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Deep South Rhythms, Key West & Bahamas Cruise

17days from

£3,238^*per person

Overview

Embrace the lively rhythms of the United States’ musical south ahead of a cruise across the Gulf Coast, Florida Keys and the idyllic Bahamas.

The treasures of the Bahamas and the south coast are yours to explore with a once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience aboard the award-winning MS Carnival Liberty. Start your escape in Chattanooga, with its world-famous ‘choo-choo’, and the heartland of country music, Nashville. Here, you’ll enjoy a two-night stay soaking up the city and perhaps explore its legendary RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame on an optional excursion, ahead of stops in Memphis, where you can visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland, and jazz-city New Orleans.

Having made the most of the Deep South’s musical treasures, board the MS Carnival Liberty for a seven-night voyage across the Gulf of Mexico. During this sailing, you’ll stop at Florida’s famous Key West, the most southerly point of the continental US, before cruising the North Caribbean. Explore the former pirate-republic of Nassau, now the Bahamas’ lively capital, and enjoy a beach day on Grand Bahama, calling at Carnival Cruise Line’s brand-new, purpose-built Celebration Key™. A few final days at sea follow, perfect for making the most of your on-board amenities, ahead of a relaxing stay in Biloxi, on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, and your return flight home.

Itinerary

Fly to Atlanta, Georgia - Kick your holiday off with a direct flight to Atlanta, where you’ll be met at the airport by your friendly local tour manager. You’ll then board a coach for the journey north into Tennessee for your first hotel stay in Chattanooga - of "Choo-Choo" fame - on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Included tour of Chattanooga and drive to Nashville - Head further into Chattanooga this morning for an introductory tour of this southern trading town, discovering the city’s history and its role as a rail hub throughout the American Civil War. Set on the Tennessee River, Chattanooga still retains a strong connection with its military history and is home to several museums. The first stop is at the town’s Terminal Station, affectionately named the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Here, you can see the original building and tracks, which used to connect Chattanooga to the rest of the US for over a century. You’ll then be driven north through Tennessee’s wooded hills and farmland to the next stop on your musical itinerary – the world capital of country music, Nashville. Upon arriving, you’ll check into your hotel, and then the rest of the evening is free. Perhaps seek out a live musical performance in one of the renowned country music venues on Broadway where you can also check out some of the city’s buzzing honky-tonks (live music bars), craft breweries, and distilleries.
Day at leisure with optional RCA Studio B and Country Music Hall of Fame visit - Enjoy a day of exploring at your own pace or join an optional excursion, showcasing the must-see sights of this musical mecca. Begin with the RCA Studio B in Nashville’s historic Music Row district, a renowned recording studio that was built in 1965. It was here that countless country music hits have been recorded, including songs by Elvis Presley, and during its operation until 1977, it produced 60% of the Billboard magazine’s country chart hits. You’ll then continue to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, one of the world’s largest museums and research centres dedicated to the preservation of American vernacular music. During your visit, you can walk through the latest exhibits of inductees, observe some of the 2.5 million artefacts, and potentially hear some live music. Later in the day, explore the downtown area, perhaps with a visit to the world-famous Lower Broadway. If you get the chance, the Johnny Cash Museum is also worth a visit as it features the world’s widest-ranging collection of memorabilia from the life of the iconic rockabilly-country star.
Travel to Memphis - Next up on the itinerary is Elvis’ beloved hometown, Memphis. Built along the Mississippi River in Tennessee, this spirited city is also known as the home of the blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Around every corner, evidence of the influential musical heritage prevails in the form of museums honouring the local legends, shops awash with artist-inspired paraphernalia and live music venues pumping out familiar favourites or showcasing new talent. Continue to your next hotel, the Guesthouse at Graceland, which is based within touching distance of Elvis’ iconic mansion home, and settle in with the rest of the evening at leisure. From here, you can venture out to atmospheric Beale Street, America’s most famous musical highway. As night falls, you’ll be able to enjoy the live performances coming from the clubs, bars and world-class blues venues or pausing to watch a performance with a cold beverage in hand. As Memphis is also known as the barbeque capital of America, heading to a nearby barbeque joint for a dinner of grilled delicacies is also recommended.
