American Queen

Your first decision each morning: whether to relax in bed with a cheerful breakfast tray of freshly brewed coffee and piping hot beignets, linger in the elegant dining room, or enjoy the informal atmosphere of an alternate venue. Menu choices are many, including made-to-order omelettes, egg strudel with spinach, tomato and feta, andouille hash with corn cakes, and decadent bananas Foster French toast.

The nightly five-course dinner in the American Queen’s elegant J. M. White Dining Room showcases the varied cultural and culinary influences of the American nation. Inspired by the American Heartland and their Southern heritage, each offering is a celebration of flavour. Perhaps you will start with a sweet, golden brown beignet topped with a savoury mushroom cream sauce and perfectly seasoned crawfish tails followed by a tender baby spinach salad tossed with lightly sweetened sour cream-shallot dressing. For the entree, try the wild- harvested Gulf snapper dressed with jumbo shrimp, Creole style tomato sauce and accompanied by steamed jasmine rice.

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert and you will not be disappointed with the heavenly confections that are artfully prepared each evening to satisfy your sweet tooth and offer a sweet exclamation to end another perfect day.

This alternative dining venue offers the ideal respite for a relaxing, al fresco lunch or dinner, affording idyllic views of the river and passing scenery. You will feast on freshly grilled meats, sumptuous seafood, a medley of vegetables and salads and a supreme selection of desserts.

If you are feeling peckish any time of the day or night, the Front Porch Café offers a selection of sandwiches, fresh fruits, popcorn or soft-serve ice cream, while 24-hour room service is just a phone call away.

Night after magical night, top entertainers bring down the house in the American' Queen's majestic Grand Saloon. Each evening the lights dim, the curtains rise and our talented performers offer you entertainment worthy of Broadway.

The palatial Grand Saloon is two decks tall and resembles the small town opera houses of the 19th century with details modeled after Ford's Theater. Rousing musical revues and high-energy cabaret from our immensely talented and energetic cast take center stage each evening. College on the Mississippi® performances bring authentic regional music to life with rich historical context.

Dance and swing to stellar performances of jazz, blues, ragtime, bluegrass, country and rock and roll in the handsome Engine Room Bar.

A more intimate atmosphere can be found in the vessel’s Main Deck Lounge; a popular alternate venue featuring smooth solo performances and soft piano music in the afternoon. Take pleasure in this intimate atmosphere which is ideal for sharing pre-dinner cocktails. For your late-night entertainment, we’ll pick up the pace and play all your favourites as you dance the night away in a lively piano sing-a-long.

Perhaps you would like to simply relax on deck with a copy of Huckleberry Finn or another imaginative selection borrowed from our revered Mark Twain Gallery? The Mark Twain Gallery is a plush, jam-packed lounge room that serves as the vessel's main meeting area. Comfy leather chairs, couches, tables, steamboat models, birdcages, bookshelves, a piano ... you name it, you'll find it. It's one of the best spots to tap into the boat's free Wi-Fi, and there's a 24 hour cappuccino machine available as well as Puzzles and various board games.

Take afternoon tea in the Ladies Parlour, open to anyone who ventures inside, bedecked in Victorian design, with potted plants and flowers, a light colour scheme, and a "swooning couch" and seats by the windowsill this is an ideal spot for reading, Web-browsing and watching the world float by.

The Captain's Bar is located just outside the dining saloon as part of the Main Deck Lounge; there's piano music every night, often accompanied by a singer. It's the best place for an after-dinner cocktail.

Another watering hole is the River Grill, located aft on the top deck. With a great view of the paddlewheel its a magical place to relax onboard.

Browse over trinkets in the gift shop and purchase those last minute gifts for friends and loved ones at home.

As history plays such a large part of your cruise experience, the Riverlorian is onboard for each voyage to impart the history and lore of the river on which you are cruising. In addition to the ever-present Riverlorian, a diverse lineup of guest historians take to the stage and transport you to another era. You’ll 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've just had a conversation with history.

If the inner workings of their classic, steam-powered vessel truly fascinate you, as they do most of their guests, they recommend taking guided tours of the Engine Room and Pilot House for a remarkable one-of-a-kind experience. Witness the latest high-tech electronics that help them navigate their classic paddle wheeler up the changing currents of Old Man River.

Their signature Hop-On Hop-Off guided shore excursions are the best way to experience the freedom of choosing your own path in these great cities. You will receive a map with the Hop-On Hop-Off tour route and its numbered stops. You may visit each attraction with a gold star, show your boat ID, and your admission is included. Some of these attractions do not require an admission fee, but they would love to know that you are a guest of the American Queen or the American Empress.

With their deluxe motor coaches, you will have the freedom to board at the dock and enjoy a locally narrated tour throughout each port of call. They encourage you to hop off the motor coach whenever the urge catches you, because another one is on its way to pick you up and continue the historical narration of your river port city. Motor coaches typically stop every 15 to 20 minutes. At each stop, you will have access to many attractions and historical sites along with plenty of unique places to find that perfect souvenir.

While their complimentary Hop-On Hop-Off guided tours are a great way to get acquainted with the historically rich ports that you’ll encounter on your river cruise journey, their Premium Shore Excursions offer you the opportunity to delve even deeper into your specific interests.

Premium Shore Excursions are available for purchase and provide comprehensive, in-depth and rare experiences at an amazing value.

While onboard the American Queen, get a full workout in the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Weight and resistance training are simple with their workout bench, dumbbells and versatile Kinesis® One apparatus. Guests looking for a more aerobic form of exercise can get their heart rates up using their treadmills or the static bike.

When you travel with the American Queen Steamboat Company, your complete workout routine is easily accommodated!

A great place to relax and enjoy the sun whilst watching the beautiful scenery go by.

While cruising aboard the American Queen, take some time to pamper yourself during your river cruise with a luxurious spa treatment. Unwind, relieve stress and slow down with a professional massage to make sure you leave feeling your very best. Our spa offers an array of treatments, like hot stone, Swedish massage or reflexology, ensuring that you get the service you need to relax. One session with our professional Massage Therapist will have you feeling like royalty.

EXPRESS BOOSTER FACIAL

Enjoy this deep cleansing facial that revitalizes your skin and exfoliates to promote hydration and healing.

EXPRESS TREATMENTS

• Back, neck and shoulder massage
• Half body hot stone massage
• Reflexology treatment
• Foot and ankle massage
• Indian scalp massage
• Hand and arm massage
• Back, neck and shoulder exfoliation

Combine any of the 2 above express treatments or express booster facial to create and customize your own mini pamper package for one hour of spa enjoyment.

TOP TO TOE

Enjoy a full body massage followed by a reflexology treatment. This package is completed with an express booster facial, all combined to leave you feeling de-stressed and revitalized.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

First-class aromatherapy care for a perfect massage, and the fragrance invites the total relaxation of body, mind and soul.

HOT STONES MASSAGE

The ultimate in relaxation, a massage using heated volcanic stones anointed with aromatherapy oils to balance the mind, body and soul. The deep penetrating heat of the stones combines with traditional aromatherapy massage techniques to release muscular tension and you leave you feeling totally relaxed.

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology uses pressure point massage on the soles of the feet to balance the chakras and energy flow through the whole body. Float away feeling relaxed from the soles of your feet through to the rest of your body.

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. The 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.