2016 FACT SHEET: LOUISIANE, NEWEST U.S. BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE SHIP

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1 2016 FACT SHEET: LOUISIANE, NEWEST U.S. BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE SHIP Louisiane will sail five- to 10-day river cruise tours for a maximum of 150 guests beginning September 30, 2016 She is the first flagship offering from French America Line, a new American river? cruise line that was created to bring a fresh and refined ambiance to cruising America s waterways Elegant yet casual, American yet with a decidedly French flair, the company is the vision of leaders in the travel industry who have worked tirelessly to bring their innovative ideas to fruition Sailings will celebrate diverse cultural, historical and epicurean influences of France as Louisiane travels America s most iconic rivers in areas that were once known as French America at the time of American colonization Highly experiential itineraries will present guests with unique insights into life along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Red rivers, visiting places where larger riverboats cannot navigate Expert Illuminators will offer enriching talks and informal chats to share regional insights into the diverse food, music, culture, history and more along America s waterways Lively, informative sessions might delve into the nuances of barbecue styles, the history of classic American cocktails, the origins of Zydeco, the blues or bluegrass music traditions, the religious underpinnings of Mardi Gras, the socio-economic impact of changing agricultural practices on the Mississippi Delta or Native American history in the Upper Midwest Pricing is virtually all-inclusive, with pre-cruise one-night deluxe hotel stay; all meals and free-flowing handselected beverages, beers, wine and spirits; nightly live entertainment, informative cultural and historical talks; and memorable Traveler Collection shore excursions in every port of call included in the tariff Optional Curator Collection experiences and pre- and post-cruise extensions are also available LOUISIANE AT A GLANCE 150 guests 75 suites and staterooms Length 218 feet Beam 66 feet Height 70 feet Draft 9 feet Cruising speed 11 miles per hour Refurbished 2016 American officers and crew Built in the U.S. Registered in New Orleans, Louisiana Member, French Heritage Society (a portion of all Curator Collection proceeds support the Society) Associate Member, United States Tour Operators Association

2 EXECUTIVE TEAM Christopher Kyte, Chairman D. Kendall Grigsby, Chief Executive Officer Tom Markwell, President Kevin Griffin, Director Regina Charboneau, Chef de Cuisine Christopher Tidmore, Government & Community Relations James Lida, Vice President, Marketing & Communications SIGNATURE FEATURES OF LOUISIANE Complimentary one-night pre-cruise stay in deluxe hotel and next day breakfast and transfer to the riverboat on sailing day Complimentary daily Traveler Collection shore excursions in every port of call, inclusive of any admission fees, with personal Vox listening devices to ensure that every guest can easily hear the guide s narration All meals designed by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Regina Charboneau are included in the tariff, featuring open seating in two dining venues offering inventive regional, French and Continental favorites as well as healthy Currents Cuisine selections under 400 calories for breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour room service Complimentary free-flowing hand-selected wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, illy coffees, Dammann Frères loose-leaf teas and choice of still or sparkling Natura brand water in suites and staterooms, replenished daily Full-service Currents Spa offers body treatments, nail and hair services with L Occitane en Provence products Complimentary WiFi in all public areas (where available) Complimentary onboard enrichment talks with noted regional historian Illuminators and live evening musical entertainment celebrating the best of the river and coastal regional America Famed House of Ladurée Parisian-style macarons fresh from their New York City boutique upon embarkation, followed by nightly turndown service of gourmet Vosges Haut-Chocolat chocolates Bicycles, helmets and maps are available for independent explorations in every port of call French America Line is also the only American river cruise line to offer in-room ipads pre-loaded with e-books, daily shore excursion programs and menus for onboard dining and entertainment Integrity Pricing Promise: French America Line guarantees to not artificially inflate and then lower prices as the sailing date approaches, so guests may book early with the utmost confidence that they are receiving the best price available, as fares remain the same from the moment they are created until the moment the vessel sails 75 SUITES + STATEROOMS FOR JUST 150 GUESTS Guests have a choice of 75 suites and staterooms in seven categories, many with private verandas or French balconies for optimal river viewing, all situated on the top three of the intimate ship s four decks All staterooms feature individual climate control, makeup mirror, deluxe mattresses clad in luxurious linens and duvets, private bathroom with plush towels and L Occitane en Provence bath amenities, spa-quality bathrobes and slippers, in-room safe, ample storage space, flat screen LED television with satellite programming, direct-dial telephones and complimentary 24-hour room service Richelieu Suite: The most lavish accommodations on board are these two spacious suites on the uppermost Champlain Deck, with panoramic windows and wraparound outdoor promenade seating area, queen bed, double armoire with built-in drawer storage, chest of drawers, desk and exclusive extras, including Hermès bath amenities, evening canapés, complimentary laundry, fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival, complimentary Curator Collection experiences and private car transfers to/from the airport; square feet 2

