MississippiRiverCruises.com

American Queen

Discover the heritage and culture of America with a cruise onboard the elegant American Queen, an authentic paddlewheel steamboat. Luxurious amenities display the opulence of the American Victorian era while also featuring every modern convenience. Each stateroom features lush bedding and fine linens as well as in-room bottled water and fresh fruit. Onboard cuisine is gourmet and something to satisfy every craving is available 24 hours a day, from grand meals in the Dining Saloon to American favorites in the Front Porch of America. Complimentary wine and beer are available with dinner. There is always something to enjoy onboard during your leisure time. Enjoy a swim or a workout in the pool or athletic club or borrow a book in the Mark Twain Gallery; after a day of exploring, enjoy nightly entertainment that includes everything from showboat style performances to calliope concerts to swing dancing.

american queen riverboat rooms

  • Detailed Information
  • Dining Info
Ship Statistics
Year Built 1995
Refurbished 2017
Tonnage 3,707 tons
Registry United States
Length 420 feet
Beam 89 feet
Passenger Capacity 417
Crew Size 172
# of Inside Cabins 54
# of Outside Cabins 141
# of Cabins w/ Verandas 27
# of Suites 22
Max. Room Occupancy 3
Age Restrictions
Dining Options
Tipping Expected? Yes
Onboard Currency US Dollar
Services & Amenities
Bars/Lounges Yes
Beauty Salon/Barber Shop No
Casino No
Chapel No
Disco/Dancing Yes
Elevators Yes
Hot Tub No
Cell Phone Service No
Internet Access Yes
Internet Center Yes
Wireless Internet Access Yes
Laundromats (self service) Yes
Laundry/Dry Cleaning Yes
Library Yes
Movie Theatre Yes
Outdoor Movie Screen No
Onboard Weddings No
Shops Yes
Showroom No
Spa No
Video Arcade No
Fitness & Sports Facilities
Basketball Court No
Fitness Center Yes
Golf Driving Net No
Golf Simulator No
Ice Skating Rink No
Jogging Track No
Mini-Golf Course No
Swimming Pool Yes
Tennis Court No
Water Sports Platform No
Cabin Features & Amenities
24-Hour Room Service Yes
Hair Dryer Yes
Safe Yes
Telephone No
Television Yes
Kids Facilities & Family Activities
Babysitting No
Children's Playroom No
Kiddie Pool No
Supervised Youth Program No
Teen Center No
Rock Climbing Wall No
Waterslide No
Special Needs & Requests
Adjoining Cabins
     (private connecting doors)
Yes
Kosher Meals Yes
Single Occupancy Cabins Yes
Single Share Program No
Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins 7
These suites give you the feeling of a fine Southern estate home, complete with authentic Victoriana and antiques. Perched atop the American Queen in the best locations with expansive views of the river, you’ll feel like Thomas P. Leathers, one of the wealthiest and most successful steamboat owners of the 19th century. From the intimate sitting area with its sofa-bed and cocktail table to the fluffy bed, this is river living at its finest. Suites 501 and 502 offer triple occupancy in 2020.
These suites give you the feeling of a fine Southern estate home, complete with authentic Victoriana and antiques. Perched atop the American Queen in the best locations with expansive views of the river, you’ll feel like Thomas P. Leathers, one of the wealthiest and most successful steamboat owners of the 19th century. From the intimate sitting area with its sofa-bed and cocktail table to the fluffy bed, this is river living at its finest. Category Suites 513, 515, 517 and 519 offer quadruple occupancy in 2020.
These suites give you the feeling of a fine Southern estate home, complete with authentic Victoriana and antiques. Perched atop the American Queen in the best locations, you'll enjoy expansive views of the river. From the intimate sitting area with its sofa-bed and cocktail table to the fluffy bed, this is river living at its finest. Suites 503, 504, 518 and 520 offer triple occupancy.
Settle in your sitting area, open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river slip majestically by. Some staterooms in this category offer a view of the paddlewheel, while others offer expansive views of America’s heartland.
These spacious retreats offer unmatched views, each with a 6-foot-square viewing window that overlooks the paddlewheel, for a truly authentic steamboat experience. It is important to note that while some guests are enamored with the allure of the more traditional experience, others may find the turning of the paddlewheel to produce more sound and vibration than they like at times. Features queen bed or two single beds, full bathroom, flat-screen TV, sitting area with sofa-bed, vanity, mirror, writing desk and Interior access.
Settle back on the couch in your sitting area, throw open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river slip majestically by, just out of reach. Some staterooms in this category welcome you with a view of the paddlewheel, while the highest guest deck offers expansive views of America’s Heartland. 210 sq. ft.
Can you imagine opening French doors to a sweeping river vista and the sweet scent of magnolia trees? In these staterooms, there’s no need to dream any longer. Sit on the deck outside your stateroom and greet early morning strollers. 160 to 190 sq. ft.
Not only do these staterooms take you back in time with décor reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast, you’ll have the added joy of an expansive bay window overlooking the ever-changing scenery of America’s Heartland. Go ahead and curl up in front of the window with a new novel and savor a moment that belongs to only you. 190 sq. ft.
Surrounded by wonderful period details and with every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments upon entering these cozy havens. No expense has been spared on the small details that make all the difference: the antebellum-style wallpaper, cloud-like pillows and bright and cheerful private bath. Tom Sawyer never had it so good. 140 sq. ft.
Greet the day in your cozy stateroom, relaxing before breakfast or enjoying a leisurely morning in bed with room service. Queen bed, full bathroom, flat-screen TV and Interior access.
Unaccompanied travelers should never have to sacrifice the comforts of home. Surrounded by wonderful period details and with every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments upon entering these cozy havens. No expense has been spared on the small details that make all the difference: the antebellum-style wallpaper, cloud-like pillows and bright and cheerful private bath. Tom Sawyer never had it so good. 80 sq. ft.

american queen riverboat rooms

Matador Original Series

This over-the-top river cruise is the all-american trip you need to take.

F ew things feel more like a Southern cliché than sitting on a rocking chair with a glass of ice-cold sweet tea while looking at the Mississippi River from the deck of a paddlewheel steamboat. And I, a French, along with my partner, a Canadian, embraced it wholeheartedly. To add another layer of Americana, it was July 5, and the vessel, the iconic American Queen, and most of its passengers were still festooned in red, white, and blue the day after the Fourth of July.

Rocking chairs on the fourth deck of the American Queen

Photo: Jesse Adams

The American Queen, a picture-perfect 1995 recreation of a Mississippi River paddlewheel steamboat, took us from Memphis to Nashville . The full journey took nine days to cover less than 200 miles. Granted, we stopped along the way, but still, this is slow travel taken to the extreme. Obviously, nobody on board would have it any other way — we had nine days of great food, free drinks, river lectures, music, excursions, and brand-new (to us, at least) scenery to look forward to — all in a luxurious time capsule. The pilots could take it as slow as they needed.

