The Talk of the Town

[HostDave]

By Timothy Rubacky, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development

When we’ve talked about the American Queen and the popularity of American river cruising, we’ve spent a lot of time telling you our thoughts. One thing conspicuously missing was, of course, the thoughts of our guests. Now that the American Queen is in service, we’ve finally had the chance to receive feedback and I wanted to share some of our guests’ reactions with you.

A great place to read hot-off-the-press comments and reviews is on the Great American Steamboat Company Facebook Page. On our first cruise from Memphis, location of our company headquarters, we were posting pictures on Facebook multiple times a day and our president, Christopher Kyte, was writing a daily blog of his experiences. Thanks to the speed of social media and the Internet, guests on board were able to comment instantaneously while still aboard the American Queen.

The crew received accolades from Roxanna H. who said, “We were on the cruise. Had a marvelous time. Great way to celebrate any momentous occasion or just to cruise and relax. The best of crews and staff, bar none.”

Sometimes, just the river and the American Queen were enough to inspire our guests to share their thoughts online. On an earlier cruise, James S. was thrilled to see “the grand lady next to the levee (at Oak Alley Plantation) as we walked through the oaks from the mansion back to her.” Linda A. responded to one of our posts about the thrill of sailing on the American Queen by telling everyone that “I am on her right now and loving it. Huge lightning storm…love the balcony to watch.”

Riverlorians, who bring the river and its history alive with daily talks and also make themselves available on deck and in the Chart Room to answer questions throughout the day, are one of our best-loved attributes. Alleyne N. of Halifax, Nova Scotia wrote, “Great stuff!! Riverlorians were very helpful and always in the Chart Room (our favorite place) to answer questions and give information – way to go Mary and Travis!”

Our entertainment was a big hit, from our special performers to our own production shows, from our pianist to our Mark Twain impersonator. Deanna K. from Cornville, Arizona told us that everything was “Wonderful – we are having a great time. The staff, every single one of them, is more than helpful, friendly and welcoming. We saw the Showboat Jubilee last night – WOW – exceptional, enjoyed every minute – can’t wait to see them again. This has been a very relaxing trip and a beautiful experience. Thank you to all on this wonderful boat.”

One of our unique features is our own fleet of luxury motor coaches we call Steamcoaches. Each is covered with transparent decals with a likeness of the American Queen and follows the boat from town to town so guests can have the same drivers and develop a rapport. “We are blown away with the Steamcoach service. That is one awesome perk for your cruises,” David S. from Minneapolis, Minnesota told us in one posting. Some folks couldn’t name their favorite part of Steamboating but instead focused on the entire experience. “I do not have a single complaint! This is a wonderful way to see the Mississippi River and all it has to offer. Your program is just great,” Neil C. Tagish from Yukon Territory, Canada wrote.

As we had hoped, the amazing cuisine of famed Southern chef Regina Charboneau, our Executive Culinary Director, has been a big hit. The Southern Bourbon Pecan Pie was praised by Donna N. who called it “truly delicious” although she admitted that “the chocolate cakes came in a close second.” Pam H. from Los Angeles told us that “The staff is great. The food is wonderful. The boat is beautiful.” Sally H. from Bells, Texas had a similar viewpoint when she told us that “The food was excellent, service was spectacular and the crew was some of the finest I’ve met.”

Of course, each of these comments come from guests with a unique perspective on the American Queen and their journey. Sally from Bells, Texas was traveling with a group she called the “Texas Happy Ladies” and had sailed the American Queen under previous owners 14 other times and felt this cruise was her best yet. The Texas Happy Ladies were such a hit, they even had a song written about them! In fact, she had such a great time, she and her husband booked an October voyage from St. Paul to St. Louis to enjoy the fall colors.

Most importantly, Sally told us that the Texas Happy Ladies “believe in spreading fun and laughter wherever we go.” A cruise isn’t just the destinations, accommodations, entertainment, service or cuisine. It isn’t the American Queen herself, although her brand of Steamboating is what inspires our guests. Part of what makes the American Queen so special and what makes a cruise with us so memorable are the people you meet along the way. And Sally is one of many wonderful examples of the folks who spread fun and laughter along the road of life.