Mississippi River Seniors Cruise

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6 - 26 May 2019

Join Karl and mad fiddler Marian Burns on our musical Mississippi cruise. On our luxury small-ship music cruise, our ship guides are also our musicians, providing us with an in depth history of the area and excellent music.

Remember Scarlett O’ Hara, complete with crinoline, sweeping down a southern mansion staircase in Gone with the Wind? And do you remember Show Boat and the chorus singing Ol’ Man River? Well that river was the great Mississippi. Now it’s our chance to experience everything the Great Mississippi has to offer!

$19,730 NZD

Single Room Supplement

- ADD $5,260 NZD

Initial Deposit On Booking

$2,000 NZD

Second Deposit Due 31 October 2019

$4,000 NZD

Final Balance Due 9 January 2019

Show Boat on the Mississippi, with New York

Experience the Exceptional
Luxury small-ship music cruise where our ship guides are also our musicians, providing us with an in depth history of the area and excellent music.
Escorted by celebrity fiddler Marian Burns and Karl Perigo, who present music throughout the trip.
Our musical journey takes us through lively Bourbon St in New Orleans, home of jazz and blues; Memphis, home of Elvis; and New York, home of Broadway, neon lights and great shopping!
And our paddle steamer journey on a Show Boat ‘look alike’ which allows us a glimpse at the past with mansions, historic towns and insights into the Civil War.
Hold onto your hat, Marian and your hair, Karl because Mississippi here we come!
Fairfield Inn and Suites Marriott
The largest city in Texas, Houston, is famous for the Space Center as well as housing the world-renowned Houston Grand Opera, which hasn’t yet released its dates for 2019.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Morning tour of Houston city.
• Space Center Houston tour, including NASA Johnson Space Center for a behind the scene look at real space exploration, plus many exhibits, films, live shows, artifact galleries, Independence Plaza, NASA Tram and more!
• Welcome dinner and music from Karl and Marian.
New Orleans Roosevelt Hotel
New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” it’s known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and unique and spicy cuisine which reflects its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Following our flight from Houston, we are taken to mule drawn Royal Carriages for a special tour of New Orleans.
• Discover the history and mystery of French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré.
• See prominent landmarks such as the St. Louis Cathedral, French Market, Spanish Cabildo, Pontalba Buildings, Place d’Armes, etc.
• Learn about important events such as the Great Fire of 1788 and Battle of New Orleans.
• Admire the architecture of Creole Esplanade, Old Slave Quarters, French coffee houses, Spanish patios and ironwork balconies.
• Rest of afternoon free to settle in.
• Dinner at Arnaud’s Jazz Bistro, where we enjoy Dixieland Jazz and classic Creole cuisine in this lively setting with windows overlooking Bourbon Street.
• Enjoy a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour in a privately owned swamp with native Cajun Captains showing off the primitive beauty of the moss-draped cypress trees, the American Alligator and abundant wildlife.
• Guided tour of Laura Plantation, a historical sugar plantation which was built upon slavery.
• Bourbon Street, hear the music and soak up the atmosphere.
• Full free day to explore at leisure.
• Evening drink at Fountain Lounge followed by dinner.
America, Paddle Steamer
Welcome aboard our specially formatted music cruise inspired by famous musicians like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton.
Every day, musicians will join us on board or on our shore excursions. As music is synonymous with the Mississippi River, the highly acclaimed onboard performers will also entertain us throughout the voyage.
We enjoy customised excursions from iconic ports in Oak Alley and Natchez where we discover the classic antebellum homes and renowned plantations.
We delve into the history of the Civil War in Vicksburg as an American Cruise Line historian leads us through the National Military Park commemorating the campaign, siege, and defence of the city.
We begin our journey in the vibrant city of New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, where art and culture abound. The open-air artist colony proudly displays local works on the iron fence in Jackson Square, while the city’s 45 museums carefully preserve its rich history.
Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300-year-old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival antebellum mansion is simply breathtaking.
