Avalon Waterways, which features mostly European river cruises, is partnering with American Queen Steamboat Company to offer Mississippi sailings aboard the American Queen paddlewheeler in 2013. Next year Avalon customers can access two U.S. itineraries on the American Queen: a 12-day America’s Heartland: From Music City to the Big Easy and an 11-day Fall Foliage Spectacular: From the Windy City to the Twin Cities.  Up to 40 Avalon guests will be invited aboard the steamboat for these sailings.

Guests will be accompanied by their own Avalon tour director who will assist with land experiences, including visiting the home of Chef Regina Charboneau, American Queen’s culinary expert, to enjoy southern drinks and light fare in Natchez, Miss. In addition, Avalon guests will have the opportunity to book pre- and post-cruise land packages, giving them the chance to spend more time in Nashville, New Orleans or Chicago.  

The American Queen offers travelers non-smoking interiors, outside staterooms, complimentary shore excursions, wine and beer with dinner, onboard entertainment and culture. Avalon is the first major European river cruise operator to partner with the American Queen to give its travelers the chance to experience the Mississippi on a paddlewheel steamboat.

 “We have had great success partnering with top-of-the-line cruise ship companies on the Yangtze, the Nile and in the Galápagos Islands and look forward to our first-ever U.S. partnership,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “We’re excited to provide our travelers from around the world the chance to see and explore the cities and towns along the Mississippi – the fourth largest river of the world – on the American Queen.”