American Queen Steamboat Company’s Classic Paddle-Wheeler Experience

American Queen Steamboat Company deploys a fleet of three beautiful paddle-wheelers along regional rivers: the American Duchess, the American Empress and the American Queen. Besides the unique opportunity to sail closer to home, the vessels themselves offer a classic onboard experience hearkening back to a bygone era complete with modern comforts.

Take, for instance, the architecturally traditional American Duchess. The 166-guest riverboat is the newest all-suite paddle-wheeler on the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland. Its private accommodations range in size from 180 square feet to 550 square feet for its Loft Suites.

Expansive Loft Suite lower levels have a full bathroom and lounge with a queen sofa-bed and desk, plus a small dining area and sliding door access to a balcony. Upstairs is a bedroom, closet area and another full bathroom.

Publicly showcased are the ship’s single-seating Grand Dining Room serving five-star cuisine as well as The River Club & Terrace casual alternative. Broadway-style entertainment is further hosted nightly in The Show Lounge. A Sun Deck also makes taking in the passing scenery an al fresco delight.

Of course, rounding out the fleet-wide software inclusions onboard are complimentary wine and beer with dinner and cappuccino, espresso, bottled water and soft drinks that are always available.

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Meanwhile, the American Empress frequents the Pacific Northwest along the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Its vintage steamboat aesthetic may convey a sense of formality, but country club casual is all that is expected of passengers.

Still, comfortable staterooms—all of which sport a balcony or picture window—remain plush. In fact, Luxury Suites come with the line’s Commodore Services and attention of a dedicated River Butler. On all its riverboats, bonus perks include the likes of a fruit basket and bottle of wine at arrival, preferred dining, reserved show seating, dining with officers, luggage unpacking and packing, laundry and pressing, afternoon tea, canapés, veranda dining and more.

Lastly, the titular American Queen represents the largest steamboat ever constructed. Its decor displays American Victorian grandeur with timeless woodwork and antiques to match. Appropriately titled venues encompass the Mark Twain Gallery library before extending to the Main Deck Lounge and double-decker Grand Saloon. Gearheads will especially appreciate the Engine Room Viewing Area right at the ship’s stern and signature paddlewheel.

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From the comfort of ornate box seats, guests can even enjoy the daily lectures of the riverboat’s resident “Riverlorian” history and culture expert. Also entertaining are live jazz and blues music and numbers from an impressive six-piece orchestra.

At the end of the day, like on the other two riverboats, guests have a variety of spacious accommodations to retreat to, but only on the Queen are a selection of spa treatments to be pampered by as well. Passengers can cruise down the river while partaking in relaxing massages, facials, reflexology and exfoliation.

The only difficult choice it would seem is choosing just which sailing to specifically embark on.