Our newest Paramount Exclusive is here! Are you ready to experience the Deep South the Paramount way? We’re thrilled to launch our brand-new Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans holiday with Viking River Cruises, a seamless blend of music-city city stays and a luxury Mississippi River Cruise from Memphis to New Orleans.
This isn’t your average brochure itinerary. Our Paramount team, the same Leah, Jess and Marco from our Paramount Top Tips guide, have eaten, danced and explored their way through every stop on this route. From Nashville’s best hot chicken to Beale Street’s legendary blues and the timeless rhythm of New Orleans’ jazz scene, every detail has been handpicked and perfected the Paramount way.
✨ Why This Launch Hits the Right Note
• Brand new for 2026 and 2027 with limited early availability
• Hand-picked hotels our team has personally stayed in
• Overseas transfers, including a luxury coach from Nashville to Memphis
• Viking Mississippi sailing with all meals, drinks at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, one excursion per port, port taxes and gratuities included
• Handpicked Paramount experiences that bring each city’s rhythm, flavour and story to life
🎵 The Rhythm of the Route
🎶 Nashville — The Heartbeat of Country
Broadway’s neon-lit honky-tonks, the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame set the stage. Beyond the neon, our picks include Germantown cafés, rooftop bars and mural-hunting in The Gulch.
🎸 Memphis — Where Music Made History
Graceland, Sun Studio and Beale Street’s blues bars bring the city alive. Take the Big Mojo Music History Tour, sample Central BBQ, and you’ll feel he blues (in the best way)
🎷 New Orleans — The Spirit of the South
Sail into NOLA and let jazz lead the way. Enjoy a steamboat cruise on the Natchez, wander the French Quarter and indulge in Creole and Cajun flavours. Beignets at Café du Monde are essential.
Fun Fact: Did you know that in 2025, New Orleans earned official recognition from UNESCO as a Creative City for Music? This honour celebrates the city’s unique musical legacy and vibrant contemporary scene. The designation strengthens its position as one of the most inspiring destinations for music lovers worldwide. Visitors can look forward to exciting new cultural collaborations, expanded performance programs, and global events celebrating New Orleans’ unmatched musical spirit.
🪕 Included Experiences
👩🎤 Grand Ole Opry show ticket
🤠 Country Music Hall of Fame entry
🕺 Graceland Elvis Experience
🎙️ Memphis Big Mojo Sun Studio & Music History Tour
🎷 Steamboat Natchez daytime jazz cruise
🪖 National WWII Museum entry
🚕 £25 per person Uber credit for local exploring
🎫 Paramount Music Cities Guidebook with insider tips
⚓ Viking Mississippi Quick-Glance Ports
Memphis • Greenville • Vicksburg • Natchez • St Francisville • Baton Rouge • Darrow • New Orleans
💡 Paramount Hints and Tips
Nashville
Eat at Hattie B’s for the city’s best hot chicken (arrive early, it is worth the queue)
Sip at Printer’s Alley for a laid-back evening
Do the hop-on hop-off trolley to explore the neighbourhoods and book the Grand Ole Opry in advance
Pro tip: Carry photo ID, as they always check regardless of age
Memphis
Eat at Central BBQ for ribs or Flight for a special night out
Sip at BB King’s to start the night, and then head to Earnestine and Hazel’s to finish the night
Do the Peabody Duck March (arrive 30 mins early) and the National Civil Rights Museum (allow at least 2 hours)
Pro tip: Check Grizzlies fixtures for an affordable night out and great atmosphere
New Orleans
Eat at Mother’s for po’ boys or Gianna for Italian-Louisiana fusion
Sip at Blue Nile on Frenchmen Street or Avenue Pub for parade views during Mardi Gras
Do head to Frenchmen Street for authentic jazz or Café du Monde for beignets
Pro tip: Pre-book excursions during festival season as they sell fast (Natchez Jazz, airboat swamp tours)
💬 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
What is included?
Return flights with baggage, private transfers, three nights in Nashville, three nights in Memphis and two nights in New Orleans, a luxury coach from Nashville to Memphis and a Viking Mississippi cruise with all meals, complimentary beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch & dinner, Wi-Fi, one shore excursion per port, port taxes, gratuities and onboard enrichment
Are meals & drinks included on the cruise?
Yes, all onboard meals plus beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch & dinner.
Are gratuities, port taxes, and transfers included?
Yes, they’re all wrapped in.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
Hand-picked, well-located hotels we’ve personally stayed in, chosen for comfort, character, and easy access to the action.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi onboard Viking Mississippi and in most hotels.
Who is this holiday best for?
Music lovers, culture seekers, foodies, history fans and anyone who wants a premium, fully curated Deep South experience.
Any unique experiences beyond the music?
Antebellum architecture in Natchez, Civil War history in Vicksburg, plantation heritage near Darrow, swamp & wildlife airboat tours outside New Orleans, and the Peabody Ducks in Memphis.
Where should I eat & drink?
Our team’s short list above has you covered straight from our Top Tips.
Is it safe to explore?
These cities are well-travelled; use standard big-city common sense (stick to well-lit areas at night, use rideshares for longer hops, keep valuables zipped).
Do I need a visa?
Most UK travellers use ESTA (apply online). Ensure your passport meets US entry rules and apply well in advance.
Why book with Paramount Cruises?
Because we know these cities inside out, and you’ll feel that difference in every choice we’ve made. Plus, ABTA & ATOL protection.
