THE GRAND TOUR

[HostDave]

Hopefully, you’re a regular follower of our blog, our Twitter page, our Facebook Page, have read our brochures and have had the chance to explore our website. If so, you’ve probably noticed that we often describe the American Queen as the “grandest, largest and most elegant riverboat in the world.” While that might seem to be nothing more than marketing-speak, in this case it’s completely true. At nearly 420 feet in length and with luxurious accommodations for more than 420 guests, she is undeniably the largest of her kind in the world. While we admit that the word “elegant” is a bit of a subjective description, once you come aboard you’ll be thoroughly convinced that describing the American Queen as elegant only scratches the surface.

Throughout the world, most passenger-carrying river vessels are much smaller, normally accommodating between 100 and 200 people or less than half the size of the American Queen. This is often a result of the confines of the areas in which they operate where bridges are so low that the boats cannot extend more than three or four decks high. While the American Queen has to contend with low bridges on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers as well, they are considerably taller than one might think and her only design concession is a pilothouse that can be lowered and smokestacks that fold forward to get through tighter spaces. The result is that she stretches seven decks high and has ample room inside for two-deck public spaces such as the soaring windows lining the J.M. White Dining Room and the grand proscenium stage and balconies of the Grand Saloon.

In her décor, the American Queen has remained faithful to antebellum style so that a voyage with the American Steamboat Company is much like staying in a grand estate home. Such attention to detail does not come without considerable cost and since her debut in 1995, the American Queen set a standard that, other than with the upcoming 2014 introduction of our American Empress in the Pacific Northwest, hasn’t been equaled. Riverboats built for everything from casino gaming to dinner excursions and overnight cruises are smaller and while lovely in their own right, just don’t have the same authentic feel as the American Queen.

Imagine you are on a quick tour of the American Queen. Guests don’t board the American Queen through a side hatch like some riverboats. Instead, you walk right up the gangway to the foredeck and then ascend a curved exterior grand staircase to the Cabin Deck. Upon entering, a pedestal table with a huge spray of fresh flowers greets you. To the left is the Gentlemen’s Card Room, a room filled with dark woods, a boar’s head and comfortable seating. To the right is the Ladies’ Parlor, a study in Victorian finery where afternoon tea is served. Straight ahead, you walk through the mahogany grandeur of the Mark Twain Gallery. Windows on either side overlook the interior of the J.M. White Dining Room and provide natural light from the dining room’s two-deck panels of glass. Like much of the American Queen, the Mark Twain Gallery is filled with antique furniture and other curiosities, including Tiffany-inspired lamps and a model of the famed steamboat Delta Queen.

The Mark Twain Gallery opens onto the upper level of the Purser’s Lobby, the ceiling of which contains an elaborate mural of blue sky and cherubs and is adorned with a glittering brass chandelier that is modeled after one created for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. On one side is the Purser’s Desk and the other is the AQ Emporium, our onboard shop featuring everything from sundries to souvenirs and logo apparel. Walking further aft, you’ll see the balcony boxes of the Grand Saloon below as well as our popular bay window staterooms. Just before the paddlewheel is the casual Engine Room Bar, a popular late night spot with live entertainment, a mahogany bar that runs almost the full width of the boat, and round windows overlooking the churning red paddlewheel. Those taking a break from the dance floor appreciate the small terraces on either side where fresh air and moonlight are the big draws.

Moving forward to the Purser’s Lobby and descending the Grand Staircase to the Main Deck is quite an experience. Our female guests tell us they feel as if they are at a cotillion being presented for the first time while our male guests liken the experience to escorting a celebrity to an awards ceremony. At the base of the staircase is the convivial Main Deck Lounge and the Captain’s Bar where a jazz quartet might be playing prior to our famous Jazz Brunch or a singer might be accompanied by a talented pianist. It’s a wonderful spot for a pre-dinner cocktail before stepping into the J.M. White Dining Room. The dining room was inspired by the Main Cabin of the steamer J.M. White, generally regarded by both historians and Mark Twain himself as the most luxurious and over-the-top vessel ever to sail the rivers.

Aft of the dining room is the Grand Saloon, the main entertainment venue on the American Queen which was created in the style of a small-town opera house from the 1800s. This is where the Steamboat Syncopators orchestra plays and the dance floor fills, where our talented troupe of singers and dancers brings everything from Broadway to Rock and Roll alive, where our historians enlighten our guests and our celebrity acts perform to standing ovations.

Above the Main Deck and the Cabin Deck is the Texas Deck which contains the Front Porch Café near the bow. With an expanse of glass arcing across one wall and screen doors on the sides, this casual dining venue is open around the clock with sweet treats, sandwiches, coffee, soda, hot popcorn, warm cookies and cold ice cream. A vast covered deck ahead of the café, known as the Front Porch of America, is lined with cozy tables, rocking chairs and even porch swings suspended from the ceiling. If you want to sit back with a lemonade and a good book and watch American glide past on either shore, this is the spot.

Just like the Observation Deck above, the Texas Deck is primarily filled with staterooms. Above the Texas Deck’s Front Porch Café is the Observation Deck’s Chart Room, a quite wood-paneled oasis where you can read, chat with our Riverlorian about the stories of the region or learn navigation tips. The Promenade Deck above is all guest accommodations, including some of our most elaborate and spacious suites. At the stern overlooking the paddlewheel is the steam-powered calliope, a musical instrument of such acclaim it is both heard and loved up and down the river. A bar serves refreshing snacks and beverages al fresco.

The Sun Deck above is the only spot where the American Queen differs from the traditional design of a true 19th century riverboat. Most boats 150 years ago did not feature a swimming pool, Fitness Center or Spa! But on the American Queen’s highest deck, all are present along with large expanses for sunbathing, walking and enjoying the view.

The American Queen is, indeed, the largest, grandest and most elegant riverboat ever built. There is nothing else like her afloat today and we invite you to be our guest and discover what makes her so special.