american queen riverboat itinerary

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.

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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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This 23-day Cruise Takes You to 10 States on Some of the Most Scenic Rivers in the U.S.

American Queen Voyages announced its longest-ever itinerary, sailing from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh, aboard the 245-passenger American Countess .

American Queen Voyages is launching its longest-ever itinerary next year, which will spend nearly three weeks sailing from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh.

The company will kick off the 23-day journey on July 24, 2023, on the American Countess , the cruise line shared with Travel + Leisure . The ship will sail more than 1,700 miles from Minnesota down the Ohio River and Upper Mississippi River , calling on more ports and offering more guided tours than ever before.

The ship will then turn around and sail back north from Pittsburgh on Aug. 14, 2023.

"Guests have made the 16-day Mighty Mississippi voyage between Minneapolis (Red Wing) and New Orleans one of our most popular itineraries, and we are pleased to reveal an even more immersive itinerary sailing to Pittsburgh that now incorporates the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers," Isis Ruiz, the chief commercial officer of American Queen Voyages , said in a statement provided to T+L.

Travelers who board the cruise will pass through 10 different states and explore cities like La Crosse , Wisconsin ; St. Louis ; Louisville; and Cincinnati .

Travelers can visit the baseball field from the movie " Field of Dreams " in Dubuque, Iowa, learn all about the art of quilting at The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, visit the 1867 house of the Anheuser family in Kimmswick, Missouri, and even board a Coast Guard-approved jet boat in Madison, Indiana, to explore the river.

The American Countess , first christened in 2020, is American Queen Voyages' newest riverboat and can host 245 passengers on board. It features a grand lobby bar, a gym, a theater, and more.

The trip, which can be booked online , includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, unlimited group tours, unlimited drinks, and unlimited Wi-Fi.

American Queen Voyages sails river cruises, lake, and ocean cruises, as well as expedition voyages to Alaska. To sail with the company right now, all guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, according to the cruise line , though taking a COVID-19 test prior to boarding is no longer required.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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American Queen Steamboat Company River Cruises Review: Cruise Ship Guide, Itineraries, Bookings & Deals

Step aboard an American Queen Steamboat Company vessel and be transported back in time to the romantic era of steamboat travel along America’s iconic rivers. With a fleet comprising the American Queen, the American Duchess, and the American Countess, this company has redefined luxury river cruising, offering guests a unique blend of nostalgia, elegance, and Southern hospitality. The American Queen, affectionately known as the “Grande Dame of the Mississippi,” is the largest steamboat ever built. Stepping onto her deck is like stepping back in time to the opulent days of Mark Twain and paddlewheel steamers. With her towering smokestacks, gleaming woodwork, and graceful lines, the American Queen exudes old-world charm from bow to stern. Guests are greeted by a warm and friendly crew dressed in period attire, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

In This Article...

• 1 In a Nutshell…
• 2 History of the American Queen Steamboat Company River Cruises
• 3 Destinations of American Queen Steamboat Company River Cruises
• 4 Conclusion
• 5 Pin to Pinterest

In a Nutshell…

Iconic Paddlewheelers : The cruise line operates three iconic paddlewheelers: the  American Queen  (the world’s largest riverboat),  American Empress , and  American Duchess . These vessels evoke a more elegant era, adorned with Victorian-period flourishes like fine filigree, scrolling woodwork, and sumptuous upholstery. Historic Heritage : Originally built in 1996 for the defunct  Delta Queen Steamboat Company , the  American Queen  sat dormant between 2008 and 2012. However, it was revitalized and relaunched in April 2012 after receiving a $6.5 million spruce-up. The ship now exudes classic Victorian decor, making it feel like a small, historic boutique hotel on the water. Delightful Steamboat Experience : The  American Queen  celebrates America’s river history, lore, traditions, music, and food. Whether docking in New Orleans, navigating river locks, or tying up in charming towns, it leaves a lasting impression. Watching its ornate black funnels lower to pass under a bridge is a unique experience. Cruise Routes : The  American Queen  cruises the upper and lower Mississippi, as well as the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. It offers theme cruises ranging from five to 14 nights. Departure cities include New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, St. Paul, Louisville, Nashville, and Cincinnati. All-Inclusive Amenities : Passengers enjoy a pre-cruise hotel stay, transfers to the boat, soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine with dinner, complimentary shore excursions, and access to bicycles during port calls. The crew receives American wages and benefits like health insurance and 401K participation. Small Ship, Big Amenities : The  American Queen  combines the intimacy of a small ship with big-ship amenities. Features include spa services, a pool, and main theater entertainment. Passenger Demographics : Fellow passengers tend to be mature, with many having prior experience in Mississippi River cruising and ocean cruises. Elegance and Tradition : The service aboard the paddlewheelers is genteel, reflecting Southern tradition and an unabashedly All-American spirit. Exceptional Value : The cruise line offers voyage lengths from three to ten nights, emphasizing convenience with little or no flying required. Legacy and Continuity : While American Queen Voyages ceased operations in 2024, the legacy of these paddlewheelers endures, connecting travelers to America’s rich river heritage.

History of the American Queen Steamboat Company River Cruises

The history of American Queen Steamboat Company cruise ships is a captivating journey that celebrates the nostalgia and elegance of steamboat travel along the iconic rivers of the United States. With a focus on preserving American history and heritage, the company has become synonymous with luxury river cruising, offering passengers a unique blend of timeless charm and modern comforts.

The roots of the American Queen Steamboat Company can be traced back to 1995 when the Delta Queen Steamboat Company was formed. The company acquired the historic Delta Queen, a steamboat that had been navigating the rivers since the 1920s. The Delta Queen became the flagship vessel and symbolized the company’s commitment to preserving the grandeur of steamboat travel.

In 2011, the company evolved and rebranded as the American Queen Steamboat Company. This marked a new era for the company, expanding its fleet and offerings to provide passengers with a variety of luxurious river cruise experiences. The fleet now includes the American Queen, the American Empress, and the American Duchess, each with its own unique character and charm.

The American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, is a majestic vessel reminiscent of the 19th-century paddlewheelers. With its striking red paddlewheel, ornate decor, and spacious accommodations, the American Queen captures the essence of a bygone era. Passengers step on board and are transported back in time, immersing themselves in the opulence and grandeur of a bygone era.

The American Empress, launched in 2014, offers a different perspective, cruising along the majestic Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest. This elegant steamboat showcases the beauty of the region, with its panoramic views, spacious decks, and luxurious amenities. The American Empress combines classic charm with modern conveniences, providing passengers with a comfortable and immersive experience as they explore the scenic wonders of the Pacific Northwest.

