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A Voyage Unlike Any Other. We are pleased to present the American Queen and Great American Steamboat Company. The First Lady of the River will begin cruising America's Waterways in April 2012 and we are ready to assist you in booking the voyage of your dreams.

These 3-10 night voyages are a tremendous value, with fares including select shore excursions, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, sumptuous dining options, one-night luxury hotel stay, transfers and more! To find out more about the American Queen, our vacation packages and all-new shore adventures, contact us at our number listed below or send us an email. We look forward to assisting you with your travel on America's only authentic, overnight paddlewheel steamboat — the grand American Queen.

CRUISE DIRECT ONLINE presents....                                                                                                                    Home

The Return of The Grandest Steamboat In The World

Great American Steamboat Company
Call us at 800.365.1445 for more information.
Home Port Advantage
A dream vacation has never been so convenient!
Home Port AdvantageA voyage through the heartland of American has never been so luxurious nor enriching and it’s never been more convenient either. With departures from iconic cities such as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, St Paul, Louisville, Chattanooga and Vicksburg, the grand American Queen is never more than a leisurely few-hours drive or train ride away.

They even offer convenient and affordable connecting luxury-motorcoach service between port cities and special rates on Hertz #1 Gold one-way rentals and Amtrak fares. 

Luxury and Value

As grand as the American Queen is, her voyages start at an amazingly affordable $995 per guest.
With the Great American Steamboat Company, Luxury and Value are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they exist in blissful harmony with one another. On our steamboat voyages, you will never feel “nickel and dimed” as soft drinks, bottled water, cappuccinos, espressos and other specialty coffees are complimentary, as are wine and beer with dinner. You will also enjoy free wi-fi service in our public lounges and there is never a charge for any of our specialty dining options.
 
To ensure that you receive an immersive, in-depth cultural and historical experience ashore, when you book by December 31, 2011, all regular Shore Adventures are included in the fare. Our fleet of dedicated Steamcoaches follows you on your river voyage, further enhancing your experience with the same knowledgeable and personable drivers and guides in each port of call.

This is the greatest value in all-American vacations.

There’s no more unique way to experience the history, heritage and culture of America’s heartland than a voyage aboard a genuine steamboat. Stroll through charming towns and vibrant river cities. Explore historic ports of call like New Orleans, Natchez, Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Chattanooga and Pittsburgh, just to name a few. Along the way, you’ll learn about the great events and people that have contributed to America’s history and culture. Your Steamboating voyage of discovery awaits you, so book now. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as you experience the heartland of America as never before—from the decks of the grand, elegant American Queen.

Your dream journey of a lifetime awaits – call us, your travel agent, Cruise Direct Online  at 800-365-1445. To get a FREE Price Quote or keep up to date on Current Offers. Go Here.

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A Sampling of Homeport Itineraries

Call us at 800.365.1445 for details about this list of voyages or open the e-brochure or PDF for complete details.

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Steamboating is Back. And It's Here to Stay.

Are you ready to go Steamboating? We are!

NEW ORLEANS
 Roundtrip New Orleans 
New Orleans  April 13-19, 2012 6nts   Southern Culture  
 May 22-29, 2012 7nts  Springtime on the River  
 May 29-June 4, 2012 6nts  Springtime on the River  
 June 4-9, 2012 5nts  Southern Culture  
 June 9-16, 2012 7nts  Springtime on the River  
 June 16-21, 2012 5nts  Southern Culture  
 Nov. 19-25, 2012 6nts  Thanksgiving  
 Open e-brochure for details.      
 New Orleans- Memphis 
 April 19-21,2012 8nts   Southern Culture  
 June 21-28, 2012 7nts  Music of the '50s  
 Nov. 25-Dec.2, 2012 7nts  Old Fashioned Holidays  
 Dec. 9-16, 2012 7nts  Old Fashioned Holidays  
 Dec. 21- 28, 2012 7nts  Old Fashioned Holidays  
MEMPHIS
 Memphis - New Orleans
Memphis
 May 15-22, 2012 7nts   Springtime on the River  
 Dec. 2-9, 2012 7nts  Old Fashioned Holidays  
 Dec. 14-21, 2012 7nts  Old Fashioned Holidays  
 Dec. 28 - Jan. 4, 2013 7nts  Old Fashioned Holidays  
 Open e-brochure for details.      
 Memphis - St. Louis
 June 28 - July 5, 2012 7nts   Fourth of July  
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 Memphis - Cincinnati
 Apr. 27 - May 4, 2012  7nts  Belle Race   
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ST. LOUIS
 St. Louis - Louisville
St. Louis  July 5 - 11, 2012 7nts   Fourth of July  
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 St. Louis - St. Paul
 Sept. 14-21, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage   
 Sept. 28 - Oct. 5, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage   
 Oct. 12- 19, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage   
 Oct. 29 - Nov. 5, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage  
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 St. Louis - New Orleans
 Nov. 12-19, 2012 7nts Old Fashioned Holidays  
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ST. PAUL
 Roundtrip St. Paul
St. Paul  Oct. 19-22, 2012 3nts   Fall Foliage  
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 St. Paul - St. Louis
 Sept 21-28, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage   
 Oct. 5 - 12, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage   
 Oct. 22 - 29, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage   
 Nov. 5-12, 2012 7nts Fall Foliage  
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 FREE PRICE QUOTE for all departures via e-mail
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 Price Quote.      
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starting from $1695

