American Queen Voyages
River Cruising
The American Queen was a genuinely special ship — the largest steamboat ever built, with a working paddlewheel powered by 90-year-old steam engines. The brand went through ownership upheaval and the fleet was acquired by American Cruise Lines, so the future of the American Queen vessel itself remains uncertain. If she sails again, it will be an experience unlike anything else on U.S. rivers. Check current status before booking.
American Queen Voyages built its identity around one of the most iconic vessels in American travel: the American Queen, a six-deck paddlewheel steamboat and the largest ever built. Launched in 1995, the 436-guest ship was a loving recreation of the grand Mississippi riverboats that defined 19th-century American commerce and culture. Her working paddlewheel, powered by a pair of 90-year-old steam engines salvaged from a retired steamboat, was not mere decoration — it was the beating heart of a vessel that turned heads in every river town she visited.
The onboard experience leaned into Southern hospitality and Americana. A resident “Riverlorian” — a historian specialising in the rivers and regions along the route — delivered lectures and storytelling sessions throughout each voyage. The Engine Room Bar offered live music with views of the working paddlewheel mechanism, while the Front Porch lounge recreated the atmosphere of a Southern farmhouse with rocking chairs and porch swings. Dining featured regional cuisine reflecting the communities along the shore, and all shore excursions were included in the fare.
The brand’s trajectory has been turbulent. American Queen Voyages operated the American Queen alongside smaller paddlewheelers on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Columbia rivers, but financial difficulties led to a cessation of operations. American Cruise Lines subsequently acquired all four paddlewheelers from the former AQV fleet. As of early 2026, the future operational status of the American Queen herself remains uncertain, with American Cruise Lines evaluating options for the vessel.
Despite the ownership upheaval, the American Queen remains a vessel of genuine historical significance and irreplaceable character. For travellers captivated by the romance of paddlewheel steamboating and the cultural richness of America’s great river systems, no other ship has offered quite the same experience. Those interested should monitor developments closely, as any return to service would represent a rare opportunity to experience a truly unique form of American river travel.
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