The American Duchess, introduced in 2017, is a modern paddlewheeler that offers a more intimate and boutique cruising experience. With its sleek design, contemporary furnishings, and spacious suites, the American Duchess provides a luxurious retreat for passengers to relax and unwind. This smaller vessel allows for more personalized service and a sense of exclusivity, while still capturing the essence of steamboat travel.

One of the highlights of American Queen Steamboat Company cruises is the exceptional onboard experience. The company takes pride in providing impeccable service, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met with warmth and attentiveness. The staff members are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about creating unforgettable moments for passengers. From the moment guests step on board, they are greeted with genuine hospitality and a dedication to exceeding their expectations.

The itineraries of American Queen Steamboat Company cruises are carefully curated to showcase the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the regions visited. Passengers have the opportunity to explore charming towns, visit historic landmarks, and immerse themselves in the local traditions and flavors. Whether it’s cruising along the mighty Mississippi River, discovering the Pacific Northwest, or exploring the heartland of America, every voyage offers a unique and enriching experience.

In addition to the captivating destinations and exceptional service, American Queen Steamboat Company cruises offer a range of amenities and activities to enhance the onboard experience. Passengers can enjoy world-class dining, with gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The ships also feature entertainment venues, lounges, and theaters, where guests can enjoy live music, theatrical performances, and educational presentations.

In conclusion, the history of American Queen Steamboat Company cruise ships is a tribute to the elegance, charm, and nostalgia of steamboat travel in the United States. With its fleet of beautifully appointed vessels, exceptional service, and immersive itineraries, the company continues to capture the hearts of passengers, transporting them to a bygone era while providing all the modern comforts and conveniences. Whether it’s cruising along the mighty rivers of America or exploring the scenic wonders of the Pacific Northwest, a journey with American Queen Steamboat Company promises a truly unforgettable experience filled with history, beauty, and timeless memories.

Destinations of American Queen Steamboat Company River Cruises

• The  American Queen  sails along the upper Mississippi River, meandering through picturesque landscapes. Passengers can explore charming towns like  St. Paul ,  St. Louis , and  Memphis . These cities resonate with history, from Mark Twain’s tales to the jazz rhythms of Beale Street.
• The riverbanks reveal lush forests, rolling hills, and quaint riverfronts. Shore excursions take travelers to historic sites, museums, and local markets.
• As the  American Queen  glides downstream, it unveils the soul of the South. Departing from  New Orleans , it cruises through the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Antebellum mansions, cotton fields, and live oak trees line the riverbanks.
• Stops in  Natchez ,  Vicksburg , and  Baton Rouge  offer glimpses into the Civil War era and the vibrant Creole culture. Culinary delights await, from gumbo to beignets.
• The  American Queen  also explores the Ohio River, connecting the Midwest to the South. Departures from cities like  Cincinnati  and  Louisville  lead passengers through rolling hills and river valleys.
• Quaint river towns like  Madison, Indiana , come alive with Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and friendly locals. The river locks add an element of adventure.
• The  Tennessee River  beckons with its musical heritage. Cruises departing from  Nashville  take guests to iconic sites like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Along the way, passengers can immerse themselves in the rhythm of blues, gospel, and rock ‘n’ roll. The riverbanks reveal scenic beauty and historic battlefields.
• Beyond the heartland, the  American Queen Voyages  extends its reach to Canada and the Great Lakes. Passengers can explore cities like  Toronto ,  Quebec City , and  Montreal .
• The Great Lakes offer a different kind of majesty, with pristine waters, charming islands, and vibrant cultural scenes.
• From the rugged coastlines of Maine to the historic streets of Boston, the  American Queen Voyages  sail along the Eastern Seaboard. Fall foliage cruises are particularly enchanting.
• Passengers can relish lobster feasts, visit lighthouses, and explore the rich maritime history of this region.
• For a tropical escape, the  American Queen Voyages  venture south to Mexico. Departing from  New Orleans , the ships explore the Yucatán Peninsula.
• Ancient Mayan ruins, turquoise waters, and vibrant markets await travelers. It’s a fusion of history, culture, and relaxation.

The American Duchess and the American Countess, the company’s other two vessels, offer similarly luxurious experiences along the rivers of America’s heartland. While smaller in size, these ships boast all the amenities and comforts of their larger sister, including spacious suites, gourmet dining options, and onboard entertainment. Each vessel is meticulously designed to evoke the elegance and romance of a bygone era, with tasteful decor, antique furnishings, and modern conveniences seamlessly integrated throughout.

One of the hallmarks of an American Queen Steamboat Company cruise is the exceptional service and hospitality provided by the crew. From the moment guests step aboard, they are treated like royalty, with attentive staff catering to their every need. Whether it’s a friendly smile from the cabin steward, a personalized recommendation from the sommelier, or a warm greeting from the captain himself, guests can expect to feel pampered and well cared for throughout their journey.

But it’s not just the service that sets American Queen Steamboat Company apart—it’s also the unique destinations and experiences offered on each cruise. From the mighty Mississippi to the scenic Columbia and Snake Rivers, these vessels traverse some of America’s most iconic waterways, stopping at charming towns, historic sites, and cultural landmarks along the way. Guests can explore antebellum mansions in the South, visit charming wineries in the Pacific Northwest, or immerse themselves in the vibrant music and cuisine of the Mississippi Delta.

Onboard entertainment is another highlight of an American Queen Steamboat Company cruise, with a variety of live performances, lectures, and activities to suit every taste. Guests can enjoy nightly shows featuring live music, dancing, and theatrical performances, as well as enrichment lectures on topics ranging from history and culture to wildlife and ecology. There are also plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation, whether it’s lounging by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or participating in a shore excursion.

In summary, the American Queen Steamboat Company offers a truly unique and unforgettable cruising experience, combining the nostalgia of steamboat travel with the luxury and amenities of a modern cruise ship. With its exceptional service, carefully curated itineraries, and dedication to preserving America’s river heritage, it’s no wonder that this company has become synonymous with the golden era of river cruising. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a leisurely escape, an American Queen Steamboat Company cruise is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

– Reviewed by Contributing Author Silvester Thomson

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N.B. – The information on this review has been compiled by contributing author and Cruise Expert Silvester Thomson for thedigitalglobetrotter.com and is provided “as is” for the convenience of online readers. The Sources come from personal opinions, online research on official and unofficial websites, and in some cases with the help of AI generated content. It should not be taken as fact, as it can be mistaken or altered by future ship modifications from the cruise line done after review. Thedigitalglobetrotter.com does not and cannot verify all information and should not be taken as granted fact. All readers must take measures to find reliable facts by their travel agent or from the official page of the cruise line to verify any doubts.