3 Panorama Stateroom: These four staterooms on the Marquette Deck are approximately 30% larger than the next category, with a French balcony, queen bed, double armoire with built-in drawer storage, desk and chair, evening canapés and complimentary laundry, with fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival; 207 square feet Veranda Stateroom: Select from 22 inviting staterooms on the Marquette and Joliet decks with expansive windows, private veranda seating area, double armoire with built-in drawer storage, desk and chair, and two twin beds that convert to a queen bed; one stateroom is outfitted as handicap accessible; 165 square feet plus 42 square foot private veranda Promenade Stateroom: There are 14 stylish staterooms on the Joliet and Champlain decks with a windowed door on the open air promenade with their own seating area, double armoire with built-in drawer storage, desk and chair, and two twin beds that convert to a queen bed; 165 square feet with direct Promenade Deck access French Balcony Stateroom: 13 staterooms on the Marquette Deck feature French balconies ideal for scenic river gazing, double armoire with built-in drawer storage, desk and chair, and two twin beds that convert to a queen bed; 220 square feet Deluxe Inside Stateroom: 17 staterooms on the Marquette, Joliet and Champlain decks feature a large mirror, double armoire, desk and chair, and two twin beds that convert to a queen bed; 143 square feet Superior Inside Stateroom: Three staterooms on the Marquette deck feature a large mirror, double armoire, desk and chair, and two twin beds that convert to a queen bed; 140 square feet DINING + ENTERTAINMENT Chef de Cuisine Regina Charboneau is responsible for the culinary delights aboard that reflect her regional French, Southern and continental favorites and Currents Cuisine healthy options at every meal. A renowned chef and author, Regina Charboneau studied in Paris before opening celebrated restaurants to worldwide acclaim. She now brings her boundless creativity and stunning flavor pairings to French America Line to craft superb cuisine on America's inland waterways. A resident of Natchez, Mississippi, one of Louisiane s most charming antebellum destinations, she got her start in San Francisco, where she launched Regina's at the Regis and later the award-winning Biscuits & Blues nightclub. She returned to Natchez in 2001 and opened the Twin Oaks Bed and Breakfast in a historic antebellum home dating to 1832, where she teaches cooking classes as well as serves as a welcoming host. Her latest venture is King's Tavern in Natchez, specializing in fresh farm-to-table selections. Louisiane s appealing social gathering spaces invite convivial conversation while dining or relaxing onboard, beginning with the Welcome Reception and continuing until the Farewell Dinner The Crescent Room on the first level La Salle Deck is a plush jewel box designed for distinctive gourmet dining with open seating, featuring skilled tableside service for breakfast, lunch, and multi-course dinner, and then it transforms into a lively venue for an evening cabaret show The Veranda is a casual French-style bistro with indoor and outdoor seating, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, signature Café du Monde beignets and savory and sweet crepes and specialty coffees and tea throughout the day, complete with an ever-changing backdrop of charming river town views from its aft perch atop the Champlain Deck The French Quarter Lounge is just the first of three lounges, overlooking the bow on the Joliet Deck The Great River Room is forward on the Marquette Deck and the location for cultural and historical talks by onboard experts as well as private receptions and events Bar Royale adjoining The Crescent Room is ideal for pre-dinner aperitifs 24-hour room service is also available 3

