Themes

Epic Civil War

(Special Thirteen-Day Themeboating Adventure) These special thirteen-day 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 in a luxury hotel at each will allow you to fully explore ...

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 Holiday Vacations

Make a special holiday memory onboard a floating palace, decked out from stem to stern in Victorian holiday finery. View grand Souther plantation homes and townhouses in their traditional holiday dress. Lift your voice in carols and raise your glass of eggnog to toast Christmastime on the river. Spectacular bonfires along the levees light the way for Papa Noel in keeping with Cajun tradition.

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 1950s

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 1960s

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 and cultural icons. There’s never been a decade quite like the '60s ...

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.

July 4th

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 Colors Vacations

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 festivities in Louisville, then, mint julep in hand, have the opportunity to witness the Run for the Roses itself. General-admission Kentucky Derby tickets or special Derby Day party at the storied Seelbach Hotel are included in the price of your voyage.  Grandstand seating for ...

Steamboat 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.

Glenn Miller Orchestra

The big band show, with a sound of its own, draws rave reviews performing original arrangements of classics that defined a generation. Swing, sway or just tap in time with nostalgic tunes like In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo and many others.

Paul Revere and the Raiders

Voyage Into American History

Walk In Elvis' Steps

Enjoy a leisurely cruise from New Orleans to Elvis’ hometown, Memphis, in style with luxurious accommodations and fabulous Southern cuisine – all while visiting the charming and historic ports of America’s Heartland.

Polka Cruise

Whether you are an avid Polka fan or new to this genre, you will enjoy our upcoming Polka river cruises. There are two voyages available and both will feature: Jimmy Sturr and his Polka Orchestra, Barefoot Becky & Her Ivanhoe Dutchmen,
Gary & the Ridgeland Dutchmen, and Chicago Polka radio personality Keith Stras.

Hootenanny Cruise

A Hootenanny is a folk-music party and boy do we have a party planned for our November 4 cruise between St. Paul and St. Louis! We have a line-up of stars. Judy Collins, folk music’s most celebrated diva, has hits that include “Someday Soon”, “ Send in The Clowns” and “ Both Sides Now.  Also aboard will be The Kingston Trio who had a string of ...