“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

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.

“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.

American Queen Steamboat Company

Cruising The Mighty Mississippi

Cruising the Mighty Mississippi

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

American Queen Steamboat Company Cruises from New Orleans

The American Queen Steamboat Company has gone out of business. The ships were purchased by American Cruise Lines .

American Queen Steamboat Company offered cruises on the Mississippi River and its surrounding tributaries. The ships featured regional cuisine in two restaurants, a small pool, all-American staff, daily lectures by the Riverlorian, showboat-style entertainment nightly, and nightly dancing to swing, big band and Dixieland jazz music.

The video above is a tour of the American Queen. See the size and style of the ship. Tour staterooms, entertainment and dining.

The cruise fare included shore excursions in every port, one-night luxury hotel stay and transfers before the cruise, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, and complimentary wine and beer with dinner.

Matador Original Series

This bourbon-focused river cruise combines whiskey with paddleboat charm.

A traditional sternwheeler cruise along the meandering Ohio and Mississippi Rivers offers a glimpse into the era when the Mississippi River was the western frontier of the United States. The small towns that sprung up along the rivers were far removed from the urban cities of the east, and the great rivers were the main means of transportation.

Those peak years of transport and life along the river are long past. Still, there is something immensely appealing about traveling the rivers on slow-moving, flat-bottom boats with traditional Victorian gingerbread trim.

Photo: American Queen Voyages / www.AQVoyages.com

My husband and I recently did just that on a nine-day, bourbon-themed cruise aboard American Countess, a classic riverboat with twin red paddlewheels gracing the stern. Along the way, we paid day-long visits to four small cities in Kentucky, as well as at one of Mark Twain’s favorite river towns, Cape Girardeau in Missouri, and docked just steps away from Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis.

The American Countess is the newest boat among the fleet operated by American Queen Voyages , and the itinerary shows just how great an experience an all-American river cruise can be.

The pre-cruise adventure in Louisville

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Brown Hotel (@brownhotel)

Each of the itineraries with American Queen Voyages begins with a complimentary pre-cruise night at a distinctive hotel in the departure city. We flew into Louisville mid-afternoon and made our way to The Brown Hotel , which was built in the early 1900s by J. Graham Brown, a flamboyant millionaire lumberman and capitalist.

2023 marks The Brown’s 100th anniversary. It’s the home of the hot brown, a distinctive breakfast offered piping hot in a mini-skillet. Now served throughout the day, a hot brown is an open-face turkey sandwich loaded with bacon, tomatoes, and mornay sauce, and has been a Louisville tradition since it was created in 1926 by hotel chef Fred Schmidt. When we arrived at the hotel, we were promptly welcomed by cruise staff, assigned a room, and briefed on the following day’s embarkation procedures. Luggage transfers to our cabin and bus transportation to the American Countess were scheduled by the cruise line. Until the following afternoon, passengers were free to explore Louisville any way they chose.

The city is filled with Southern charm and hospitality, and there is much to see — from breweries and bourbon tastings to Churchill Downs and the Louisville Slugger baseball bat factory, Museum Row, 4th Street Live, charming shops, distinctive restaurants, the Muhammed Ali Center, and the wonderful Church of the Assumption.

The cruise line offers two Louisville excursions for an additional fee: a private backstretch tour of Churchill Downs, and a bourbon tour at the legendary Castle and Key Distillery and gardens .

The real cruise begins

Stepping aboard the classic riverboat with its twin paddlewheels gracing the stern, we were greeted by crew members who directed us to our cabin and encouraged us to join other passengers in the spacious lounge for a welcome cocktail – bourbon was a spotlight, of course, with other options like Champagne also readily available.

The boat left the dock at 4:30 PM, following the official “All Aboard” whistle. Although the view of the bow was exciting as the lines were hauled and the gangplank hoisted back into position, I couldn’t resist drifting toward the stern, drawn by the turning of the immense paddlewheels. The vessel has four diesel-electric generators that operate the rudder propellers and bow thrusters. Even though this vessel isn’t fueled by steam like paddle boats were in the past, the wheels provide part of the propulsion, and the rhythmic lap of the paddles against the water is mesmerizing.

Photo: American Queen Voyages / www.AQVoyages.com0.9.142

Take note: this vessel is a boat and not a ship. The exterior is in the style of a traditional American riverboat, with a gleaming white exterior, arches, and railings, adorned by classic red horizontal stripes and red paddlewheels. The main floor deck, also red, denotes a no-go zone for passengers while underway. Decks 2 and 3 are home to passenger cabins as well as public spaces both inside and out. Cabin balconies on Deck 2 are private, with two chairs and a small table, and semi-private verandas on Deck 3 have gated seating areas, open to a public walking/jogging path that encircles the boat.

On both Decks 2 and 3, comfortable white rocking chairs afford passengers a view of the passing shoreline when the weather is clear and the winds are light. Additional seating is available on the open upper deck, and a smattering of umbrellas offers shade.

Before the boat became the American Countess, it was the Kanesville Queen, a casino boat originally built in 1995. In a complete top-to-bottom renovation inside and out, 60 feet in length was added and the casino removed. Now, instead of gaming tables, guests gather in the expansive main salon with its traditional paneled bar, a beautiful theater, and a full-width dining room that has views to both port and starboard.

The Countess feels somewhat like a boutique hotel, with 123 passenger cabins, (most suited for two passengers). The décor is pleasantly contemporary with a tasteful, subdued color scheme, well-chosen art and sculptures, and fresh floral arrangements in all public spaces and on all dining tables. While an ocean-going cruise ship might have multiple pools, dining spaces, and attractions for all ages, river cruising offers a leisurely pace, intimate spaces, and a focus on the people one meets and the small towns and scenery along the route.

The floor plan of the Countess clusters public spaces – theater, guest services desk, a small shop, and the curving staircase – around the boat’s main bar on Deck 1. Called the Grand Lobby, this is where passengers can spontaneously gather for cocktails and conversation, where trivia games and contests are held, and where musicians play dance music after dinner. The floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the space perfectly frame the passing river vistas.

Tucked into a space adjacent to the grand staircase is a baby grand piano that’s used for impromptu singalongs, and where the ship’s musicians get together for informal jazz performances.

