American Queen: A Special 25th Anniversary Draws Near

The vision was grand. The ship is even more spectacular.

The American Queen, an iconic ship and the largest, most opulent steamboat in the world, was born from a vision to design a grand paddlewheeler that would rival any on the water.

She’ll celebrate her 25th anniversary next year, making 2020 a perfect year to experience this remarkable ship.

Construction on the American Queen began in 1994 at McDermott Shipyard in Louisiana. Years of planning culminated in the christening of this elegant steamboat on June 2, 1995.

After going through several owners, the American Queen found herself in the hands of the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) in Beaumont, Texas. Knowing that this American icon should be enjoyed by the entire world, John Waggoner, president and CEO of HMS Global Maritime, took on the herculean task of purchasing the paddlewheeler and putting her back in service on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.

On April 26, 2012, she was re-christened in Memphis, Tennessee, by her new godmother, Priscilla Presley. A new era of modern steam-boating and river cruising had begun.

Since that time, American Queen Steamboat Company has made innovative updates while preserving the antiques, sentiment and vision of those who built her and cruised on board.

From each thoughtful detail to modern upgrades, the American Queen is an authentic icon of the rivers on which she travels; a true engineering marvel that combines steam and diesel power to create a unique river cruising experience.

Any traveller who chooses to cruise on this iconic riverboat will soon find that her steady heart beats to the rhythm of music and discourse that resound within her walls.

The American Queen inspires crowds of onlookers in each port in which she docks. Pictures that capture this authentic American steamboat simply cannot do her justice. In true royal fashion, she glides gracefully along the river and courteously greets onlookers with the wave of her flags as she passes by.
American Queen offers both formal, upscale dining and relaxed, casual meals to each guest, depending on preference, with a focus on regional cuisine. Guests enjoy complimentary wine and beer with dinner.

Linger on one of her decks, listen to the calliope sing of the river and fall in love with this stately spirit. Or try some the on-board, Broadway-calibre entertainment or enrichment programs. Guests also can take advantage of comprehensive, guided shore excursions to magnificent sights along the river.

A deluxe hotel stay before your voyage, including breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Queen, art part of the package when you book a voyage on this historic ship.

While classic details adorn the hull of the American Queen, essential amenities are intentional anachronisms that marry modern passengers to the historical period during which she and her steamboat sisters dominated the waterways. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques enhance her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately riverboats that preceded her and so inspired her designers.
Embark on a river cruise on the American Queen, the wondrous steamboat that introduces her riders to the waters that she calls home – the great rivers that have sustained towns, wildlife and memories throughout history.

A lady this grand should have a celebration to match, so the American Queen Steamboat Company is inviting travelers to join them throughout 2020 for an anniversary year that is sure to provide memorable experiences for all who sail upon her.

There is no greater gift than that of travel and memories, and what better way to celebrate than on the grandest steamboat ever built.