American Queen Steamboat Co. has unexpectedly ceased all operations, therefore this cruise is now cancelled. Please contact your travel advisor for more information

Program Highlights:
  • Cruise personally hosted by Rebecca Robinson of ZAP and top Zinfandel Winemakers from Ridge Vineyards, Miro Cellars & Trentadue Winery
  • Onboard University of Zin Wine Education program
  • Onboard Receptions, Wine Seminar and Winemaker’s Dinner with your hosts
  • Food & Wine Trails optional 3-night pre-cruise Bourbon & Blues land package and Baton Rouge shore tour
  • $50 per person shipboard credit early booking bonus 
Cruise Highlights:
  • American Queen Voyages All-Inclusive Ship Experience aboard American Countess
  • 1-night pre-cruise Memphis hotel stay and transfer to ship
  • Pre-paid shipboard gratuities and unlimited WiFi
  • Unlimited American Queen Voyages Hop-On Hop-Off guided tours
  • Unlimited beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
  • Open bars & lounges through the ship
  • Locally sourced & regionally inspired cuisine

ZAP is rolling down the Mississippi for a new Americana adventure.

You’ve sailed the open oceans and intimate rivers of Europe, now it’s time explore the joys of travel closer to  home with ZAP!  In the Spring of 2024, when the waters are fully flowing, join us on the mighty Mississippi River as we travel from town to town and experience the charms of bygone eras.  Endure the Cajun way of the Bayou in small towns filled with profound history, complemented by the big city energy of the Big Easy and Baton Rouge. Everything is rich here, from the dramatic history to the local southern cuisine, which pairs perfectly with Zinfandel!

Learn about the history of the true American spirit – bourbon, and immerse yourself in soulful sounds of the blues during F&WT’s optional Bourbon & Blues pre-cruise land program. Whether you like your bourbon neat, on the rocks or with a splash, you are sure to enjoy this incredible tasty and musical opportunity.

Sample Dozens of Top Wines
ZAP’s onboard wine-themed events are back with your winemaker hosts offering delightful company.  Included in your ZAP cruise is a welcome reception, wine dinner and of course our renowned wine tastings.

All-Inclusive Ship Experience
ZAP’s Executive Director, Rebecca Robinson has recently visited the Countess to learn first-hand about this offering and will accompany the group on our inaugural Roots cruise.  The Countess is a mix of classic steamboat exterior and modern deluxe interior with spacious two-story grand lobby and bar, stylish décor, roomy staterooms and ensuites with a sophisticated approach.  Taking inspiration from the river, the cuisine is inspired with local ingredients and techniques unique to the south, making Zinfandel a perfect accompaniment to any meal!

Join fellow Zin enthusiasts for good times and great wine – ZAP style.  Contact Food & Wine Trails today at 800-367-5348 or click on the registration link

Register Here
  • Cruise Line

    American Queen Voyages

  • Ports of Call

    Memphis to New Orleans

Experts

Miro Tcholakov

Winemaker - Miro Cellars & Trentadue Winery

Shauna Rosenblum

Winemaker - Ridge Vineyards

Itinerary

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP)

Destination: Lower Mississippi River
To & From:  Memphis to New Orleans
Dates: April 13 – 21, 2024
Length: 9 Days
Ship: American Countess

April 10 - 13
2024
Louisville, Nashville, Memphis

Food & Wine Trails Optional 3-night Pre-Cruise Land Program: Bourbon & Blues

April 13
2024
Memphis, Tennesse

Complimentary overnight hotel stay in Memphis

April 14
2024
Memphis, Tennessee
EMBARK SHIP

American Queen Voyages Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tours:   National Civil Rights Museum and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

F&WT Onboard Event: ZAP Welcome Reception

April 15
2024
Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Mississippi

American Queen Voyages Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tours:  Grammy Museum Mississippi and Downton Shopping

April 16
2024
Vicksburg, Mississippi

American Queen Voyages Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:  Church of the Holy Trinity

F&WT Onboard Event: ZAP University of Zin Wine Seminar

April 17
2024
Natchez, Mississippi

American Queen Voyages Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tours:  The Old South Trading Post and Rosalie Mansion

 

April 18
2023
Pointe Coupee (New Roads), Louisiana

American Queen Voyages Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tours: Lejeune House; New Roads Visitor Center & Henry Watson Demonstration; Julien Poydras Historical Building and St. Mary of Fals River Church

F&WT Onboard Event: ZAP Winemaker’s Dinner

April 19
2024
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

American Queen Voyages Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tours: USS Kidd DD-661 and Capitol Park Museum

F&WT Optional Baton Rouge Shore Tour

April 20
2024
Nottoway, Louisiana

American Queen Voyages Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Nottoway Resort Mansion Tour

F&WT Onboard Event: Farewell Reception

April 21
2024
New Orleans, Louisiana
DISEMBARK SHIP

Per Person Pricing

Category DescriptionDouble Occupancy
E - Inside Stateroom$3,909
B - Outside with Open Veranda$5,365
A - Deluxe Outside with Private Veranda$6,035

Prices:

REQUEST PRICES FOR SINGLE/TRIPLE/QUAD OR CATEGORY NOT LISTED.
Prices are per person based on two people per stateroom as indicated above, and include shipboard accommodations, onboard meals, gratuities, port taxes estimated at $299 (subject to change), unlimited beverages of select wines, beers, and spirits, unlimited soft drinks, specialty coffee, Hop-on, Hop-off cruise line shore excursions, wines served with dinners provided by host winery, onboard wine program and limited travel management services. Prices do not include roundtrip air, premium wine and spirits, Food & Wine Trails’ optional pre-cruise program and optional shore tours, travel insurance, or all items of a personal nature. F&WT reserves the right to correct pricing errors or omissions. Prices will not increase after deposit received, except for fuel surcharges and any taxes, charges or levies imposed by government agencies.

About The Ship


American Countess

Click Here for ship’s deck plan

Important Dining Note: Our ZAP group will be dining in each evening in the Grand Dining Room at 7:30pm

Welcome aboard the newest jewel in America’s premier riverboat fleet, christened in 2020.  This bold paddlewheeler boasts a sleek, contemporary design effortlessly hosting up to 245 guests.  Step aboard and discover the all-inclusive experience of American Queen Voyages.

Sun Deck

Deluxe Outside Stateroom

Deluxe Stateroom Private Balcony

Grand Dining Room

Grand Lobby

River Grill Restaurant

LIbrary

Theater

Sun Deck

Terms & Conditions

  • Click Here to view Food & Wine Trails full terms & conditions

    FAQs


    Please note: Cruise escorts, experts scheduled to appear and onboard programming are subject to change with or without notice. For a complete listing of all tour conditions please refer to the registration form.