The Grand Lobby Bar is open most days from 11 AM until the last guests are ready to say goodnight. Double doors adjacent to the bar allow access to the theater, a multi-level space that’s perfect for port talks, cooking demonstrations, afternoon movies, or informative presentations. For this itinerary, special guest Michael Veach, a noted bourbon historian and member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame, held court with several presentations and tastings for passengers who were eager to learn about bourbon’s history and how the spirit is made.

Behind the Grand Lobby is the boat’s full-width dining room, featuring white-clothed tables for two or for a group, with gourmet fare at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The more casual River Grill, one deck above and far astern, offers buffet service for breakfast and lunch, a variety of sandwiches, and prime rib as well as other selected entrees for dinner each evening. It’s a popular alternative to the main dining room. There is a small bar as well, where guests may enjoy a view of the turning paddlewheels while the boat is underway. In port, a shaded patio invites outdoor lounging and dining.

Perks Coffee Room, near the bow, is open 24 hours a day, with fresh coffee, pastries or fresh-from-the-oven cookies, and a soft ice cream machine with a variety of toppings. A small fitness center is neatly tucked into space on the opposite forward side of Deck 1.

Other comfortable guest spaces include a well-stocked library with plush, comfortable seating, as well as a card and games room outfitted with chess, checkers, backgammon, and card tables with leather chairs and an assortment of puzzles. One deck above, another hideaway is the Chart Room, where passengers can study route maps and immerse themselves in nautical lore and riverboat stories.

Dinner, however, is the main event. On our sailing, there were two seatings each evening: dinner at 5:15, followed by showtime in the theater at 9, or the schedule in reverse with a 6:30 theater call, followed by late-seating dinner at 7:45.

A company defining the modern American river cruise

In an interview with Cindy D’Aoust, who assumed duties as the new president of American Queen Voyages in January 2023, she emphasized her goal of “simplicity, affordability, and convenience” for the passenger river cruising experience.

Vice president of marketing Angela Composto, who is also new to the company, notes that the cruise line intends to build new relationships with the towns along their routes and has plans in the works, primarily in the area of food and beverage service, that are designed to “surprise and delight” passengers.

The presence of American Queen Voyages culinary ambassador Regina Charboneau, affectionately known as the biscuit queen of Natchez and a well-known cookbook author, and noted restaurateur Dickie Brennan, of The Bourbon House and other iconic restaurants in New Orleans, on this cruise did exactly that.

Charboneau has added some of her Southern specialties like shrimp and grits, deep-fried frog legs, and her biscuits while tweaking traditional favorites like lobster and duck. Her goal is to introduce regional specialties whenever possible on the various itineraries, and to add customer favorites throughout the fleet.

On-board entertainment

Cruise director Emma Harper teamed with assistant cruise directors Nick McCarthy and Michael Nicholas to present passengers with varied entertainment every day. In addition to scheduled movies, games, and onboard quiz shows, the talented and the American Countess Ensemble and Show Band puts on Broadway-worthy productions featuring energetic and eclectic song and dance numbers – from “Riversong,” a musical experience with a variety of river-inspired songs, to a vocal collection of blues and jazz tunes. Another show features country favorites, and yet another, “Just Go to the Movies,” showcases big screen favorites.

There were passenger team events like trivia or name that tune, cocktail and bourbon tastings, afternoon movies in the theater, a cooking show presented by the Charboneau and Brennan, bourbon lectures and tastings by Veach, and destination talks prior to each port call.

McCarthy serves as the cruise “riverlorian” in addition to being a featured performer. With daily lectures that offer background information and little-known facts about the rivers and their history, these Riverlorian presentations were consistently some of the best-attended special events of the cruise.

Staff and Crew

Unlike officers on large ships who tend to remain a bit aloof and distant, Captain Scott Dunham was not merely introduced at a welcome reception, but rather made an effort to greet everyone who wanted to shake his hand. On subsequent days, he would routinely stop to chat with passengers.

Several pilot house tours were scheduled, open to anyone interested in seeing the “nerve center” of this riverboat. The tours allow passengers to see what’s involved in maneuvering a modern riverboat along the waterway. The boat’s captain and pilot man the pilot house in alternating four-hour shifts around the clock.

Exploring the rivers one small town at a time

AQSC Christening of American Countess A general view of the atmosphere during the christening of the American Countess at Mardi Gras World on March 21, 2021 in New Orleans, LA. (Josh Brasted for AQSC)

While days at sea may represent an almost equal appeal to cruise passengers as the ports visited, river cruising is mostly about the cities along the way. Much of the actual river travel is done at night. There’s a wealth of shore excursions in the small towns along the river, but there are onboard activities even while the boat is at rest in a port.

American Queen Voyages has a fleet of contracted buses and drivers. The buses mimic each cruise itinerary via highway routes, and they meet at the dock each morning to whisk passengers from the boat to a daily round of complimentary hop on-hop off destinations. Local guides typically join each bus to offer insights about the history and attractions of each locale. Travelers are free to visit as many of the stops as they wish, and spend as much time as they wish at each, and are cautioned about the last run of the bus each day (the boat doesn’t wait for late passengers).

On this particular itinerary, each stop provided something entirely different.

Brandenburg, Kentucky

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Named after a local barkeep and landowner rather than the German city of the same name, historic Brandenburg prospered as an early American trade center, and there’s evidence of Native American settlements in the area dating back at least 10,000 years ago.

Here, a four-hour tour highlighting the life of Abraham Lincoln, who hailed from this area, is a prime excursion offered at no charge for cruise passengers. The tour includes a stop at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, an impressive memorial building set upon park-like grounds with a replica of the Lincoln family’s humble one-room cabin and a natural spring that has been in use for well over a century.

The tour also stopped in Hodgenville to visit the Lincoln Museum, which occupies a prime location on the town square. Here, Lincoln look-alike dressed in period attire recited parts of the Gettysburg Address and explained some of the reasons behind Lincoln’s actions during the Civil War. Those who chose the premium tour in Brandenburg also took a hands-on pottery class at PG Studio Arts Center.

Owensboro, Kentucky

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Owensboro is the self-proclaimed “Barbecue Capital of the World,” with a hometown festival scheduled in May that attracts tens of thousands of international visitors to the town of 60,000 people. It’s also sometimes known as Kentucky’s Festival City, with at least six other festivals throughout the year.

During the 19th Century, there were 18 distilleries located in Daviess County, but today only three are left. Cruisers can visit Green River Distillery, the tenth bourbon distillery licensed in Kentucky, for a tour and tasting.

