In another life, as a sports writer, there were five big sports events I hoped to see before moving on to another profession. One of them was the Kentucky Derby.
I made it, in 1978, when Affirmed left the favorite, Alydar, a length-and-a-half behind at the finish line of the famous Run For The Roses. I had no way of imagining that all these years later Affirmed would still be the last Triple Crown winner and, yes, there is a cruise connection to this.
It happens the first Saturday in May which, as any casual horse race fan knows, is Derby Day. Passengers on the American Queen will have the opportunity to watch the race, in 
person, because a ticket is included in their river cruise fare. The trip — and seeing the Kentucky Derby is a trip — lasts five days, Cincinnati return.
The Derby is on Day 2 of the cruise. The cost starts at $1,395 per person and includes one night’s hotel before or after the cruise, and free shore excursions and an on-board credit of up to $150 per stateroom.
Now before you think that’s a lot for five days, packages for three nights in Louisville for the Derby start at $1,600 — and that’s four to a room! A horse racing aficionado who just wants to see the Derby would love those prices.
The price Affirmed paid that Saturday in May 1978 was $5.20. I had a $5 win ticket worth $12.80 and, yes, today it would probably be worth a large fortune…or at least a small one.
If only I hadn’t cashed it.
Photo Courtesy: Kentuckytourism.com
DAILY DEAL:
Celebrity Century
15 nights
April 20, 2012
San Diego (return): Honolulu, Lahaina (Maui), Kona, Kilauea Volcano (cruising) and Hilo (Big Island), Ensenada
Balcony $2,049
www.celebritycruises.com