TRAVEL ALERT: For the latest information on cruise availability and policy updates, click here.
TRAVEL ALERT: For the latest information on cruise availability and policy updates, click here.
Welcome to Special Edition Voyages. These thoughtfully planned cruises feature unique and special voyage programming. Lively onboard events pair with exclusive shore excursions to create meaningful, in-depth and incredible memories.
Explore the roots of iconic American music where it all began. Jazz, blues, country and more await you.
Join us for a soul-stirring American music cruise. Discover the sights and sounds of America’s rivers and the roots from which sprung a variety of musical genres. Enjoy special musical performances from the American Queen entertainment team and special guest performers. Big band performances by the Steamboat Syncopators and additional instrumentalists create an entire big band.
Enjoy a very special private onboard performance by Lee Greenwood, a national icon known for “God Bless the USA”. In addition, guests will enjoy performances from the American Duchess entertainment team and other special guest performers.
From the music to the onboard events, you’ll be transported to one of the most iconic periods of Rock ‘n’ Roll. So, put on your dancin’ shoes, bring out that old poodle skirt and get ready for this exclusive musical experience.
Travel back in time to tie-dyed shirts and bell-bottom jeans. Each voyage will come alive with hits of the 70s. Guests should come with the attire and rhythm to celebrate the 70s.
Learn firsthand with onboard lessons from our talented team. Taste an authentic Kentucky Hot Brown, compare America’s best barbeques or sample fines wines and spirits.
As we cruise into Kentucky’s bourbon region, we learn about the history of this true American spirit. Speakers and tasting events will fill the voyage. Whether you like your bourbon neat, on the rocks or with a splash, you are sure to enjoy this incredible opportunity.
You can learn firsthand about the differences and similarities of Cajun and Creole culinary creations. So, sit back, relax, enjoy an authentic crawfish boil and learn about the local fishing industry of the lower Mississippi River.
Highlighting signature dishes from local dining venues, and special presentations by experts and innovators from the culinary industry, this cruise offers something for everyone and is sure to appeal to amateur palates and experienced foodies alike.
Discover the intoxicating influence of one of the world’s classic beverages, and sample the uniquely American notes of Pacific Northwest on our Wine Cruises. A variety of boutique wineries have capitalized on the complex and varied microclimates of the Pacific Northwest, and created new and exciting twists on winemaking. We’ll travel into the heart of wine country, and introduce you to the sources of delicious libations. From vine to glass, we’ll paint a picture of pure elegance.
Thrill to the hoofbeats of the Kentucky Derby from special seating at Churchill Downs — or travel with our founder and CEO, John Wagoner, on a VIP itinerary.
Join us for an American River Golf Classic cruise that will provide play at four of the most prestigious courses along the Lower Mississippi River, with an optional opportunity to play at TPC Louisiana in New Orleans. Lunches and special giveaways will be included along with a special guest appearance from a recognized golf expert and professional..
Enjoy a very special private onboard performance by Lee Greenwood, a national icon known for “God Bless the USA”. In addition, guests will enjoy performances from the American Duchess entertainment team and other special guest performers.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend time with our company founder? If so, this cruise is for you. Join John Waggoner and his wife, Claudette, on a journey from their hometown in Louisville to St. Louis.
The beautiful colors of autumn greet guests around each bend. And what better way to see them all than by traveling by riverboat? Enjoy a hot apple cider from a local coffee shop and take in the fresh fall air.
The beautiful colors of autumn greet guests around each bend. Enjoy a hot apple cider from a local coffee shop and take in the fresh fall air as you cruise through the most spectacular gouge area east of the Rocky Mountains. Tree-lined bluffs provide a palette of colors. Make sure to come out on the deck as we navigate the highest single-lift lock in the Eastern part of America.
Our Past Guest Reunion Cruise will cater to our loyal family of passengers. Some of our guests’ favorite performers will join us for an extraordinary voyage on our most memorable route. From Memphis to New Orleans, you can network with friends – old and new.
Celebrate a plantation Thanksgiving, a Creole Christmas, a river front New Year’s Eve and an all-American Fourth of July on the river.
What better way to celebrate America’s Independence Day than on an American river cruise in the heart of the country? Small towns will be adorned with symbols of our independence, and onboard we will be filled with patriotic pride. A special guest will bless the American Duchess cruise: American music icon Lee Greenwood will perform on board for this special event.
Whether you fancy a traditional turkey dinner with all of the trimmings or perhaps something a bit different to change up your holiday on the river, your dining experience will be equally delightful! Thanksgiving Day is filled with parade streaming, football viewing and the premier of the special holiday production.
Our Salute to Veterans cruise will honor all branches of the military and be dedicated to the memory of those who were lost. Special performances, décor and a moving Veteran’s Meet and Greet are only part of our tribute.
This Lower Mississippi River cruise offers a special Holiday gala, bonfires on the levee, holiday decorations and exclusive performances. Come home to the Heart of America and celebrate with traditions both old and new!
