aboard the glamorous Mississippi Queen

July 30 - August 4, 2006

Day 1: Pittsburgh
We embark on the Mississippi Queen this evening in Pittsburgh, at the landing by Heintz Field, home of the Steelers. We begin sailing westward on the Ohio River, formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers.  The Mississippi Queen offers an authentic Victorian atmosphere and experience, which originally made steamboat travel so popular.  Built to celebrate the bicentennial in 1976, the Mississippi Queen offers the perfect blend of elegance and modern amenities.  Every stateroom is individually climate controlled, and six elevators connect the decks of this wonderful vessel.  Choose to enjoy the spectacular evening view of the skyline of Pittsburgh, or visit the Paddlewheel Lounge for music and dancing. 

Day 2: Wheeling, WV
Our first port of call is Wheeling, a town rich in Civil War history, which can be explored at West Virginia Independence Hall.  Maybe you'd like a guided tour of the infamous Moundsville State Penitentiary, a now defunct maximum security prison which closed in 1995 after the inmates sued, claiming poor conditions.  Other possibilities include the Oglebay Mansion Museum, featuring over 3000 pieces of Wheeling Glass, or enjoying a stroll through Victorian Old Town.  We board this ship this afternoon to depart for Marietta Ohio.  While on board, be sure to admire the Tiffany Studios stained glass as you stroll the richly appointed rooms.

Day 3: Marietta, OH
Today we dock in Marietta, OH, the first capital of the Northwest Territory.  Here you can explore the Ohio River Museum, home of the W.P. Snyder Jr., America's sole surviving steam powered towboat.  If you're looking for a unique purchase, head to nearby Fenton Art Glass Factory, where you'll find various creative decorative glass items.  There are many historic homes and churches in the area which make this quaint riverboat town picturesque!  This afternoon we depart for Gallipolis Ohio.  If you haven't heard it already, maybe this evening you'll go and hear the wonderful sounds of the world's largest calliope, located onboard.

Day 4: Gallipolis, OH
At the highest point of the Ohio River you'll find Galllipolis (City of the Gauls), our stop for today.  The town is French in origin and is known for it's championship thoroughbred farms.  The historic Old House Tavern is a great place to experience the town's French heritage.  Our destination for tomorrow is Maysville Kentucky.  This evening could be the perfect time to take a dip in the bathing pool or enjoy a workout in the fitness center.

Days 5: Maysville, KY
The epitome of small-town America, Maysville is another town linked to the Underground Railroad, and Harriet Beecher Stowe's Slavery to Freedom Museum can be found here.  You'll be able to stand in home were more than 2,000 runaway slaves sought refuge during the Civil War.  Also of interest is the Mason County Museum, a stop on the Civil War Discovery Trail.

Day 6: Cincinnati, OH
We disembark the ship today in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Price Includes: Airfare from many US cities, Port charges, cabin, meals on ship.

Deposits: $500.00 per person must be paid with reservation. To assure best cabin selection, deposit should be paid as soon as possible.

Not Included: Optional tours, gratuities.

Ship Deck Plan - Click Here

Information & Reservations:
Pilgrim Tours     800.322.0788