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Special French America Line Thanksgiving voyage has culinary focus

Special French America Line Thanksgiving voyage has culinary focus
French America Line, the newest US river cruise line, is offering a one-time, 16-day voyage from Nashville to New Orleans Nov. 12-27 aboard Louisiane. A special culinary program highlights the voyage.

The 'Great Southern Explorer' will sail the Cumberland, Tennessee, Mississippi and Ohio rivers, beginning with a deluxe overnight stay and breakfast at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville before embarkation and concluding with an overnight and breakfast in New Orleans at the elegant Hotel Montelone.

This is a great opportunity to experience four of America’s iconic waterways while exploring diverse music, culture and regional foods in distinctive ports of call, according to Christopher Kyte, chairman, French America Line.

The cruise begins in Nashville, Music City USA, home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Other destinations are in Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana. A highlight is an overnight aboard Louisiane in Memphis, with time to tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland, listen to blues on Beale Street, visit the Stax Museum of Soul Music or sample some famous barbecue at Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous.

Several days of scenic cruising allow passengers to take in the fall foliage and feast on menus by award-winning chef de cuisine Regina Charboneau. The cruise also visits Natchez, the home of Charboneau, a seventh generation Mississippian. And there will be a special Thanksgiving celebration dinner prepared by a special guest chef.

'We designed Louisiane to celebrate regional food, music and culture on highly experiential sailings visiting areas that were once part of French America. To put that concept front and center, Chef Regina will offer special talks, tastings and cooking demonstrations,' Kyte said.

The Paris-trained chef has invited special guests known for their expertise in culinary, literary and artistic circles, who will join her at ‘Regina’s Table’ periodically to share their wit and wisdom while enjoying delicious food and conversation, Kyte added.

‘Regina’s Table on board will be just like my table at my home in Natchez where my actor, musician and writer friends congregate to eat and drink and share stories and laughter,' Charboneau said.

During the 16-day voyage, the chef will share fall entertaining tips, demonstrate favorite recipes and introduce the first 'Regina’s Table.' Her friend, Tom Ramsey, another Southern chef, will join the voyage.

Ramsey is a noted chef, sommelier, restaurateur, writer and media personality from Jackson, Mississippi, who's currently writing the Southern Staples cookbook series with Charboneau. He’ll be guest chef aboard Louisiane for the Thanksgiving holiday portion of the sailing, from Memphis to New Orleans.

From Nov. 21-23, Ramsey will demonstrate a series of dishes that will be featured dinner appetizers. Nov. 24 will showcase a collaborative four-course Thanksgiving menu with Charboneau offering a choice of traditional and nouveau dishes, including carved prime rib and roast turkey as well as pistachio-encrusted lemon fish and Chef Tom’s Turkey Torchon.

On Nov. 25, Ramsey will demonstrate shrimp etouffee that will be featured on that evening’s dinner menu.

The 'Great Southern Explorer' voyage is priced starting at $5,999 per person, double occupancy. The fare includes the pre- and post-cruise deluxe hotel stays; all meals; free-flowing house wines, beers and spirits, artisanal coffees and teas, soft drinks, still and sparking water, and 24-hour room service. Also included are Traveler’s Collection shore excursions, use of bicycles with helmets and maps for private explorations in all ports, Wi-Fi and in-room iPads pre-loaded with daily activities, menus and local information.