These special voyages bring family and friends together to celebrate Christmas. With the glitz and shimmer of holiday décor, guests will have the opportunity to participate in gingerbread decorating, ornament making and caroling.
Enjoy a Country Christmas in small towns adorned with holiday finery and décor. What better way to celebrate than with the holiday sounds and scents of gingerbread and Christmas trees? And what could make this even better? American music icon Lee Greenwood will perform on board for this special event.
Learn about and celebrate the Cajun culture of Christmas along the bayou. From traditions, music and culinary masterpieces, you will be amazed at every bend.
New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection and celebration with family and friends. Join us to honor the year’s end for an exclusive experience. We’ll dock at Nottoway Plantation on the big day, where on board, a gala is planned to provide hours of music and dancing – complete with a champagne toast.
This Lower Mississippi River cruise offers special Holiday Markets in several ports that will feature local artisans and crafters. Enjoy a taste of local holiday culinary creations and take in the sounds of the holiday, bonfires on the levee, holiday decorations and a special onboard performance.
Take part in cruises that are dedicated to bettering our river communities. Whether it is a local project, national charity or nature preservation, you can enjoy special camaraderie.
We are proud to support the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why We Give campaign. Not only will our company donate a portion of the proceeds from the Heart of the Mississippi cruise to this special charitable cause, guests and crew will be able to raise their own contributions by participating in an exciting morning at Nottoway with a 5k walk and special entertainment.
On these cruises, you not only will experience all of the relaxation that paddlewheeling offers, but also balance that with doing good for the communities around you. We will work with our river communities by engaging with unique charities and volunteer opportunities.
On these cruises, breast cancer survivors will be recognized, we will also host a pink party sock hop – encouraging all guests to wear pink to show support of Susan G. Komen® and breast cancer survivors – a portion of your booking will go to Susan G. Komen to support its mission.
From October 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021, American Queen Steamboat Company will donate to Susan G. Komen® $400 for each cabin booking on the American Countess steamboat (a U.S. river cruise) departing October 17, 2021. Together with other program initiatives, American Queen Steamboat Company will donate an aggregate guaranteed minimum donation of $50,000 to Komen.
American Queen Steamboat Company is proud to support warriors on this very special voyage. We will also celebrate Veteran’s Day during the voyage by recognizing our heros at special events.
American Queen Steamboat Company will support research as we cruise from Memphis, TN. During the cruise, guests and crew will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual 5k on the day that the marathon will be held..
Explore America’s heartland on the Upper Mississippi, retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark in the Pacific Northwest, relive the stories of Mark Twain, learn about the Civil War and much more.
This cruise includes a visit to Paducah, Kentucky – one of nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the United States and only one of two recognized for Crafts and Folk Art. You will be amazed by the included experience at the Discovery Park of America, The National Quilt Museum and more..
Our Civil War-themed cruises take you on an amazing journey through “the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion” where historic skirmishes pitted brother against brother in a nation once divided. You will have the opportunity to delve into the tactics, both military and political, that shaped the events of the American Civil War.
The Lower Mississippi River is known for history, and even some of the famous, former inhabitants who still explore homes, taverns, grounds and other special places. Join us as we learn about legends and lore that still make history come alive.
Imagine a quilting bee that is traveling up and down the river. Expert guests/quilters will lead hands-on sessions. Think of this as a floating quilting convention.
Regionally inspired food is a way of life on the river. Wild salmon, so fresh it might have been swimming this morning, grilled to perfection. Moonshine bread pudding that evokes echoes of the Tennessee hills. A succulent dumpling that reminds you why Washington apples are the world’s favourite temptation.
Step on board and enjoy entertainment as congenial as a friendly pub and as lively as a cabaret. Since the days of the legendary showboats, America’s riverboats have been centers of music, folklore and theatrical delight. From the American Queen’s spectacular Grand Saloon to intimate venues throughout every boat, you’ll find so much to see, hear and do that your only problem will be fitting it all in. Entertainment for your mind is abundant, as well, with fascinating storytelling, enlightening lecturers and engaging Riverlorians.
The moment you step aboard, you know this is something special. You’re surrounded by world-class art, beautiful furnishings and perfectly selected amenities. You’re welcomed by crew and staff whose sole desire is your comfort, enjoyment and safety.
And beyond that, you’ll connect with new sights, dialects, cultures and traditions. You’ll meet like-minded travelers who share stories and invite you to do the same. The familiarity of the space grows by the day – with every “good morning,” with each new friendship formed. Memories made on board are the finest souvenirs you’ll take home.
Comprehensive, guided shore excursions are the highlight of every day in port. Expect to connect with people who have made the rivers their home, to learn firsthand how the rivers shape their past and future. Each experience has been thoughtfully designed for you, whether you’re visiting a historic home, losing yourself in a local museum or delving into unique regional traditions and cultures.
