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.
- Detailed Information
- Dining Info
| Ship Statistics | |
| Year Built | 1995 |
| Refurbished | 2017 |
| Tonnage | 3,707 tons |
| Registry | United States |
| Length | 420 feet |
| Beam | 89 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 417 |
| Crew Size | 172 |
| # of Inside Cabins | 54 |
| # of Outside Cabins | 141 |
| # of Cabins w/ Verandas | 27 |
| # of Suites | 22 |
| Max. Room Occupancy | 3 |
| Age Restrictions | |
| Dining Options | |
| Tipping Expected? | Yes |
| Onboard Currency | US Dollar |
| Services & Amenities | |
| Bars/Lounges | Yes |
| Beauty Salon/Barber Shop | No |
| Casino | No |
| Chapel | No |
| Disco/Dancing | Yes |
| Elevators | Yes |
| Hot Tub | No |
| Cell Phone Service | No |
| Internet Access | Yes |
| Internet Center | Yes |
| Wireless Internet Access | Yes |
| Laundromats (self service) | Yes |
| Laundry/Dry Cleaning | Yes |
| Library | Yes |
| Movie Theatre | Yes |
| Outdoor Movie Screen | No |
| Onboard Weddings | No |
| Shops | Yes |
| Showroom | No |
| Spa | No |
| Video Arcade | No |
| Fitness & Sports Facilities | |
| Basketball Court | No |
| Fitness Center | Yes |
| Golf Driving Net | No |
| Golf Simulator | No |
| Ice Skating Rink | No |
| Jogging Track | No |
| Mini-Golf Course | No |
| Swimming Pool | Yes |
| Tennis Court | No |
| Water Sports Platform | No |
| Cabin Features & Amenities | |
| 24-Hour Room Service | Yes |
| Hair Dryer | Yes |
| Safe | Yes |
| Telephone | No |
| Television | Yes |
| Kids Facilities & Family Activities | |
| Babysitting | No |
| Children's Playroom | No |
| Kiddie Pool | No |
| Supervised Youth Program | No |
| Teen Center | No |
| Rock Climbing Wall | No |
| Waterslide | No |
| Special Needs & Requests | |
| Adjoining Cabins (private connecting doors) | Yes |
| Kosher Meals | Yes |
| Single Occupancy Cabins | Yes |
| Single Share Program | No |
| Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins | 7 |
| These suites give you the feeling of a fine Southern estate home, complete with authentic Victoriana and antiques. Perched atop the American Queen in the best locations with expansive views of the river, you’ll feel like Thomas P. Leathers, one of the wealthiest and most successful steamboat owners of the 19th century. From the intimate sitting area with its sofa-bed and cocktail table to the fluffy bed, this is river living at its finest. Suites 501 and 502 offer triple occupancy in 2020. | |
| These suites give you the feeling of a fine Southern estate home, complete with authentic Victoriana and antiques. Perched atop the American Queen in the best locations with expansive views of the river, you’ll feel like Thomas P. Leathers, one of the wealthiest and most successful steamboat owners of the 19th century. From the intimate sitting area with its sofa-bed and cocktail table to the fluffy bed, this is river living at its finest. Category Suites 513, 515, 517 and 519 offer quadruple occupancy in 2020. | |
| These suites give you the feeling of a fine Southern estate home, complete with authentic Victoriana and antiques. Perched atop the American Queen in the best locations, you'll enjoy expansive views of the river. From the intimate sitting area with its sofa-bed and cocktail table to the fluffy bed, this is river living at its finest. Suites 503, 504, 518 and 520 offer triple occupancy. | |
| Settle in your sitting area, open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river slip majestically by. Some staterooms in this category offer a view of the paddlewheel, while others offer expansive views of America’s heartland. | |
| These spacious retreats offer unmatched views, each with a 6-foot-square viewing window that overlooks the paddlewheel, for a truly authentic steamboat experience. It is important to note that while some guests are enamored with the allure of the more traditional experience, others may find the turning of the paddlewheel to produce more sound and vibration than they like at times. Features queen bed or two single beds, full bathroom, flat-screen TV, sitting area with sofa-bed, vanity, mirror, writing desk and Interior access. | |
| Settle back on the couch in your sitting area, throw open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river slip majestically by, just out of reach. Some staterooms in this category welcome you with a view of the paddlewheel, while the highest guest deck offers expansive views of America’s Heartland. 210 sq. ft. | |