Themes
Civil War Vacations
During our Civil War Vacations, renowned historians will escort you in the footprints of the boys in blue and gray. As you visit the battlefields where so many gave their lives, you’ll learn of those poignant, tumultuous times that often found brother taking arms against brother.

Epic Civil War
(Special Ten-Night Themeboating Adventure) These special ten-night adventures provide the ultimate Civil War experience, complete with actors, impersonators, lecturers, balladeers, field trips and reenactments designed to entertain as well as increase understanding of this pivotal point in time. You’ll travel between two major Civil War sites, Vicksburg and Chattanooga. An overnight stay (on board the American Queen) at each will allow you to fully ...

Springtime on the River
Enjoy the awakening of springtime on the river. Gliding along at a stately pace, your mind has time to wander—back to a time when life was slower and more genteel, when mighty rivers served as America's natural highways and an elegant paddlewheel steamboat was the epitome of travel.

Old Fashioned Holidays
Nowhere can you embrace this special time of year more uniquely than aboard an elegant steamboat, decked out from stem to stern in Victorian holiday finery. You will view grand Southern plantation homes and townhouses in their traditional holiday dress, raise your voice in carols and your glasses of eggnog in a toast to Christmastime on the river. Spectacular bonfires along the levees light the ...

Southern Culture
Immerse yourself in the literature, music and culture of the South, as well as its traditions, history and cooking. Our Southern Culture Vacations carry you deep into the worlds of William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, Tennessee Williams and Harper Lee. You’ll visit the towns that inspired literary and musical greatness. Along the way, you’ll experience the sounds of the Delta blues and sample ...

Music of the '50s
Join us on a nostalgic journey to the fun-loving, carefree days of the '50s as we re-create the music, activities and events of this golden era. You’ll rock around the clock to the sounds of legendary artists like Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Elvis. You’ll also meet recording stars, TV personalities, special guests and sports figures of the era. If you miss the ...

Thanksgiving
Savor the flavors of famed American Chef Regina Charboneau during our Southern-styled Thanksgiving Steamboating Adventure.

Music of the '60s
If you were a child of the 60s, here’s a vacation voyage just for you. During this special tribute to the '60s, you can dance to the sounds of Motown artists plus other R&B and rock favorites. You will also have the chance to meet and talk with well-known musicians, sports figures and other celebrities. There’s never been a decade quite like ...

Big Band
Get “in the mood” for our sensational Big Band Vacations, when special onboard guest orchestras play the tunes you know so well, all in the original arrangements that made them legendary. If you are a fan of the big bands, this is a sentimental journey you won’t want to miss.

Fourth of July
Experience the 4th of July in St. Louis, Missouri—a city that truly knows how to celebrate this significant day in our nation’s history. In addition to taking in the spectacular fireworks and festivities in St. Louis, you will celebrate the holiday aboard the American Queen while taking an unforgettable voyage through the very heartland of America.

Fall Foliage
Fall Foliage Vacations salute nature’s rich palette of reds, oranges and golds as your steamboat traverses the Upper Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers in Autumn. You can shuffle through the leaves during shore excursions and learn from guest naturalists. At dinnertime, you’ll sample the bounties of Heartland America, from pumpkin pie to hot, spiced cider.

Kentucky Derby
Our Kentucky Derby voyages celebrate one of the most prestigious events in the "sport of kings." You'll experience the Derby parades and festivities in Louisveill, then have the opportunity to witness the Kentucky Derby itself. General-admission Kentucky Derby tickets or special Derby Day party at the storied Seelbach Hotel are included in the price of your voyage. Of course, there'll be plenty of ...

Belle Race
More than a century ago, one of the biggest thrills in the heartland of America was watching a steamboat race. Now, you can experience the excitement firsthand on board the American Queen as she joins the Belle of Louisville to recreate this pre-Kentucky Derby traditional race. The adventure begins in Memphis and concludes in Cincinnati, with the traditional race itself held in Louisville.


