Take the USA Music Cities Express to tour the three iconic music capitals of the USA in one holiday with a scenic rail journey from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Four-star hotel stays in Chicago, Memphis & New Orleans are linked by a two part journey on the City Of New Orleans Amtrak rail service through the American Mid-West heartland.
This 926 mile adventure takes you through some of the country’s most varied and historic scenery; from the farmlands of Illinois, the forests of Tennessee, the mighty Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana. Chicago, Memphis & New Orleans are the birth place of Blues, Jazz & Soul Music producing some of the biggest names in Music history: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and, of course, Elvis Presley.
This offer includes a FREE tour of Graceland in Memphis and entrance tickets to key museums in Memphis too! Crown your USA Music Cities tour with a relaxing Caribbean cruise. Enjoy breakfast on deck, sizzling sunshine days by the pool, lazy afternoon naps, balmy evening wallows in the hot-tub and romantic midnight walks under the stars.
Chicago, Memphis & New Orleans are the birth place of Blues, Jazz & Soul Music producing some of the biggest names in Music history: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and, of course, Elvis Presley. This offer includes a FREE tour of Graceland in Memphis and entrance tickets to key museums in Memphis too! Crown your USA Music Cities tour with a relaxing Caribbean cruise. Enjoy breakfast on deck, sizzling sunshine days by the pool, lazy afternoon naps, balmy evening wallows in the hot-tub and romantic midnight walks under the stars.
Room Only
This appealing hotel is situated on Michigan Avenue at the heart of the historical Magnificent Mile. The John Hancock Tower is just three blocks from the hotel. Links to the public transport network, shops, restaurants, bars and pubs are situated within 160 metres of the hotel. This hotel is at the centre of world-class entertainment, exquisite restaurants, and unmatched shopping. Only blocks from the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Rush Street nightlife district. The hotel comprises a total of 443 rooms spread over 25 floors.
Full Board | Sleeper Roomette
Overview
Your overnight full-board train journey between Chicago & Memphis is on board the Amtrak City Of New Orleans service. This 926-mile trip between the Great Lakes and the Gulf Of Mexico explores some of the country’s most varied and historic scenery; from the Farmland of Illinois, the forests of Tennessee, the mighty Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana. The journey is in two sections with full-board and includes the privacy and comfort of a Superliner Roomette on both sections. Chicago to Memphis is approx ten-hours overnight and Memphis to New Orleans is approximately nine-hours during the day.
Public Car Amenities
Dining car offering waiter service
A-la carte menus for breakfast, lunch & dinner with bar service
Sightseer lounge car on the upper level has a bar with lounge area, a seating area with tables and a separate observation seating area with swivel seats
Snack bar on the lower level for sandwiches, snacks, beverages and souvenirs
Sleeping Car / Roomette Facilities
Climate control
Perhaps upgrade to a bigger Bedroom on both trains which are approx’ 6’8†by 7â€1’ and have an in-room sink/vanity and an enclosed toilet and shower. Two bedrooms may be booked together to form an adjoining two-bedroom suite.
Electrical outlets (110v)
Fold-down table
Meals in the dining car (excluding alcoholic drinks)
Bottled mineral water, morning tea, coffee & juice
Assistance of a sleeping car attendant
Private daytime seating converting to bunk beds at night
Turndown service
Roomettes are located on both lower & upper levels and can accommodate two adults. They have capacity for two small tote bags and measure 3’6†by 6’6â€
Use of communal shower room and WC in your Sleeper car.
Room Only
This contemporary hotel connected to the Memphis Cook Convention Center is a 1.2-mile drive from restaurants and entertainment on Beale Street, and 1.4 miles from historic Sun Studios.The modern rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus coffeemakers and desks. Upgrades add Mississippi River views; some have pull-out sofas. Club rooms provide access to a lounge with free breakfast, all-day snacks and evening appetizers. Suites add living areas, wet bars and minifridges. Amenities include an American restaurant/bar, a fitness center and an indoor pool, along with a business center and 31 meeting rooms. Valet parking is available for a fee.
