DISCOVER AMERICA'S TRUE SPIRIT

[HostDave]

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, a celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence 228 years ago and the birth of the United States of America, although the Revolutionary War carried on for several more years until our ultimate victory was won. All across the United States tomorrow will be picnics, baseball games, parades and fireworks. There is nothing more uniquely and gloriously American than the commemoration of our founding and the modern day festivities of Independence Day.

Unfortunately for many Americans, the only day of the year that they really think of America with such pride and patriotism is on July 4th. At the American Queen Steamboat Company, we take a different approach. Our cruises on the Mississippi River and throughout her tributaries in the Heartland as well as our voyages on the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest are a celebration of the best of America every single day. Our mission is in our name, it is in the smiles of our friendly and gracious American crew, it is in the American registry of our ships, the American headquarters of our company in Memphis, our American ownership and the pride of the American shipyards that built our riverboats. Every moment of every day, we are solely dedicated to presenting the very best of America to our guests. In a sense, we celebrate the 4th of July every day we get up and come to work. We are proud of our country and eager to share all she has to offer with you. Tomorrow will have flags, fireworks and fanfare, but the spirit of America on display is what we feel in our hearts all year long.

We show you America’s heart and soul on our complimentary Hop-on, Hop-off shore excursions in each port of call. We give you the chance to explore her cities in greater depth with our complimentary one-night pre-cruise deluxe hotel stays in our embarkation cities. It’s all part of the cruise fare. But we also heard our guest’s desire to explore after their voyages as well and as we announced with the debut of our 2015 Brochure (click here to view it online or order your own copy) we have added optional Post-Voyage City stays for those who want to experience more time in cities such as Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA; Nashville, TN; Portland, OR; and Spokane, WA. You’ll find that the true spirit of America is easy to see in the people, streets, history and attractions of these great destinations. And these two-night packages make it easy with two full American breakfasts, transfers from the riverboat to the hotel, baggage handling and transfers from the hotel to the airport all included.

Memphis – American Music City

Music is the heart and soul of the city of Memphis. Extend your American Queen cruise with our “American Music” City Stay and enjoy an additional three days and two nights to explore the musical roots of this Southern Belle. Your Downtown Sheraton Hotel is just a short trolley ride from Beale Street home to such musical genres as Rock N Roll, Jazz, Soul and the Blues. Visit the Rock and Soul Museum before heading to the legendary Sun Studio. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the historic Peabody Hotel to see the world famous Peabody Ducks. Available on American Queen voyages which conclude in Memphis, the package includes the King’s Memphis Tour along with the Platinum Graceland admission, admissions to Sun Studios and the Rock and Soul Museum and a two-day Memphis Trolley Pass.

Nashville – Music City USA

Discover all that Music City USA has to offer! The American Queen's exclusive City Stay Package delivers the full "Country Music Experience.” After disembarking the American Queen in downtown Nashville, embark on the next leg of your journey with an escorted three and a half hour Nashville City Tour. Our expert guide will enhance your tour with local stories and lore of "Music City," a town unique and rich in music's history. Included in this exclusive Nashville experience is admission into one of Country Music's greatest tribute museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame. Here, guests can experience the sounds of Country's biggest stars before continuing on with a driving tour of Nashville including iconic sights throughout Music City. Next, check into your deluxe room at the historic Gaylord Opryland Hotel and get ready for the show that made Nashville and Country Music famous at The Grand Ole Opry. Witness upcoming stars as well as the legends of country and bluegrass; you never know who might make a surprise appearance. Included in the package is an elite back stage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House. Learn the fascinating story of the Opry and get a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes of the "show that made country music famous. Available on American Queen voyages which conclude in Nashville, the package includes a post-cruise Nashville city tour with admission into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a Grand Ole Opry show, the backstage Opry House tour, a free shuttle to Opry Mills and a Delta River Flatboat Ride inside the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

New Orleans – The Big Easy

Don’t let your lower Mississippi Cruise end at the dock. Immerse yourself in Southern Culture when you choose a “Big Easy” City Stay and enjoy an additional three days and two nights in New Orleans. Unwind in the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel located in the fabulous French Quarter which has everything you need to make your stay as relaxing as your voyage on the American Queen. Imagine, located just a short stroll from your door, is everything that makes this city famous: The French Quarter, Jackson Square, Harrah’s Casino, the Central Business District and New Orleans’ legendary Bourbon Street. Available on American Queen voyages which conclude in New Orleans, the package includes an American Queen exclusive, the “Highlights of Katrina Rebuilding Tour” as well as admission to Mardi Gras World.

Portland – The Rose City

Art and expression reigns supreme in this Pacific Northwest City. Indulge yourself with The Rose City Stay and enjoy an additional three days and two nights to appreciate the uniqueness of Portland and the majesty of Mt. Saint Helens. Your accommodation, the four-star Marriott City Center, has everything to make your stay as relaxing as your voyage on the American Empress. Dotted throughout the city, and in between the signature public art on the streets of Portland, are some of the country’s most picturesque gardens. You can enjoy the Waterfront Park, Lan Su Chinese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden to name just a few. For a more urban experience, visit Powell’s City of Books, the Portland Art Museum or the Pittock Mansion - sitting high atop the bluffs overlooking this distinctive city. Available on American Empress voyages which conclude in Vancouver, WA just across the Columbia River from Portland, the package includes both a full-day tour to Mount St. Helens as well as a fascinating morning walking tour of Portland.

Spokane – The Naturally Nice City

Extend your vacation in a city that blends the unmistakable beauty of the Pacific Northwest with urban sophistication. Take in the delights of this one time European trading post when you choose the Naturally Nice City Stay and enjoy an additional three days and two nights in the “Lilac” city. Your accommodation, at the four-star historic Davenport Hotel, has everything to make your stay as relaxing as your voyage on the American Empress. Experience everything this city has to offer from the Spokane Falls within Riverfront Park, Spokane Public Market, casinos, unbeatable shopping and some of the best wineries that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Available on American Empress voyages which conclude in Clarkston, WA, a scenic motor coach ride away, the package includes a Spokane city tour with a ride on the legendary Looff Carousel, a walking wine-tasting tour in downtown Spokane and the Spokane Falls chair ride.