American Queen Steamboat River Cruises

Tracing the history of the legendary Mississippi River, the American Queen Steamboat Company provides extraordinary journeys onboard the world’s largest working steamboat in service, the American Queen.

As seen in Series Three of Cruising with Jane McDonald, with American Queen Steamboat Company guests are guaranteed an expert level of all-American service that ensures the experience is smooth and unforgettable.

Join the American Queen and American Duchess on their path through the beautiful country of the USA and experience the colourful cities of St. Louis, Memphis and Cincinnati, or let yourself be immersed in the Mississippi River’s deep past of exploration which inspired celebrated American author Mark Twain to pen the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

American Queen Steamboat Company Ships

All that the Mississippi offers is waiting onboard none other than the grand 6-deck American Queen and American Duchess, crafted with traditional Colonial décor and styling.

The Grand Saloon boasts an iconic appearance of a 19th century opera house modelled after Ford’s Theater, where stunning musical and historical performances take place each evening.

Feel the spirit of the Mississippi in the ship’s stunning Mark Twain Gallery, the author famous for his writings on the Mississippi. Enjoy a sumptuous American dinner in the spacious JM White Dining Room in the evening before getting a good night’s rest in your veranda stateroom.

On American Queen Steamboat Company’s grand paddle steamers, you’ll be taken back in time to discover the tides of history along the great American Mississippi River not only at each historically and culturally rich destination but every aspect onboard.

As well as all the luxury mod cons such as a fitness room, spa and modern amenities, you’ll also find great pride has been taking in transporting you to the classic American Mississippi and feel of the South in every aspect aboard American Queen.

With Opera House-style cabaret in the main theater in the evenings and traditional blue grass and jazz in the saloon bar you can tap your feet, sing and dance along to, each day on the Mississippi is a chance to make good friends with like-minded guests. In addition, guest historians also give talks to further enrich your experience as well as popular Mark Twain evenings.

American Queen Steamboat Company Dining

Just like every other part of your American Queen river cruise experience, dining mixes perfect dollops of nostalgia along with all the modern standards as come to be expected by American Steamboat Company’s discerning guests.

As part of your river cruise package you are offered breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard each day with American Queen.

Breakfast- a buffet with a traditional and early riser option.

Lunch- a buffet consisting of hearty soups and American classics with the option to dine al fresco and take in the views if you so wish.

Dinner- a more organised but relax a la carte service with the option to be seated in the main dining room or the al fresco porch café.

In addition, complimentary 24-hour room service is available, as well as ice cream and cookies, with American Queen plus options covering a range of special dietary needs. Meanwhile, for those who enjoy a good beer, wine or cocktail while taking in a show or lounging as the scenic Mississippi slides by, American Steamboat company drinks packages are available.

The Mississippi River with American Queen Steamboat Company

As the grand lifeline of North America, the Mississippi holds the tales of its ancient inhabitants, the Native Americans, as well as hundreds of explorers and settlers who traversed the river during America’s early years.

The Mississippi River was most significantly an agricultural haven to the settlers, who previously suffered from the harsh weather of America’s plains, and a strong trade route that, during the Civil War, provided an advantage for the Union forces and helped secure victories against the Confederacy.

Highlights of the Mississippi with American Queen

• Memphis- famous for its deep history of music, Memphis is a must for Elvis fans.
• New Orleans- also famous for music in jazz and blues, New Orleans boasts a blend of cultures to create a vibrant local character as can be seen in the annual Mardi Gras.
• St Francisville- a quaint river town with a high number of listed buildings to explore.
• Natchez- the first city established on the banks of the Mississippi, and a fine example of preserved architecture to this day in its house, bars, restaurants and museums.
• Vicksburg- described by Abraham Lincoln as the "Key to the South", Vicksburg is the location of one of the major sieges in the American Civil War.
• Nottoway Plantation- a classic plantation mansion in a beautiful location, taking you back to the grand, yet dark, days of the old south.

If you decide you want something other than the Mississippi, the American Queen Steamboat Company are also proud to provide outstanding cruises on the Ohio, Tennessee, Columbia and Snake Rivers.

In addition, you can include your American Queen River cruise as part of a larger North American cruise and stay holiday, also exploring New York, the Rocky Mountains or Alaska.