Whether you choose a Mississippi River cruise, a journey along the Snake and Columbia rivers or a coastal voyage through New England, an American Cruise Lines itinerary is designed to immerse you in the culture of various areas of the USA.

This means authentic food, the chance to explore important sights, plenty of onboard activities and, in some cases, the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legendary people – both real and fictional. Not only does this help to bring the destination to life, it will also help you indulge a personal interest and experience things you’re not able to do elsewhere.

With that in mind, here are some legendary characters you can discover when you sail with American Cruise Lines.

Lewis and Clark

Between May 1804 and September 1806, Lewis and Clark led an expedition from Pittsburgh to the Pacific North-West coast to map and lay claim to the western territory before the British did. Accompanied by 57 other men, as part of the Corps of Discovery, they travelled nearly 8,000 miles to discover what lied beyond the state of Louisiana and catalogue the flora and fauna along the way.

A Snake and Columbia River cruise presents the chance to follow in (some of) these men’s footsteps and visit places where they stopped on their expedition. Highlights include a visit to Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark’s journey ended and where a replica of the fort in which they camped has been created. Later, you’ll venture to Cape Disappointment State Park (we assure you it is ironically named) to see live demonstrations and interesting exhibits at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Finally, you’ll end your cruise in Clarkston, named in honour of William Clark himself.

Huckleberry Finn

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is arguably Mark Twain’s most famous work. Written in 1884, it details stories regarding people and places along the Mississippi River, all the while turning the focus on racial stereotypes and other entrenched attitudes.

If you choose to set sail on an Upper Mississippi cruise (on board one of American Cruise Lines’ paddle steamers or modern riverboats, not a raft like Huck), you’ll encounter places featured in the novel. The most important of these is Hannibal, Missouri – Mark Twain’s hometown, which he renamed St. Petersburg and used as Huck’s hometown too.

During your stop in Hannibal, you will visit Twain’s former home, now a museum dedicated to his works, as well as seeing other places used in the story. The Becky Thatcher House, the Huck Finn Home, and the Tom (Sawyer) and Huck Statue will be shown to you by a knowledgeable guide.

Plus, during specific Mark Twain themed cruises, historian McAvoy Layne will be on board in full costume to bring the story of Huckleberry Finn (and the period in which it is set) to life.

Billy The Kid

As well as tracking the movements of Lewis and Clark, a Snake and Columbia River cruise will also take you into Wild West territory. As the ship arrives in Pendleton, you’ll travel back in time to the days where communities revolved around saloons, Native Americans and cowboys formed rivalries and outlaws like Billy the Kid were terrorising towns.

Pendleton, in particular, is off interest as there’s a system of underground tunnels running beneath the streets, through which drunkards and outlaws would make their escape when the sheriff arrived. The Wild West nature of the town has been kept alive to this day and an expert tour guide will show you the ropes…and everything else related to cowboy culture too.

When it’s time for lunch, you’ll dine at the famous Hamley’s Steakhouse, a recreation of an authentic saloon. Original features dotted around include a bank wall and safe from the era of Billy the Kid.

Elvis

Back on the banks of the Mississippi, this time on the river’s lower section, there are more legends to uncover in the world of music. Your itinerary will be filled with visits to city’s like Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis, the latter providing the chance to make a pilgrimage to Graceland.

As the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis is an exciting playground for lovers of blues, BBQ and Beale Street. However, attractions like Graceland, Sun Studio and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are likely to be visited first by music fans. Music themed cruises include live performances on board the ship and Memphis’s position at the start or end of your itinerary makes it the perfect destination for a pre or post-cruise stay.

If you would like to book your holiday with American Cruise Lines and discover some of these legends for yourself, the team can help you find the best itinerary. Call us on 0800 954 0064 to book or for more information.