Other stops on the cruise bus route include the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens with the world’s tallest Sassafras tree (100 feet in height with a trunk that measures 21 feet around), the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Smothers Park, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and St. Stephen Cathedral.

Henderson, Kentucky

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Here, the premium experience for $129 per person was a bourbon tasting paired with small dishes of Southern comfort food at Hometown Roots. Started by Henderson-born Casey Todd, the restaurant focuses on local ingredients and has a grow wall filled with Bibb lettuce.

Drinks included an old fashioned cocktail made with Buffalo Trace and three other distinctive brands of Kentucky bourbon, all accompanied by plates from chef Shawna Harrington: deep-fried Brussels sprouts, a deviled egg duo including one deep-fried version, pimento cheese fritters, and cornbread served in a miniature cast iron skillet and topped with a whopping scoop of soft butter.

Paducah, Kentucky

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The premium experience in Paducah, “Check-In Along the Chitlin Trail,” is $99 per person. That check-in is at a large frame house with a sign above the front porch that simply reads Hotel Metropolitan . Except that it stands almost alone on its block today, there wouldn’t be much to distinguish it from other homes in town. But in the early 1900s, this house was a well-known safe haven for Black musicians, performers, and travelers who were denied room and board at many places in the South during segregation and Jim Crow. The Metropolitan Hotel was one of the sites listed in The Green Book, a travel guide published between 1936 and 1967. It identified businesses that would accept Black customers.

B.B. King, Billie Holiday, Ike and Tina Turner, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Thurgood Marshall, Ella Fitzgerald, the Harlem Globetrotters, and many others have found sanctuary in this simple home-like setting with 11 bedrooms. Today, it has been totally restored, and is run by a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve the history of the hotel and its operator.

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Other noteworthy stops in Paducah include the National Quilt Museum and, depending on the day and time of year, the Saturday Farmers Market. Silent Brigade Distillery, the Lloyd Tilghman house, Paducah Railroad Museum, and the River Discovery Center are other options along the bus route. Walking back, be sure to catch the stunning murals by Robert Dafford that capture Paducah’s rich history.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Photo: photo.eccles / Shutterstock

After departing Paducah late in the afternoon, we followed the Ohio River to where it flows into the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. Turning to follow the mighty Mississippi’s course upstream at that point, we were scheduled to arrive at historic Cape Girardeau at approximately 8 AM.

Cape Girardeau is said to have been one of Mark Twain’s favorite towns, and I was immediately enthralled by its quaint appeal. Even though it was Sunday and many of the shops and businesses were closed, Cape Girardeau exudes charm. The Mississippi River Tales Mural stretches along the interior of the flood wall, while on the river side, a “Welcome to Cape Girardeau, Missouri” mural leaves no doubt about where you are.

We spent most of our allotted shore time at the Crisp Museum on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, first watching a film about the Mississippian era, then strolling through the museum’s historical art and archeological collections. Some pieces are estimated to be 15,000 years old.

Other stops in Cape Girardeau include Old St. Vincent’s Church, built in 1850s English Gothic Revival Style; the Cape River Heritage Center; and Capaha Rose Garden — Cape Girardeau was once known as the “City of Roses.”

St. Louis, Missouri

Photo: f11photo / Shutterstock

Our final day of cruising the Mississippi brought us to St. Louis, with a scheduled arrival time of noon. The 600-feet-tall Arch became visible before we reached the city. Gateway Arch National Park and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, known as the Old Cathedral, are just steps away from the riverboat docking point. Again, the fleet of buses awaited us at the pier and whisked us to the sights we chose to visit in St. Louis. My husband chose to hop off at the Arch, to watch the award-winning film of its construction and walk around Gateway Park. I rode on through the city, to enjoy the beauty of the celebrated mosaics at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

There are so many things to do in St. Louis that a few hours can in no way do the city justice, but the options available to riverboat cruisers are great ones, including the National Blues Museum, the Economy Museum, and the Missouri History Museum.

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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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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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American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels future cruises amid reported service issues

American Queen Voyages has shut down.

An automated voice message on its customer information hotline said the cruise line "has made the difficult decision" to suspend operations, and all future cruises have been scrapped. “Guests and customers should expect to be fully refunded for canceled cruises,” the message said.

The message directed listeners to www.aqvrefunds.com “to begin the refund process,” and said they could find more information at www.aqvinfo.com .

"Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable," a guest FAQ section on the second website reads. "We thank you for your support and deeply regret any inconvenience this causes you."

No ships were sailing at the time of the closure. Adam Peakes, president of the line's owner Hornblower Group, said it plans to "sell the company, or, if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down."

"Please know this decision was not made lightly," he said in an emailed statement shared with USA TODAY. "We are deeply proud of our employees and crew for the outstanding services they have provided our guests over the years. As the backbone of the AQV experience we extend our deepest appreciation to our team for their unwavering commitment, passion and hard work, which has been exceptional. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our guests, partners, agents and the local communities where we call who have each been integral to our journey."

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

The news comes after the line reportedly canceled three season-opening sailings set to take place on the Mississippi River later this month, attributing the changes to an extended layup schedule. Multiple industry groups previously suspended sales of American Queen Voyages cruises because of service issues, including delayed commission payments, Travel Weekly reported in January.

The line began sailing as American Queen Steamboat Company in 2011 and was rebranded as American Queen Voyages in 2021 after merging with Victory Cruise Lines.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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5 Things to Know About River Cruising with American Queen Voyages

Travel Market Report recently spent a week onboard American Queen Voyages’ American Queen for the line’s first-ever President’s Cruise. Onboard the Lower Mississippi sailing, which went from New Orleans to Memphis, were the line’s new president Cindy D’Aoust and John Waggoner, founder and chairman. During several dinners with both onboard we got to hear more about the line’s past and where it’s headed.

Currently in a bit of a transitional phase, a river cruise with American Queen Voyages combines elements of traditional U.S. riverboat cruising with contemporary ideas intended to bring it into the future.

For advisors who have never sailed with AQV, here are a few things to know before recommending the line to clients.

1. Nothing but North America You won’t find a European itinerary with American Queen Voyages. The line’s expedition ship doesn’t venture to the Arctic or Antarctic. It’s ocean-going vessels don’t make their way across the pond.  American Queen Voyages is exactly what the name says it is, American.

North American that is, though something like 95% of the itineraries are in the United States, with a smattering of itineraries that visit parts of Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company, got its start on the Mississippi River back in 2012. Today, you’ll find river voyages on the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, as well as along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The line has four ships plying these waterways, all crewed entirely by U.S. citizens.

