Deep South Rhythms, Key West & Bahamas Cruise

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.

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.

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./p>

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Touch down in the UK at the end of an unforgettable trip.