Come Steamboatin' With The Great American Steamboat Company: Cruise America's Heartland On USA River Cruises

Steamboating has a glorious past in America's history, and the American Queen is the only paddlewheeler offering overnight cruises. Now you can enjoy the ambiance of the 1800's with the casual comforts of the 21st century.

Steamboating wouldn't be half as enjoyable without music, and onboard your American river cruise, music is at the heart of onboard entertainment, with Dixieland, jazz and more. The Grand Saloon onboard is a replica of Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C.

The timelessness of America's inland rivers enables passengers to discover America in much the same manner as did the original 19th-century steamboat travelers.Voyages will range from 3- to 14-nights. The Mississippi River cruises take you through the heart of America. Along the way are antebellulm mansions to visit, America's history to explore, and blues and jazz musical traditions to savor. 

The Upper Mississippi offers magnificent fall foliage cruises between Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis. Or you can explore the Ohio River, perhaps attending the Kentucky Derby, and the Tennessee River, from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, the seat of America's Industrial Revolution.

You'll explore the richness of riverside America as you step ashore at historic ports of call such as lively Memphis and stately Natchez, Mark Twain's Hannibal or cosmopolitan St. Paul, bustling St. Louis and gracious Louisville, charming Chattanooga and tuneful Nashville, friendly Cincinnati and dynamic Pittsburgh.

The vessel has a bi-level Grand Saloon and Grand Dining Room. In addition there are alternative dining restaurants-- the first time a paddlewheeler has had mutliple dining venues. Cuisine is rooted in the South, with locally-sourced ingredients. Complimentary wine and beer is included with dinner, as are bottled waters and soft drinks and in-room Starubuck's coffee.

Delicacies on your menu will range from Bananas Foster French Toast and Crab Cake Benedict, to Apple Wood Smoked Bacon Filet of Beef or Prime Rib of Pork. (Chef Regina Charboneau's cruisine has been previously applauded by Paul Theroux in Gourmet magazine.) The River Grill on the top deck will feature grilled meats and salads, along with great river views.

Staterooms on this First Lady of the Mississippi are richly appointed, reminiscent of a Victorian bed and breakfast, featuring plush pillow-top beds. Many staterooms feature double mahogany doors that open up to private verandas. Luxury suites as well as interior staterooms are available. There are a number of connecting staterooms, convenient for families. For single travelers there are nine single cabins available.

The all-American staff and crew will welcome you aboard American Queen as you experience the United States as you've never seen it before — from the decks of a genuine paddlewheel steamboat.

If you are within driving distance of a port, parking is available as are car rentals, including one-way rentals. For those further away, we can arrange the best available airfare options to meet your needs. Convenient Amtrak train connections are also available.

Our travel experts will be pleased to answer your questions and make your arrangements, including the best airfare options and any pre- or post-cruise extensions you might desire.