconic Twin Spires up close. Visit the famed Millionaire’s Row for panoramic views and participate in a hands-on introduction to the time-honored traditions and strategy behind wagering at America’s most historic racetrack. From your guide, hear about key moments in the sport's history and learn how the culture of the race evolved over time. Finally, have free time to visit the museum and explore two floors of interactive exhibits that focus on the traditions and legacy of the Kentucky Derby.

Discover the craftsmanship and history of the Louisville Slugger, one of baseball's most iconic bats. Arrive at the Louisville Slugger Factory, where The Big Bat—the world's largest baseball bat—leans against the building. Walk through the factory with your guide to see how woodworking and manufacturing come together to create the classic Louisville Slugger. Here, skilled workers shape, sand and brand the bats, crafting each one to their clients’ specifications. After, explore the museum on your own to learn about the bat’s history and the effect it has had on both the local industry and baseball itself. See bats used by legendary players, including Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson in The Bat Vault. Perhaps take a swing with a replica of one of these famed bats at the museum’s batting cage. Finally, receive your own mini Louisville Slugger before you return to your ship.

Learn how Louisville Sluggers are made before visiting the Bat Vault to handle Sluggers once swung by legends. Step onto the production floor at the Louisville Slugger Factory, where you will watch skilled workers transform raw timber into a classic baseball bat in real time. Gain insight into the craftsmanship that goes into shaping, sanding and branding these bats and learn about their influence on both local industry and the sport of baseball itself. After, visit the Bat Vault, where more than 3,000 original Louisville Sluggers are displayed, all designed by some of baseball's best players. As you walk with your guide, discover the legacy of the Louisville Slugger and have the opportunity to hold bats that were used by icons of the sport, including Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson. Finally, have free time to explore the museum before receiving your very own mini Louisville Slugger.

Experience two of Kentucky’s most iconic traditions at a thoroughbred farm and a local distillery. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through rolling countryside to the boutique Kismet Thoroughbred Farm. Upon arrival, meet your host and set out to discover the heritage, dedication and expertise behind Kentucky’s world-famous racehorses. During a guided visit, see the barns and paddocks, learn about bloodlines and breeding practices and meet these magnificent horses up close. After a traditional Kentucky lunch, continue to a local bourbon distillery to explore the art and science of bourbon-making, from grain selection and distillation to barrel aging. You will also enjoy a curated tasting of distinctive regional bourbons. After your excursion, return to your ship.

Discover the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon during a walk along Louisville’s legendary Whiskey Row. Meet your guide, local bourbon expert and lifelong Louisvillian Drew Shryock, and set off on foot to experience the craftsmanship and traditions of American bourbon. Stop at various whiskey distilleries to enjoy tastings and engaging storytelling, with insider perspectives on bourbon’s origins and recent resurgence. You will also be taught how to compare profiles and evaluate the flavor, aroma and character of each bourbon. At the Evan Williams Distillery, you will enjoy a guided tour of the production facility, gaining further knowledge about the production process. Conclude your walk in the heart of Whiskey Row, where its past and present converge. After, return to your ship.