The American Queen steamboat is not your average river cruise ship

American Queen vessel moored in Memphis

A cruise on the Mississippi River is one thing, but a cruise on the emblematic American Queen is another deal entirely — it is undeniably the largest and fanciest steamboat ever built. Modeled after two luxurious steamboats from the 19th century (the Grand Republic for the elegant exterior, and the J.M. White for the opulent decorations and furnishings inside) the American Queen is very grand. Yet, despite the Tiffany lamps, the grand pianos, and the dress code in the main dining room, the crew and the passengers are relaxed and appreciative of the beauty of the vessel rather than stiff-necked and uncomfortable at the lavish displays.

The Mark Twain room is probably one of the most luxurious aboard the American Queen

The Mark Twain room is the most opulent room on the American Queen. Photo: Jesse Adams

The cruise company, American Queen Voyages, has three more steamboats in its fleet: the American Countess, the American Duchess, and the American Empress. And while the boats may all look the part from afar, they cannot hold a candle to the American Queen. Passengers who had journeyed on several of the company’s steamboats made clear to us that they would not cruise on any other vessel than the American Queen, and after we got a good look at the American Countess while we were anchored in the port of Paducah, Kentucky, we agreed. It looked nowhere near as dignified or as old-timey as our boat. And I must admit that our feeling of superiority and pride at sojourning on the most sumptuous vessel to ever travel on the Mississippi was certainly reinforced by the people who stood on the banks to take photographs and wave at us everywhere we went.

The rooms and amenities on the American Queen

With 222 cabins spread out over six decks, the American Queen can accommodate 417 passengers and 172 crew members. While we were on board, the vessel was filled to only a little more than 50 percent of its capacity, making for a lot of room to roam and an extremely attentive crew.

Pool and lounge chairs on the American Queen

Beyond having crew members devoted to your every need and whims, the vessel itself makes passengers feel at ease all the time. The relentless heat and humidity of the South is soothed by the constant AC; the food is ever present whether you feel like having soft serve ice cream, popcorn, biscuits, tea, coffee, or cocktails throughout the day; the pool and cozy lounge chairs on deck six seem always empty, ready to welcome you; and the rooms are cleaned to perfection twice a day. If it’s a restful vacation you’re after, there are fewer better options.

On vacation aboard the American Queen, you can do lots or do very little

You’re onboard this amazing vessel to chill out, and if you wish you can do that and only that. You can sit by the pool with a cocktail all day long and book an appointment at the spa when you feel like being pampered. But if you want to get to know the region you’re traversing, there are excellent excursions just about every day.

Excursions from the American Queen are done via comfy, air-conditioned hop-on hop-off buses with knowledgeable tour guides. That said, if the vessel sets anchors close to where the excursion takes place, you’re under no obligation to ride the bus or visit the places selected, you can just walk off using the gangway and do your own thing — as long as you’re back before the deadline given to you.

New Madrid, MO, is one of the excursions on the American Queen

Photo: Murals on the New Madrid Museum. Photo: Jesse Adams

During our trip, we stopped at Ashport Landing, Tennessee, home to Fort Pillow State Historic Park where Confederate and Union soldiers fought during the Civil War; In New Madrid, Missouri, a tiny town whose claim to fame is having suffered the biggest earthquakes in American history in the early 19th century; the fun and artsy town of Paducah, Kentucky; and the small town of Dover, Tennessee, located in Stewart County, the most armed county in the United States and home to fewer than 15,000 people (but there are 57 churches).

Not all excursions are exciting. The towns of New Madrid and Dover are small and don’t have an awful lot to offer to passing tourists, yet visiting them allows passengers to peek into how people live, which is exactly what travel is all about.

Entertainment in the Grand Saloon on the American Queen

Entertainment in the Grand Saloon on the American Queen. Photo: Jesse Adams

In between excursions and tanning sessions by the pool, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had aboard the American Queen. For music, there are jazz and blues concerts in the Engine Room Bar (from where you can see the paddlewheel doing its job), piano and sing-along sessions at the Captain’s Bar, and Broadway music in the highly decorated Grand Saloon. There are also bingo games and trivia during which you can win a big wad of dollar bills or items from the gift shop.

What to eat aboard the American Queen

There’s plenty of barbecue, as to be expected on the cruise in the American South, but it’s certainly not the only appetizing offer. You can get amazing ribs and roast beef and all sorts of classic sides like mashed potatoes, grits, Coca-Cola green beans, etc. from the Front Porch Café on the third deck. Vegans and vegetarians don’t need to worry about getting their fair share of scrumptious foods: Every meal offers a vegan option, whether that be breakfast power bowls and quinoa porridge in the morning, or cauliflower steak and a creamy rich vegetable curry for dinner. Every espresso machine on board is also equipped with non-dairy milk alternatives.

Cocktails served aboard the American Queen are free of charge

And it’s the same when it comes to beverages. There’s nothing outdated about what’s on the menu. Cocktails of the day — think Americanos, Moscow mules, and bourbon punches — are announced the evening before on the daily schedule deposited on your bed at turn-down service, so you can go to sleep assured you won’t go thirsty the next day. But if you don’t feel like having the daily highlighted beverage, you can ask for whatever drinks you want and the bartender will take care of it. My partner enjoyed all the daily cocktails (and some), and I asked for virgin versions, all of which were very well executed. And remember, when you’re onboard, all the drinks are included.

All the things you don’t want to miss aboard the American Queen

The excursions, the entertainment, and the food and drinks should keep you very busy during your time aboard the American Queen. That said, there are some activities that are less flashy but that passengers would be remiss to pass on.

Try your hands at the Calliope

steam whistles of the calliope on the American Queen

Every time the American Queen leaves a port, one of the on-board pianists makes his way to the River Grill bar on the fifth deck and plays the Calliope, a steam-whistle organ. It’s a very loud and unusual instrument, which you can try if you wish. Just ask the musician in charge that day and they’ll give you a couple of tips so you don’t burst anyone’s eardrums. If you’d rather just look, make sure to take a peek at the whistle pipes releasing the steam on the sixth deck.

When a lock is coming, get on the deck

Going through the Kentucky Lock aboard the American Queen

Going through the Kentucky Lock aboard the American Queen. Photo: Jesse Adams

A 418-foot-long vessel going through a lock is an impressive sight. It requires a lot of skills from the pilots and the crew for the American Queen to fit in the lock and be securely tied without any accidents. But not all locks are created equal — some are fun to witness, others are mind-blowing. Take Olmsted Lock on the Lower Ohio River, between New Madrid and Paducah. It has a chamber that’s 37 feet high and the water level increases by around 30 feet inside. It’s cool to see, but you won’t lose sleep over it. Going through the Kentucky Lock, however, is eerie and claustrophobic. At the confluence between the Tennessee River and the Cumberland River, the chamber is 94-feet-high and the boat is raised by about 90 feet in less than 30 minutes. It’s freakish and you should not miss it.

When a bridge is on the horizon, make your way to the prow

Smoke stacks of the American Queen straight up and lowered

The American Queen is fitted with two 109-foot-tall smokestacks topped with a crown-like design. Those stacks, as charming and old-school as they look, are made with contemporary navigating in mind. When the vessel needs to pass below a bridge, the stacks are lowered, going from vertical to fully horizontal in the blink of an eye. Keep an eye on the horizon so you’ll know when to head to the prow and see the towering stacks being lowered.