Seat Only | Standard Coach Seat
Seat Only
Stretch out with ample legroom and recline to relax as you cruise to your destination in Coach Class. Coach Class seats are available on all trains except Acela.
Room Only
This famous historical hotel is located on Rue Toulouse, in the middle of the French Quarter. It lies in one of the traditional courtyards of the district and within just two blocks, guests will find the well-known Bourbon Street. This air-conditioned hotel has a total of 200 rooms spread over five floors of which five are suites. When the Maison Dupuy Hotel was built in 1973, it became the last new hotel constructed in the French Quarter. The colonial-style hotel went out of its way to fit into the historic neighbourhood setting - most notably with its stone-floored, palm-lined courtyard. The hotel’s fine restaurant, spa, pool, and sauna make it a favourite of visitors to this vibrant city.
Carnival Cruises
Launched in 2005 and refurbished in 2011, Carnival Liberty makes the most of its $500 million overhaul with crowd-pleasing options at ever turn. In fact, it's as if the whole ship was designed around courtesy. The cabins are roomy and balconies a lovely addition (even if they can feel a little cramped); there are plenty of places on deck to lounge and laze and sun yourself; the entertainment options seem limitless. And the food is far better than expected, especially Pizza Pirate and Diamonds Steakhouse; the continued popularity of Guy's Burger Bar (that's Guy Fieri's burger project with Carnival) proves the ship's culinary offerings are in line with what passengers want. The same can be said for most of the ship. Passengers look happy and never bored. Dive-In Movies (nightly on deck movies) are well attended. The comedy club is packed. Karaoke has a signup sheet two pages long. The casino is hopping every night. The dance parties and big Broadway-style productions are full to capacity. Even the teens and tweens onboard look happy to be there. The fact that they have their own lounges and hangouts goes a long way to say why.
Stateroom Facilities
Cabins are tastefully decorated, though are a bit dated in their color palate. Everything is soft peach with yellow highlights throughout and a few touches of wood, giving rooms a feeling of being forgotten about. That said, the beds are comfortable and the linens soft, and each room is generous and thoughtful in its use of space. For example: under bed storage for luggage, drawers below the couch (if it's not a sofa bed) and ample room in the closets for clothes storage. Each cabin is Wi-Fi enabled and the television -- a large flat screen -- gives passengers the ability to watch movies on demand (for a fee), as well as navigate
Dining Options
Aboard Carnival Liberty, passengers have abundant options for dining and snacking. From 24-hour room service to dinner in the two main dining rooms to a quick burger, taco or pizza, finding food is never an issue. The main dining rooms offer traditional cruise dinners, with seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., or the option of a flexible dining schedule with "Your Time Dining." Through your Time Dining, passengers can visit the Gold Olympian Dining Room any time between 5:45 and 9:30 p.m.; most times, passengers are seated right away, though there are times when it's necessary to wait a bit for a table (private or with a group).
From the Venetian Palace Main Lounge to the outdoor movie screen to the comedy club to the karaoke bar, there's always something going on aboard Liberty. The big productions in the Venetian go on twice per night, but smaller games and gatherings keep the theater occupied at other times. Movies show every night on the Lido Deck, and comics take the stage nightly at the ship's comedy club. There's plenty of music too, from DJs playing all day to music trivia to dance parties, and then nighttime sees the opening of the Piano Bar and more live musicians setting up around the ship. But the ship is entertainment unto itself. From the pools to the people watching, you won't get bored.
Fly from UK to Chicago
Arrive into Chicago, two nights' hotel stay. The hotel is ideally located on Michigan Avenue also known as the Magnificent Mile in the heart of all the action.
