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This Over-the-Top River Cruise Is the All-American Trip You Need to Take

F ew things feel more like a Southern cliché than sitting on a rocking chair with a glass of ice-cold sweet tea while looking at the Mississippi River from the deck of a paddlewheel steamboat. And I, a French, along with my partner, a Canadian, embraced it wholeheartedly. To add another layer of Americana, it was July 5, and the vessel, the iconic American Queen, and most of its passengers were still festooned in red, white, and blue the day after the Fourth of July.

Photo: Jesse Adams

The American Queen, a picture-perfect 1995 recreation of a Mississippi River paddlewheel steamboat, took us from Memphis to Nashville . The full journey took nine days to cover less than 200 miles. Granted, we stopped along the way, but still, this is slow travel taken to the extreme. Obviously, nobody on board would have it any other way — we had nine days of great food, free drinks, river lectures, music, excursions, and brand-new (to us, at least) scenery to look forward to — all in a luxurious time capsule. The pilots could take it as slow as they needed.

The American Queen steamboat is not your average river cruise ship

A cruise on the Mississippi River is one thing, but a cruise on the emblematic American Queen is another deal entirely — it is undeniably the largest and fanciest steamboat ever built. Modeled after two luxurious steamboats from the 19th century (the Grand Republic for the elegant exterior, and the J.M. White for the opulent decorations and furnishings inside) the American Queen is very grand. Yet, despite the Tiffany lamps, the grand pianos, and the dress code in the main dining room, the crew and the passengers are relaxed and appreciative of the beauty of the vessel rather than stiff-necked and uncomfortable at the lavish displays.

The Mark Twain room is the most opulent room on the American Queen. Photo: Jesse Adams

The cruise company, American Queen Voyages, has three more steamboats in its fleet: the American Countess, the American Duchess, and the American Empress. And while the boats may all look the part from afar, they cannot hold a candle to the American Queen. Passengers who had journeyed on several of the company’s steamboats made clear to us that they would not cruise on any other vessel than the American Queen, and after we got a good look at the American Countess while we were anchored in the port of Paducah, Kentucky, we agreed. It looked nowhere near as dignified or as old-timey as our boat. And I must admit that our feeling of superiority and pride at sojourning on the most sumptuous vessel to ever travel on the Mississippi was certainly reinforced by the people who stood on the banks to take photographs and wave at us everywhere we went.

The rooms and amenities on the American Queen

With 222 cabins spread out over six decks, the American Queen can accommodate 417 passengers and 172 crew members. While we were on board, the vessel was filled to only a little more than 50 percent of its capacity, making for a lot of room to roam and an extremely attentive crew.

Beyond having crew members devoted to your every need and whims, the vessel itself makes passengers feel at ease all the time. The relentless heat and humidity of the South is soothed by the constant AC; the food is ever present whether you feel like having soft serve ice cream, popcorn, biscuits, tea, coffee, or cocktails throughout the day; the pool and cozy lounge chairs on deck six seem always empty, ready to welcome you; and the rooms are cleaned to perfection twice a day. If it’s a restful vacation you’re after, there are fewer better options.

On vacation aboard the American Queen, you can do lots or do very little

You’re onboard this amazing vessel to chill out, and if you wish you can do that and only that. You can sit by the pool with a cocktail all day long and book an appointment at the spa when you feel like being pampered. But if you want to get to know the region you’re traversing, there are excellent excursions just about every day.

Excursions from the American Queen are done via comfy, air-conditioned hop-on hop-off buses with knowledgeable tour guides. That said, if the vessel sets anchors close to where the excursion takes place, you’re under no obligation to ride the bus or visit the places selected, you can just walk off using the gangway and do your own thing — as long as you’re back before the deadline given to you.

Photo: Murals on the New Madrid Museum. Photo: Jesse Adams

During our trip, we stopped at Ashport Landing, Tennessee, home to Fort Pillow State Historic Park where Confederate and Union soldiers fought during the Civil War; In New Madrid, Missouri, a tiny town whose claim to fame is having suffered the biggest earthquakes in American history in the early 19th century; the fun and artsy town of Paducah, Kentucky; and the small town of Dover, Tennessee, located in Stewart County, the most armed county in the United States and home to fewer than 15,000 people (but there are 57 churches).

Not all excursions are exciting. The towns of New Madrid and Dover are small and don’t have an awful lot to offer to passing tourists, yet visiting them allows passengers to peek into how people live, which is exactly what travel is all about.

