American Queen Debuts 2013 Voyages

The Great American Steamboat Company has announced the 2013 schedule for the reigning queen of the Mississippi river, the grand American Queen. As a tribute to this historic steamboat and following in the footsteps of its fabled predecessor, the company is being renamed in honor of its iconic flagship. Effective July 1, the company was renamed the American Queen Steamboat Company.

“Just as the Greene family renamed their operation to honor the historic Delta Queen, we are embracing the legacy of the American Queen and renaming the Company in honor of her. Because of her iconic status, she has quickly become the brand in the eyes of our guests and travel agent partners,” stated Jeffrey D. Krida, the company’s chief executive officer.

Once again, travelers will enjoy this truly American experience, celebrated by Mark Twain and others, of steamboat voyages on the great rivers of the America’s heartland. With convenient departures from some of the United States’ most storied cities such as Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis, St. Paul, Cincinnati, Chattanooga, and Pittsburgh, planning a steamboat vacation on the American Queen has never been easier. The fabled river voyages on the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers for the 2013 season are now available for booking.

2013 Voyage Highlights

· A total of 30 departures from Memphis and New Orleans, showcasing the fabled Lower Mississippi’s fabled plantations, civil war battlefields, history and Southern culture
· Five special departures featuring Natchez’s Spring Pilgrimage Pageant
· “Blue Hawaii”, an Elvis Tribute
· New themes: Blues and Barbeque, Louisiana History and Culture, Mystical Krewe of Steamboating Mardi Gras, Dixie Fest, Southern Spirits, Gardens of the River, In the Good Old Summertime, Baseball Legends, Manifest Destiny, The Great Steamboat Era and the first annual Delta Queen Steamboat Company and Paddlewheel Steamboat Society Of America™ Reunion voyages
· Epic Civil War voyage between Memphis and Chattanooga
· More accommodations for single travelers including new Single Outside Staterooms
· Red, White and Blue Pricing–offering greater value for travelers
· The most inclusive river cruise product in North America–every steamboat holiday includes a free one night deluxe hotel stay in the city of embarkation, all shore tours on our trademark Steamcoahes in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities

Befitting a company that celebrates the American experience, the American Queen employs an affable, all-American crew that is eager to please. Few things are nicer than mint juleps on deck on a glorious summer afternoon on the Ohio River or morning coffee in the grand J.M. White Dining Room as you steam into St. Paul. With a homeport of Memphis, the American Queen carries with her the same devotion to exceptional dining and entertainment, including Dixieland Jazz and gracious southern charm and hospitality. Inspired by the greatest steamboats of the 19th Century, the American Queen features an opulent two-level Grand Saloon, an elegant two-deck high Dining Room, staterooms and suites appointed with period furnishings and antique touches, many with their own private veranda and all with the modern amenities today’s travelers expect.

Most notably, the American Queen carries only 436 guests, surrounding them in an atmosphere befitting a fine antebellum mansion complete with rich paneling, priceless antiques, Tiffany glass and public rooms that are warm and welcoming. A variety of voyage lengths, ranging from four nights to twelve nights, offer exceptional value and convenience, with little or no flying required.

Image Courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company