Visit the engine room

american queen riverboat rooms

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American Queen Doe

The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity.

Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately riverboats that preceded her and so inspired her designers.

While on board, you can select a volume from the vast collection in the Mark Twain Gallery, the boat’s library. Or enjoy a sing-along in the Main Deck Lounge, and then tap your toes to a lavish show in the two-deck-tall Grand Saloon, the most elegant showplace on the river.

Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made River Cruising a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. One voyage and you’ll see why.

Accommodation

Welcome to your home aboard the elegant American Queen where you can relax in a warm, inviting atmosphere of Antebellum charm without sacrificing modern conveniences. Fine linens and plush bedding will ensure you are well-rested to fully enjoy every included shore tour, historical lecture and toe-tapping musical performance. Open veranda categories afford neighboring guests the unique opportunity to enjoy a social atmosphere, swapping stories and forming lasting friendships with fellow travelers. From cozy staterooms to opulent suites, the American Queen has accommodations for a variety of lifestyles and budgets.

Food & Drink

Dining aboard the American Queen is as decadent as it is delightful. Their award-winning culinary teams take full advantage of each region’s diverse bounty of fresh ingredients to prepare uniquely exquisite dishes while our gracious, all-American staff charms you with friendly, attentive service so that you may enjoy each meal in a most relaxed atmosphere.

Life on Board

Each day and evening aboard the American Queen and the American Empress lends a splendid variety of entertainment to keep you fully engaged throughout your voyage. Whether it is a themed voyage special event, a captivating tale told by our onboard Riverlorian or an energised musical performance led by top entertainers, there is always an impressive line-up of entertainment that is sure to satisfy.

American Queen

Get a feel for life onboard the American Queen by browsing through the image gallery. Click on any of the images above to get started.

American Queen Cruises

May we present you with a small selection of the wide range of cruises available on American Queen Steamboat' American Queen. For more details click on one of the links below.

Deck Plans American Queen

Browse American Queen's deck plans to get a feel of her layout. Explore cabins, restaurants, entertainment and shared spaces at your leisure.

The American Queen Steamboat Fleet

Climb aboard an iconic steamboat and explore a slice of American history on our Mississippi River cruises. Offering a unique on-the-river perspective, our voyages create the perfect getaway for nature and history lovers alike. Enjoy our richly appointed paddlewheelers and steamboats that offer beautiful staterooms and suites, restaurants and spacious decks for watching the river sights go by.

american queen riverboat rooms

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Cruising the Mighty Mississippi

“The American Queen is the largest, most opulent paddlewheel ever built in the entire world, so, you know, we call it a floating time capsule.”

John Waggoner Founder & CEO American Queen Steamboat Company

american queen riverboat rooms

The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a graceful and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Built in 1995 as the third sister vessel to the Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen , the paddlewheeler is a six-deck recreation of a classic Mississippi riverboat.

She was built by McDermott Shipyard, 90 miles west of New Orleans in Morgan City, Louisiana for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company at a cost of $80 million. The vessel was christened in New Orleans on June 2, 1995 with a four foot tall container of Tabasco sauce instead of the traditional champagne bottle. She is 418 feet long and 89 feet wide and has 222 state rooms for a capacity of 436 guests and a crew of 160. The American Queen Steamboat Company purchased the vessel in April 2011 and continues to offer paddlewheel cruises traversing the Mississippi as well as the Ohio and Tennessee rivers.

The American Queen, with her bright red paddle wheel, towering fluted stacks and abundant fretwork, looks as though she just sailed out of the Victorian era. Glistening mahogany woodwork, flowery carpets, Tiffany glass and antiques enhance her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree, a steam-powered calliope and open verandas evoke memories of the stately riverboats that preceded her and inspired her design.

american queen riverboat rooms

“What we try to do as philosophy is keep things like it was in the 1900s. This is just how it was when Mark Twain was onboard,” says John Waggoner, Founder and CEO of the American Queen Steamboat Company.

As history plays such a large part of the experience, Riverlorians, the resident history and culture experts, are onboard every cruise to impart the legends and lore of the river on which passengers are cruising. Passengers are invited to attend an enlightening lecture, relive a tale from Mark Twain or enjoy a recounting of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

“We want you to experience the thump-thump-thump-thump-thump of the paddlewheel. We want you to stand on the stern. We want you to get muddy Mississippi water spraying your face, and we want you to sit in a rocking chair, and watch the river go by and relax,” says Waggoner.

This American Queen inspires crowds of onlookers in each port in which she docks. In true royal fashion, she glides gracefully along the river and courteously greets onlookers with the wave of her flags as she passes by.

front view of the American Queen on the Mississippi

American Queen Steamboat Company

paddlewheel of the American Queen

Cruising The Mighty Mississippi

2 guests on deck of the American Queen

Cruising the Mighty Mississippi

Mark Twain impersonator

American Queen Steamboat Company / www.AQSC.comAmerican Queen Steamboat Company / www.AQSC

paddlewheel

First impressions of a US river cruise on American Queen

Ashley Kosciolek

Note: American Queen Voyages ceased operations in February 2024, following financial difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Booked passengers seeking refunds can request them by filling out a form on the dedicated website American Queen Voyages set up to handle claims.

I've taken several river cruises in my time as a cruise writer, but until this summer, they were all on foreign rivers like the Rhine and the Mekong. I thought I knew what to expect on U.S.-based American Queen river cruises — I researched the ports, pored over facts about the boat and even looked up local attractions in advance — but nothing prepared me for the sheer splendor of seeing American Queen Voyages' most iconic vessel in person.

My first glimpse of the boat in the wild (or, rather, docked in Pittsburgh, on the Ohio River near Acrisure Stadium, where the Steelers play) left me impressed. Not only was it a lot bigger than I expected, but it immediately made me feel like I had stepped back in time — or, perhaps, onto a ride at Disney World.

american queen riverboat rooms

A quintessential American paddlewheel steamboat, American Queen looks every bit the part. Its crisp white exterior, bright red paddlewheel and black smokestacks topped with festive crowns befitting a queen complete the picture of grandeur. Wherever the boat goes, it draws curious, awestruck stares, and locals line up along the riverbanks to greet it when it arrives and wave goodbye when it leaves.

From its lacy gingerbread trim to its shrill-but-wholesome calliope music, the boat evokes an air of southern Gilded Age luxury so strong I fully expected to bump into Mark Twain in one of the onboard lounges.

Here's what I loved and what I didn't during my voyage.

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What I loved

The boat's size.

Designed to carry about 400 passengers, American Queen is the largest paddlewheeler in the U.S. river cruise industry. The fact that there were only about 250 cruisers on board during my sailing was an added bonus. The vessel's size means that it has some amenities — like a plunge pool, fitness center, spa, a navigational chart room and theater with a stage — not found on other riverboats. But the low capacity meant most areas didn't feel crowded.

