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Renowned River and Expedition cruise line, AQV-American Queen Voyages, has just announced the launch of new 5- and 6-day itineraries starting in... August 4, 2023
- What I Loved
- What Needs Work
- Bottom Line
The boat's size
Designed to carry about 400 passengers, American Queen is the largest paddlewheeler in the U.S. river cruise industry. The fact that there were only about 250 cruisers on board during my sailing was an added bonus. The vessel's size means that it has some amenities — like a plunge pool, fitness center, spa, a navigational chart room and theater with a stage — not found on other riverboats. But the low capacity meant most areas didn't feel crowded. Another pleasant result was that we frequentl...
The ports of call
While ocean vessels often focus on large cities or beachy destinations, the small towns found along American rivers are replete with charm and hospitality that are hard to come by elsewhere. The locals I met were exceptionally welcoming, and American Queen's daily tour schedule directed me to hidden-gem attractions I might have otherwise overlooked. Free for the vessel's passengers in all ports, buses run along a predetermined route at regular 15- or 30-minute intervals. Designated stops alon...
The pace
As I grow older, I've noticed I prefer to slow down a bit when I cruise. I'm no longer at an age where I want to see and do everything at a break-neck pace. Given that most U.S. river cruise passengers tend to be in their golden years, the pace of onboard life is as leisurely as a float down a river. I found plenty of ways to relax, from joining low-key hosted trivia and doing self-led puzzles during the day to listening to live music at night. I spent many an evening on the boat's outer deck...
The staffing issues
I would be remiss if I didn't start this section by saying that every crew member I met on the sailing was friendly, helpful and eager to please. They always gave me passing smiles, waves and greetings, no matter how busy they were, and it was obvious they were all working hard. Like the rest of the U.S. hospitality industry, American Queen Voyages acknowledged that it is experiencing staffing shortages. Most of the things that could have been improved on my American Queen sailing were likely...
The optics
It's impossible to talk about the heyday of riverboating without also broaching some painful subjects. While wealthy, white travelers were busy enjoying themselves on riverboats up and down U.S. waterways in the early part of the 1800s, enslaved people fought for freedom throughout the country — particularly in the pre-Civil War south. With that in mind, the fact that — even on my recent 2022 sailing — American Queen's onboard guest population is predominantly white while the crew is predomin...
The stench
For some reason, the boat's garbage is stored forward on the main deck, where it sits in open dumpsters outside. My cabin, which was four decks up, was almost directly above it. Whenever I wanted to enjoy the veranda outside my cabin, I was met with the overpowering smell of rotting refuse baking in the 80-degree heat. For that reason, I didn't utilize my room's outdoor space as much as I would have liked. One suggestion for fixing this would be to store the trash below deck or move it to an...
American Queen is a beautiful boat that allows modern-day travelers to experience some of what life on the rivers might have been like 200 years ago. It's an impressive ode to history, complete with comfortable and richly furnished accommodations, great service, delicious food and visits to some of America's small towns. Although American Queen Voy...
Dec 1, 2023 · American Queen Voyages is a cruise line catering mainly to a previously untapped market: river cruises in North America. With three types of vessels available — including riverboats —...
Jun 16, 2023 · Cruise Style Luxury. Ship Size Small. Price Range $$$ EDITOR’S NOTE: American Queen Voyages shut down in February 2024. The company is no longer operating or offering cruises. In 2021,...
- Dana Freeman
American Queen plies the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee rivers, and American Empress sails the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Best For: Lovers of Americana, older couples, and groups looking to see domestic sights in comfort and with ease. Not For: Adventurous, independent types or families traveling with children. We Love:
American Queen Voyages River Cruises: Read 406 American Queen Voyages River Cruises cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.
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Dec 31, 2023 · Review: American Countess River Cruise With American Queen Voyages. This Bourbon-Focused River Cruise Combines Whiskey With Paddleboat Charm. Kentucky Missouri Luxe Travel Cruises. by Adrienne Cohen Dec 31, 2023.