The cruise line also offers expedition sailings to Alaska on its sole expedition ship, Ocean Victory. On its two ocean ships – Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator – the line offers Great Lakes sailings on all five Great Lakes, up the St. Lawrence and into Canada and along the U.S.’s east coast and down into Costa Rica and Mexico. Because these ships are not U.S.-flagged, their crew maintains a more international mix.

2. No Cookie Cutter Ships With the sole exception of Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, which are nearly identical, all of American Queen Victory’s ships are different, particularly in the line’s riverboat fleet.

The 436-passenger American Queen, the boat TMR sailed on during the line’s first annual President’s Cruise, is the grand dame of the fleet, the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built. It’s steamboat-era traditional, with dark woods and gleaming brass. There’s a ladies’ parlor with cherry woods, genteel décor and furniture designed for sipping tea and chatting. Across the way is the gentleman’s card room with dark woods, stuffed animals, an oversized fish on the wall, and tables and chairs set up for drinking whiskey over a card game. The main theater, called the Grand Saloon, is a replica of the Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. As for cabins, there are several suite choices and some inside cabins, but most are outside rooms that connect directly to the circular promenade that surrounds the boat on decks four and five.

American Empress, which sails exclusively on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, is nearly half the size of American Queen, carrying 223 passengers. Like American Queen it has an old-timely feel, though its paddlewheel is mostly for show (it provides only a small proportion of the propulsion onboard). Unlike on the Queen, there are no inside cabins on Empress.  

The smaller 166-passenger American Duchess and 145-passenger American Countess have a considerably more modern feel with higher ceilings and lots of windows for a much airier feel. Décor on these boats is more akin to a luxury boutique hotel than a steamboat, with lighter colors and a more geometric-styled design scheme. The main bar outside the dining room on American Duchess, for instance, would fit in in just about any contemporary hotel lobby. Between the two, American Countess has fewer – and smaller – cabin choices, with American Duchess having the line’s only two-story loft suites in the fleet. Of the two, American Countess also brings back some of the traditions found on American Queen including a library, chart room and lanai cabins (though these cabins have a small, fenced section of the lanai for private use).

The remainder of AQV’s fleet comprises three ocean ships, one of which is an expedition vessel that offers magnificent viewing spaces, hands-on science programs, floating marina for easy kayak and Zodiac loading and unloading.

3. Dine Your Way through Your Itinerary The onboard culinary experience is an integral component of an American Queen Voyages sailing. While American Queen Steamboat Company always offered local flavors on each itinerary, American Queen Voyages, under the guidance of new president Cindy D’Aoust and culinary ambassador Regina Charboneau, is taking this much farther. Today, guests will find an almost entirely new menu combined with the stories behind the dishes, giving visitors a better understanding of the people along the routes they’re traveling.

Each night of our Lower Mississippi sailing from New Orleans to Memphis, the dinner menu started with a short history of the cuisine in the region of that day’s port stop.

Here’s an excerpt, “The Acadiana foodways and greater New Orleans area were influenced by the Germans who settled along the lower Mississippi. The sausage making and smokehouse culinary culture here is widely attributed to the skilled German artisan butchers who settled in the northern parts of the bayou… Andouille sausage and smoked Tasso, essential to many Creole and Cajun dishes, were created by these artisans…”

The menu that night had items like sweet potato latkes, white bean and Andouille soup, and cod with andouille in saffron broth.

Another night focused on the Italian and Chinese immigrants to the Mississippi Delta. Menu items that night included spicy sweet chili shrimp, oxtail soup, and chicken parmesan.

Sometimes, individual menu dishes came with a history as well.

On the night the menu offered Creole Daube, we learned, “Daube was introduced to New Orleans by the French Creoles who brought the preparation from their native France… it is the Louisiana version of Beef Bourguignon.”

Our favorite “local” culinary moments were the mornings local pastry makers brought their specialties onboard (the donuts in Natchez, Miss!), something AQV president D’Aoust said she’s hoping to do in more ports of call.

4. Fairly All-Inclusive A river cruise with American Queen Voyages is fairly inclusive. Food, unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, a pre-night hotel stay and a hop-on hop-off tour in each port is included in the fare. Not included are premium drinks (on our sailing, there were a handful of beer brands and wines not included in the price), premium excursions, spa services (not all vessels in the fleet have a spa), purchases from the onboard shop, and pre- and post-cruise airport transfers.

Of all the exclusions, the last one was the one we found most notable. For a line that says it wants to provide a seamless experience from booking to end of cruise, it’s the one piece that’s missing. D’Aoust told TMR she’s aware of that and plans to address it at some point in the future, but only when she’s sure it can be done right.

5. Four Hours a Mile One evening on a stroll around the promenade, we stopped to chat with a gentleman who spent most evenings sitting outside his cabin watching the river roll by. A repeat (several times over) American Queen Steamboat Company cruiser, we asked him who he thought the ideal passenger for the line is. He told us, someone in their 60s and older who likes their travel to happen at four miles an hour.

That certainy is the traditional demographic the line has been pulling in since it launched in 2012 (more 70s and 80s than 60s), but American Queen Voyages is working to change that. Our sailing had a honeymoon couple in their 20s – they’re both American history buffs and he’s in a blues band – and a three-generation family that included two young couples, both pregnant. There were definitely more 60 years olds than 80 year olds.

(FYI, the line’s expedition vessel, Ocean Victory skews much younger. The Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises also skew a tad younger.)

One way the line is trying to entice new cruisers is through an expanded – and slightly more active – shore excursion program with more premium options that go further afield. The line is also adding more bikes and will soon be providing bike trail maps to guests who want to explore on their own.

With that said, the overall experience remains a leisurely one. The river boats usually spend nearly a full day in port, with most people choosing to spend part of the day relaxing with a book, playing cards or even napping. In the evening, a piano player sings before and after dinner, the main theater show might feature music (on our sailing we had banjo one night, guitar another, a Broadway tribute and a bona fide Memphis blues band) or could be a Mark Twain impersonator telling tales, and late night live music and dancing (think 50s, 60s and 70s) gets started at 9:30.

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The Narva Triumphal Arch

The Narva Triumphal Arch was erected as a memorial to the war of 1812. A wooden triumphal arch designed according to the plan of famous Italian classical architect Dzhakomo Quarenghi. Quarenghi also built the Concert Hall pavilion (1782-88), Alexander Palace in Pushkin (1792-1800) and the Smolny Institute (1806-08) in St. Petersburg. The Narva Triumphal Arch was specially constructed on the Narva highway to greet the soldiers who were returning from abroad after their victory over Napoleon. The arch was located approximately halfway between Ploshchad Stachek and Obvodny Canal.

