Which river cruise for a novice?

[derekp]

I have never - shame on me - cruised before but would like to start in 2006 with a river cruise taking in historic sites or some other form of informative cruise preferably with some on board talks about things and places visited. can anyone recommend some good cruises along those lines

Thanks

derekp

[JudyOh]

Last April we cruised on the American Queen from New Orleans, it was a four night cruise with a three night stay in New Orleans. We have cruised many times, but this was our first river cruise and we certainly enjoyed it. There was a Riverlorian onboard and she did many interesting talks about the river, the cities we visited, etc. Food and entertainment were very good.:)

[Cotton]

The Mississippi Queen is a wonderful riverboat to explore the history of the river. I know she makes stops in Natchez and Vicksburg, MS, major strongholds during the Civil War. Beautiful boat!