Nashville, Memphis & the Cumberland

Get acquainted with Cape Girardeau during visits to three of its key attractions. Embark on a scenic drive, passing through the beautiful campus of Southeast Missouri State University en route to your destinations. At the Old St. Vincent’s Church, you will explore a majestic example of Renaissance architecture. Admire intricate details of the church’s English Gothic Revival-style design and learn about its historical significance. Continue to Glenn House, its restored historic museum showcasing the Victorian-era lifestyle—including period architecture, furnishings, clothing fashions and more—and offering a glimpse into life during the late 19th century. Then, transfer to the Cape River Heritage Museum, housed in a historic police and fire station dating back to 1908, to discover regional history exhibits, dioramas and interactive presentations.

Gain insight into the somber circumstances surrounding an infamous part of American history, the Trail of Tears. You will travel by motor coach to the Trail of Tears State Park. Established in 1957, it is a memorial to the thousands of members of the Cherokee nation who perished during the arduous forced removal from their ancestral lands in the eastern US during the 1830s. At the visitor center, learn more about the park’s purpose, watch a poignant video about Indigenous American removal and explore exhibits that detail the removal’s impact and the park’s natural history. Later, board your coach for a panoramic tour to important sites within the park, including Moccasin Springs Road and the commemorative Bushyhead Memorial, culminating in a stop at a scenic lookout overseeing the Mississippi River. Afterward, transfer to your awaiting ship.

Explore the Crisp Museum and go backstage for a Privileged Access look at theater productions. Located on Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus, Missouri’s only campus dedicated solely to the performing arts, the museum is housed in a world-class entertainment and education venue. Browse its diverse collection that highlights different aspects of Cape Girardeau’s history and culture. Then, enjoy behind-the-scenes backstage access to witness what goes into making a stage production in areas not typically open to the public. Learn about set design and props while touring different workshops and immerse yourself in the world of costumes and dressing rooms. Cap your tour with a peek into the technical control room to gain insight into lighting and sound’s pivotal role in setting the ambiance of a production. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Discover downtown Cape Girardeau, learning its history while savoring local culinary favorites. From the pier, set out on foot through the city’s historic Main Street with your guide, who will provide insights into the area’s heritage. Your roundtrip, 1½-mile journey will take you to five different local businesses that will showcase the diversity and quality of food and drink available to residents and visitors alike. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to taste olive oils and balsamic vinegar, indulge in beer or country wines with appetizers, and sample organic foods and delicious chocolates. Each visit will allow you time to interact with your guide and the vendors, who will happily regale you with the stories behind their businesses and life in Cape Girardeau. At the end of your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Immerse yourself in life during the Civil War at the historic Fort D. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the fort was one of four earthen defensive works built in 1861 by Union soldiers and local militia to protect the strategic city of Cape Girardeau; today, it is the only surviving fortification following a restoration project to preserve it during the 1930s. Upon arrival, you will have an opportunity to interact with Civil War reenactors and witness demonstrations of common wartime activities, such as drills, musket firing and other aspects of a soldier’s life. You will also explore the fort, where you will learn more about its period architecture and layout while touring the stone blockhouse, barracks and officer quarters. Afterward, you will return to your ship.