The muddy Mississippi River stretches before us, flowing as “smooth as a Southern drawl.” Our 8-day journey along the lower Mississippi-sailing upriver from New Orleans to Memphis aboard the American Queen Steamboat-is about to begin.

Thanks to the American QueenSteamboat Company for hosting me.  All opinions are my own.

American Queen Steamboat Cruises

Aboard the American Queen Steamboat-the largest and most opulent ever built-time stands still. Authentic features, based on classic historical designs, abound. From the lacy gingerbread trim and two fluted stacks bedecking the outside to the gleaming Victorian parlors on the inside, no attention to detail has been spared.

As a member of the Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, period pieces are used throughout the boat. The chandelier leading to the J.M White Dining Hall is from the Budweiser Exhibit of the 1904 World’s Fair.  In the Ladies’ Parlor, the focal point is a fireplace rescued from an antebellum home.  Even the boat itself is powered by an authentic steam paddlewheel.

Accommodations:

With 222 staterooms that can accommodate 446 guests, there’s a room and a price point for everyone.  Deck 5 features AAA category suites, ranging in size from around 230 square feet to 500 square feet.  All of these suites have bath and shower combinations, a shared front porch style veranda, and cabin names that emphasize some aspect of the river.

Deck Four has similar outside cabins, although the size is slightly smaller, at around 190 feet. Deck Three outside cabins have the same square footage, along with interior doors and a 40-square-feet private veranda.  A more budget-friendly option is the interior cabins located on Decks 3, 4, and 5, although these 140 square feet cabins only contain a shower.  A few rooms are located on Deck 2.  Some of these rooms are handicapped accessible and all have bay windows instead of access to a veranda.

All rooms contain flat-screen televisions, a safe, twice-daily room refreshes, and stainless steel water bottles. These can be filled at hydration stations located near the elevators on each deck.

Ports of Call

A history lover’s dream cruise, guests will discover the birthplace of blues, the heart of the Mississippi Delta, and the soul of New Orleans at these ports of call.  Each Port of Call has a fleet of dedicated Hop-On, Hop-Off buses, along with included admission fees to several area attractions. I’ll be writing a detailed post for each port and linking them here.

Premium Excursions are available for purchase at each Port of Call. These excursions provide a deeper look into the area, with offerings ranging from a Bayou Cajun Swamp Tour to The Ultimate Mississippi Music Experience.

Nottoway Plantation– This Greek revival and Italianate style mansion dates back to 1859.  Sugar magnate John Hampton Randolph had this home, nicknamed the “white castle,” constructed for himself, his wife, and their eleven children. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, stroll through the grounds, or visit the museum to view articles and artifacts of the Randolph family.

The Christmas celebration at Nottoway hosted by the American Queen is a lavish affair, with period dancing, caroling, and dainty homemade desserts.  The festivities end with bonfires to light the way for Pere Noel and a fireworks display as the boat leaves port.

St. Francisville, Louisiana– This town was once the capital-for 74 days-of the independent Republic of  West Florida before being annexed into the United States.  Today, this quiet town, located a few minutes from the Mississippi River, boasts a thriving historic district, delicious independent eateries, and six plantation homes that are open for tours.

The West Feliciana Parish History Museum is the perfect place to begin the day.  It tells of the town’s rowdy beginnings as Bayou Sara, once a thriving cotton port, and the impact of the Mississippi on the town from the past until today. St. Francisville is also home to The Myrtles, rumored to be “one of America’s most haunted homes.”

Read more about How to Spend a Day in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Natchez, Mississippi– The oldest city located on the Mississippi River,  it was founded in 1716, making it two years older than New Orleans.  Known for its graceful Antebellum homes, this city also offers a wealth of African-American History.   From the Natchez Heritage School Of Cooking, with three generations of African-American women sharing their cooking and stories, to Concord Quarters, former slave quarters that have been converted to a Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find the impact the African-American influence had on the city.

At the Under the Hill Saloon, one of the oldest buildings in the area, guests can learn of Natchez’s bawdy past of cutthroats, prostitutes, and pirates.

Vicksburg, Mississippi-Atlanta is famous for Coca-Cola, but did you know it was first bottled in Vicksburg in 1894?  Visitors can explore the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum for a self-guided tour. Afterward, stop by the soda fountain, where you can purchase a classic Coke float.

Experience Southern charm in the Downtown district,  filled with museums, historic homes, and activities for all ages.  Stroll by the Floodwall murals to discover the town’s diverse history, or take a tour of the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum, including a 1,515-gallon aquarium, a towboat, and a walk-through outdoor flood model.

Greenville, Mississippi– is a small town with a big history.  Once known for having more writers per capita than any other town in the US, it was the home of Shelby Foote, Walker Percy, Ellen Douglas, and others.  Be sure to stop by the William Alexander Percy Library-a landmark along the Southern Literary Trail- to visit the Greenville Writers’ Exhibit.

Visitors who want to commune with nature can visit the 16-acre Cypress Preserve with boardwalks and walking trails. A favorite of locals and visitors, this site offers opportunities for bird watching and nature photography. In warmer weather keep an eye open, you might catch a glimpse of an alligator!

Bicycles can be checked out from the Purser’s Office for exploring on your own. Don’t feel like leaving the ship or looking for something to do on the dedicated day of river cruising? Enjoy some of the onboard activities.