Day at leisure with optional visit to Sun Studios and Graceland - Join an optional full-day Memphis excursion that encompasses the city’s major musical highlights. The Sun Studio, a recording studio opened by Sam Phillips in 1950, is most known for its pivotal role in the early years of Elvis Presley’s career. Over the years, many other celebrated rock ‘n’ roll and country artists entered this building’s doors, including Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Charlie Feathers. You’ll then continue to follow in the blue suede shoes of the King to Elvis Presley Boulevard before visiting Graceland, his home, last recording studio and final resting place. Today this vast entertainment complex houses restaurants, museums and gift shops, and you’ll be able to view his mansion, classic cars, glittering jumpsuits and several interactive exhibits.
Travel via Tupelo to New Orleans - Check out of the hotel and travel on towards Tupelo in Mississippi, famed as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. This city, which has a strong link to the state’s musical history, is scattered with numerous statues commemorating this icon. During the visit, you may wish to enter Elvis’ humble childhood home – a simple two-room property, where he was born on 8 January 1935 (entry payable locally). Its walls are adorned with photographs, costumes, and heirlooms. Nearby, his family’s church has been transported and restored, and you can watch history come to life with an audio-visual tour which recreates a traditional 1930s service. Afterwards, you’ll continue south through Mississippi, heading towards Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico to vibrant New Orleans, the ‘Big Easy’, considered the birthplace of jazz. Once you’ve checked into the hotel, ideally located within the historic and charming French Quarter, waste no time soaking up the lively atmosphere of the city. Perhaps seek out one of the nearby jazz bars to hear some live music and sample Creole and Cajun dishes, such as gumbo, beignets, and po'boy.
Day at leisure with optional New Orleans tour, Louisiana swampland excursion and a steamboat dinner cruise - Today, you can choose to explore at your pace or join a morning tour introducing the highlights of the city. Beginning in the heart of the French Quarter, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in New Orleans, you’ll admire its architecture, which blends French and Spanish influences and features wrought-iron balconies, courtyards, and colourful façades. At the centre, Jackson Square with a monument of Andre Jackson, the seventh American president, and a French-style St. Louis Cathedral, can be seen. Your guide will then lead you to the Garden District, known for its historic mansions and oak-fringed streets, as well as Lafayette Cemetery No 1, one of the city’s most striking above-the-ground burial grounds with elaborate tombs. Charles Avenue, a picturesque thoroughfare lined with vintage streetcars and the National WWII Museum are additional stops. Later in the afternoon, an optional excursion to experience life down on the bayou, leaving the city behind for Louisiana’s wildlife-rich swamps and waterways. As you glide through the still waters, keep your eyes peeled for their resident alligators and learn about the region's fascinating ecosystems. Back in the city, you’ll have another night at leisure, or you can board an optional steamboat dinner jazz cruise. As you sail the mighty Mississippi and take in the illuminated sights on the bank, you can enjoy live jazz music and a meal.
Board MS Carnival Liberty and sail from New Orleans - Enjoy a morning at your own pace in the ‘Big Easy’, perhaps taking in the French Quarter by daylight or with a stroll along the waterfront. This afternoon, step aboard the Carnival Liberty, your home-from-home for the next seven days, before setting sail for the northern Caribbean. For a small supplement, why not treat yourself to a cabin upgrade for an unforgettable ocean view?
Day at sea - Sail across the Gulf of Mexico today and embrace a relaxing day under your own steam. If you’re keen to make the most of the ship’s amenities, you can sip on a cocktail and watch an act at the Punchliner Comedy Club, catch a movie on deck at the on-board cinema, or opt for a treatment at the spa. For those in search of a more relaxed time aboard, you’ll be free to do as little as you’d like from one of a sun lounger. Please note: certain onboard activities are at extra cost.
Included visit to Key West, Florida - One of your tour’s major highlights awaits today as your ship drops anchor in the idyllic Florida Keys archipelago. This chain of tropical islands spans over 120 miles from Florida’s southernmost tip and runs parallel to coastal inlets that feed the alligator-rich Everglades National Park. You’ll dock this morning in Key West, the largest city of the Keys, where you’ll immediately be introduced to its charming 19th-century architecture. From here, you’ll be free to explore as you see fit. Perhaps take a ride on the Conch Train, which showcases the city’s historic old town, visit one of its authentic harbourside saloons, or simply soak in the sunshine on one of the town’s white-sand beaches. If you’d prefer a more structured day, a host of exciting coastal shore excursions are also available, including a reef tour aboard a glass-bottomed boat and Catamaran snorkelling across the Key’s most wildlife-rich waters. After a memorable day on the Florida Keys, return to your ship for the evening ahead of an overnight journey to Grand Bahama.

