American Queen Voyages Blog Posts

More About American Queen Voyages

The largest riverboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately river steamers that preceded her and so inspired her designers. While on board, you can select a volume from the collection in the Mark Twain Gallery, the boat’s library. Or enjoy a sing-along in the Main Deck Lounge, and then tap your toes to a lavish show in the two-deck-tall Grand Saloon, the most elegant showplace on the river. Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made Steamboating a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. One voyage and you’ll see why. The American Queen Distinctions • The only authentic steam-powered overnight paddlewheel riverboat in America • Complimentary shore excursions in every port • Complimentary overnight stay in a select luxury hotel before your voyage – includes breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Queen • Complimentary wine and beer with dinner • Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage • The most all-inclusive American river voyage • The family recipes of acclaimed Southern chef Regina Charboneau • Gracious service from a friendly all-American staff • Casual elegance abounds, no formal wear required • Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian • Professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly • Extensive selection of intriguing theme voyages • Our own dedicated fleet of Steamcoaches • The greatest vacation value in America

Every meal aboard the American Queen is an affair to remember. Regina Charboneau, our Culinary Director and celebrated American chef, draws her inspiration from our great Heartland has created a movable, delectable feast for you to indulge in. From piping hot beignets and bananas foster French toast for breakfast to succulent five-course dinners, every day celebrates the culinary senses.

Even more astounding than the choices you will find on our menus are your daily choices of dining venues. The opulent J.M. White Dining Saloon is the centerpiece, serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners that are befittingly grand. The Front Porch of America offers a wide variety of classic American favorites and can satisfy any craving, at any time, as it is open 24 hours. The Calliope Grill serves up views as spectacular as the grilled fare and fresh salads and offers romantic, alfresco dining in the evenings. Should you be feeling peckish in the wee hours, you will find the Moonlight Supper in the Engine Room Bar offers surprising midnight delights.

Breakfast
Early Riser Coffee and Beignets - Front Porch of America
Buffet Breakfast - Grand Saloon
Traditional Breakfast Service - J.M. White Dining Room

Lunch
Buffet Luncheon - Grand Saloon
Traditional Luncheon - J.M. White Dining Room
Alfresco Lunch - River Grill

Dinner
Traditional Dinner - J.M. White Dining Room
Alfresco Dinner - River Grill

Snacks and Sandwhiches
24-Hour Dining Service - Front Porch of America
Afternoon Ice Cream & Cookies - Front Porch of America
Traditional Po’Boy Sandwiches - River Grill
Elegant Southern Tea - Ladies’ Parlor
Pre-Dinner Canapés & Hors d’Oeuvres - Main Deck
Moonlight Supper - Engine Room Bar

Night after magical night, top entertainers bring down the house in the American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon. Two decks tall, the Grand Saloon is absolutely palatial, the most elegant showplace on the river. Every evening, you’re treated to a different celebration of America’s best music, from Broadway hits to Dixieland Jazz, big band to bluegrass, ragtime to rock and roll. Showboat-style cabaret acts and old-fashioned radio shows add variety and charm to the evening lineup.

Paul Revere and the Raiders
Celebrate classic rock and roll with the 60's sensation that appeared regularly on Dick Clark's Where the Action Is as they perform hits like Indian Reservation which topped the charts in 1971 and Kicks, listed on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Glenn Miller Orchestra
The big band show, with a sound of its own, draws rave reviews performing original arrangements of classics that defined a generation. Swing, sway or just tap in time with nostalgic tunes like In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo and many others.

Harry James Orchestra
Directed by Fred Radke, who played first trumpet for the master himself and is held in esteem by jazz greats, the incredible orchestra stirs memories of the good old days with hits including All or Nothing at All, Ain’t She Sweet, Up a Lazy River and more.

Rat Pack Show
Guests will close their eyes and swear it’s Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Amazing performers evoke the sounds and memories of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, backed by our onboard orchestra. Enjoy hits that include Fly Me to the Moon, That’s Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody, New York, New York, When I Was Seventeen and others.

B.J. Thomas
The voice is unmistakable and the audience will return to the late 60s and early 70s as the legendary B.J. Thomas sings his chart-topping songs, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, Hooked on a Feeling, I Just Can’t Help Believing, Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song and others.

The Lovin’ Spoonful
Playing the hits that put them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band will transport the Grand Saloon to the 60s with their great songs, including Do You Believe in Magic, Daydream, Summer in the City and Nashville Cats.

The Platters
The original doo-wop act brings back the sound of the 50s with the songs that became classics: Only You, The Great Pretender, My Prayer, Twilight Time, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and others.

Bill Haley’s Comets
The genesis of rockabilly and early rock, Bill Haley’s Comets will have guests moving to energetic hits like Rock Around the Clock and Shake, Rattle and Roll.

Annie Moses Band
This incredible classically trained family  will have everyone in the holiday spirit performing seasonal music. Featured are violin, viola, cello, harp, guitar, piano and stunning vocals.

The New Orleans Jazz All-Stars
These maestros of the Big Easy’s jazz scene will take the American Queen on a journey through the history of a purely American music genre.

Juggernaut Jug Band
Steamboaters will delight in the authentic form of river music known as “jug music.” Rooted in the port towns of the Deep South, jug music includes styles of swing, jazz and bluegrass, performed by Juggernaut’s amazing artists.

Storefront Congregation
Graze on their smooth blend of bluegrass, country and blues and it will be known why the band is called “bluegrass’s newest sensation.”