Are you drawn to the vibrant allure of America’s Deep South but feel reluctant to substitute your luxury cruise holiday to venture inland? If so, the fantastic news is you can now combine the two! With a Deep South USA cruise package, you get to enjoy all the delights of a cruise holiday with a trip to some of the Deep South’s most iconic locations, and this can all be enjoyed via a fly cruise from the UK.
In this blog, we’ll explore the unique holiday offerings that allow you to cruise to the Deep South USA, delving into both the fly-cruises and no-fly cruises that go there, the inspiring itineraries on offer and the memorable attractions you’ll discover throughout your trip. So, read on to learn more about these exciting American cruise adventures.
Destinations to Discover on a Cruise to The Deep South USA
A cruise to the Deep South allows you to enjoy all the delights of days at sea combined with immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of American history and culture.
Here are some must-visit destinations:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Known as the Big Easy, New Orleans is famed for its vibrant music scene, Creole cuisine, and festive spirit. If you opt for a cruise to New Orleans, be sure to visit the French Quarter, where the streets buzz with live jazz, street performers, and the aromatic scents of Cajun and Creole cooking. Don’t miss a chance to taste authentic beignets at Café du Monde or explore the historic homes of the Garden District.
Nashville, Tennessee
Regarded as the Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville is a must for fans of these honky-tonk harmonies. Choose a Nashville cruise and stay package, and you can tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and the legendary rock & roll Ryman Auditorium – known as the “Mother Church of Country Music”. Opt for a cruise from the UK to Nashville package, and you can also enjoy the unique experience of catching a live show at the Grand Ole Opry, where the best country music artists often perform.
Memphis, Tennessee
Steeped in the soulful strains of the blues and the revolutionary sounds of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is a pilgrimage site for those who cherish musical history. Visit iconic Graceland, the opulent home of Elvis Presley, and explore Sun Studio, where musical titans like Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded some of their most influential tracks.
When it comes to history, a visit to Memphis offers powerful insights into America’s civil rights movement. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is particularly poignant as this is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Exploring The Options for Fly Cruises to Deep South USA
Fly-cruises from the UK to the USA’s Deep South offer an efficient yet seamless blend of luxury and adventure.
The Flights
Typically, your journey begins with a flight from a major UK airport like Heathrow or Gatwick. However, if you’d prefer to fly from a regional airport in the UK, speak to your cruise specialist, as these options are often available.
There are a variety of US arrival destinations for your flight, depending on the package you choose and the destinations included in your trip. You may fly directly to one of the Deep South states, arriving in Memphis, Nashville or New Orleans. There are also Deep South cruise packages that include a fly cruise from the UK to cities such as Chicago or Atlanta, followed by some connecting overland travel.
Excursions in America’s Deep South
Once in the Deep South, you can enjoy escorted tours that take in some of the iconic attractions and soak up the vibe of this captivating region. During this time, your hotel stays are covered in the cost of your Deep South USA cruise package.
On our Deep South Journeys page, you can learn more about the captivating range of America’s Deep South highlights. From the Southern charm and country legends of Nashville and the fascinating Graceland Mansion to the mouthwatering barbecue flavours that the Deep South is famous for, there are memorable moments for everyone to enjoy.
The Cruise
Deep South USA cruise packages conclude with sailing on board one of the top cruise ships to discover some idyllic destinations. For example, you may fly to Miami and then embark on a cruise itinerary that takes you around the Caribbean (with all travel and transfers included in the package cost).
Example fly cruise itineraries include:
An Escorted Music Cities of The Deep South package, which takes in the charms of Memphis and New Orleans, followed by a Caribbean cruise from Miami with varying itineraries from either Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise Line
A Rhythms of the Deep South cruise to Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans, with a Mississippi River excursion, followed by a 7-night Caribbean cruise from Miami with Princess Cruises or Celebrity Cruises
A Deep South Vibes & Exotic Caribbean Gems that includes 3 nights in New Orleans before taking a 7-night Caribbean cruise from Miami with Princess Cruises
Cruise to the Deep South from Southampton
If you’d like to make time on board your cruise ship a bigger part of the holiday experience and wish to book cruises to Nashville or Memphis from Southampton, you can explore some transatlantic no-fly cruise options.
Cunard Grand Music Circle Express
For example, Cunard offers a spectacular no-fly Southampton to USA cruise that includes a seven-night voyage on the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York and a full-board sleeper train through to the Deep South, where you can soak up the delights of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville. You’ll even have a chance to explore the stunning city of Chicago before returning to your luxury Cunard ship to sail home.
Southampton To New Orleans Cruise
Another option for boarding a cruise ship to the Deep South USA is a Southampton to New Orleans package with Princess Cruises. Before sailing to the USA, you’ll transition down to Europe, making stops in Paris, Bilbao, and Vigo before heading on your voyage across the Atlantic.
This once-in-a-lifetime 21-night cruise to New Orleans package then takes in the paradise Caribbean islands of Saint Thomas, Antigua, and Grand Cayman. You’ll also get the opportunity to board a charming steamboat and sail down the Mississippi River, with live jazz music providing the soundtrack for your experience, before concluding with a 3-night stay in New Orleans.
One of the great benefits of these no-fly cruises to the USA is that they are typically longer than the fly cruises from the UK, so you will have more time to enjoy the luxury facilities, entertainment, and dining on your cruise ship.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Consider the time of year when planning your cruise to the Deep South USA. Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for exploring these vibrant cities comfortably.
- If you’re searching for cheap fly-cruises from the UK to America’s Deep South, be sure to book in advance to get the best deals. It’s always worth speaking with a reputable agent to help you find a cruise holiday that best suits your budget and requirements.
- While most Deep South cruise packages will include organised tours to major attractions, there’s always room to explore on your own, so do some research before you go to make the most of your trip.
A cruise to the Deep South USA offers an exceptional blend of exploration, culture, and relaxation. From the vibrant streets of New Orleans to the legendary music scenes of Nashville and Memphis, each destination pulses with its own unique rhythm and history.
