If only all cruise lines had a boarding process that went this smoothly. No delays. No long lines. No looking for luggage. No searching for a shuttle or Lyft from the airport to the cruise. No hungry travelers who missed breakfast and can’t wait to eat.
American Queen Cruise Lines knows how to do it right. My American Queen cruise got off to a great start before we even boarded the magnificent riverboat.
First, passengers on the American Queen spend a night in the host city to help prevent possible flight snafus. That way, passengers also get a chance to tour the host city, get a good night’s sleep, prepare luggage for pickup in hotel room on cruise day, eat a complimentary breakfast at the hotel and meet in hotel lobby for brief ride around town on the way to the American Queen.
In my case, that host city is Memphis. My American Queen riverboat cruise is traveling from Memphis to St. Louis with stops in between for our weeklong adventure. My host hotel for that overnight stay was the legendary Peabody Hotel.
Of course, if you’ve been following along you already know about the Peabody and all the other wonderful places I visited in Memphis. I would definitely recommend them to any visitor.
8 Night – Memphis to St. Louis – American Queen
The deck’s rocking chairs are a great way to watch the sunset.
Boarding the American Queen
When our motorcoach pulled up to the American Queen landing for our boarding, it seemed as though we all sat spellbound for a few minutes. More than a century ago, Mark Twain wrote that “someday, they’ll build the biggest steamboat the world has ever known and she’ll be long, white and gleaming in the sunshine with her twin black stacks.”
If Twain were alive today, he would see his dream steaming her way down his beloved river. He probably would be awed at the massive two-story paddlewheel churning a frothy wake as the American Queen continues the tradition of steamboatin’.
Stepping aboard, we were greeted by the Steamboat Syncopators, a talented group of musicians who will be entertaining throughout our cruise. Then we did the U.S. Coast Guard mandated drill with life jackets.
When the American Queen left the port, we were treated to a loud steam calliope concert by Jay Chalmers. Seems like some riverboat song from long ago echoing off the Mississippi.
The American Queen is a beauty to behold. From her graceful twin landing stages and towering smokestacks to her gazebo-style pilothouse and colossal red paddlewheel, she is a grand dame. Her opulence includes a two-tiered Grand Saloon with entertainment every night, Ladies’ Parlor, antique treasures in the Mark Twain Gallery, rocking chairs and swings on the Front Porch, Gentlemen’s Card Room, theater, chart room and sun deck recreation and small pool area.
Now it’s time to get ready for dinner in the J.M. White Dining Room. Savoring an old-fashioned cocktail, we listened to a bit of Phil Westbook singing and playing the piano in the Captain’s Bar before heading into our 5:15 p.m. dinner.
Will tell you more about my cabin, dining, entertainment, shore excursions and this beautiful boat as we enjoy our weeklong cruise. Hope you will come along for the journey.
The Mark Twain Gallery features comfy seats and antique treasures.
A grand staircase leads to the dining room.
The Chart Room is a favorite spot for chats with Riverlorian Chris Wistey.
The American Queen’s big wheel keeps turning.
Ed. Notes: See cruises here:
American Queen Voyages Cruises
8 Night – Memphis to St. Louis – American Queen (cruisecompete.com)
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