Have you ever dreamed of exploring the beautiful rivers of the United States? Maybe not until recently! But this thought might have crossed your mind now that Covid-19 has shut down most international travel. If you love river cruising, then you might consider the American Queen Steamboat Company as an option for US travel. This company will help you explore the grand US rivers (Mississippi, Snake, Columbia, Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio) while you immerse yourself in your own country’s natural beauty and history. Come with me as I open your mind to new options for river travel.
Let American Queen Steamboat Company transport you back in time with their four paddle wheel boats. Onboard historians, called Riverlorians, will deliver lectures on the history, nature and culture surrounding your itinerary. Guided Hop-On-Hop-Off tours, at each port stop, are included in the pricing. Additional premium tours are available also.
While onboard, you will enjoy tasty regionally inspired cuisines at the three course meal dinners. Wine and beer are included; top shelf liquors will cost extra. There is always tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, ice cream, popcorn and freshly backed cookies to enjoy.
After dinner, nightly Broadway level entertainment will round out the day. When you have a free moment, don’t forget to visit the engine viewing room, relax at the pool or work off those dinner calories in the Fitness Center. Remember that internet service is included; no worries about additional charges.
American Queen Steamboat company does offer a 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay with breakfast on all ships excluding the American Countess voyages. This pre-cruise hotel stay includes transfers to your ship. One detail to mention is transfers from/to the airport. AQSC does not provide a transfer to your hotel/ship pre-cruise. You will have to arrange an taxi/Uber ride or a private transfer. However, customers can purchase post-cruise transfers to the airport when disembarking the ships.
Now, there are always a few questions that clients ask! Children can be a hot topic. Kids are allowed on the ships, however, there are no special activities or childcare services. There are also a few handicapped accessible rooms on each ship and crew members are available to help when needed. Hop-On-Hop-Off buses have the first two rows designated for those with special needs. AQSC also has a few single cabin staterooms for those traveling solo.
Let’s now explore these magnificent river ships that will take you into the heartland of America. First is the American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built. It has 222 staterooms and carries 436 guests. If you chose to vacation on this grand ship, you will experience great rivers, persistent towns, wildlife and historic sites. The staterooms are beautifully decorated in Southern style taking you back to the paddle wheel era. Staterooms vary from inside staterooms, outside rooms with bay windows, deluxe suites with verandah to Owner’s Suites with verandah and butler service. The American Queen boasts a steam calliope with 37 whistles. A calliope is a steam-whistle organ that is played by a keyboard. You can even take lessons and receive a certificate at the end of the cruise.
The second ship, the American Duchess, provides luxury cruising along the great Mississippi River. What sets the American Duchess apart? It is the two-story Loft Suites that feel like home away from home. The upstairs has a bathroom and semi-private bedroom with plenty of closet space. Downstairs has a small dining area, full bathroom, a spacious living area with full-size sofa-bed along with a private verandah. This stateroom also includes butler services. While onboard visit the Show Lounge and the Lincoln Library, stroll through the Art Walk which features a series of Claude Monet paintings, or sit in a rocking chair and take in the views.
The American Empress is the largest riverboat west of the mighty Mississippi. It carries 223 passengers sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers in style. You can rest easy while discovering the history and adventures of Lewis and Clark. Dining is the Astoria Dining room is inspired by Pacific Northwest cuisine. For more casual dining, stroll over to the River Grill. In the evenings, The Show Lounge offers world-class entertainment along with a tale or two about Lewis and Clark. Both the 9-day Pacific Northwest Splendor cruise and The Wilder West cruise embark from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Finally, the American Countess is the newest member of the fleet with 4 decks. This paddleboat carries 245 guests along the vibrant Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland, and Mississippi Rivers. The complimentary workout room has stunning views of the river. This ship also has a card room, library, and theater room for your pleasure. The staterooms are beautifully appointed with more of a modern flare. Each room has a queen sized bed and flat screen TV. The itineraries range from 8 to 16 days of discovery through Southern charm, Cajun influences, Mark Twain’s Mississippi and the influences of the steamboat era.
If you would like to know more information about cruising with the American Steamboat Company, please give Eagle Adventures a call at 936-443-9002. Or you can e-mail at Brenda.Hall@AvoyaNetwork.com. We would love to hear from you!
Eagle Adventures 