Onboard Activities:

The gentle relaxed atmosphere of the American Queen allows guests to be as active-or not-as they wish. Each evening during turndown service, a copy of The River Times is delivered to each cabin with a list of the following day’s activities. Here are some of the highlights:

Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Reception-On the first and last nights of the cruise, join the captain for a short welcome and farewell speech, complete with a champagne toast.

The Ladies’ Parlor

Riverlorian Chats– A daily opportunity to meet with Riverlorian Jerry Hays, who explains the history of steamboats, how the Mississippi River has shaped the history of the people and lands surrounding it, and a history of each port of call.  Fun fact: No one knows the exact depth of the Mississippi River. The water level is constantly rising and falling and it changes around each bend. Depths can range from 10 feet to 230 feet.

Pilot House Tour– Riverlorian Jerry Hays takes visitors into the inner workings of the Pilot House in this guided tour. Due to limited space, this tour has a sign-up sheet and fills up quickly.  Guests are also invited to visit the Chart Room for the Night Watch; an in-depth discussion on night time navigation.

The Mark Twain Gallery

Nightly Shows-Meet in the Grand Saloon each evening for entertainment. Shows range from song and dance numbers with the American Queen Ensemble and the Showboat Syncopaters, to Dante the Magician, to An Evening With Mark Twain, who is superbly played by Lewis Hankins.

Daily Activities-change often and include free events such as movies, trivia contests, and line dancing lessons.  Paid activities such as wine and bourbon tastings are also available.  A photo contest is held during each cruise and guests are encouraged to submit their favorite photos.

The Mark Twain Gallery– Take advantage of this gallery to meet up with friends or new acquaintances. Several jigsaw puzzles are available, along with daily crossword puzzles and sudoku.  Playing cards can be checked out from the Purser’s Office.

Seasonal Activities: Each season provides new opportunities aboard the American Queen. During the Holiday Season, we participated in Door Decorating, Cookie Decorating, Ornament Creation, and a Mulled Wine Recipe Demonstration.

Fitness Room: A small fitness room is located on Deck 6. Take advantage of the view, people-watch, or enjoy the gentle flow of the river.

Pool: Also located on Deck 6,  this is the perfect spot to read a book and sunbathe during the warmer months.

The Pool and Fitness Room
Chart Room-Found on the 4th floor, this is the place to visit for books about the Mississippi River, along with charts and data of river features. You can also discover exactly where the ship is located on the river at any given time.

The AQ Spa– For an additional fee, guests can pamper themselves with a massage, facial, or reflexology treatment. Check the River Times for daily specials.

Onboard Dining

You won’t go hungry on the American Queen. Guests can choose between casual or formal meals or order from the 24-hour room service. Snacks, tea, and coffee are available 24-hours a day in both the Mark Twain Gallery and the Front Porch Cafe.

The J.M. White Dining Room offers upscale elegance with formal dining for dinner, breakfast and lunch buffets, and options to order off the menu during each meal.  Dinner is Country Club Casual Attire and dinner times are assigned between 5:30 pm-8 pm.  Enjoy four-course meals with appetizers, soup or salad, entrees, and desserts. The regionally based menu changes nightly.

The Front Porch Cafe offers buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  This restaurant has a casual, laid back atmosphere and features indoor and outdoor seating.  Be sure to stop by on Barbecue Cookout Day for a can’t miss experience.

Meals can be prepared for special dietary needs, including Heart Smart, Low Sodium, and Gluten-Free. The Executive Chef will meet with you personally to discuss allergies. Vegetarian options are available at all meals.

Onboard Bars

Complimentary beer and wine are served with dinner, but that’s not the only time you can wet your whistle. Drinks are available throughout the day at the Front Porch Cafe or, seasonally, at the River Grill. For afternoon drinks and for night owls, the Captain’s Bar, located beside the JM White Dining Room, and the Engine Room Bar, located on the second floor are open late and feature live music.

Want a drink during the entertainment? The Grand Saloon begins serving drinks 30 minutes before showtime.
Daily drink specials are offered, and Happy Hour Specials are available from 3 pm to 5 pm. Guests also have the option to purchase a beverage package to include additional wine, beer, and spirits by the glass throughout the cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go:

*The cruise package from New Orleans includes an overnight stay at the Hilton Riverfront New Orleans the day before departure, along with breakfast at Le Croissant Restaurant the morning of departure.
*If you don’t plan a premium excursion on the day of departure, you have a free day to spend in New Orleans or Memphis, depending on which city you depart.
*Shuttle service to board the boat is included. Guests will be given a departure time and asked to meet at the side entrance to the hotel.

*Guests must check-in at the Cruise Hospitality Desk (located in the Kabacoff room at the Hilton) either the day before departure or the morning of departure. Guests will be given a boarding card to allow entrance on or off the boat.  A valid ID and credit card are required for check-in.
*Need help once you’re on board? Stop by the Purser’s Office. They’re available to answer questions, provide spare keys, and help with reservations for the morning hop-on, hop-off bus.
*A self-service laundry is provided, along with free detergent. It does tend to get busy during the day, so plan to come early or stay up late. 

Have you sailed on the American Queen on one of their Lower Mississippi Riverboat Cruises? I would love to hear about your experiences.

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