Another pleasant result was that we frequently ran into the same people over and over again, which added to the jovial and somewhat familial onboard vibe.

The ports of call

american queen riverboat rooms

While ocean vessels often focus on large cities or beachy destinations, the small towns found along American rivers are replete with charm and hospitality that are hard to come by elsewhere. The locals I met were exceptionally welcoming, and American Queen's daily tour schedule directed me to hidden-gem attractions I might have otherwise overlooked.

Free for the vessel's passengers in all ports, buses run along a predetermined route at regular 15- or 30-minute intervals. Designated stops along the way feature points of interest where passengers can hop off for a visit before catching the next bus to another attraction or back to the boat.

Highlights for me included the Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum — where a local family spent two generations making the inner frames for horse saddles — and the historic mansions in Madison, Indiana, as well as the Augusta Distillery in Augusta, Kentucky. There, we deviated from the suggested activities and stopped in for an excellent tasting where we were allowed to draw or "thief" our own bourbon from barrels where it was aging.

The focus is largely on smaller stops, but that doesn't mean there aren't big cities on the list, too. The most powerful place I visited was the Underground Railroad Museum during our call on Cincinnati. Exhibits covered everything from the history of slavery to modern-day human trafficking and implicit bias. It was a sobering look at the amount of work we still have left to do.

american queen riverboat rooms

As I grow older, I've noticed I prefer to slow down a bit when I cruise. I'm no longer at an age where I want to see and do everything at a break-neck pace . Given that most U.S. river cruise passengers tend to be in their golden years, the pace of onboard life is as leisurely as a float down a river. I found plenty of ways to relax, from joining low-key hosted trivia and doing self-led puzzles during the day to listening to live music at night.

I spent many an evening on the boat's outer decks, taking in the sights from passing towns, riverside factories and locks, which often left mere inches on either side of the vessel during transit.

While ashore, I enjoyed leisurely strolls along the riverbank whenever I wasn't lazily making my way between points of interest.

The slower, more relaxed pace helped me to maximize my enjoyment because I felt like I was able to be in the moment instead of thinking about where I had to be next. Because I was traveling with my dad on our first father-daughter trip , that was especially important to me.

The historical elements

american queen riverboat rooms

The entire American Queen experience — from the ship's exterior design and interior furnishings to the history of the places we visited — evokes the mid to late 1800s. Although it has backup engines that help with maneuvering, American Queen boasts a large wooden paddlewheel that's powered by a pair of 90-year-old steam engines rescued from a retired steamboat.

Elements like a steam-powered calliope (which one of the onboard musicians plays several times on each cruise, usually during sailaways) and the J.M. White Dining Room with its serious New Orleans ambiance add to the feeling of authenticity throughout.

Additionally, the lounges and cabins are largely furnished with antiques that fit with the time period the boat represents. My personal favorite is the Mark Twain Gallery, a rich, warm, dark lounge that's great for working, reading, lounging with a cup of coffee or anachronistically checking email at the provided bank of computers. Bonus: Display cases filled with antique oddities flank both sides of the lounge, and the windows in between offer both cozy seating alcoves and views into the dining room below.

A resident "riverlorian" — a historian who is well-versed in the history of the rivers on which the vessel sails — also gives several talks during each voyage. Ours provided lots of fun facts about the efficiency and capacity of cargo riverboats, which far exceed those of semi-trucks and trains.

The outdoor spaces

american queen riverboat rooms

True to its name, the Front Porch — the boat's main outdoor lounge area — was just that but on a grand scale. Rocking chairs and swings often made me feel like I was on the covered front porch of a southern farmhouse as we glided past small towns and made our way through a fascinating system of locks along the way.

When we were underway, I spent a lot of time there, either writing or reading. Plus, with the Front Porch Cafe buffet attached, it was easy to enjoy alfresco lunch or dinner, weather permitting.

Other great areas included the River Bar, which affords spectacular views of the paddlewheel in action (but beware of the calliope, which is extremely loud and will startle you if you're not expecting it) and the boat's two sun deck areas — one near the plunge pool and one just outside the Chart Room.

Also, keep your eye out for hidden outdoor areas that will allow you to view the paddlewheel up-close.

The surprises

american queen riverboat rooms

Hidden outdoor areas aren't the only surprises on American Queen sailings.

I thoroughly enjoyed poking around the vessel and discovering new areas, including The Theater, which is used only a few times per voyage to show movies.

I'm also a fan of the Engine Room Bar, where I enjoyed nightly music and views of the boat's paddlewheel. But the secret lies behind a door in the bar with a sign that's barely noticeable. Pop inside, and you can make your way down to the engine room, which is open to passengers interested in learning more about how the vessel operates.

Another surprise came when I stumbled on a series of doors in the same hallway that leads to the Engine Room Bar. On each was a list of cabin numbers, indicating that my cabin — 505, an open-veranda suite — had access to the Grand Saloon's private balcony boxes. As a result, my dad and I had fantastic views of the shows we saw there.

However, the quirkiest surprise was that, at least once during every voyage, passengers are allowed to play the calliope. Under the guidance of the boat's pianist — calliope keys are similar to keys you'd find on a piano — any cruiser who was able to play at least five notes would receive a certificate from the captain, declaring them official calliopists.

What needs work

The staffing issues.

american queen riverboat rooms

I would be remiss if I didn't start this section by saying that every crew member I met on the sailing was friendly, helpful and eager to please. They always gave me passing smiles, waves and greetings, no matter how busy they were, and it was obvious they were all working hard.

Like the rest of the U.S. hospitality industry, American Queen Voyages acknowledged that it is experiencing staffing shortages. Most of the things that could have been improved on my American Queen sailing were likely caused by a lack of workers. With more crew, they are almost certain to disappear.

The day I boarded, I couldn't help but notice that the back of the boat was looking kind of dingy. I saw quite a bit of dirt and grime around the paddlewheel area, with the red paint on the wheel itself looking faded. That night, while I was outside watching the stars as we sailed, I noticed the outer decks were overrun by an alarming number of spiders and their webs.

It took several days, but during our call on Cincinnati, I returned to the boat to find a crew member hard at work scrubbing each of the decks and climbing up into the eaves to wipe down the cobwebs with rags. (I'm unsure if it was part of the regular schedule, but I suspect it might have had to do with the fact that John Waggoner, the line's founder and chairman, was booked on the next voyage.) The engine room crew also worked diligently to repair paddlewheel boards and power wash the structure to restore the wheel to its bright red color before our cruise was up.

Another place where the experience fell short was the onboard dining. Overall, the food was decent. I'm a picky eater, but on American Queen I was able to find something I enjoyed at every meal. However, on the second morning, during breakfast, I cut into my pancakes and was dismayed when raw batter oozed out.

american queen riverboat rooms

Not wanting to make a big deal about it (particularly because we arrived 15 minutes prior to the closing time), I didn't say anything. Our waitress, who was experienced enough to see there was a problem without my saying a word, sent the head waiter over to ask what was wrong. I quietly told him, and he apologized, stressing that passengers should always speak up so the crew can do better next time.