Included call at Celebration Key™ - Wake up this morning in Grand Bahama, home to Celebration Key™ – Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive coastal resort that first opened its doors in 2025. Across this impressive island complex, you’ll find family-friendly areas, dedicated adult-only zones and a host of authentic Bahamian cabanas nestled amongst the island’s pristine seafront. With five distinct ‘portals’ across the resort, you’ll be well-placed to enjoy a memorable day on Grand Bahama the way you want to. Relax with an indulgent few hours at the Pearl Cove Beach Club, Celebration Key’s adult-only section area, or spend some time perusing Lokono Cove’s Bahamian handicraft markets. The poolside bars of the Calypso Lagoon bounce with lively rhythms and are a great spot to enjoy a cocktail or two. Step back aboard Carnival Liberty this evening for the overnight journey south.
Included call in Nassau - Take in the island of New Providence this morning ahead of a full day at leisure. Moor in vibrant Nassau, the pastel-coloured capital of the Bahamas and a former pirate republic. As you wander the city’s colourful Caribbean streets, you might even spot the buildings that the world’s most infamous seafarers, including Blackbeard, ‘Calico Jack’ Rackham and Anne Bonny, once called home. While ashore, you’ll once again be free to explore the island, perhaps with a walk along the popular Junkanoo Beach or a visit to Arawak Cay, an artificial island nicknamed ‘Fish Fry’ for its diverse collection of street food vendors. If you get the chance, be sure to visit historic Fort Charlotte, a colonial-era artillery battery, at noon to watch the cannons firing. As the sun sets, reboard your ship and set sail for the two-day return trip to New Orleans.
Day at sea - Your penultimate day of cruising sees you trace the Bahamas before heading back along the Gulf Coast. You’ll have another chance to make the most of the ship’s facilities, or simply unwind after a busy few days’ island-hopping exploration.
Day at sea - Wake up to panoramic ocean views this morning ahead of a third and final day at leisure on the open ocean. With a full day to spend as you see fit, be sure to make the most of the on-board facilities or perhaps just unwind by the poolside.
Travel to Biloxi, - Arriving back in New Orleans early this morning, disembark the ship and head east through Mississippi, with a stop in coastal Bay St. Louis, to the resort town of Biloxi for a relaxing overnight stay. Upon arrival, settle into your next hotel for the final night of your all-American escape.
Travel to Atlanta and return flight to the UK - Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.
Land in the UK - Touch down in the UK at the end of an unforgettable trip.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Enjoy Elvis Presley’s hometown Memphis, maybe enjoying an evening on famous Beale Street
Drop anchor on the Florida Keys and visit world-renowned Key West with its colourful coastal reefs and colonial old town
Take in the Bahama’s capital, Nassau, and immerse yourself in its colourful past as one of the world’s most prominent pirate republics
Embrace the easy-going atmosphere of Louisiana’s ‘Big Easy’, New Orleans, and take part in optional excursions
Spend a day at Grand Bahama’s new Celebration Key™ private resort, and spend time exploring its five distinctive areas
See Elvis' humble childhood home in Tupelo and take in the Assembly of God Church, where ‘The King’ first fell in love with soul music
Unwind amongst premium facilities with a relaxing seven-night sailing across the Bahamas onboard the MS Carnival Liberty
Discover Nashville, the country capital of the world, and take in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B on an optional excursion
Join an optional visit to Graceland and the legendary Sun Studios
Unwind on Mississippi's stunning Gulf Coast with a relaxing stay in charming Biloxi