Entertainment in the Grand Saloon on the American Queen. Photo: Jesse Adams

In between excursions and tanning sessions by the pool, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had aboard the American Queen. For music, there are jazz and blues concerts in the Engine Room Bar (from where you can see the paddlewheel doing its job), piano and sing-along sessions at the Captain’s Bar, and Broadway music in the highly decorated Grand Saloon. There are also bingo games and trivia during which you can win a big wad of dollar bills or items from the gift shop.

What to eat aboard the American Queen

There’s plenty of barbecue, as to be expected on the cruise in the American South, but it’s certainly not the only appetizing offer. You can get amazing ribs and roast beef and all sorts of classic sides like mashed potatoes, grits, Coca-Cola green beans, etc. from the Front Porch Café on the third deck. Vegans and vegetarians don’t need to worry about getting their fair share of scrumptious foods: Every meal offers a vegan option, whether that be breakfast power bowls and quinoa porridge in the morning, or cauliflower steak and a creamy rich vegetable curry for dinner. Every espresso machine on board is also equipped with non-dairy milk alternatives.

And it’s the same when it comes to beverages. There’s nothing outdated about what’s on the menu. Cocktails of the day — think Americanos, Moscow mules, and bourbon punches — are announced the evening before on the daily schedule deposited on your bed at turn-down service, so you can go to sleep assured you won’t go thirsty the next day. But if you don’t feel like having the daily highlighted beverage, you can ask for whatever drinks you want and the bartender will take care of it. My partner enjoyed all the daily cocktails (and some), and I asked for virgin versions, all of which were very well executed. And remember, when you’re onboard, all the drinks are included.

All the things you don’t want to miss aboard the American Queen

The excursions, the entertainment, and the food and drinks should keep you very busy during your time aboard the American Queen. That said, there are some activities that are less flashy but that passengers would be remiss to pass on.

Try your hands at the Calliope

Every time the American Queen leaves a port, one of the on-board pianists makes his way to the River Grill bar on the fifth deck and plays the Calliope, a steam-whistle organ. It’s a very loud and unusual instrument, which you can try if you wish. Just ask the musician in charge that day and they’ll give you a couple of tips so you don’t burst anyone’s eardrums. If you’d rather just look, make sure to take a peek at the whistle pipes releasing the steam on the sixth deck.

When a lock is coming, get on the deck

Going through the Kentucky Lock aboard the American Queen. Photo: Jesse Adams

A 418-foot-long vessel going through a lock is an impressive sight. It requires a lot of skills from the pilots and the crew for the American Queen to fit in the lock and be securely tied without any accidents. But not all locks are created equal — some are fun to witness, others are mind-blowing. Take Olmsted Lock on the Lower Ohio River, between New Madrid and Paducah. It has a chamber that’s 37 feet high and the water level increases by around 30 feet inside. It’s cool to see, but you won’t lose sleep over it. Going through the Kentucky Lock, however, is eerie and claustrophobic. At the confluence between the Tennessee River and the Cumberland River, the chamber is 94-feet-high and the boat is raised by about 90 feet in less than 30 minutes. It’s freakish and you should not miss it.

When a bridge is on the horizon, make your way to the prow

The American Queen is fitted with two 109-foot-tall smokestacks topped with a crown-like design. Those stacks, as charming and old-school as they look, are made with contemporary navigating in mind. When the vessel needs to pass below a bridge, the stacks are lowered, going from vertical to fully horizontal in the blink of an eye. Keep an eye on the horizon so you’ll know when to head to the prow and see the towering stacks being lowered.

Visit the engine room

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American Queen

Sleep well with the whole family in the world's largest riverboat American Queen from 1995 that proudly and quietly takes you along the Mississippi.

Welcome to this beautiful and bright room that goes in America's classic colors; red, white and blue. The American Queen proudly wears these colors as she travels along the Mississippi River. The shapes and details of this room are reminiscent of the beauty one can enjoy aboard this world's largest river-steamboat that can accommodate 436 overnight guests. American Queen is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is still in use. In 2012 she came second in "The Great Steamboat Race".

Surface: 34 sqm Two bedrooms linked by a door. One room with double bed and the other with two single beds. Both rooms have their own entrance and hallway. Bathroom with shower and an extra toilet.

Equipment: Large TV, armchair, desk, wardrobe and refrigerator.

Amenities: Kettle and hairdryer. Coffee, tea, chocolate and hygiene items.

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Adjustable beds

Our ergonomic beds can be super-soft, very firm or anything in between - a YouBed will always adapt to your particular personal preferences. No matter the height, weight, body shape or sleeping position.