Shore Excursion: The famous ancient oaks bordering the path to the mansion are our first sight upon stepping ashore. The perfectly aligned 300 year old trees form a canopy which set a particularly grand entrance for our arrival. Southern belles enjoying the shade of the leafy canopy greet us on arrival and are our guides for the day. In small groups, we wander through the antebellum plantation’s many stately rooms and learn why it has earned the name “Grande Dame of the Great River Road.” After the tour, we are invited to a special gathering with mint juleps on the west lawn before a visit to their popular gift shop which is known for their world-famous pralines.
Baton Rouge features all the history and wonder you would expect in a state capital, but with an added down-home flavour that makes it truly unique.
Shore Excursion: The local expert guides will take us on a tour of the city’s most famous attractions including the Old and New State Capitals and the interactive Louisiana State Museum.
This southern town charms with simple pleasures and unique treasures. Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville has been called “one of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America.” Take a stroll through its historic center where two centuries of architecture and lifestyle are on display. Enjoy visits to restored antebellum mansions including Rosedown.
Shore Excursion: Rosedown Plantation, with its flowered path lined with towering oaks towards the Main House. We are greeted by our lively resident expert, Tammie Miller. Tammie delves deep into the family history of Daniel and Martha Turnbull and how their experiences helped shape the Main House into a home. There will be time after the tour to explore the grounds or relax in a rocking chair on the front porch with cold refreshments and some of Tammie’s freshly made cookies.
Celebrating its 300th year, Natchez is a city full of history and Southern hospitality.
Shore Excursion: A guided exploration of this fascinating area with visits to its gardens, historic homes and museums. While here, we are treated to a special concert in the music room of the J.N. Stone House.
The city of Vicksburg served as a pivotal turning point during the American Civil War. Our informative historian leads us through the National Military Park, commemorating the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. Our expert guides and park rangers will take you to battlefields, the U.S.S. Cairo gunboat and the most significant historic places.
Enjoy the warmth of the Mississippi River sun as we cruise from Vicksburg to Memphis. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or catch gentle breezes on the sun deck.
The Guest House at Graceland
Welcome to Memphis! Home to the Blues, BBQ, Beale Street and, of course, the King of “Rock ’n’ Roll” - Elvis Presley. This amazing city is the perfect place to end our Mississippi River Voyage.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• The Guest House at Graceland is just steps away from the music world’s most important and beloved landmark. A perfect blend of style and Southern hospitality, The Guest House is a whole new way to experience Memphis — the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Home of the Blues.
• Graceland Mansion, the Jungle room homage to Elvis’ love of Hawaii, the Trophy Building with hundreds of awards and accolades, the Meditation Garden which is The King’s final resting place.
• Discover iconic Beale Street, with time for your own lunch.
• A driving tour of Memphis with iconic landmarks such as Sun Studio, National Civil Rights Museum and more.
• Gibson Guitar Factory tour.
• Free time to wander at leisure.
• Evening dinner and show at B.B. Kings.
Renaissance Times Square Hotel
New York City wears many crowns, trendsetter, epicenter of the arts, dining and shopping capital. This iconic city, the city that never sleeps, is truly unforgettable.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• City tour which will take us to some of the major sights of the city including Midtown Manhattan, 42nd Street, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena, Greenwich Village, the Bowery, Soho, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center Towers once stood.
• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art which has launched a complete reconstruction of its four-blocklong plaza along Fifth Avenue—one of New York City’s iconic spaces, housing a huge array of art.
• Join us for dinner and a Broadway show (included, but exact show to be confirmed).
• Free time for your own tours of New York. You’ll have plenty of time for shopping, sightseeing or attending Broadway shows or the Opera (not included, but the office can help with booking).
• Final night dinner and music from Karl and Marian.
• Fly to Houston and then on to Auckland.