4 2016 LOUISIANE INAUGURAL ITINERARIES LOUISIANE CRUISE TOURS: CHOICES FOR ALL SCHEDULES AND VARIED INTERESTS Sampler Cruise Tours are five days or less, designed to maximize experiences in a shorter timeframe Classic Cruise Tours are six to eight days in length, with ample time for guided and personal explorations Grand Cruise Tours are nine days or more, permitting in-depth explorations of each sailing region Collector s Cruise Tours, of varied durations, are the most exclusive and intriguing tours, visiting little-known areas not accessible by larger ships Special Offer: Book a 2016 cruise by July 31 and receive up to $420 per stateroom in complimentary pre-paid onboard gratuities MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS Sailing the Upper Mississippi River Cruise Tours beginning in St. Louis, MO; and St. Paul, MN Jewels of the Heartland, 10-day Grand Cruise Tour kicks off with vintage rail journey from Chicago to St. Louis o Experience striking fall foliage along the Upper Mississippi from St. Louis to St. Paul o Louisiane s inaugural sailing begins with an overnight stay and breakfast at Chicago s historic Palmer House Hilton, then guests transfer to a vintage Vista-Dome Streamliner train, the Louisiane Limited, for a memorable glimpse of the golden age of rail travel o Upon arrival in St. Louis, transfer to Louisiane for embarkation o Enjoy the many delights of Regina s Table, including special treats and hands-on demonstrations by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Regina Charboneau, the creator of all dishes served on the ship, who will be onboard to share her secrets for delicious Fall entertaining and chat informally about the various regional cuisines in the distinctive ports visited during the inaugural sailing o Explore diverse ports, sample local ciders and pumpkin ales, flights of local cheeses, see the Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal and explore Davenport s Figge Art Museum o 2016 Departure: Inaugural sailing September 30, from $4,599 per person/double occupancy Midwestern Majesty, 8-day Classic Cruise Tour o Experience fall foliage along the Upper Mississippi from St. Paul, MN to St. Louis. MO o Enjoy a pre-night hotel stay and breakfast at the elegant InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, steps from live theatre, shopping, parks and trails o Set sail, marvel at the scenic wonders of Winona s Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota to the striking public art displays along the river in Dubuque, Iowa o 2016 Departure: October 8, from $3,599 per person/double occupancy WILDERNESS RIVERS Sailing the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers Cruise Tours beginning in Nashville, TN Frontier Fete, 5-Day Sampler Cruise Tour o Enjoy a wilderness river experience beginning and ending in Nashville o Enjoy an overnight hotel stay and breakfast at the Gaylord Opryland Resort o Set sail to explore the beauty of Tennessee with bird spotting in Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, gain insights into the historic War between the States and the epic pasts of Clarksville and Dover o 2016 Departure: November 9, from $1,699 per person/double occupancy 4

5 WILDERNESS RIVERS, continued Southern Rhythms, 9-day Grand Cruise Tour o Discover the country beats of this colorful and historic region from Nashville to Memphis, beginning with an overnight hotel stay and breakfast at the Gaylord Opryland Resort o Dive into the foods and sounds of country music s finest, learn about the 1811 earthquake that caused the Mississippi to flow backwards and enjoy a final overnight in Memphis o 2016 Departure: November 12, from $3,599 per person/double occupancy DEEP SOUTH Sailing the Lower Mississippi and rarely-visited Red River Cruise Tours beginning in New Orleans, LA; St. Louis, MO, and Memphis, TN Mississippi Mystique, 9-day Grand Cruise Tour o Explore the Lower Mississippi from St. Louis, MO to New Orleans, LA o Begin with an overnight stay and breakfast at the historic St. Louis Union Station a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels, within walking distance of the Peabody Museum o Transfer to the Louisiane and take it all in, from the graceful St. Louis Arch, the Civil War ghosts of Helena and onto Natchez, Mississippi s National Historic District and the Grand Lawn of Oak Alley Plantation o 2016 Departure: October 14, from $3,999 per person/double occupancy Splendors of the South, 6-day Classic Cruise Tour o Explore the Lower Mississippi on a relaxing cruise beginning and ending in New Orleans o Begin with an overnight stay and breakfast at the French Quarter s elegant Hotel Monteleone o Transfer to Louisiane and dive into Cajun and Creole culture as well as the grand dames and ornate mansions of a bygone era that dot the river s shores o 2016 Departures: October 21 (sold out), December 3, from $2,299 Plantation Celebration, 8-day Classic Cruise Tour o Experience the Lower Mississippi from Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA o Begin with an overnight stay and breakfast at the Peabody Hotel, home to the celebrated March of the Peabody Ducks, then transfer to Louisiane o Visit historic sites along the river with a focus on the Mississippi Delta and colorful parishes of Louisiana o 2016 Departures: November 19 or December 28, from $3,599 per person/double occupancy The Great River Road, 4-day Sampler Cruise Tour o This one-time cruise offers a brief but thorough experience of the essence of the American South, from New Orleans to New Orleans o Begin with an overnight stay and breakfast at the French Quarter s elegant Hotel Monteleone o Savor New Orleans storied nature and history, see the Garden District by street car, listen to jazz on Bourbon Street, indulge in a signature beignet on Jackson Square s Café du Monde o Along Louisiana s fabled River Road, tour the grand Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, once known as the Sugar Palace; later that day, walk among the at Oak Alley antebellum mansion o 2016 Departure: November 25, from $1,199 per person/double occupancy 5