Chicago, USA
Overnight hotel stay. The central downtown area of Chicago is referred to as “the Loop†which is defined by the elevated metro system which loops around the downtown area. Within this area you will find the main attractions such as the tallest building in the US at the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) for magnificent views from the 103rd floor <i>"The Ledge".</i> Stare at your reflection in <i>"Cloud Gate"</i>, the huge stainless steel coffee bean sculpture in Millennium Park and visit the entertainment area on Navy Pier with shops, attractions and rides.
Chicago, USA
Make your own way to Union Station to board the City Of New Orleans Train at 8pm for an overnight service to New Orleans. Accommodation on the train is in a sleeper roomette with full-board. (Dinner Included)
Memphis, USA
The train arrives at 0630 for three nights' hotel stay.
Memphis, USA
Visit the birthplace of American soul music, tour Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley and see where the King of Rock ‘n' Roll lived. You will also be able to see where the biggest names in Rock ‘n' Soul got their careers started, at the famous Sun Studio. Visit the inspiring Stax Museum and Rock ‘n' Soul museum. Entrance tickets to the following: Graceland the home of Elvis Presley, The Graceland Mansion Tour, Automobile Museum, Sincerely Elvis Museum & Elvis After Dark, Rock ‘n' Soul Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Sun Studio.
Memphis, USA
Overnight hotel stay. Maybe visit some other Memphis attractions such as the Ducks at the Peabody Hotel or Mud Island
Memphis to New Orleans, USA
Make your own way to the train station in Memphis to board the City of New Orleans train ready for a 0650 departure. The train arrives into New Orleans at 1532 for a two nights' hotel stay in the French Quarter.
New Orleans, USA
Overnight hotel stay. You will find a flavour of the Old South with a distinct French accent, famed for its filigree wrought-iron work in the French Quarter and Mardi Gras celebrations which herald the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shop at the beautiful river walk and take a ride on the street car line dating back to 1835. Visit Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter where the grey spire of St Louis Cathedral towers high in the air. Bourbon Street is where the music never stops and looks much as it did during the 1700's and 1800's with buildings crowding a narrow sidewalk.
New Orleans, USA
Embark the Carnival Liberty for a 1700 departure
At Sea
Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
Key West
Key West can be best described as Cape Cod meets the Caribbean combining the best bits of both for its own unique blend of tropical relaxation & enjoyment. A visit to Key West will easily surpass those in other more popular parts of Florida in terms of nightlife, shopping, dining and natural sights such as Sunset Plaza and the bustling marina with its rustic wooden boardwalk and pier posts topped by pelicans waiting for a lazy fish!
Celebration Key, Bahamas
Now — for the first time ever! — we’re building a new destination from the ground-up. And this one, nestled on the south side of Grand Bahama island, is designed exclusively for Carnival guests. It’s perfect for adults, families with kids… everybody who appreciates fun and natural beauty.What you’ll find there is just like Carnival’s onboard vibe that folks love. When your ship pulls up, the vacation possibilities are expanded with unique island-style fun, relaxation and adventure spread across 65 acres and five “portals†for you to explore. Each portal is distinctly different, made for another side of Carnival fun… plus get ready for unforgettable experiences like a mile-long white sand beach, largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean†, local Bahamian flavors and shopping, plus excursions and more.Celebration Key™ opens in summer 2025, but look for more details soon
Nassau, Bahamas
A scattered group of islands off the coast of Florida make up the Bahamas and these really mark the gateway to the Caribbean. Cruise ships dock in Nassau (the capital) where you will find the usual selection of shops and also the magnificent Atlantis Hotel with its water park, marine habitat and Dolphin Cay.
At Sea
Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
Fly New Orleans, USA to UK
Disembark the ship and make your way to the airport for your overnight flight to UK
Prices are subject to availability and change. Offer and prices can be withdrawn at any time without any notice. Prices are per person based on two sharing a room. Carry-on and checked baggage restrictions vary by airline and may incur an additional charge.
Virgin Voyages
May 2025 - Sep 2025
Virgin Voyages
May 2025 - Sep 2025
Royal Caribbean
May 2025 - May 2026
Royal Caribbean
Nov 2024 - Apr 2025