8 Nights A Culinary Awakening: St. Louis to Memphis

Type of Vessel

American Duchess

There's never been a better time to rediscover America and the American Queen Steamboat Company has the perfect way to explore the heartland of our great nation - aboard the grand American Duchess, the largest most opulent riverboat in the world. The American Duchess is the first all-suite paddlewheeler on U.S. rivers, a floating, intimate masterpiece that can carry up to 166 guests through America's heartland. The paddlewheeler, created from a 1995 hull, was completely reconstructed to become one of the most luxurious river cruising vessels in the country, featuring single-seating main dining, entertainment venues, and soaring ceilings.

Itinerary

Day 1 | St. Louis, MO - Boutique Hotel: Enjoy your included, one-night stay at the iconic Union Station Hotel in St. Louis. The evening is yours to get self-acquainted with this dynamic city and its famous attractions such as the Gateway Arch. The Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel for your convenience between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM. It is here that the friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving Premium Shore Excursions. An American Queen Steamboat Company representative, as well as a local representative, will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment, and sight-seeing suggestions so that you may maximize your time in St. Louis.

Day 2 | St. Louis, MO: Explore St. Louis at your leisure or consider a pre-cruise Premium Shore Excursion with afternoon transfer to the vessel.

Day 3 | Chester, IL: Known as the "Home of Popeye", Chester, Illinois is a city rich in history and pop culture. Because creator and writer of Popeye, Elzie Crisler Segar, was born here, the famous characters starred in the show will be seen showcased frequently throughout the town. Stop at the Popeye Character Trail to view granite statues of the characters overlooking the Mississippi or check out America's only Popeye museum and gift shop to take home a souvenir to remind you of your visit to Chester! Spend the day exploring the unique history as you walk through luxurious homes, historical buildings, and museums!

Day 4 | Cape Girardeau, MO: Nestled along the western banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri is found; a community rich in history and heritage. For more than 250 years, people have been drawn to Cape Girardeau and the river on which it lies. Stroll along the riverfront, where the passion that led Mark Twain to write so eloquently about Cape Girardeau in Life on the Mississippi, the inspiration that Gen. Ulysses S. Grant used to lead with firm conviction as he took command of the Union Army on the Mississippi in historic downtown, and the warmth and hospitality that community founder Louis Lorimier extended to Lewis and Clark while on the journey of a lifetime as they set forth on their Corps of Discovery to explore the Louisiana Purchase.

Day 5 | Leisurely River Cruising: There is always plenty to do between dawn and dusk on the river and today is the perfect day to enjoy the many public spaces and activities that are available to you onboard. Gaze at the beautiful landscapes and small river towns as you mingle with fellow guests and discuss the unique aspects of river life. If you fancy a moment for yourself, retreat to the Gallery adorned with ornate bookcases stocked with an imaginative selection. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish every moment of serenity. The fitness facility, business center, movie theater and grand lobby offer a more stimulating day on the river for those who wish to indulge in more energy-infused activity. However you wish to spend your day, make it your own and revel in every moment.

Day 6 | Paducah, KY: Paducah embraces their harmonious history between the European settlers and the Padoucca Indians native to the area. The city is located at the confluence of the Ohio and the Tennessee Rivers and because of this, it is often called the Four-Rivers Area due to the proximity of the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers. This prime location has played a major role in Paducah's history, as transportation was easily accessible – the economy was strong and travelers were frequent!

Day 7 | Paducah, KY: Paducah embraces their harmonious history between the European settlers and the Padoucca Indians native to the area. The city is located at the confluence of the Ohio and the Tennessee Rivers and because of this, it is often called the Four-Rivers Area due to the proximity of the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers. This prime location has played a major role in Paducah's history, as transportation was easily accessible - the economy was strong and travelers were frequent!

Day 8 | New Madrid, MO: New Madrid was founded in 1776 by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodri­guez Mirà who welcomed Anglo-Saxon settlers but required them to become citizens of Spain and live under the guidance of his appointed impresario, Revolutionary War veteran, Colonel William Morgan of New Jersey. Some 2,000 settled in the region. In 1800, Spain traded the territory to France in the Third Treaty of San Ildefonso, who promptly sold it to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The city is remembered as being the nearby location for the Mississippi River military engagement, the Battle of Island Number Ten, during the Civil War. The city is famous for being the site of a series of over 1,000 earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, caused by what is called the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Today, explore this quaint river town that will surely steal the hearts of all guests.

Day 9 | Memphis, TN: Thank you for cruising! Hope that you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future. Enjoy Memphis at your leisure or consider a Post-Cruise Premium Shore Excursion with airport transfer.

All Inclusive

All guests receive complimentary wine and beer with dinner, and cappuccino, espresso, bottled water, and soft drinks, and shore excursions in every port of call. Also included is a boutique hotel stay before your voyage which includes breakfast taxes, porterage, and vessel transfer. There is also a dedicated fleet of deluxe motorcoaches for your convenience.