Step On Board for an
All-American Adventure.
There’s never been a better time to rediscover America. And the Great American Steamboat Company has the perfect way to explore the heartland of our great nation— aboard the grand American Queen, the only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America.

Steamboating is a unique blend of American beauty and history, acclaimed cuisine, lively showboat-style entertainment and the adventure of exploring Mark Twain’s riverside America. You’ll discover a side of our country that few ever see, from the indescribable perspective of the river. So step on board and experience America in style as the American Queen takes you on a journey that you will never forget.

Gliding along at a stately pace, your mind has time to wander—back to a time when life was slower and more genteel, when mighty rivers served as America’s natural highways and an elegant paddlewheel steamboat was the epitome of travel.


Frequently Asked Questions

I’m an avid Steamboat traveler. How will your experience compare to the former operations?
They have taken everything you loved about the fabled Delta Queen Steamboat Company and are adding some delightful new enhancements. Their Chief Executive was the President of the fabled Delta Queen Steamboat Company during its mid-90's heyday when it was at the peak of popularity and guest satisfaction. They know that history, heritage and tradition reign supreme and their goal is to present their guests with an experience that is even warmer, friendlier and enriching than your fondest memories of voyages past.

They have also added more value to the Steamboat experience by including all bottled water and soft drinks, coffees and cappuccinos, wine and beer with dinner, and deluxe, pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary shore excursions on every voyage.

What sort of onboard programs will you offer?
The American Queen will feature a Riverlorian on every voyage, lavish showboat style entertainment, big band, swing, Dixieland jazz and music from the '40s, '50s and '60s. They will also present an in-depth enrichment program and all the onboard services and niceties that you expect, and then some.

What kind of dining can I expect?
The American Queen will feature a bevy of dining options and is the only paddlewheel riverboat to feature multiple specialty dining options, all at no charge of course! The opulent J.M. White Dining Room will offer full breakfast, lunch and dinner service along with specialty buffets and even a New Orleans Jazz Brunch. You may also dine at The Front Porch of America, the River Grill or order from their specialty Po' Boy menu almost around the clock.

All of the cuisine aboard the American Queen is overseen by the celebrated American chef, Regina Charboneau. A native of Natchez, Mississippi, she is the Queen of Heartland Cuisine and has designed menus that are brimming with old-fashioned comfort foods, American classics and new twists on old favorites.

What about the accommodations?
The American Queen features a diverse range of elegant and well-appointed accommodations. From economy inside staterooms to lavish luxury suites, each is decorated with Victorian-style furnishings and features plush bedding dressed with the finest linens, tasteful amenities and all of the modern conveniences you expect.

I want to travel with a group of friends. Will you have any special offers for groups?
Please consult your travel professional, Cruise Direct Online ( 800.365.1445)  as we can tailor a group travel program specifically to your wants, needs and budget.

 

The Great American

Steamboat Distinctions

Experience a vacation filled with heritage, history, elegance and adventure.

The only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America.

The acclaimed cuisine of famed American chef Regina Charboneau,
including afternoon tea and moonlight late-night supper.

The only steamboat with multiple,
specialty dining options, all at no additional charge.

Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage.

Complimentary wines and beers at dinner.

All staterooms feature gourmet coffee brewers and Starbucks coffee.

Gracious, friendly service from a professionally trained all-American staff.

The warm and inviting ambiance of an antebellum mansion.

Public rooms and accommodations are decorated with Victorian charm and carefully selected antiques.

Elegant-casual attire throughout your voyage; no formal wear required.

Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard river historian.

Professional showboat-style entertainment nightly.

Nightly dancing to swing, big band and Dixieland jazz music.

Enthralling calliope concerts and a chance for guests to play!

Exciting shore excursions provide an in-depth immersion into the history, culture and cuisine of America’s heartland.

Their own dedicated fleet of “Steamcoaches” delivers the highest level of sightseeing on the river. Complimentary when booked by December 31, 2011.

The greatest value in all-American vacations!


Royal Caribbean International Sea Deals 2012 - Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, Canada & New England, Bahamas, Bermuda

Steamboating. The Original American Vacation.

Route Map Deck Plan

FREE Price Quote and Updates on Current Offers

To ensure that you receive an immersive, in-depth cultural and historical experience ashore, when you book by December 31, 2011, all regular Shore Adventures are included in the fare. A fleet of dedicated “Steamcoaches” follows you on your river voyage, further enhancing your experience with the same knowledgeable and personable drivers and guides in each port of call.

Knowing that travelers have different interests, you may choose from our array of tours or more ambitious explorers may even partake in all of the offerings during a port stay. How much time you spend at any particular attraction is also up to you — they would never presume to dictate your schedule. How much you want to see and how much time you want to spend is up to you.

This is Riverside America — rushing is simply not allowed.

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