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This trip includes

Return airfares on Air New Zealand (and partner airlines) - Auckland - Houston // Houston - New Orleans // Memphis - New York // New York - Houston - Auckland including all taxes.
20-day tour of Southern USA and New York, escorted by Marian Burns and Karl Perigo.
7-day luxury cruise on the America paddle steamer on the lower Mississippi, including all shore excursions.
Accommodation features boutique hotels in Houston (2 nights), Memphis (2 nights), New Orleans (3 nights) and New York (4 nights).
Numerous special music highlights including Broadway show, blues concert, jazz concert, dinner and concert in New Orleans, Show Boat cruise of entertainment every night on board, visit to Elvis’ house at Graceland and private concerts presented by your tour escorts Marian and Karl.
Numerous other trip highlights such as Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, horse-drawn carriage tour of New Orleans, Space Center, Houston, drink at Fountain Lounge, visit several opulent Southern Mansions, learn about the rich history of the South: the Civil War and slavery including the Freedom Train.
Numerous tours included: city tours of Houston, Memphis, New Orleans, New York, plus all shore excursions.
All entrance, tours and activities are included as listed in itinerary.
All taxes and tips are included.
All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 13 dinners included, many with music!
Escorted by Karl Perigo and Marian Burns.
MODERATE WALKING TOUR
This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.
• Deposits refundable until final payment date minus any costs incurred, or an administration fee of up to $150.
• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.
• Travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips.
Please refer to terms & conditions on our booking form.

PLACES WE STAY

The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel is a historical Waldorf Astoria hotel, filled with luxurious Southern hospitality and is only a short walk to the French Quarter.

The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis is an extraordinary hotel in the heart of Elvis Presley’s Graceland! Located just steps away from the iconic Graceland Mansion, The Guest House at Graceland welcomes music fans, Graceland guests, Memphis visitors and groups from around the world with luxurious amenities and royal treatment that would make the King proud.

America, our Mississippi paddle steamer is one of the finest paddle wheelers ever built. After launching in 2016, it introduces luxury never seen before on the Mississippi. America embodies a casual ambiance and relaxed atmosphere while providing panoramic views of the passing scenery. With only 185 guests, it is small ship cruising at its best.

Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel is a luxury hotel rising 26 stories above Times Square ensuring we are close to Broadway theatres and the unmissable Times Square.

Travel Insurance

Every customer is required to take out insurance for all international travel when taking a trip with Operatunity Ltd.

DOMESTIC INSURANCE
Insurance for Domestic travel is currently available from many companies. Insurance for New Zealand trips is entirely at your discretion. Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice.

INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Insurance for International travel is currently available from many companies. For our trips overseas it is a requirement that proof of cover be sent to our office some time before departure from NZ. We can not accept travellers who hold no cover for international travel as per our term and conditions.
Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice. Email travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone 0508 886 489

MOBILITY

Operatunity provides group senior travel and with this in mind we plan trips to suit our target market. But not every trip is created equal in terms of mobility. We want to give you the best possible experience but that will only be achieved if you are able to enjoy everything that our trips have to offer.
Most of our long haul trips require a better level of mobility. We will look after everyone as well as we possibly can, but we cannot look after one at the expense of the rest of the group. We also cannot have one person slowing the rest of group to the point where the group is not able to enjoy every experience we are able to provide.
With this in mind we have put a mobility clause into every trip. Under each explanation here I have popped a statement. Ask yourself if this is ‘you’, when booking on a trip.

None of the following mobility clauses preclude you from ordering a wheelchair at the airport if required.

1. GENTLE TOUR This tour will suit most people, even with a stick or a walker, but sorry not someone in a wheelchair. The activity level is gently paced, but you still need to be able to get on and off buses easily. There will be walking, but not a lot. “I love travelling, but at a gentle pace. I like to avoid stairs or too much activity, but I am able to get on and off buses easily.”

2. EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances. ”Walking is fine. I can get on and off a coach. I am happy to stand for an hour or two in museums and galleries and gently stroll through places of interest. I am happy to climb the odd set of stairs.”

3. MODERATE WALKING TOUR This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. In some of our Pacific Island tours we will need you to transfer onto a tender and walk on soft sand. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports. “I like walking at a moderate pace. I love to keep my days full and experience everything the tour has to offer. Stairs, tender transfers and cobblestones don’t bother me.”

