4-NIGHT RIVER CRUISES ANNOUNCED

River cruising isn't just in Europe, you know. We have plenty of rivers here in the U.S. as well. American Cruise Lines has announced the addition of four-night cruises to the Queen of the Mississippi’s 2013 schedule. The cruise line notes, "three days shorter than the standard itinerary length on the Mississippi River, the new cruises will focus on the various plantations found along the river." The new cruises are round trip from New Orleans and include departures on November 30, December 4 and 8, with rates starting at $2,395 per person.

Onboard activities include:

-- Mint juleps served on the Oak Alley lawn

-- Performance by Judy Davis, singer, entertainer and storyteller of life on a plantation

-- Praline-cooking demonstration by Michael DeVidts

-- Performance by the New Orleans Jazz All Stars

-- Onboard cooking demonstration by a Louisiana Culinary Institute chef