| Can you imagine opening French doors to a sweeping river vista and the sweet scent of magnolia trees? In these staterooms, there’s no need to dream any longer. Sit on the deck outside your stateroom and greet early morning strollers. 160 to 190 sq. ft. | |
| Not only do these staterooms take you back in time with décor reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast, you’ll have the added joy of an expansive bay window overlooking the ever-changing scenery of America’s Heartland. Go ahead and curl up in front of the window with a new novel and savor a moment that belongs to only you. 190 sq. ft. | |
| Surrounded by wonderful period details and with every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments upon entering these cozy havens. No expense has been spared on the small details that make all the difference: the antebellum-style wallpaper, cloud-like pillows and bright and cheerful private bath. Tom Sawyer never had it so good. 140 sq. ft. | |
| Greet the day in your cozy stateroom, relaxing before breakfast or enjoying a leisurely morning in bed with room service. Queen bed, full bathroom, flat-screen TV and Interior access. | |
| Unaccompanied travelers should never have to sacrifice the comforts of home. Surrounded by wonderful period details and with every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments upon entering these cozy havens. No expense has been spared on the small details that make all the difference: the antebellum-style wallpaper, cloud-like pillows and bright and cheerful private bath. Tom Sawyer never had it so good. 80 sq. ft. | |
American Queen Steamboat Company
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The timelessness of America’s inland rivers enables you to discover America in much the same manner as did the original 19th-century steamboat travelers. Perhaps you’ll even unleash your inner Mark Twain on an all-inclusive American Queen Steamboat paddle wheeler cruise. Do you love jazz? Civil War history? The Kentucky Derby? Make your cruise even more meaningful with itineraries focused on a theme or interest.
In terms of sustainability, the American Queen Voyages is reducing its plastic footprint by over 90%, installing hydration stations and using reusable drink-ware. It is also recycling cooking oil and installing food waste compaction and dehydration systems. In 2019 nearly 1,250 gallons of cooking oil was recycled and food waste was reduced from 400 pounds to 25 pounds.
So much is included in your American Queen Steamboat cruise, including a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, unlimited included shore excursions, unlimited WiFi, open bar with unlimited beverages with wines, spirits, craft beers and specialty coffees, 24-hour in-room dining, bicycles and walking sticks, and more…
About American Queen Steamboat
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Cruise Price Guarantee
We will match or beat a price when you provide us with a competitor's quote prior to purchase, if it is lower and available.
Onboard Savings
Enjoy a $100 per couple onboard credit on every cruise, and $200 credit on select voyages.
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We've got you covered with our best-in-class service and support-- from booking till after you return home.
“What a fun, enjoyable trip on the American Queen! Wonderful dining, tours and especially the entertainment (I think it’s even better than on the cruise ships).” – Margie & Steve, Los Angeles, CA
Our cruise experts will arrange your best American Queen cruise and customize your travel arrangements the way you want it. We'll help tailor your experience with customized shore excursions and special requests onboard, arrange pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, your best airfare options, and more.
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“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 Doe
The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity.
Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately riverboats that preceded her and so inspired her designers.
While on board, you can select a volume from the vast collection in the Mark Twain Gallery, the boat’s library. Or enjoy a sing-along in the Main Deck Lounge, and then tap your toes to a lavish show in the two-deck-tall Grand Saloon, the most elegant showplace on the river.
Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made River Cruising a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. One voyage and you’ll see why.
