Explore the USA with American Queen Steamboat Company

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 The Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Columbia, and Snake rivers - these are the real blue highways. Follow the story of America from the Gulf of Mexico in New Orleans to the trail of Lewis and Clark in the Pacific Northwest.

The Experience

Immerse yourself in the Victorian era splendor of the "wedding cake" design of the American Queen steamboat, where Mark Twain or Rhett Butler might feel right at home in one of the elegant salons. Authentically steam-powered, this stately vessel makes her way slowly along the Mississippi River, often greeted by people standing on the riverbanks waving to passengers. You feel very privileged to be on board as the calliope plays, announcing the boat's departure from port. I enjoyed my uniquely American experience on board with an Ohio River cruise from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh. Local guides  spoke with pride of the history of their city or town, and I gained a deeper understanding of my own country (and maybe a few pounds - the food was great). 

Or you can opt for one of her smaller paddlewheel sisters, the American Empress, Duchess, and Countess. All include delicious meals featuring regional cuisine, excellent entertainment, expert presenters, and an on-board "Riverlorian" who is a wealth of knowledge of local stories, history, and destinations. In port, there's an included shore tour with a local guide, and often a hop on hop off private bus with suggested stops for exploration. Solo travelers will be happy to know that all of these ships have dedicated single-occupancy rooms. 

The Rivers

 

The Mississippi River

Travel from New Orleans to Memphis on an 8 day cruise, or all the way to Minneapolis (Red Wing) on a 23 day cruise. You'll visit Natchez, Vicksburg, and the Mississippi Delta on the 8-day, St Louis, Hannibal, Dubuque, La Crosse, and more on the upper section of the river. Civil War sites, plantations, music, Cajun history and cuisine await on the lower river. On the upper river, the stories of Mark Twain come to life, plus tales of the pioneers and scenic beauty in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

 

The Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers

Pittsburgh to Louisville on a 9-day trip on the Ohio, calling at Wheeling, Marietta, Cincinnati plus others depending on the itinerary you choose. Discover the history of the frontier town of Wheeling, the last stop for provisions before heading west, the oil-boom town of Marietta, Churchill Downs, bourbon distilleries, and Underground Railroad history. Eight day cruises between Memphis and Chattanooga showcase Civil War sites like Shiloh National Military Park and Lookout Mountain, as well as the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and well-preserved historic towns. 

The Columbia and Snake Rivers

Clarkston, Washington to Vancouver, Washington on a 9-day cruise. Travel through the spectacular scenery of the Columbia River Gorge, past waterfalls and multiple dams. Jet boat in Hells Canyon, visit wineries, the Lewis and Clark Experience, and examine the essential contributions of Sacagawea. 

There are many variations of these itineraries, including cruises sailing throughout the year. 

 

Themed River Cruises and Special Interest Focus

All cruises include shore excursions in every port, and some premium options for more focused exploration. Themed cruises allow an even deeper dive into the history, culture, food, or iconic experiences that are a highlight of these parts of the country. Here's a selection of some of the best.

The Civil War - battlefield visits, experts on board and on shore, remembrance of those who fought. 

Music of America - multiple genres from blues to southern rock with special guest musicians highlighting the music of the region. 

Bourbon - Learn the history of this American spirit, how it is made, and of course, tastings. Experts will be on board to showcase different distilleries.

BBQ - the culinary team competes with guest chefs, and the guests vote: what's your favorite BBQ style?

Mardi Gras - Pre-cruise hotel in New Orleans for the festivities, plus the party continues once you are on board. Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Kentucky Derby - You are on board for the Kentucky Derby Great Steamboat Race, and can add a Derby package with VIP tickets. Mint Juleps are optional, but highly recommended!

The American Queen Steamboat Company Riverboats

American Queen carries 417 passengers in suites and rooms with private verandas or shared verandas, rooms with bay windows, inside rooms, and solo occupancy rooms. This "steamboat Gothic" style vessel is the largest in the fleet, with an opulent theater plus expansive decks and even a small pool. 

American Empress cruises the Columbia and Snake Rivers. She holds 221 passengers in suites and staterooms with verandas, or rooms with windows. She also has solo occupancy rooms with veranda.

American Countess carries 245 passengers on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. She has staterooms with veranda (private and shared), inside rooms, and solo veranda rooms. 

American Duchess carries 166 passengers on the Mississippi River in 2-level Loft Suites and rooms with verandas, plus inside rooms. The decor is elegant and modern.

 

To learn more about river cruising in the United States, please contact our full-service travel agency in Concord, Massachusetts. We'd love to help you plan your next vacation.

Call 978-460-5642 or email peggy@cruiseplanners.com