That same head waiter sat us every night at dinner and always made sure we had what we needed. However, by the final night of the sailing, he looked frazzled and exhausted. All of the waitstaff did.

In fact, we hardly saw our dinner waiter. Every night, he greeted us, took our orders and brought each course, but there was virtually no following up in between courses to see how we were doing. I expect he was too busy juggling a large number of tables to have time to check in routinely with any of them.

One of our last nights at dinner, about halfway through, we noticed broken glass on the table. It's obvious something broke before we sat down. It was cleaned up, but why the table setting wasn't changed is a mystery. We did alert our waiter before we left, just so he wouldn't cut himself while cleaning up.

american queen riverboat rooms

I found little requests were often met with lackluster service, too. My dad loves a banana with his breakfast each morning. On days when they weren't immediately available at the buffet, he would ask for one. It wasn't a problem until one morning when a particularly haggard waiter went to grab one for us and came back a few minutes later with an apology that he "just can't find them right now."

There were other incidents, too. From our cabin, per instructions from the in-room literature, we called the front desk twice to request an ironing board, which never showed up. Neither did our room service breakfast order, despite our having put the menu card outside our door well before the deadline the previous night. We didn't pursue the ironing board further and instead simply wore rumpled clothes to dinner, but a call to the front desk about the breakfast meant food showed up at our door within 20 minutes.

These are, of course, small niggles that didn't greatly affect my enjoyment of the cruise overall. But, for such a luxurious ship, they were a bit unexpected and certainly not reflective of an experience that starts at about $3,000 per person for weeklong cruise.

It's impossible to talk about the heyday of riverboating without also broaching some painful subjects. While wealthy, white travelers were busy enjoying themselves on riverboats up and down U.S. waterways in the early part of the 1800s, enslaved people fought for freedom throughout the country — particularly in the pre-Civil War south.

With that in mind, the fact that — even on my recent 2022 sailing — American Queen's onboard guest population is predominantly white while the crew is predominantly Black struck me as particularly poignant.

When I asked about the line's demographics, a representative from American Queen Voyages told me that the company is actively looking to expand its customer reach.

"Like all cruise lines, we are always seeking guests new to cruise and new to U.S. river cruising," said Michael Hicks, a spokesperson for American Queen Voyages.

AQV also prides itself on hiring from the local communities along the rivers it travels. Given that American Queen usually sails the Mississippi and hires from the surrounding communities, many of its employees are Black.

"American Queen Voyages riverboat crew members come from across the United States," Hicks said. "An emphasis is placed on hiring from port partner cities, including St. Louis, Memphis, Cincinnati and New Orleans, as well as regional communities including Jackson, Mississippi; Metairie, Louisiana; and Owensboro, Kentucky."

Additionally, the line is working with local groups in the places it visits in order to make sure programming is historically accurate, even if it means telling stories that are sobering and difficult to hear.

"American Queen Voyages works with the ports [it visits] to select and curate experiences that tell the full history of destinations," said Hicks. "These include such rich and immersive experiences as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati; the Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah, Kentucky; The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Cleveland, Mississippi; the Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum in Terrene Landing, Mississippi; and the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture in Natchez, Mississippi.

"We are continually working with convention and visitors bureaus and [using] these organizations' local expertise to improve, as well as provide new and diverse experiences for our guests."

For some reason, the boat's garbage is stored forward on the main deck, where it sits in open dumpsters outside. My cabin, which was four decks up, was almost directly above it. Whenever I wanted to enjoy the veranda outside my cabin, I was met with the overpowering smell of rotting refuse baking in the 80-degree heat. For that reason, I didn't utilize my room's outdoor space as much as I would have liked.

One suggestion for fixing this would be to store the trash below deck or move it to an outdoor area at the back of the boat, where the wind would blow the smell back over the wake instead of into passenger areas.

The environmental impacts

american queen riverboat rooms

In general, cruises aren't known for being particularly environmentally friendly, but at a time when other lines are making a big deal of becoming more fuel efficient and cutting back on single-use products — particularly plastics — I was surprised by some of what I saw on American Queen.

First, it's important to acknowledge that paddlewheel vessels are less fuel efficient than boats that operate with more modern engines. Part of the charm of American Queen is the paddlewheel itself, so some allowances are made by default. A bit of fuel efficiency is sacrificed in the name of nostalgia.

However, the line could try harder to make some smaller things greener. These were most noticeable in the boat's Front Porch Cafe buffet area, where plastic spoons and paper bowls were the only options available next to the soft-serve ice cream machine, and paper cups with plastic lids were put out for beverages, rather than reusable cups, glasses or mugs that could be washed between uses.

The other experience that made me cringe was when I boarded one of the line's free charter buses for a ride to town during one of our port stops. I was one of five people on a bus built for 50. It struck me as super wasteful. It's likely the ship has no way of knowing how many people will need the buses later in the day, but perhaps smaller vehicles could be considered as alternatives after the initial passenger rush dies down.

Bottom line

American Queen is a beautiful boat that allows modern-day travelers to experience some of what life on the rivers might have been like 200 years ago. It's an impressive ode to history, complete with comfortable and richly furnished accommodations, great service, delicious food and visits to some of America's small towns. Although American Queen Voyages, like the rest of the domestic travel market, is still struggling with staffing issues, the experience was superior overall.

The cruise experience is largely geared toward older travelers, but that shouldn't stop younger vacationers from checking it out. Anyone who has an appreciation for relaxation, old-timey vibes and the Americana associated with tiny riverside towns will likely enjoy a sailing on American Queen.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Reasons A Stay On The World’s Largest Steamboat Is My Favorite U.S. Cruise

american queen riverboat rooms

  • Cruises and Sailing
  • River Cruises
  • Types of Travel

I have been on several cruises and travel adventures around the world, but recently, I’ve felt the need to focus on discovering great destinations closer to home. The U.S. is filled with countless experiences that travelers can unlock, and a river cruise offers the chance to see so many things in an efficient, hassle-free, and fun way.

Our summer cruise on the Ohio River took us from Pittsburgh to Louisville, and the itinerary included stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, Indiana, before reaching Louisville.

I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

As it turns out, it’s filled with memorable experiences and a range of fun ways to spend your days. The best part about our trip, though, was how we got there. American Queen owns a special charm and an incredible river cruise program that makes it a favorite way to cruise within the U.S. Here’s why.

The American Queen in Madison, Indiana

1. An Itinerary With Small Towns And Big Cities

Pittsburg, pennsylvania.

American Queen Voyages offers a pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh, and it was nice to explore the City of Bridges for a day. We had lunch at the famous Primanti Brothers, diving into our hearty sandwiches — complete with fries stuffed onto the pastrami between slices of Italian bread. And we washed it down with a couple of Iron City beers.

The embarkation pier for the riverboat sits at the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football stadium, making for a scenic sail away from the confluence of the three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela).

Cincinnati, Ohio

The cruise also features a stop in Cincinnati and wraps up in Louisville, so travelers have opportunities to explore these interesting big cities and all they have to offer. We went for a bike ride on the riverfront, explored the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and had lunch and craft beers at Moerlein Lager House.