Accommodation
Welcome to your home aboard the elegant American Queen where you can relax in a warm, inviting atmosphere of Antebellum charm without sacrificing modern conveniences. Fine linens and plush bedding will ensure you are well-rested to fully enjoy every included shore tour, historical lecture and toe-tapping musical performance. Open veranda categories afford neighboring guests the unique opportunity to enjoy a social atmosphere, swapping stories and forming lasting friendships with fellow travelers. From cozy staterooms to opulent suites, the American Queen has accommodations for a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Food & Drink
Dining aboard the American Queen is as decadent as it is delightful. Their award-winning culinary teams take full advantage of each region’s diverse bounty of fresh ingredients to prepare uniquely exquisite dishes while our gracious, all-American staff charms you with friendly, attentive service so that you may enjoy each meal in a most relaxed atmosphere.
Life on Board
Each day and evening aboard the American Queen and the American Empress lends a splendid variety of entertainment to keep you fully engaged throughout your voyage. Whether it is a themed voyage special event, a captivating tale told by our onboard Riverlorian or an energised musical performance led by top entertainers, there is always an impressive line-up of entertainment that is sure to satisfy.
Get a feel for life onboard the American Queen by browsing through the image gallery. Click on any of the images above to get started.
American Queen Cruises
May we present you with a small selection of the wide range of cruises available on American Queen Steamboat' American Queen. For more details click on one of the links below.
Deck Plans American Queen
Browse American Queen's deck plans to get a feel of her layout. Explore cabins, restaurants, entertainment and shared spaces at your leisure.
The American Queen Steamboat Fleet
Climb aboard an iconic steamboat and explore a slice of American history on our Mississippi River cruises. Offering a unique on-the-river perspective, our voyages create the perfect getaway for nature and history lovers alike. Enjoy our richly appointed paddlewheelers and steamboats that offer beautiful staterooms and suites, restaurants and spacious decks for watching the river sights go by.
American Queen Steamboat Uniquely American river cruises
Experience the historic authenticity of the Mississippi River aboard the celebrated American Queen or the new American Duchess and discover America from the indescribable perspective of the river.
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American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company, offers overnight cruises aboard authentic paddlewheelers on the Mississippi River and its tributaries and on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Ship decor exudes Americana, with gingerbread trim and lacy filigree adorning the decks.
Cruise fares include a pre-voyage hotel night, shore excursions, regionally inspired cuisine, daily entertainment, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi access and unlimited soft drinks throughout the trip. Enjoy spirits, wine and local craft beer -- all included with your cruise. Themed sailings feature special activities that focus on Civil War history, musical interests and other topics.
Trip ratings on this site are based on the quality of accommodations, the number of included meals and activities and the level of service delivered. American Queen's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). In addition to river cruises, the line also sails in Alaska, the Great Lakes and other coastal regions in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, visiting inland harbors, secluded bays and remote ports that larger ships can't reach. To see itineraries and prices for the company's ocean and Great Lakes cruises , click here .
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Perched atop the American Queen in the best locations with expansive views of the river, you’ll feel like Thomas P. Leathers, one of the wealthiest and most successful steamboat owners of the 19th century. From the intimate sitting area with its sofa-bed and cocktail table to the fluffy bed, this is river living at its finest.
The American Queen is the most opulent riverboat in the world - a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. This iconic paddlewheeler introduces her riders to the waters that she calls home – the great Mississippi River which has sustained towns, wildlife and memories throughout history.
About American Queen Steamboat Relive the glorious past of America's steamboating era on the American Queen , the world’s largest and most luxurious paddle wheeler offering overnight cruises, or on the all-suite American Duchess , cruising on the Mississippi, the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers visiting storybook American towns as well ...
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.
The American Queen Steamboat Fleet. Climb aboard an iconic steamboat and explore a slice of American history on our Mississippi River cruises. Offering a unique on-the-river perspective, our voyages create the perfect getaway for nature and history lovers alike.
American Queen's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). In addition to river cruises, the line also sails in Alaska, the Great Lakes and other coastal regions in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, visiting inland harbors, secluded bays and remote ports that larger ships can't reach.