By Jackie Sheckler Finch

On our first dinner aboard the Carnival Sensation, the woman at the table next to me was surprised to see dining room tables without tablecloths.

Doesn’t bother me at all. Just think about all the laundry that saves. So much more environmentally friendly. On other cruise ships, I have seen servers changing tablecloths as soon as diners get up to leave so the table is ready for the next diners. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

A singing Elvis on roller skates. Romantic “popera” (popular opera) made famous by Luciano Pavarotti and Sarah Brightman. A 1960s-sock hop. And country music ranging from Loretta Lynn to Garth Brooks. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Standing beneath a large photograph of his ancestors, Bill Davidson says the business those men built is “a Cinderella story.”

“What they created is a great experience. Our look, our sound, the feel of our motorcycles is recognized around the world,” he says. “We attract people from all walks of life.” Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

“I loved that profession (riverboat pilot) far better than any I’ve followed since … I hoped to follow the river the rest of my days and die at the wheel when my mission was ended.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mark Twain Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

The beautiful antebellum house known as “The Towers” doesn’t have any.

Towers, that is.

One of the landmark towers that gave the historic Natchez home its name was destroyed in a 1927 fire. The other tower was taken down that same year. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Like a magnificent jewel, the Longwood mansion nestles atop a Natchez hillside. But the opulent Mississippi home hides a secret inside.

“It was never finished,” tour guide Cindy says. “All that was ever finished was the basement and that’s where the family had to live.” Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

The mighty Mississippi has a new royal lady traveling along its muddy waters. Launched in August 2017, the new 166-guest American Duchess has already made her beautiful presence felt. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

On our first relaxing day at sea, I went to the afternoon tea in the unusual Touch of Class room. To enter the room, you walk through a doorway composed of two giant silver hands arched upward with fingertips touching. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Here comes the American Duchess Steamcoach rolling down the road. The road?

Yep, the popular riverboat has personalized steamcoaches decorated to look like their namesake. And they sure are getting second looks whenever they pass by. Read more...

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

The new Loft Suites on American Duchess are large and lovely. My Loft Suite is huge – 550 square feet. I’ve been on many boats and ships and this is definitely the largest room I have ever seen. Read more...