The American Queen Steamboat Company is the new owner of the American Queen. This is the last remaining ship of the original Delta Queen Steamboat Company. This traditional paddle wheeler cruises the Mississippi River and it’s many tributaries.
After a two year absence from the river, the American Queen returned to the Mississippi in April 2012.
Godmother Priscilla Presley christened the American Queen in a grand celebration. The cruising season often begins with the steamboat races during the festivities at the Kentucky Derby.
Enjoy a Steamboat voyage
The American Queen Steamboat Company welcomes you back to the luxury of a bygone era. The traditional decor makes for a memorable Mississippi cruising experience. Majestic views await you just out on your balcony. While up on deck, you are sure to rest a spell in one of the many rocking chairs. And what Mississippi River cruise would not be complete without a calliope concert or the chance to fly kites off the back of the boat. The southern experience would not be complete without the world class cuisine
The spirit of Mark Twain is ever present on the river. If you are cruising the upper Mississippi during the summer months, a stop in Hannibal, Missouri allows you to see the actual locations that gave rise to Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. There are a variety of theme cruises around the Civil War. There’s also many musical themed cruises featuring everything from the big band era to some of the classic groups of the 60s and 70s like Paul Revere and the Raiders.
THE AMERICAN QUEEN
Guests aboard the iconic American Queen will experience the unique grace and elegance provided on the largest river steamboat ever built. McDermott Shipyard built this boat in 1995 for the Delta Steamboat Company.
Voyagers will enjoy the best of both worlds on this six-deck vessel. The beautiful artistry of the outside filigree is reminiscent of the historical and stately boats which inspired her designers. While the modern-day amenities and accommodations afford her passengers a luxurious stay. They will also experience all of the lovely Victorian era special touches and antiques.
This 436- passenger steamboat offers outstanding amenities such as a pool, luxury spa services and excellent live theater entertainment. One of the many highlights passengers can enjoy is the Grand Saloon which offers the most elegant two-deck showplace on the river. Voyagers can also enjoy the Mark Twain Gallery and an extensive onboard library.
Riverlorians
Passengers can also enjoy the informative talks by the onboard Riverlorian who provides fascinating stories, historical facts and an opportunity for guests to ask questions regarding the vessel and river lore. Travelers aboard the American Queen can experience the mighty Mississippi River, as well as, the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers on excursions from five to fourteen-night theme cruises. These cruises launch from St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, St. Paul, Nashville, and Louisville.
Voyagers will experience this grande dame of steamboat history with its lovely Victorian decor, complete with lush upholstery, gleaming polished wood, and stately chandeliers. Prior to the American Queen’s relaunch in April 2012, she received a $6.5 million dollar renovation which showcases beauty often likened to a boutique historic hotel.
Enjoy your meals in the splendid J.M. White Dining Room, located on Deck One. Dinner is served nightly with two seating times, typically at 5:15 pm and 7:30 pm and include an extensive several course menu featuring mostly Southern-inspired cuisine. Enjoy beer and wine free of charge with dinner. Breakfast and lunch provide for open seating and free soft drinks are served throughout the boat.
Another option is to experience a more relaxed meal at Deck Three’s Front Porch Cafe. There, passengers can enjoy a selection of self-serve fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Outside the cafe, you will find outdoor seating with a beautiful view of the river.
Passengers will cherish the memories created aboard this beautiful vessel while experiencing an iconic American tradition with sumptuous food and outstanding entertainment options.
American Empress
The American Empress is the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River. Once you are on the Empress you will be taken by the elegance and modern luxury of the boat. The boat is 360 foot, she was built in 2002. She is listed as accommodating 223 guests. Life aboard American Empress is all about comfort, excellent food, attentive service, and spectacular scenery. It’s still festooned with crystal chandeliers, wood paneling, and an impressive art collection as well.
While the new American Countess boasts, being the newest of the fleet, The American Empress offers a different story, a journey never to be forgotten. It has beauty enveloped in history. Step into a world where a trip was pure relaxation—no worries about diets and fitness plans. Just a ride, taking in the scenery, socializing, and breathing in culture.
The American Empress is the largest and most elegant riverboat in the Pacific Northwest. It takes you on a journey over the Columbia and Snake Rivers. It is filled with artwork and artifacts of Native Alaska, Russia, the Gold Rush, and the sternwheeler era in and around Oregon while maintaining a classic appearance. Storied beauty, historical intrigue. Do not be fooled. It has all modern amenities and high-quality service.
So much to do
Meals are scheduled and taken in the Astoria Dining Room. Enjoy the chatter and social atmosphere with a delicious, seasonal meal. All local ingredients and locally brewed ales to better set the mood of your journey. And once you have finished your delightful meal, enjoy a show: music and lively cabaret-style performances.
Performances that make you move to the music and make your imagination burst. And then, a moment to learn a rich history of the Columbia and Snake Rivers from local historians.
The riverboat offers so much beauty and history to take in—a vibrant journey filled with relaxation and fruitful learning. It does not matter if you are an introvert or a social butterfly; there is so much to learn and enjoy. Take in the scenery, breathe in the culture, and have all the fun you can.
AMERICAN DUCHESS
This steamboat came into fruition when company HMS Global Maritime’s original boats, the American Queen and American Empress gained popularity and caused quite a demand for a new boat. The American Duchess was originally built for the Great Lakes, but was needed on the Mississippi routes due to demand.
The ship’s original 1995-built hull had two, 18½-foot decks with no interstitial columns
The suites range from 180 sq. ft to 550 sq. ft.
The American Duchess has 83 guest suites that range in size from 180-550-square-foot Loft and Owner’s Suites.
The American Duchess has made its’ mark as an American maritime masterpiece and maintains a tradition for Americans who enjoy river cruising. It’s suites offer the comfort of home and it’s dining areas provide an atmosphere of class.
The American Countess
The latest member of the American Queen Steamboat Company fleet also has a royal name. The American Countess Riverboat ferries 245 guests along the Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland, and Mississippi Rivers. It is sleek, polished, with forward-facing windows and large open spaces. There’s also a portside bar, to better enjoy the scenery as it unfolds before your eyes. It has all the modern amenities. A gym, so you don’t have to miss on your daily workout. Flatscreen televisions and plush bedding to let you relax in the comforts of their room. Or take a journey to the Card Room, the Library, or the Theater, for a rousing broadway-style story, rediscovering the world of Mark Twain.
One of the best parts of the riverboat experience is the food, and the American Countess offers only the best, a meal to befit a countess. Taking the culinary and cultural influences of the region, you always look forward to something unique and delicious. Your choice of dining includes the beautiful Grand Dining Hall, or enjoying your meal via Room Service. Either way, you are in for a culinary masterpiece, and the best service.