In the 1820's famous Russian architect Vasily Stasov took Quarenghi's dilapidated wooden arch construction and redeveloped it while at the same time preserving the essence of Quarenghi's original composition. A place was selected for Stasov's arch on the Peterhof road close to the bridge across the Tarakanovka River. The river has since been filled in. On August 26, 1827 celebrating the 15 th year anniversary of the Battle of Borodino, ground was broken at the site of the new arch in the presence of officers, soldiers and veterans of the war of 1812.

However, construction on the new arch essentially began in the 1830's after a long debate about what material to use for the facade of the new arch. Stasov suggested building the arch from brick and using sheets of copper for the facade. His idea was innovative in Russian and Western European construction circles at the time. The copper facade sheets, ornament and sculpture details from copper and arch decorations were produced at a local factory. Construction was completed on the arch in the fall of 1833, but it was officially opened one year later on August 17, 1834.

The single bay triumphal arch's composition is similar to the ancient Roman triumphal arches, which were normally built on a square near an entry to the city.

Stasov drew heavily on the great historical nature of the arch - the victory over Napoleon in the war of 1812 - in his masterly use of decorations and sculpture for the arch.

The arch is topped off with an impressive triumphal chariot pulled by six ponies. The chariot and ponies are made of hammered copper according to the model of Russian sculptor Peter Klodt. The statue of victory laurel wreath, which is held in the extended hand of a graceful and powerful female figure standing on the chariot, was molded according to the model of Russian sculptor Stepan Pimenov. The impressive and ornate models of wings of allegorical figures installed over the columns were done by Russian sculptors M. Krilov and N. Tokarev.

The two statues of ancient Russian warriors were made from hammered copper according to the model of Pimenov and V. Demut-Malinovskiy. I. Leppe created the models of the winged female figures in the arch, which personify glory.

Plans to build a museum in memory of the victory over Napoleon in the war of 1812 in the chamber above the arch have yet to be realized.

During WWII the arch suffered serious damage, but was carefully restored to its present condition in 1951.

Location: Ploshchad Stachek.

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ACL American Encore

Cruise line American Cruise Lines

Specifications of ACL American Encore

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ACL American Encore Review

Review of acl american encore.

The 2026-built MS American Encore cruise ship is the seventh/last newbuild in the American Cruise Lines ' "Modern Riverboat" fleet.

From this class/with the same design are the sisterships American Song (2018), American Harmony (2019), American Jazz (2020), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022), American Serenade (2023). Unlike the sisterships, ACL's ship Encore has a slightly modified design to allow more staterooms, including the two-room Signature Suite (fleet's biggest accommodation so far).

American Serenade is identified by an IMO number tba and is USA-flagged (MMSI tba).

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner American Cruise Lines (ACL) is the USA's largest river cruise company (headquarters in Guilford Connecticut) operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on the USA's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes) as well as in cruises along the US East Coast, US West Coast and Florida. All ACL vessels feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor deck spaces, gourmet cuisine, top-quality enrichment program with many complimentary land tours and excursions, highly-personalized service by all-American staff and crew.

All ACL cruise ships are USA-flagged and built by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury (Maryland USA).

Traditionally for large-sized USA riverboats, American Encore has a fore-located boarding ramp (bow-location on Deck 1) that allows passengers to go ashore at any place along the ACL's cruisetour itinerary. The ramp has an innovative design being constructed as a retractable gangway (passenger bridge). The technology is often implemented on some of the largest ferries and features an opening bow door.

While other small cruise lines purchase second-hand vessels/older ships, American Cruise Lines made brand expansion with new boats to maintain the company's reputation for premium quality and services. Each of the ACL newbuilds features an innovative design and spacious indoor and outdoor areas.

Decks and Cabins

American Encore staterooms (94 total) are all outside, some of the industry's biggest, all with full-size bathrooms and private step-out balconies, and providing modern hotel amenities.

All staterooms are balconied. The smallest are the Studios (single-occupancy cabins for solo travelers) sized 250 ft2 (23 m2). Double stateroom sizes range between 275-315-350-370 ft2 (26-29-33-34 m2), balcony size included.

American Encore has three suite categories - Sky Suite (470 ft2 / 44 m2), Grand Suite (650 ft2 / 60 m2) and the largest accommodation is the bow-facing Signature Suite with Wraparound Terrace (1010 ft2 / 94 m2).

All suites are on Deck 4 (with top-deck locations).

The boat has 5 passenger-accessible decks , of which 3 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS American Encore's interior features a 4-story Vestibule (glass-walled Atrium), spacious indoor and outdoor lounges, large open-deck spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the vessel. The 4-deck Atrium has floor-ceiling windows (portside and starboard) and two SkyLights (transparent glass-roof covers) allowing natural light into the interior.

Two Sun Deck is fitted with sunbathing and shaded seating areas, but lacks the deck-games area (with Putting Green and Shuffleboard).

aaaThe ship has 6 lounges (3 with outdoor terraces), Grand Dining Room (complimentary, glass-enclosed restaurant), Chart Room & Library, fore-located Main Lounge (with a central stage for live shows and musical productions, and with a glass-roof cover), aft-located Sky Lounge (with glass-roof cover and access to an alfresco dining terrace/Ellipse Cafe), Fitness Room (indoor Gym), Yog Studio (for group classes and private lessons).

The Sun Deck (top-deck) is furnished with plenty of outdoor furniture - padded sun loungers, padded wicker sofas and deckchairs, 2-seat and 4-seat tables, live plants. The Sundeck has all 3x large-sized shaded seating areas (covered by 9x retractable canopies) and 2x SkyLights (glass roof covers) over the Sky Lounge (aft) and the Atrium/Vestibule (midship-portside).

The list of the ACL Encore ship's main public venues includes:

• (Deck 1) Boarding Ramp/bow, Vestibule/lobby level, Ship's Office, River Lounge, Dining Room Restaurant, Galley/Kitchen & Storage Rooms
• (Deck 2) Bow Terrace/observation area with seating, Horizon Lounge/forward, Lyric Lounge/midship-starboard, wellness facilities/aft (Fitness Center/indoor Gym, Guest Laundry Room)
• (Deck 3) The Study & Library/midship-starboard, Pilothouse/Wheelhouse
• (Deck 4) High Note Lounge/midship-starboard, Sky Lounge (indoor, aft), Ellipse Cafe (aft, outdoor terrace serving as an alfresco dining venue)
• (Deck 5) Sun Deck with plenty of outdoor seating (premium patio furniture) and a Sky Walk (wraparound 2-lane Walking/Jogging Track)

The Gym is fitted with modern exercise equipment, including treadmills, elliptical machines, resistance training equipment, free weights.