Louisville, Kentucky

In Louisville, cruisers can explore city highlights like the famed Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby track) or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory before catching flights back home.

These big cities are nice, but it’s the small towns that really make this trip shine. Residents gather along the banks of the river to cheer our arrival or give us a friendly sendoff each day. Each riverside destination, no matter how small, loves to show off its slice of American history and regional attractions, such as quirky museums, pretty churches, and, of course, its local shops and eateries.

Marietta, Ohio

In Marietta, Ohio, attractions included Mound Cemetery, one of the oldest in the original Northwest Territory, the Ohio River Museum, and the Childen’s Toy & Doll Museum.

Huntington, West Virginia

When I went ashore in Huntington, West Virginia, the hop-on, hop-off bus loop took us to the Touma Medical Museum, a delightful little open-air railroad museum (a yard filled with colorful old rail cars), Ritter Park Rose Garden, and the Marshall University Campus, which features a wonderful grounds filled with statues, sculptures, trees, and flowers.

Augusta, Kentucky

In Augusta, Kentucky, AQV passengers were able to walk just a few hundred steps from our spot on the river to explore the Rosemary Clooney Museum. This is the former home of actress, singer, and aunt to superstar George Clooney. Highlights of this charming town also include Bates Garden, the 1811 Jail, and Baker-Bird Winery.

Madison, Indiana

There was another railroad museum to see in Madison, Indiana, and the town also lists the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Broadway Fountain, and Lanier Mansion as top attractions for visitors to check out.

The Grand Ballroom of the American Queen

2. Enriching Entertainment

While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows. 

Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon theater space. During our cruise, we saw Phil Westbrook several times, as the singer and piano man performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as entertained passengers at the intimate Captain’s Bar just outside the main J.M. White Dining Room.

We also dropped by the theater for shows by guitarist Logan Reeves and a song and dance variety production on TV theme songs from the American Queen Ensemble and the Steamboat Syncopators house band. The shows draw on plenty of nostalgia but definitely favor an era more familiar to cruisers 70 and older. However, the overall mood is quite fun.

A hip vibe can be found nightly at the Engine Room Bar, where the ship’s musicians get the crowd dancing with a great mix of blues and rock tunes.

Fresh pastries on the American Queen

3. Regionally Inspired Cuisine

The American Queen chefs kept us well-fed. Meals are served in the main dining room and in the casual eatery called the Front Porch, which offers wonderful views as you cruise on the river. When the weather is nice, it’s worth having at least one dinner outside there to enjoy the sunset and sailing.

The menu includes items like chicken fried steak, frog legs, and a variety of steak and fish preparations. The cuisine is more hearty than healthy, but you can find some fresh fruits and salads in the mix at the lunch buffets. We were always tempted by the mouth-watering selection of homemade pies and slices of chocolate cake set out each day at lunch. There always is a delicious soup, gumbo, or chili available, too.

If you need a snack, you can swing by the Front Porch for a bag of fresh popcorn, a couple of cookies, or a soft-serve ice cream cone or dish.

The author and Colleen riding bikes in Cincinnati

4. Set Your Own Pace

As a person who loves his daily workouts, I’m happy that a river cruise on American Queen makes it easy. Not only is there a well-equipped gym, but the ship carries a fleet of bikes. Colleen and I started several days with a run along the riverside trails through small towns or by grabbing a couple of bikes to go exploring independently.

In general, river cruising allows travelers the chance to explore on their own in a hassle-free way. It’s so easy to stroll onto and off of the ship at your leisure, and the towns and cities are mere steps away. You can go set your own schedule for the day if you’re not interested in rigorously following the ship excursion program.

Pro Tip: Ask crew members for their insight on nice places to eat or go shopping — or for their favorite places to get a coffee or craft brew. We received great insight from lead butler Adam, who is a coffee connoisseur and loves to find and frequent local cafes along all the river towns he visits.

The author at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

American Queen Voyages provides a wonderful service in its hop-on, hop-off bus routes in each city and on each river itinerary that it operates. Passengers walk off the ship and straight onto waiting buses with clear signage at each stop along the route at the attractions in town.

Cruisers love being able to have peace of mind that they will see a nice mix of highlights in each port without worrying about transportation. You can get off at each spot or pick and choose what you are interested in on the loop.

Deck chairs on the American Queen

6. Plenty Of Space Onboard

American Queen itself is an attraction. Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The décor takes you back in time to a golden era of steamship travel. The Grand Saloon resembles a 19th-century opera house with private boxes wrapped around the theater and hanging over the main level and the stage adorned with a large red curtain.

Chandeliers fill the main restaurant, rocking chairs line the railings on the front porch, and gingerbread ornamentation accents the staircases and stateroom patios of the bright white ship. The signature big red paddlewheel churns at the stern of the ship helping to power the voyage along the river.

American Queen features a large Mark Twain Gallery that serves as a reading room (with a small computer area). It’s outfitted with vintage lamps and antique chairs and all kinds of mementos of a bygone time, including river ship models, paintings, books, vases, and other collectibles.

There are two parlors at the very front of the ship ahead of the Main Twain Gallery, and these spots also are carefully decorated and ideal for working on puzzles, reading, or enjoying the river views while relaxing with friends.

The author on a steamboat cruise on the Ohio River

7. Scenic Sailing

I found the periods of sailing from town to town one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of this river cruise. It was fabulous to watch the world floating by, with the pretty evening sunsets, flowing waters, and subtle bends in the river. We would pass under a variety of bridge styles and see trains on adjacent tracks and tugboats pushing coal barges.

Cruisers also enjoyed the process of watching our big riverboat pass through the locks along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure to head up to the top deck for sail aways each day. Crowds gather along the banks of the river to wave you off and wish you well on the journey. And one of the musicians will come out to play some tunes on the boat’s steam calliope. It’s a fun spectacle!

Related Reading:

  • 9 Reasons You’ll Love A Princess Cruise In The Western Caribbean
  • 7 Things People Always Forget To Take On A Cruise Plus 8 Things They Should Leave At Home
  • I Just Sailed On Royal Caribbean With My Grandchildren — Here Are My 10 Key Tips

Image of John Roberts

John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

The Roaming Boomers

Review: american queen voyages.

Posted by David Porter on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 · 2 Comments  

Here is our review sailing with Amerian Queen Voyages.

Carol and I sailed with American Queen Voyages in early November 2021 on the American Empress sailing the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

This was our second journey with American Queen Voyages.  Please read the review of our first sailing with them on the Mississippi River at THIS LINK .

When COVID-19 hit our shores nearly two years ago, interest in U.S.-based river cruises shot through the roof.

Before COVID-19, we saw increased interest in U.S. river cruises which prompted Carol and me to sail with American Queen Voyages back in December of 2019.

Okay, let’s get into the review, and don’t forget to click all photos for larger views .

Our Ship: The American Empress

American Queen Voyages American Empress

DECK PLAN. CLICK FOR A LARGE VIEW.