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With the debut of American Countess sailing voyages along the Mississippi River and Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, American Queen Steamboat Company now boasts four sleek paddlewheelers that transport cruisers to a bygone era of steamship travel.

American Countess, however, features a distinctive design that churns U.S. riverboat travel into the 21st century.

We were onboard for the inaugural cruise from New Orleans to Memphis. The riverboat’s inaugural season sails weekly voyages between these two cities on the Lower Mississippi.

Let’s have a look at what the exciting new American Countess has to offer for cruisers looking for an immersive voyage on the American rivers.

American Countess is a reimagined former casino boat. American Queen Steamboat Company purchased the former Kanesville Queen in 2016 and proceeded to turn it into a beautiful new riverboat, joining three others in the AQSC fleet.

As part of the refurbishment, the boat was cut in half, and a 60-foot section was inserted to add staterooms and greatly expand the public space, most of which is filled by a large theater and the main bar and lounge.

The vessel is 318 feet long and 79 feet width with four decks. American Countess has 123 staterooms and can carry up to 245 people. (The boat is sailing with a reduced capacity of 166, however, to allow for social distancing during the pandemic.)

Public Spaces

The Grand Lobby is the main gathering space on American Countess. This massive lounge features the guest services desk, a small gift shop nook and a long bar. The space is filled with natural light emanating from the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows and is the spot where passengers gather for afternoon cocktails, bourbon tasting sessions and to listen to the ship’s American Countess Show Band (a piano, bass, drums and woodwinds quartet) play at happy hour and late into the night.

Adjacent to the Grand Lobby is the Theater, where guests enjoy morning riverlorian talks, afternoon activities like movies and cookie demonstrations and nightly entertainment, such as variety shows.

The Library is a large sanctuary with wonderful views at the front of the riverboat. The shelves are filled with a variety of books, and the room features chairs and a couch and warm decor. 

The boat also has a Chart Room and Card Room. The Chart Room has documents and maps so you can monitor the route of your voyage, and the Card Room features chess and checkers tables, as well as a large selection of games available to use during your cruise.

American Countess has a small fitness center that has a treadmill, two bikes and an elliptical machine. It was well used during our sailing.

My favorite spaces were outside on the top sun deck and the bow areas of the ship, where you can sit in the classic white rocking chairs and soak in the views as you sail on the river. It was fantastic to sit on the rockers or up top on the lounge chairs to enjoy the fresh air and sunny days of cruising. The ship also carries a fleet of bikes that cruisers can use for on-your-own exploration in the towns.

Accommodations

Staterooms are located on Decks 2 and 3. These cabins are available in four styles, including inside staterooms, balcony cabins and rooms located at the aft of the ship on Deck 3 that overlook the riverboat’s iconic big red paddlewheel. The boat also offers accessible staterooms. 

I stayed in a Deck 2 balcony stateroom , which is a spacious 226 square feet, with a comfy bed and large living room space with a couch. Amenities include a desk with a coffee machine and a mini fridge tucked in beneath and an incredibly spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and plenty of organization space for toiletries. AQSC provides guests with comfy bathrobes, slippers, a supply of toiletries (soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioners) and stainless steel water bottles (yours to keep). There are water filling stations located throughout the boat.

The balcony cabins on Deck 3 open to the promenade and measure 192 square feet.

The boat’s interior cabins measure about 150 square feet. 

Restaurants

The food is a highlight of a Mississippi River cruise on American Countess, and the boat offers two restaurants. The Grand Dining Room is the large formal eatery, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

This is a large space with gorgeous window views and chandeliers, and the menu offers delicious Southern culinary favorites. There is an a la carte buffet offered at breakfast and lunch, and servers will deliver your choices. 

The second eatery, The River Grill, a more casual cafe situated at the aft of the ship on Deck 2. The restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners. You can sit inside or on the deck outside right by the red paddlewheel. 

Perks is the riverboat’s cafe and features an ice cream station, popcorn machine and fresh-baked cookies in addition to a selection of coffees and teas.

Entertainment 

The Grand Lobby and Theater on American Countess serve as host venues for a variety of enriching and energetic chats, shows and demonstrations. The American Countess Ensemble performs a range of musical song and dance numbers, including Broadway-inspired shows. Passengers on our voyage gathered after dinner for the Southern Celebration,” “Singing the 70s” and “Guitar Time Machine” productions. 

The entertainment also included the “Rag, Jazz and Razzamatazz” show from veteran steamboat entertainer Steve Spracklen, an amazing ragtime piano man and storyteller.

