While cold air may be spreading throughout the country, spring is on the horizon and there’s no better way to experience the season’s beautiful weather and blooming flowers than onboard a small ship river cruise. This spring, Blount Small Ship Adventures will bring back two of its most popular itineraries that explore the charming port towns of the South, ‘Southern Antebellum’ and ‘Mississippi & Tenn-Tom Waterway.’

The 8-day, 7-night ‘Southern Antebellum’ cruise showcases some of the South’s most iconic port cities, including Savannah, GA, Charleston, SC, and Amelia Island, FL. Highlights of the itinerary, which has departures on the Grande Mariner May 1, 11, 20 and 29, include onboard presentations on Savannah’s rich history and diverse local bird population, and Jekyll Island’s coastal wildlife and regional conservation. To further entice travelers to see the blooming flowers along the Atlantic Coast, guests can save 40 percent on spring sailings of the ‘Southern Antebellum’ itinerary, with savings of up to $1,440 per person.

For travelers seeking a longer introduction to southern hospitality, the 16-day, 15-night ‘Mississippi & Tenn-Tom Waterway’ cruise begins and ends in New Orleans, with stops in some of the most historic and culturally rich ports of the South, including Mobile, AL, Columbus, MS, Memphis, TN and Baton Rouge, LA. Guests can enjoy an authentic local musical performance in Columbus, dance to the spirited tones of a bluegrass band in Pickwick, TN, and learn the secrets to making a great southern meal from a chef at the world renowned New Orleans School of Cooking, who will offer an onboard culinary demonstration. Sailings depart April 10 and 27 onboard the Grande Caribe, and travelers who book now can save 30 percent, up to $1,980 per person.

All Blount cruises include three meals daily with menus that are fresh, creative and often reflect the local cuisine, refreshments and snacks 24 hours a day, with complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner. Blount cruises also feature a BYOB policy, with mixers and set-ups for cocktails available throughout the day.

Blount Small Ship Adventures, www.blountsmallshipadventures.com