4. EXPLORING TOUR This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace. “I like to spend most of the day exploring. Whether walking historic neighbourhoods on cobblestones at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me and I am keen to see and do as much as I can with the odd day off to recuperate.”

Operatunity is a company specialising in music lovers tours to the senior market. Each trip has been especially planned to include music and arts experiences and has a level of friendliness and care which cannot be found anywhere else! Our trips are packed with features not found anywhere else
Yes we have lots of people who travel on their own. We endeavour to match you up with someone who lives close to you or is close in age to you. Often you will get a chance to meet with your matchup or ring them before you leave on your trip. You also may prefer to travel solo and pay the single supplement price. We travel as a happy band so there will be lots of chances to meet people. You will find fellow music lovers and those with other similar interests. In fact those like the nicer things of life so you will travel with like-minded people. It is also important to remember that our singers are our escorts so you will see at least a couple of familiar faces as you leave.
If you live outside of Auckland, we can arrange travel and accommodation on your way to meet up with our group. We have access and can book domestic airfares in conjunction with Air New Zealand international airfares. Plus we can book your pre and post tour accommodation if required.
It is compulsory for our international trips and highly recommended for our domestic tours.
No as most airlines offer various special meals and any restaurants we visit are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.
We seek to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities whenever possible. However in most cases we are unable to take customers with walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility issues. Certain trips may be unsuitable due to walking or limited availability of accommodation with disabled facilities. We cannot be responsible for the care of customers suffering from significant cognitive illness (such as dementia). We ask such customers to consult with your doctor to obtain medical clearance. Guests needing assistance mustbe accompanied by an able companion who will be available to assist them and assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.
We ask that you can walk at least 100 metres unaided and be able to get on and off buses with little or no assistance. We cater for a senior market but it is important that you do not jeopardise the enjoyment of others by requiring more care and holding up the rest of the group. Talk to our office or staff at concerts and any advisory notes for individual trips to get a better idea of your suitability for each trip.
We stay at 4 and 5 star character hotels, avoiding package, tourist or big hotel chains. We choose hotels with a more personal feel often with historic content or hotels of beauty and character, centrally located or in parks, by the water, or with beautiful gardens.
Breakfast is included daily, and many dinners and lunches are also included as per our itinerary.
There are no hidden costs. Included in the trip are tips, taxes, porterage, breakfast, meals where specified, inclusions listed in the itinerary, entry fees where listed in the itinerary, concert/show tickets where listed in the itinerary, tour escorts and local specialised guides.
Some of our trips sell out very quickly and we recommend you make your booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
We will ask you to pay an initial deposit when making your booking. We will then follow up for a second deposit and then a final balance payment prior to travel.
All deposits up until final payment are refundable minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs the company may incur.
After final deposit refunds are unlikely and the refund becomes an insurance claim.
Our numbers vary from destination to destination, please contact our office for further information. We have a minimum number required to operate a tour. Should minimum numbers not be met, a full refund will be made.
For international trips, all guests must have a valid passport that does not expire earlier than at least 6 months beyond their intended stay.
Music is a key element in making our experiences special. There are special experiences and events every day, such as themed dinners, impromptu concerts, music, art tours with art experts and garden tours with garden experts.
Most hotels now have internet connection and all hotels have telephones in the room or at reception. If using your mobile telephone check calling and text rates, and disable data roaming before leaving New Zealand. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. And you can keep in touch using social media such as Facebook. We have a copy of your next of kin details in case of emergency and we are also happy to help out with texts, phone calls and emails if you can’t get in touch with your family and need to while away. We are also happy to help out with getting your phones, ipads and cameras to work if needed while away.
We spend less time travelling between regions, allowing more time to enjoy experiences when you arrive. We avoid one night stops and “conveyor belt” travel, so you really can capture the local colour and vitality of the region. Our trips are planned so that there is a balance of included activities and free time for you to relax or do some exploring on your own.
Contact Operatunity Travel
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Mail your booking form to PO BOX 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Email: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz