4.5
Excellent# of trips
2
Type
Local operator
Service level
standard
Travelers age
5 — 65
Trip prices
$2,299 — 2,999
Tour languages
Unknown
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Overview
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Play the gameAmerican Queen Steamboat Company Reviews & Ratings
We had a wonderful cruise
We had a wonderful cruise up the Mississippi from New Orleans to St Louis ! Gr...
Been waiting over three months
Been waiting over three months for our refund of our cruise that...
had a fantastic time
We went on the American Empress in 2015 and had a fantastic time. In December 2018 we went on the American Queen and had an equally good time. Fantastic boats, wonde...
This is about the most fun place
This is about the most fun place, with the very best of food, entertainment or coarse the waiters, entertainers, and the ships host like Ryan is the best ever, we bo...
serenity of the cruise
The friendly staff, great entertainment, food, and serenity of the cruise.
Editoral Review of American Queen Steamboat Company
While most Americans may identify river cruising with Europe’s Rhine or Danube, river cruising in the U.S. is alive and thriving, and the American Queen Steamboat Company is one of the leaders in the field. Based in Memphis, the line offers river cruises in both the eastern and western U.S. It’s a chance to see the country from a different perspective – much more calming and relaxed than road travel with no worries about lodging, transportation, food, sightseeing or entertainment once you board your ship.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
The company’s fleet consists of just two ships – the American Queen and the American Empress – but both boast distinctions in the river cruise industry. The American Queen, which features Victorian-era decor and a two-story Grand Salon for theater performances, is said to be the largest riverboat ever built. While the Empress, which sports a signature red paddlewheel and also provides evening entertainment, is the largest riverboat operating west of the Mississippi.
Who Travels With Them?
The river cruise line attracts mostly an older crowd age 50 and above, with some passengers well into their 70os and 80s. Many are American history and literary buffs with an interest in the Civil War, Mark Twain, the Lewis and Clark expeditions, and Americana in general. (A “riverlorian” accompanies each cruise to lecture on regional history and culture.)
Where Do They Operate?
The American Queen sails the upper and lower Mississippi as well as the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. (The upper Mississippi extends from Missouri north to Minnesota, while the lower Mississippi runs from Memphis south to New Orleans.) The Empress travels the scenic Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
How Does It Work?
During the voyage, all shore excursions are guided and included in the initial price. (You can go off on your own if you wish.) The fare also includes complimentary wine or beer at dinner and espresso and soft drinks throughout the cruise. Regional cuisine is featured in the dining rooms, and dress is casual.
Why Travel With Them?
American Queen runs a well-oiled operation that offers good value. While the ships aren’t the most luxurious afloat, they have character and offer a range of activities and cultural enrichment programs, as well as a relaxing river cruise experience.
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Solo friendly
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About the company
The mighty rivers of the United States of America once served as the great highways of early exploration and inspired dreams of discovery. Today, the American Queen Steamboat Company re-creates the same sense of wonder, excitement and inspirations with all the convenience and comfort of modern luxury aboard two of the largest and most elegant riverboats in the world, the American Queen and the American Empress. Traveling in the wake of legends, guests are transported to an era of leisurely and romantic travel.
At the American Queen Steamboat Company, we are both proud and honored to share the dream of American river cruising and as such we maintain a commitment to excellence that far exceeds expectations. The welcome appearance of each of our vessels is richly complemented by a culture of gracious service, elegant decor, rousing entertainment and rewarding enrichment experiences. All of this is accentuated with pre-cruise deluxe hotel stays, remarkable shore excursions included in every port of call and a wealth of complimentary on-board amenities.
Here are some details about our Vessels:
The American Queen:
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.
The American Empress:
Proudly serving as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River, the American Empress delivers classic elegance and modern luxury on a grand scale. One step onboard and you will quickly discover that there is far more to this vessel than her welcoming appearance and signature red paddlewheel.
Cruising aboard the American Empress incites moments of sheer perfection with her seamless blend of stunning backdrops, exceptional dining venues, dynamic public spaces and stunning décor. We invite you to step aboard and delight in the luxurious modern amenities, gracious service and endless authentic experiences that await you.
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