Here are a few fun facts about the Amerian Empress:

  • As you can see, she is a paddle wheeler with a “gold rush” feel on the interior.
  • All Riverview Staterooms
  • 112 Staterooms with a maximum of 221 guests.
  • On the top deck, we enjoyed a Suite with Veranda (A), suite #405.

And when we weren’t enjoying our comfortable suite, we could be found enjoying the rocking chairs at the very front of the ship.  It was a fabulous way to take in all of the scenery.

Views of our Suite With Veranda (A)

American Empress Suite A with Veranda 1

We found our suite to be comfortable, and with 332 sq. ft to roam around in, we didn’t ever find ourselves crawling over one another. Although, as you can see in the third photograph, the bathroom is on the small side.

In the fourth slide, you can see that the fourth deck offers semi-private verandas.  However, we spent no time on our veranda as rocking chairs called to us from the front of the ship, steps away from our suite.  If you prefer, decks two and three offer private verandas in the smaller veranda staterooms (200 sq. ft.).

Dining Aboard the American Empress

We were on one of American Queen Voyages’ Wine Cruises.  Therefore, besides a wide variety of cuisine available each night, we also enjoyed two wine-pairing dinners as well as a few wine tastings in the show lounge.

When I am on a cruise, I gravitate to menu options that are local.  So, as you might imagine, I enjoyed a lot of Pacific Northwest salmon and halibut.  However, if you prefer a steak, prime rib, or lobster, those options are readily available.

While formal attire is not required, the Astoria Dining Room (pictured below) is a more elegant setting, where the River Grill is a far more casual atmosphere.  Further, alcoholic drinks are always complimentary on an America Queen Voyages cruise.

We often enjoyed a piping hot mug of coffee and Bailey’s while sailing and rocking in our rocking chairs.

American Empress Dining 1

Shore Excursions

American Queen Voyages Hop On Hop Off

Unique to American Queen Voyages, we had four of these coaches following along on our journey to offer complimentary hop-on-hop-off shore excursions.

After breakfast each day, the four coaches were lined up and ready to take us on a circular tour of our destination where you could hop on or hop off at your pleasure.  And if you prefer, you could simply stay on the coach and listen as a local tour guide shared information about the destination.  We found this to be a delightful way to explore a destination.  If we desired to spend more time at one of the sights, there was always another bus coming around the loop in roughly 30 minutes.

In addition, there are also optional tours that were more far-reaching to explore other not-to-be-missed sights.  Here is a photograph I shot on the optional tour through the Columbia River Gorge.

Columbia River Gorge

And here is a shot of the renowned Multnomah Falls that I captured on the same optional tour.

Multnomah Falls

I could go on and on, but alas, this article is getting a bit long.  We LOVED this journey and highly recommend you enjoy a river cruise on the Columbia & Snake Rivers from our friends at American Queen Voyages.

Oh, and for our next American Queen Voyages journey, I’ve got my eye on one of their new ships coming to Alaska. I will let you know more about that in another article.

If you have questions about this journey, please ask them in the comments section below.  I’m more than happy to answer your questions.

How to Book American Queen and Get Our Exclusive Perks

The American Queen Steamboat Company is a part of our Virtuoso Voyages program.  This means that when you book an American Queen sailing through Roaming Boomers Travel Services, you will receive exclusive complimentary amenities that you wouldn’t get by booking directly with the company.

Additionally, you will also enjoy our expert hands-on service and care for your booking.  And, the price is exactly the same booking with us or booking with the company.

For more information or to book an American Queen Steamboat Company river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request ( click here ) and we’ll reach out to you.

Additional Links:

  • American Queen Steamboat Company
  • Best Way to Book an Ocean or River Cruise
  • Seven Reasons Why You Should Consider a Cruise on the Columbia & Snake Rivers

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Category: Travel News & Tips · Tags: American Queen Steamboat Company , American Queen Voyages

2 Comments on “ Review: American Queen Voyages ”

My experience in July 2021 was way different than yours. Food was often served cold. Selections were less that advertised.

We were unable to choose dining times – assigned to what was named “main”. However main was 7:45 pm. Which if you are from East Coast is 9:45 pm.

The River Grille was only opened for breakfast and lunch. Menu items were extremely limited – and as cold as the main dining room options were, the Grille was even colder and hard.

Maybe having the Viking experience has given me high standards. I will be waiting for Viking to do the American River cruise experiences in the future.

Cruiser1203,

If you traveled with them in July of 2021, you must have been on one of their very early cruises after Covid. All cruise lines were having service issues here and there as staffing was a real problem. I’m so sorry to hear that you encountered an issue; I’m confident that the service issues have been resolved as we experienced none of that. Thanks for reaching out.

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American Queen deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

American Queen  cruise ship

American Queen deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Scrapped Cruise Ships deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the American Queen cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on American Queen staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

American Queen (1995-built, extensive refurbishment in 2013, scrapped in 2024) was an authentic late-1800s-design Mississippi River steamboat. This paddle-wheele ship was similar by design to all fleetmates ( American Empress , American Duchess , American Countess ) and also to the American Cruise Lines riverboats America (2016), American Eagle , American Pride (2012), Queen of the Mississippi/American Heritage (2015) and Queen of the West/American West .

The ship was built for the “Delta Queen Steamboat Co”. In the period 2011-2024, the riverboat was owned by "Hornblower Marine Services" (aka HMSGM/ HMS Global Maritime) - parent company of American Queen Voyages/AQV/fka AQSC . This vessel was traditional for the region of Mississippi River paddlewheeler (aka "paddle steamer"). Widely known for being powered by its steam engine, the American Queen steamboat also had a secondary/alternative propulsion system (diesel-electric propellers). It is used only in emergency cases, and also for better maneuverability in areas where the steamboat’s paddlewheel (located at the stern) can't help the navigation.

American Queen cruise ship deck plan has a total of 222 staterooms for 436 passengers served by 174 crew/staff (all-American), with 6 passenger decks (all accessible via 2 elevators), 3 lounges, 3 restaurants, Spa, 1 swimming pool, plenty of porches and open deck/promenade areas, no medical facility/doctor on the ship.

American Queen itineraries offer USA cruise travel along the rivers Mississippi (upper and lower), Ohio and Tennessee.

American Queen deck plan changes 2013 refurbishment review

The latest 2013 half-a-million dollars refurbishment of the riverboat resulted in:

  • All dining places and public areas and venues were extensively renovated and significantly expanded. All the onboard furniture was either replaced or reupholstered.
  • Hallways decoration now features river scenery artworks by Michael Blaser.
  • The Dining Room received new entryway (decorated with marble and granite), wallpapers and carpets were changed. The restaurant’s furniture now features Victorian-style chairs, and the walls show an artwork collection of famous US wineries. The buffet section was also upgraded and enlarged.
  • “Front Porch of America” was transformed into “Front Porch Cafe” (alternative dining venue). All the furniture in its sitting area was replaced.
  • A new cabin grade was introduced – the SO (“Single Balcony” rooms).