The American Countess Show Band quartet entertains cruisers nightly in the Grandy Lobby for cocktail hour and with swinging tunes late into the night. 

The Theater is also home to movies, cooking shows and riverlorian talks about the history of the Mississippi River, its towns and steamboating history. One of our favorite activities during our time onboard was the bourbon tasting at the bar in the Grand Lobby.

Itineraries

American Countess’s inaugural season sails weekly trips back and forth between New Orleans and Memphis, with stops at Natchez, Vicksburg and Nottoway Mansion.

The boat also will sail on the Upper Mississippi, with voyages that visit Memphis, St. Louis, towns in Iowa and Wisconsin and all the way up to Red Wing, Minnesota. On the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, American Countess cruisers will enjoy exploring vibrant cities like Louisville, St. Louis, Nashville, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

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This information regarding the American Queen riverboat was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm details directly with American Queen Steamboat Company.

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the internet on board the viking ship is dial up and I will need assess to something with higher speed than that. any one know of an internet cafe close to the dock, Northern river Boat station?

Many, but I do not mean all hotels offer this service now. If they are high speed or not? Who knows? The internet in Russia is much more costly than here in the USA. Most people who have the net at home (in Russia) use a card, (just like our phone cards with set time limits on them). There really is no such thing as an unlimited $9.95 per month JUNO in Russia. There should be a few to several hotels with in walking distance of your dock? I would write another post and ask what (better) hotels are near this area! Good Luck.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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American Duchess cabins and suites

American duchess staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

American Duchess cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by American Queen Voyages en-suite amenities and services.

The American Duchess cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Owners Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Each of the (OS) Owner’s Suite cabins is a 2-room suite accommodation featuring sliding doors (opening to an expansive veranda). The private balcony is accessible from the bedroom and also from the lounge area. The bedroom has a queen bed (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen). The full bathroom has hottub, shower, WC, double-sink vanity. The lounge area is furnished with writing desk, cocktail table, chairs, double sofabed, 5-seat dining table, and is connected to a half bathroom. The amenities include 2 flat TVs, a Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), mini refrigerator, Commodore Services (personal butler service).

• Like all American Duchess cabins, Owners Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception), darkwood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hair dryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.
• In-cabin smoking (as well as on the Suite's balcony) is forbidden.

(LFS) Loft Suite is an unique for a riverboat cruise accommodation. It features a lower level lounge and an upper level bedroom. The lounge level has double sofabed, cocktail table, chairs, writing desk, full bathroom (WC, shower, hottub, single-sink vanity), dining area (4-seat table), sliding doors opening onto a private veranda. The upper level (bedroom) has a queen bed (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen), full bathroom (WC, shower, hottub, single-sink vanity), spacious closet, large picture window (in front the connecting staircase). Amenities include 2 flat TVs, Kuerig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator, Commodore Services (personal butler service).

• Like all American Duchess cabins, Loft Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception), darkwood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hair dryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.

Deluxe Suite

(DS) Deluxe Suite is a 2-room suite accommodation with a lounge area (double sofabed, writing desk) and a half bathroom (WC, single-sink vanity). The separate bedroom has a full bathroom (shower, WC, single-sink vanity), queen bed (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen), spacious closet, sliding doors opening onto a private veranda. Amenities include two flat TVs, Kuerig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator.

• Like all American Duchess cabins, Deluxe Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception), darkwood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hair dryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.

Veranda Suite

(VS) Veranda Suite has French doors opening onto a private balcony, full bathroom (shower, WC, single-sink vanity), lounge / sleeping area (sofa, 1 queen or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen). Amenities include a flat TV, Kuerig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator.

• Like all American Duchess cabins, Veranda Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception), darkwood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hair dryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.
• Handicap cabins are wheelchair-accessible (ADA) rooms for disabled passengers. These are the VS-Veranda Suite cabins 340 and 341. They both are conveniently located near the ship's lifts (accessing all decks) and feature wider doors and bathrooms with roll-in showers.

Interior Suite

(IS) Interior Suite has no balcony. The amenities include 1 queen (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen), furnished lounge (seating area) and a separate sleeping space (divided with a curtain), full bathroom (shower, WC, single-sink vanity), a flat TV, Kuerig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator.

• Like all American Duchess cabins, Interior Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception), darkwood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hair dryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.
• Handicap cabins are wheelchair-accessible (ADA) rooms for disabled passengers. These are the IS-Interior Suite cabins 306 and 307. They both are conveniently located near the ship's lifts (accessing all decks) and feature wider doors and bathrooms with roll-in showers.

