The Kentucky Derby has taken place repeatedly at Churchill Downs in Louisville since 1875. Usually known as “essentially the most thrilling two minutes in sports activities,” it’s not shocking that the race is on many traveler’s bucket lists.
American Queen Voyages, a part of the Hornblower Group, has introduced a brand new itinerary that not solely permits company to attend the Derby but additionally to expertise an up-close, scenic cruise alongside the Ohio River.
The 2023 Kentucky Derby Cruise will sail from Louisville to Cincinnati aboard the cruise line’s latest paddle-wheeler, the 245-guest American Countess.
For some 50 years earlier than the Civil Struggle, steamboats carried passengers, items, and livestock on the rivers of the nation’s heartland. Mark Twain as soon as remarked that stepping aboard a steamboat permits one to enter a “new and marvelous world.”
Now, trendy vacationers can observe the identical routes on vessels that mix luxurious with historical past. The brand new nine-day river itinerary begins with a pre-cruise keep at Louisville’s Brown Hotel, listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
American Countess can even make stops in Madison, Indiana; and Brandenburg and Augusta, Kentucky, all with complimentary guided excursions.
On board American Countess, company can sip Kentucky bourbon whereas on the deck as they watch the Nice American Steamboat Race, held in downtown Louisville on Might 3. The ship will be part of the Belle of Louisville and Belle of Cincinnati, on this race that pulls hundreds of spectators to the riverbanks.
Together with the parade of fanciful hats, an abundance of Mint Juleps, and firework shows, the race is only one of many festivities and traditions related to the Kentucky Derby Competition.
“The Kentucky Derby Cruise is one in all my favourite sailings because it captures the magical vitality of Louisville throughout race week,” explains John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages.
The road’s Culinary Ambassador, Regina Charboneau, will be part of this particular cruise, conducting reside cooking demonstrations and getting ready a particular dinner for company together with her favourite dishes. The menu for the crusing contains such regional favorites as Louisville Scorching Brown, Cincinnati Skyline Chili, and Pittsburgh Pierogies.
The Kentucky Derby is scheduled subsequent 12 months for Might 6, 2023. Company on the Kentucky Derby Cruise will be capable to buy an escorted VIP race package deal that features deluxe transfers, quick move entry to the Churchill Downs racecourse, premium seating, plus meals and an open bar.
All-inclusive fares for the Kentucky Derby Cruise (together with floor transfers, limitless drinks, an open bar, meals at a number of eating venues, leisure, and limitless Wi-FI) begin at $2,999 per particular person. The escorted VIP Kentucky Derby Ticket Packages are a further $1,999.
For extra info, see the American Queen Voyages web site.