The 2012 multi-million refurbishment (USD 6,5 million) added the steamboat’s impressive Victorian-style decor in all public spaces, with all the classy chandeliers and the traditional upholstery and polished wood. Her passenger cabins were upgraded with luxury bedding sets and flat TVs. The “River Grill & Bar” was added. All passenger decks were repainted. Regina Charboneau (US celebrity chef) was recruited to oversee the onboard cuisine, and new food recipes were added in the process.

Deck layouts

Deck 01 - main, deck 02 - cabin, deck 03 - texas, deck 04 - observation, deck 05 - promenade, deck 06 - sun.

American Queen deck plans are property of Scrapped Cruise Ships . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

american queen riverboat rooms

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  2. American Queen Steamboat Company: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and

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  3. American Queen

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  4. In Pictures: Staterooms & Suites aboard the American Queen

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  6. American Queen Steamboat Company: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and

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  6. American Queen Steamboat Alton-Clifton Terrace IL 7/18/23

COMMENTS

  1. American Queen cabins and suites

    Like the steamboat's public rooms, the American Queen cabins are also decorated and equipped with Victorian-style antiques and reproductions. Staterooms and suites decoration feature polished wood, Victorian colour patterns, steamboat era's framed photos. ... Follows the review of American Queen riverboat cabins as amenities, furniture and ...

  2. In Pictures: Staterooms & Suites aboard the American Queen

    While many of the veranda staterooms on American Queen are front-porch style, opening onto shared deck space, the private-veranda staterooms offer passengers their own private perch to admire the river just a step outside their bedrooms. These AA-category staterooms measure 190 square feet with a veranda measuring 40 square feet.

  3. Photo Tour: Staterooms & Suites On The American Queen

    Accommodations on the American Queen range from cozy interior staterooms to spacious suites with verandas, making it easy to find not only a space where you will enjoy living during your cruise on the river but also a price point that falls within your budget. However, figuring out what's best for you among the more than one dozen categories ...

  4. River Cruises: American Queen

    American Queen. Discover the heritage and culture of America with a cruise onboard the elegant American Queen, an authentic paddlewheel steamboat. Luxurious amenities display the opulence of the American Victorian era while also featuring every modern convenience. Each stateroom features lush bedding and fine linens as well as in-room bottled ...

  5. American Queen

    Once In A Lifetime Riverboat Cruise Experience. Fabulous boat The American Queen built 1995 went on weeks cruise 2022 loved every minute did not want to leave fantastic food and entertainment and side tripes were fabulous I collect riverboat models artifacts and memorbilia This was the best vocation I ever had inside room….

  6. American Queen Steamboat Company

    This is a list of all the cabins and suites onboard American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen. Please click a cabin number below for more details about that particular cabin. Please note, cabin decor and size may vary among cabins in these categories. All descriptions are general as it relates to a particular category. Number of Decks: 6.

  7. A Cruise on the American Queen Steamboat Is Like a Trip Back in Time

    The rooms and amenities on the American Queen. With 222 cabins spread out over six decks, the American Queen can accommodate 417 passengers and 172 crew members. While we were on board, the vessel was filled to only a little more than 50 percent of its capacity, making for a lot of room to roam and an extremely attentive crew.

  8. American Queen deck 2 plan

    This is another great place for quiet relaxation - reading, Internet-browsing, watching the river scenery. Cabin Deck cruise cabins from 201 to 222, all of which are Outside, with 2x category C ("Outside Open Veranda") and 20x category D ("Deluxe Outside with Bay Window"). American Queen deck 2 plan (Cabin) layout - review of all ...

  9. American Queen (American Queen Voyages) Riverboat Tour

    This is a full tour of American Queen from river cruise line American Queen Voyages. This is the largest passenger riverboat in the world, and we sailed on t...

  10. American Queen

    American Queen. Doe. The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today's modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces.

  11. Slideshow: River Cruise Queens of the Mississippi

    American Queen Salons/Public Rooms: The biggest surprise onboard American Queen was how many fabulous and cozy public rooms there were to lounge in -- and how each had a distinct personality ...

  12. American Queen Ship Review

    The American Queen vessel (MMSI 366950740) was the largest steamboat ever built in the world. Before relaunching in April 2012, the ship received a USD 6,5 million renovation to make the Victorian decor. Cabins got new LCDTVs and bedding. A top-deck bar (River Grill) was also added.

  13. American Queen Voyages Reviews, Ships & Photos

    About American Queen Voyages. Climb aboard an American Queen Voyages and you'll truly feel as if you've stepped back in time. The cruise line's iconic trio of paddlewheelers — American Queen (the world's largest riverboat), American Empress, and American Duchess (the fleet's newest vessel) — are a throwback to a more elegant era, replete with Victorian-period flourishes like fine ...

  14. The American Queen

    The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a graceful and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Built in 1995 as the third sister vessel to the Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen, the paddlewheeler is a six-deck recreation of a classic Mississippi riverboat.. She was built by McDermott Shipyard, 90 miles west of New Orleans in Morgan City, Louisiana for the Delta Queen ...

  15. First impressions of a US river cruise on American Queen

    Note: American Queen Voyages ceased operations in February 2024, following financial difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Booked passengers seeking refunds can request them by filling out a form on the dedicated website American Queen Voyages set up to handle claims.. I've taken several river cruises in my time as a cruise writer, but until this summer, they were all on foreign ...

  16. 7 Reasons To Cruise The Ohio River On The American Queen Riverboat

    2. Enriching Entertainment. While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows. Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen's majestic Grand Saloon theater space.

  17. American Queen Voyages

    1-800-359-8298 | Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-6pm (EST) First Name: Phone Number: Best Time To Call You (Optional): Contact Preference: e.g. special occasion, first cruise. Send Request. Explore U.S. history and culture aboard luxury river cruises along iconic U.S. waterways with special rates and deals from American Queen Voyages and ...

  18. Review: American Queen Voyages

    For more information or to book an American Queen Steamboat Company river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online ... Grille was only opened for breakfast and lunch. Menu items were extremely limited - and as cold as the main dining room options were, the Grille was even colder and ...

  19. American Queen deck plan

    A separate link provides an extensive information on American Queen staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category. American Queen (1995-built, extensive refurbishment in 2013, scrapped in 2024) was an authentic late-1800s-design Mississippi River steamboat.

  20. All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

    Park of Culture and Leisure. Suggest edits to improve what we show. В парке чисто,аккуратно. Для детей довольно много аттракционов.Для взрослых- разве что карусель.Есть вай-фай. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of ...

  21. Medvedkovo Map

    Medvedkovo is a Moscow Metro station in Severnoye Medvedkovo District, North-Eastern Administrative Okrug, Moscow. Mapcarta, the open map.

  22. 628DirtRooster

    Welcome to the 628DirtRooster website where you can find video links to Randy McCaffrey's (AKA DirtRooster) YouTube videos, community support and other resources for the Hobby Beekeepers and the official 628DirtRooster online store where you can find 628DirtRooster hats and shirts, local Mississippi honey and whole lot more!

  23. UUVR

    Heliport information about UUVR - Yasenevo, MOS, RU. Information on this site may not be accurate or current and is not valid for flight planning or navigation.