6 DEEP SOUTH, continued Red River Holiday, 9-day Collector s Cruise Tour o Enjoy a cruise that begins and ends in New Orleans, starting with an overnight stay and breakfast at the French Quarter s elegant Hotel Monteleone o Transfer to Louisiane and get into the holiday spirit as you head up the rarely sailed Red River o Take in the extravagant light and décor display of Natchitoches, LA; explore the aviation history of Shreveport and search for Papa Noël from Baton Rouge to Bourbon Street o 2016 Departure: December 7, from $3,999 per person/double occupancy Antebellum Style, 8-day Classic Cruise Tour o Live the antebellum lifestyle beginning and ending in New Orleans along the Lower Mississippi o Start your journey with an overnight and breakfast at the French Quarter s elegant Hotel Monteleone o Enjoy an overnight in historic Natchez, Mississippi, home to Chef Regina Charboneau, then go on to visit Magnolia Mound Plantation, Houmas House and Oak Alley along Louisiana s Great River Road o 2016 Departure: December 14, from $3,599 per person/double occupancy Southern Spirit, 10-day Grand Cruise Tour o Discover the rhythm of the Lower Mississippi from New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN o Begin with an overnight stay and breakfast at the French Quarter s elegant Hotel Monteleone o Then drink in the sounds from Bourbon Street to the blues and jazz of Beale Street in Memphis o 2016 Departure: December 20, from $4,599 per person/double occupancy SPECIAL PRELUDE PACKAGE: EXPERIENCE THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Pay homage to one of the country s great National Parks during their centennial year This 7-day pre-cruise experience from Atlanta, GA to Nashville, TN is available before the November 12 Wilderness Rivers Southern Rhythms sailing from Nashville Prelude Package includes one-night hotel stay in Atlanta; two nights in Asheville, North Carolina with a visit to the celebrated Biltmore Estate; two nights at the Doubletree Park Vista Resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with sightseeing in the Smoky Mountains that include a visit to the isolated Cades Cove; conclude with one-night hotel stay in Nashville prior to embarkation aboard Louisiane Pricing is $1,995 per person, double occupancy; $2,795 single occupancy SPECIAL ENCORE PACKAGE: EXPERIENCE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Visit the Grand Canyon as the National Parks celebrate their 100 th anniversary This 6-day post-cruise experience from St. Louis, MO to Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL or back to St. Louis, MO is available following the October 8 Midwestern Majesty sailing disembarking in St. Louis. Guests will travel to the Grand Canyon aboard the Southwest Chief train, spend two nights in the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, Arizona, ride the Grand Canyon Railway to the edge of the canyon, and spend one night at the Grand Canyon South Rim Hotel before traveling on to Los Angeles, St. Louis or Chicago Pricing is $1,295 double occupancy/$1,795 single occupancy for St. Louis to Los Angeles; $1,395 double occupancy/$1,895 single occupancy for St. Louis to St. Louis or St. Louis to Chicago 6

7 FOR TRAVEL PLANNERS French America Line offers 15% commission on all sales of 2016 Louisiane inaugural voyages French America Line Freedom of Choice is a special program that offers additional onboard privileges for the clients of travel planners who book 10 or more passengers on one 2016 inaugural year sailing. It was specifically designed to incentivize travel professionals and reward them for their loyalty and productivity. This pointsbased program allows agents to select items on an à la carte basis that range from bonus commission to shipboard credits. Additionally, travel professionals will be able to take advantage of the program s FAM reimbursement feature as well as an aggressive tour leader comp policy. To reserve or learn more, visit or call # # # Media Contact: Riverview PR LLC Joel Ann Rea joel@joelrea.com 7

2015 Sailing Schedule American Queen

2015 Sailing Schedule American Queen 2015 Sailing Schedule American Queen Total Fares 2015 Date Days From Itinerary FEB 20-28 9 $2,699 Round Trip New Orleans Big Band Swing Ports: Oak Alley, St. Francisville,