With a gross tonnage of 3,707, American Queen is the world’s largest river cruise ship. Powered by both steam and diesel engines, and donning a beautiful paddlewheel, American Queen is 418 feet in length, with six decks, and a passenger capacity of 436. She is registered in the United States and she entered service in 1995. If you’re planning to take an American Queen boat cruise, here’s what you can expect once you’re onboard: 222 staterooms, a swimming pool and fitness center, a cinema (showing new releases every night), a beauty salon, a large promenade deck, and an old-fashioned Cajun-inspired design that fits well with Mississippi River cruising. Additionally, you will find a super-friendly crew, down-home cooking, shows and music, and beautiful accommodations.
Of the 222 staterooms, 54 are inside. 27 of the outside cabins feature private verandas, and the 37 cabins on the promenade deck are accessible via the outdoor walkway. The cabins are roughly 190 square feet, with all the amenities of a traditional cruise ship such as bathrobes, deluxe bath amenities, hair dryers, makeup mirrors, high-thread count linens, telephones, televisions with DVD players, individually controlled heat and air conditioning, and massage showerheads.
The small, heated swimming pool (a passenger favorite) is located on the top deck and a two-tired saloon hosts a wide variety of Mississippi River performers each night. In the Grand Saloon, you’ll find the Mark Twain program and mostly live Cajun and Blues musicians. The Grand Saloon doubles as a DIY lunch stop where you can make any type of sandwich you can think of at the daily sandwich bar. Another highlight is the Engine Room Bar – a lively cocktail spot that serves snacks such as hors d’oeuvres, chips, and dips in the afternoon and at night is turns into a festive Piano Bar.
Other bar and lounge areas include: a Ladies’ Parlor (a lounge for reading and relaxing), a Gentlemen’s Parlor (TV for sports fans), the Calliope Bar: (outdoor bar featuring a steam-driven calliope) and finally, the Chart Room (a history buff favorite), located on the observation deck.
And let’s not forget the dining scene on an American Queen boat cruise. In the main dining room, named the J.M. White Dining Room, passengers will find cuisine ranging from the spiciest jambalaya and fried catfish to filet mignon and broiled chicken. Breakfast and lunch are also served daily. For dinner, two seatings are offered — one at 6 p.m. and the other at 8:30 p.m. J.M. White was a (19th Century steamboat).
What you won’t see on an American Queen boat cruise are bingo tournaments, art auctions, cattle calls, crowded dinner seating, and no free-for-all shore excursions to island villages, which are usually filled with more tourists that locals.
When you’re not eating, swimming or mingling at the Piano Bar, you will enjoy the sights of the historic Mississippi River from New Orleans to Tennessee and everywhere in between, along with unique and laid-back shore excursions such as visits to Southern mansions and tours of historic riverside landmarks and towns.
Formerly owned by the New Orleans-based Delta Queen Steamboat Company, American Queen is currently owned by Majestic America Line (MAL). To book an American Queen boat cruise, you may contact MAL directly at: Majestic America Line, 2101 4th Avenue, Suite 1150, Seattle, WA., 98121, phone: 206-292-9606, Majesticamericaline.com. You may also contact your local cruise travel specialist or visit any of the websites below to locate excellent discounts and deals.
·Kayak.com
·Expedia.com
·Orbitz.com
·Travelocity.com
·VacationsToGo.com