Our Price Includes

Eight nights’ room-only accommodation in Chattanooga (1 night), Nashville (2), Memphis (2), New Orleans (2), and Biloxi (1) with one night onboard the aircraft
Seven nights’ full-board accommodation onboard MS Carnival Liberty
Seven breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners
A visit to Chattanooga
A tour of Tupelo
Calls at Key West and Nassau
Day trip to the Celebration Key™ resort
Return flights to Atlanta
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager (the ship's staff and crew will take care of you during the cruise)
Gratuities on board your cruise
Comfortable air-conditioned coach transfers and travel throughout
All local taxes, fees and charges

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation

Deep South Rhythms, Key West & Bahamas Cruise -

Holiday Inn and Suites Downtown, Chattanooga (night 1)
Perfectly positioned in the heart of downtown, this modern hotel promises the perfect base from which to get a feel for historic Chattanooga. The property offers a fitness suite and indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, serving traditional Brazilian barbecue dishes, and a bar. Comfortable guestrooms feature tea/coffee-making facilities, fridges and TVs.

Holiday Inn Nashville Vanderbilt, Nashville (nights 2-3)
Located by the Vanderbilt Stadium, this contemporary hotel is also within walking distance from the honky-tonks on Music Row. On site, there’s a music venue, The Commodore Grille, which hosts nightly performances and serves breakfast and dinner. Guests also have access to a bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Comfortable guestrooms have TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, tea/coffee-making facilities, balconies with park or stadium views, and Wi-Fi.

The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis (nights 4-5)
Inspired by Elvis's warm hospitality, this impressive hotel offers guests the chance to stay just a few steps from the gates of the iconic Graceland mansion. Every aspect of the hotel is designed to reflect the King's personal style from the Southern Colonial exterior to the restaurants, bar, theatre and gift shop – and even the seasonal pool and pool bar. Each guestroom is comfortably furnished and has a fridge, TV and tea/ coffee-making facilities.

Wyndham French Quarter, New Orleans (nights 6-7)
Set in the heart of New Orleans Warehouse District, only a short walk from the lively French Quarter, this stylish hotel promises a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the city’s riverside attractions. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool, with adjoining patio areas, and a well-appointed fitness centre. Sleek guestrooms are equipped with TVs, minifridges and microwaves, tea/coffee-making facilities and hairdryers.

MS Carnival Liberty (nights 8-14)
A holiday destination in her own right, this well-appointed cruise ship boasts a host of facilities and comfortable cabins. Each cabin stateroom pairs convenient access to the ship’s onboard amenities and features TVs, safes and the services of a dedicated attendant. There are several dining options, including an all-inclusive canteen area, serving international classics, a number of 24-hour cafés, providing fresh seafood dishes, and a host of fast-food stalls, delis and diners which offer traditional American fare. The ship also has a resort-style swimming pool, a mini-golf course, a splash park with waterslides, a spa, an adult-only retreat area and even an art gallery.

Golden Nugget, Biloxi (night 15)
Overlooking idyllic Biloxi Bay, this acclaimed casino-hotel offers first-class amenities and easy access to the city’s best coastal attractions via Beach Boulevard. There is a wide range of leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and bar, a fitness suite, a spa area with a salon. The hotel also features private stores and four restaurants, serving traditional Cajun dishes, East Asia cuisine and international classics. Modern guestrooms are stylishly decorated and encompass TVs, stereo systems, safes, and hairdryers. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.

Other Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Passports and Visas

When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $40 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is about $5 per person per day, and for a Tour Manager is about $7 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Hotel rooms

Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops. On board ships operated by Carnival Cruises, smoking is allowed in casinos and designated outside spaces.

Holiday code

N2862

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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