The Guest Laundry is a self-service facility equipped with washers and dryers (detergent is provided).

Lyric Lounge is a small room perfect for relaxation and reading, also used for playing cards and popular board games.

The Horizon Lounge has direct access to the Bow Terrace.

Two Lifts (passenger elevators in the Atrium) connect all decks.

Deck 1's fore-located River Lounge is the main lounge with floor-ceiling windows. It also serves as the boat's show lounge with a central stage, grand piano, ample comfortable seating (comfy armchairs and plush sofas). Here are served warm cookies starting at 10 am. The complimentary Afternoon Tea service (with fresh pastries) is at 3:30 pm. The free-drinks cocktail hour is at 5:30 pm. Root beer and ice cream are passed around during the evening show. The evening entertainment includes one show (beginning at 8:15 pm) lasting about 1 hour. The show program could be a live concert, solo performances, music tribute, themed music, movie trivia. The large space for the evening shows is in the room's center. Furniture is daily rearranged (sometimes 2 or 3 times a day) to suit the themed entertainment. This is also the place for the American Cruise Lines' enrichment program, consisting of differently-themed lectures (history, food and wine, literature, etc). Also hosted here are media presentations and the current ACL cruise itinerary and tours-related multimedia presentations and port talks.

Deck 4's aft-located Sky Lounge is an indoor venue with premium furniture, floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows (allowing 270-degree views), glass-roof cover (SkyLight) and direct access to an open-air Terrace (Ellipse Cafe). Throughout the day, there are served beverages, snacks, freshly-baked cookies, pastries, beverages. Sky Lounge's opening glass doors allow it to expand by including the furnished Terrace/Ellipse Cafe. Throughout the day, the Cafe's Bar serves complimentary water, soda, light snacks. Complimentary Afternoon Tea service is available between 3:30-4:30 pm. In the evening, there is a cocktail hour with free drinks.

Sky Lounge's Ellipse Cafe's staff serves the entire Sun Deck (relaxation and sunbathing top-deck area) with drinks and snacks.

Itineraries

American Encore itinerary program starts with the Maiden Voyage departing from Portland Oregon on May 5, 2026. Early booking prices varied between USD 6600-11300 per stateroom.

The 8-night/9-day "Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise" itinerary (between Portland OR and Clarkston WA ) visits Astoria OR (DAY3), Kalama WA (DAY4), The Dalles OR (DAY5), Columbia River Gorge (DAY6/cruising), Richland WA/Pendleton OR (DAY7), and Clarkston WA (DAYs 8-9/overnight).

For the ACL Encore ship's inaugural season was also scheduled the "National Parks & Legendary Rivers" cruisetour itinerary (15-night/16-day from Portland OR to Jackson WY) visiting Astoria OR (DAY3), Kalama WA (DAY4), The Dalles OR (DAY5), Columbia River Gorge (DAY6/cruising), Richland WA (DAY7), and Clarkston WA (DAY 8/debarkation). From Clarkston starts the voyage's land portion - DAY9 (Coeur d'Alene Lake cruise, Kalispell overnight hotel stay), DAY10 (Glacier National Park), DAY11 (Yellowstone National Park, Butte MT, Ennis MT), DAY12 (Yellowstone National Park/Yellowstone's Grand Loop, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall), DAY13 (Yellowstone National Park/Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village Dining Room, Yellowstone Playhouse, Meadow Vue Ranch), DAY14 (Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park/Jackson Lake Lodge), DAY15 (Grand Teton National Park/Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Jackson Hole's National Museum of Wildlife Art), and DAY16 (Jackson WY/transfer to Jackson Hole Airport

ACL cruise deals are inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel package, all shore excursions (organized daily), cocktail hour (each evening), cruise accommodation, gourmet meals, Afternoon Tea service, room service (Breakfast only), onboard enrichment and entertainment programs, Wi-Fi (shipwide coverage).

Other American Cruise Lines cruise ships

• ACL American Constellation
• ACL American Constitution
• ACL American Eagle
• ACL American Glory
• ACL American Harmony
• ACL American Jazz
• ACL American Legend
• ACL American Liberty
• ACL American Melody
• ACL American Patriot
• ACL American Pioneer
• ACL American Serenade
• ACL American Song
• ACL American Symphony
• American Empress
• American Heritage
• American Independence
• American Pride
• American Spirit
• American Splendor
• American Star
• American West

ACL American Encore Wiki

The improved ship design of the Modern Riverboat series allows "bow landings" via a retractable and rotating gangway (passenger bridge) that extends from Main Deck (deck 1) to the dock or directly onto the river bank. This feature is available on all traditional-design US paddlewheel riverboats and provides expanded options for river cruise itineraries unmatched by most newbuild river cruise ships .

The ship has a modern propulsion system consisting of 2x azimuth thrusters ("Z-drives") manufactured by Veth (Holland). These 360-degree rotating propellers (1x forward, 1x aft) provide the boat with greater maneuverability and berthing flexibility.

The ship is powered by 2x Caterpillar marine engines running on low-sulfur diesel. These modern engines require less fuel and produce fewer emissions (COx, NOx, SOx) and soot particles in comparison to other boats on the US river cruising market.

American Cruise Line's "Modern Riverboats" are all constructed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding (shipyard in Salisbury MA). During the launch ceremonies, the vessel's hull (yard number 144) is floated out from drydock into Wicomico River, then positioned in the shipyard's East Outfitting Basin to receive the superstructure (upper decks) and final outfitting.

The ship's name (American Encore) was officially announced by ACL on September 3, 2024.

ACL boat's namesakes are Norwegian Encore (2019) and Seabourn Encore (2016).

Shushary is a Saint Petersburg Metro station on the Frunzensko-Primorskaya Line of the Saint Petersburg Metro. It was opened on 3 October 2019 as a part of the extension of the line to the south from Mezhdunarodnaya. The extension also included Prospekt Slavy and Dunayskaya stations. Shushary is the southeastern terminus of the line, behind Dunayskaya.The station was initially planned as Yuzhnaya, and the name was sometimes used in official communications.Shushary is built outside of the Saint Petersburg Ring Road, in Frunzensky District. The name refers to the settlement of Shushary.

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