1. Largest Owner’s Suites and the First Loft Suites on U.S. Rivers
Nestled in the best location with sprawling views of the river, our 550-square-foot Owner’s Suites aboard the American Duchess will have you feeling like Thomas P. Leathers, one of the wealthiest and most successful steamboat owners of the 19th century. Adorned with an intimate interior lounging area amply furnished with a queen sofa-bed, cocktail tables and desk, these lavish suites can accommodate up to four guests and epitomize luxurious river cruising. Our 550-square-foot elegant Loft Suites are a traveler’s dream come true. You will feel right at home in the 350-square-foot lower level featuring a full bathroom, a small dining area, a beautiful lounge section furnished with a queen sofa-bed and desk, along with sliding glass doors to your private balcony where you can unwind and take in the majestic, riverside scenery. Ascend the stairs to the upper level of the loft and you will discover a tranquil retreat with its semiprivate bedroom, a full bathroom and plentiful closet space. These innovative suites accommodate a variety of travel needs and are the ideal choice for family and friends looking to take a U.S. river cruise together.
2. One-Night Premium Hotel Stay to Begin Your Journey
Most 9-day voyage fares include a pre-cruise hotel stay in a deluxe or boutique hotel in the city of embarkation. We believe that this complimentary hotel stay provides you with a relaxing evening prior to embarking on your journey with us. Plus, it offers you an opportunity to explore the magnificent port of call as you wish. Our designated hotel properties are thoughtfully selected as a complement to the unique experiences that you will encounter on your lavish journey through the heart of America.
3. All Onboard Meals with Regionally Inspired Cuisine in Multiple Dining Venues
Dining aboard the American Queen, American Empress and American Duchess is as decadent as it is delightful. Our award-winning culinary teams take full advantage of each region’s diverse bounty of fresh ingredients to prepare uniquely exquisite dishes. If you are in the mood to experience something other than the traditional 5-course meal in the main dining rooms, our alternative dining venues available on each vessel provide a different and unique atmosphere and menu.
4. Wine and Beer with Dinner, 24-Hour Room Service and Endless Coffee/Tea/Cappuccino/Espresso
On our U.S. river cruises, our guests may enjoy complimentary wine and beer each evening with dinner, as well as coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso, bottled water and soft drinks throughout the day. Usually popular just before retiring to bed is a sweet treat of ice cream, cookies or other imaginative confection that ends the day on a perfect note. Additionally, the comfort and convenience of 24-hour room service is just a phone call away on all vessels.
5. Broadway-Caliber Entertainment each Evening
Night after night, top entertainers bring down the house in the theatre or showroom of each vessel. Each evening the lights dim, the curtains rise and our talented performers offer you entertainment worthy of Broadway.
6. Signature Hop-On Hop-Off Shore Excursions in Each Port of Call
Our included Hop-On Hop-Off tours are the best way to experience the freedom of choosing your own path in these great cities. You will have the freedom to board deluxe motorcoaches at the dock and enjoy a locally narrated tour throughout every port of call. We encourage you to hop off the motorcoach whenever the urge catches you, because another one is on its way to pick you up, typically stopping every 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Warm Hospitality from a Friendly All-American Crew
We know that our fabulous crew and their commitment to providing our guests with a phenomenal, onboard experience is undoubtedly the reason that so many river cruisers choose the American Queen Steamboat Company. We could not be more grateful for the team that we have and we often receive notes from guests about how a crewmember went above and beyond for them or how they were treated like family, being called by name and leaving with many friends. This special group of employees collectively makes vessel operations run smooth all while providing a charming experience for each and every guest.
8. Bicycles for Leisurely Use While in Port
Complimentary bicycles and helmets are made available at each port on your river cruise. With so many picturesque towns along the rivers, cycling is a great way to explore the shops and sites while getting in your daily dose of cardio. Our onboard staff will also provide you with local attraction maps and guides so that you may explore each port as you wish along your river journey.
9. Riverlorians, Our Resident History and Culture Experts
As history plays such a large part of your cruise experience, our Riverlorian is onboard for each voyage to impart the history and lore of the river on which you are cruising. In addition to our ever-present Riverlorian, we often feature a diverse lineup of guest historians who take to the stage and transport you to another era. You will enjoy hearing from these noted speakers who offer astounding insights on the culture and heritage of America’s heartland and the Deep South. Relive a tale from Mark Twain for an enchanted evening and you will retire to your room convinced that you just had a conversation with history.
10. Unique and Engaging Themed Cruises
Our uniquely themed river cruises feature special entertainment creating a river cruise experience unlike any other. From Civil War and Big Band Swing to annual Holiday-Christmas Markets and New Year’s Celebration, the possibilities are endless.
New Orleans