American Duchess cabins review

Of all American Duchess cabins, 53 are outside (balconied) and 30 are inside (interior). Handicap cabins are wheelchair-accessible rooms for disabled passengers. These are the stateroom numbers 306 (IS-Interior Suite), 307 (IS-Interior Suite), 340 (VS-Veranda Suite) and 341 (VS-Veranda Suite). Wheelchair-accessible cabins are conveniently located near the boat's lifts (accessing all decks), and have wider doors and bathrooms with roll-in showers.

The majority of staterooms are with private balconies. Each one of the verandas is equipped with 2 wicker chairs and 1 cocktail table.

Follows the review of American Duchess riverboat cabins as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services:

• (OS) Owner’s Suite (sized 550 ft2 / 51 m2, including a private balcony) is a 2-room suite accommodation featuring sliding doors (opening to an expansive veranda). The balcony is accessible from the bedroom and also from the lounge area. The bedroom includes a queen bed (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen). The full bathroom is a hot tub/shower/WC combination. The lounge area is furnished with a desk, cocktail table, chairs, sofabed, and is connected to a half bathroom. The amenities include 2 flat TVs, a Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), mini refrigerator, Commodore Services (personal butler service).
• (LFS) Loft Suite (sized 550 ft2 / 51 m2, including a private balcony) is unique for a riverboat cruise accommodation. It features a lower level lounge and an upper-level bedroom. The lounge level has a sofabed, cocktail table, chairs, sofabed, full bathroom (hot tub), dining area, sliding doors to a private veranda. The upper level (bedroom) has a queen bed (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen), full bathroom (hot tub), spacious closet, large picture window. Amenities include 2 flat TVs, Keurig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator, Commodore Services (personal butler service).
• (DS) Deluxe Suite (sized 450 ft2 / 42 m2, including a private balcony) is a 2-room suite accommodation with a lounge area (sofabed, desk, half bathroom). The separate bedroom, has a full bathroom (shower/WC combination), queen bed (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen), spacious closet, sliding doors opening onto a private veranda. Amenities include two flat TVs, Keurig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator.
• (VS) Veranda Suite (sized 240-330 ft2 / 22-31 m2, including a private balcony) has French doors opening onto a private veranda, full bathroom (shower/WC combination), lounge/sleeping area (sofabed, a queen or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen). Amenities include a flat TV, Keurig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator.
• (IS) Interior Suite (sized 180-220 ft2 / 17-20 m2) has no balcony. The amenities include a queen (or 2 lower / twin beds convertible to queen), furnished lounge/seating area and separate sleeping space (divided with a curtain), full bathroom (shower/WC combination), a flat TV, Keurig Coffee Maker, mini refrigerator.
• All staterooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception)), dark wood wardrobe, dressers with ample drawer space, mini-bar /fridge, personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hairdryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.
• Smoking inside the cabin and on the balcony is forbidden. The only smoking-allowed area on the ship is the sun deck.
• Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water are offered throughout the cruise.
• Complimentary wines and beers are offered at dinner only.
• Complimentary 24-hr available room service (menu has standard for breakfasts fare, plus sandwiches, burgers, macaroni & cheese, fresh salmon, desserts).
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet. Also complimented is the Pilot House tour (of the navigation bridge).
• Operating with all-inclusive packages, American Duchess cruise deals prices are also inclusive of all shore excursions (“Steamcoach Tours” by luxury motorcoaches), plus 1-night pre-cruise hotel package.

Commodore Services (cruise ship suite perks)

Commodore Services is the American Queen Steamboat Company's set of exclusive services reserved for American Duchess cruise ship passengers booking categories LFS-Loft and OS-Owner suites. The list of bonus perks (price-inclusive / complimentary privileges) includes:

• gifts (upon arrival) - fruit basket and a bottle of wine
• suite tour (upon arrival)
• priority boarding and dining arrangements
• reserved balcony seating in "The Auditorium" (boat's theatre/show lounge), with a personal escort to the reserved seats
• private reception party with the ship's Captain and Senior Officers
• personal River Butler
• unpacking, hanging the clothes in the closet, packing, laundry, pressing service, shoeshine (conditioning)
• in-cabin dining - Afternoon Tea service, Breakfast and Dinner service (on the suite's balcony, upon request), pre-dinner canapes, post-dinner sweets).

American Duchess cabin and suite plans are property of American Queen Voyages . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.