American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen Emerges From Refit

American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen Emerges From Refit

The American Queen Steamboat Company announces hotel-side refurbishment details of the 436-passenger paddlewheeler currently underway at the New Orleans’ Bollinger Shipyards. As part of the American Queen’s scheduled annual layup, an abundance of enhancements totaling more than one-half million dollars will be evident to past guests boarding for her first 2013 voyage on February 23.  

“The American Queen is a national treasure and our loyal guests of her 2012 inaugural season enjoyed a historic return to river cruising in the heartland,” explains American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. “After her makeover, public areas will appear even richer and more opulent, while back-of-the-house changes and additions improve efficiency.”

A team of one hundred craftsman is currently dedicated to the American Queen, preparing her for an even more comfortable and enjoyable second season. New woodwork, custom-milled carpets and period fabrics in rich jewel tones not only heighten the sense of elegance but reflect the paddlewheeler’s heritage and pay homage to the glory days of river travel.

All furniture in both public areas and suites is being either reupholstered or replaced. As guests enter their stateroom or suite, they will be welcomed by new mahogany plantation shutters enhancing both privacy and ambiance. Added river scenes by noted artist Michael Blaser will adorn hallways throughout the boat, complementing the décor and reinforcing a sense of nostalgia.

Guests arriving in the J.M. White Dining Room will be greeted by a dramatic new marble and granite entryway, wallpaper and carpeting.  New empire-style dining chairs are being added for a grand atmosphere. A mahogany wine wall showcasing a collection of both popular and boutique wineries creates a dramatic centerpiece. The room also features a new double-sided buffet to accommodate a greater selection of culinary specialties at breakfast and lunch.  Behind the scenes, newly added appliances will also be welcomed by the galley staff to deliver Culinary Director Regina Charboneau’s signature cuisine.

A perennial favorite among guests, the Front Porch of America, will now become the Front Porch Café, offering a more comprehensive alternative dining option with the addition of a small prep kitchen executing a light menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. New furniture will adorn this sitting area while the outdoor deck remains a favorite spot for reading a classic novel or simply watching the river pass by.

Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, American Queen’s fares will begin at $1,495 per guest based on double occupancy in 2013, and include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in every port onboard deluxe SteamcoachesSM, the acclaimed cuisine of legendary chef Regina Charboneau, and complimentary wine and beer with dinner. A variety of holiday lengths ranging from five days to fourteen offer exceptional value and convenience with little or no flying required.

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American Queen Steamboat Company to Raise Fares in 2013

American Queen Steamboat Company's Paddle Wheeler American Queen

The American Queen Steamboat Company today announced it will raise fares beginning January 1, 2013, as a result of unprecedented demand for the upcoming second season of the American Queen. According to the operator of the 436-passenger riverboat, many of next year’s sailings are selling out, particularly voyages between the paddlewheeler’s homeport of Memphis and New Orleans. Overall bookings are up 300% compared to 2012 and the fare increase will be an average of $200 per guest per voyage.

“Since her return to the rivers this past April, the American Queen has rekindled the desire for travelers to discover the historic and enchanting river towns of the U.S. from Natchez, Miss., to Red Wing, Minn., with grace and elegance aboard the grandest riverboat in the world,” explains American Queen Steamboat Company CEO Jeffrey D. Krida. “Resulting from the popularity of river cruising she has forged once again, we are seeing tremendous volume in 2013 reservations.”

Among the 2013 Voyage Highlights:

• A total of 30 departures from Memphis and New Orleans, showcasing the legendary Lower Mississippi’s 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 & Barbeque, Louisiana History & Culture, Mystical Krewe of Steamboating Mardi GrasSM, Dixie Fest, Southern Spirits, Gardens of the River, In the Good Old SummertimeSM, 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

Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, fares will begin at $1,345 per guest based on double occupancy beginning January 1, 2013, and include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in every port onboard deluxe SteamcoachesSM, the acclaimed cuisine of legendary chef Regina Charboneau and complimentary wine and beer with dinner. A variety of holiday lengths ranging from five days to fourteen offer exceptional value and convenience, with little or no flying required.

American Queen Steamboat Company

The Memphis-based American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) is the owner and operator of the U.S.-flagged American Queen, the largest and grandest riverboat in the world.. She delivers an authentic and timeless experience inspired by the palatial Mississippi steamboats of the Mark Twain era. With convenient departures from some of the United States’ most iconic cities such as Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis, Louisville, St. Paul, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, this legendary mode of travel is easier than ever to enjoy.

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Great American Steamboat Company Announces 2013 Cruises And Name Change

American Queen - American Queen Steamboat Company

The Great American Steamboat Company is pleased to announce the 2013 schedule for the reigning queen of the Mississippi river, the grand American Queen. These fabled river voyages on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers for the 2013 season will go on sale Friday, June 22, 2012. 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.

 

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 & Barbeque, Louisiana History & Culture, Mystical Krewe of Steamboating Mardi Gras^SM, Dixie Fest, Southern Spirits, Gardens of the River, In the Good Old Summertime^SM, 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^SM in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities

·         Fares start at an amazingly affordable $1,095 per guest

 

            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 19^th Century, the American Queen offers 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.

 

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 will be 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.

A variety of voyage lengths, ranging from four nights to twelve nights, and fares beginning at $1,095 per guest, offers exceptional value and convenience, with little or no flying required.

 

For additional information and reservations, kindly contact the Great American Steamboat Company.

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