With guidebooks in hand, they walk to the Old State Capitol building to admire the Gothic architecture and stained glass skylight. The downtown area has historic churches, a sports complex and public parks. Many tour the naval destroyer USS Kidd or disport themselves in casinos or Cajun restaurants. Passengers on bus excursions visit a Louisiana pioneer village and Cajun music and dance festivities in the bayou community French Settlement. It's a wonderful cruise.
Passengers always make it back on board before supper time.
Some retire to their elegant but unfussy staterooms for a short nap before dinner, others walk the promenades to watch passing barges and tankers and view the miles and miles of farmland. It's on the expansive decks that passengers discover the real thrill of steamboating. The Victorian-style parlors are abuzz with conversation as people share adventures and observations. Finely upholstered sofas and comfortable chairs invite passengers to spend time reading, playing cards or writing postcards. Many passengers are seniors and a multitude of activities are geared toward their likes.