Guest Services

Guests holding reservations for suite-level accommodations will receive the exclusive Commodore Services, an elite level of hospitality and amenities reserved for guests of American Duchess suites including, pre-boarding privileges, fruit basket and bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival, preferred dining arrangements, reserved balcony seating in the Auditorium theater, and private reception with Senior Officers of the American Duchess.
In addition to Commodore Services hospitality and amenities, guests of the Owner's Suites and Loft Suites will also receive the services of a friendly River Butler which includes, tour of suite upon arrival, unpacking suitcases and hanging of clothes, packing of suitcase, laundry and pressing service, shoe shine and conditioning, afternoon tea served in-suite, breakfast and dinner served on veranda (upon request), in-suite pre-dinner canapés, post-dinner sweets, and personal escort to reserved balcony seating in the Show Lounge/Auditorium theater.

Food and Dining

Featuring a single-seating schedule in the beautiful Grand Dining Room, dining onboard is an experience. Enjoy 5-star cuisine that blends local flavors and fine culinary traditions. A more casual atmosphere is offered at The Grill, which can host over 80 guests who wish to dine at their own pace. Their celebrated American chefs draw their inspiration from the great Heartland to create a movable, delectable feast for you to indulge in. Every day celebrates the culinary senses.

Onboard Activities/Events

Night after magical night, top entertainers bring down the house in the American Duchess's majestic Show Lounge/Auditorium. Each evening the lights dim, the curtains rise and the talented performers offer an entertainment worthy of Broadway.
As history plays such a large part of your cruise experience, the Riverlorian is onboard for each voyage to impart the history and lore of the river on which you are cruising. In addition to the ever-present Riverlorian, they often feature a diverse lineup of guest historians who take to the stage and transport you to another era. You'll enjoy hearing from these noted speakers who offer astounding insights on the culture and heritage of America's Heartland and the Deep South. Relive a tale from Mark Twain for an enchanted evening and you will retire to your room convinced that you've just had a conversation with history.

Shore Excursions

Explore some of Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky's most beautiful landmarks throughout your journey on these highlighted excursions.

Cohen Memorial Home
Spinach Can Collectibles and Museum
Pinky's Sugarland
The Courthouse and Randolph County Museum
Welcome Center
Mississippi River Tales Mural
Red House Interpretive Center
Old St. Vincent's Church
Glenn House
Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts River Campus
Crisp Museum's Crossroads Gallery
Cape River Heritage Museum
VisitCape Visitors Center
National Quilt Museum
Lowertown Arts District
The Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum
The Paducah Railroad Museum
River Discovery Center
New Madrid Observation Deck
New Madrid Historical Museum
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site
Higgerson School
Hart-Stepp House Art Gallery
New Madrid County Courthouse

Hop-On Hop-Off Shore Excursions include your ticket to experience great river cities with selected admissions, narrated tours with countless available motorcoaches. You will enjoy hassle-free access to some of the most historically and culturally significant attractions in America's heartland.

Staterooms or Cabins

Private Veranda Suites to Loft and Owner's Suites range from 240 to 550 square feet.
Deluxe Suites with Private Balcony include a queen bed or two win beds, a lounge area with half bath, a queen sofa-bed and small desk area, a private bedroom complete with a full bath, plentiful closet space and sliding doors to your private balcony with two flat-screen TV's.
Interior Suites feature ample closet space, queen bed or two win beds, a flat-screen TV, a full bathroom and a curtain divider to provide optional privacy between your sleeping space and furnished seating area.
Loft Suites with Private Balcony additionally boasts a lower level that features a full bathroom, small dining area, a beautiful lounge section furnished with a queen sofa-bed and desk area, along with sliding doors to access your private balcony where you can unwind and take in the majestic, riverside scenery. Ascend the stairs to the upper level of the loft and you will discover a tranquil retreat with its semi-private bedroom, a full bathroom and plentiful closet space. A large picture window in front of the staircase affords river views from the upper level bedroom.
Owners Suites with Private Balcony allows guests to slide open glass doors that are accessible from both the bedroom and lounge areas, and step out onto your expansive, private balcony to unwind and take in the beauty of riverside America. Adorned with an intimate interior lounging area amply furnished with a queen sofa-bed, cocktail tables and desk, these lavish suites can accommodate up to four guests and epitomize luxurious river cruising.
Veranda Suites With Private Balcony invites guests to settle in at their couch, slide open the doors to their private balcony and peacefully watch the river banks of America's heartland drift by. Enjoy the finest amenities in these luxurious accommodations featuring a flat-screen TV, generous closet space and a full bathroom.

Fitness

The river is always flowing and while life here may move at a genteel pace, there is always plenty of activity onboard and ashore. The American Duchess offers a range of amenities to help you maintain your fitness routine while cruising. You'll find that your active, healthy lifestyle is easily accommodated. Weight and resistance training are simple with the workout bench, dumbbells and other equipment offered. Guests looking for a more aerobic form of exercise can get their heart rates up using the treadmills or static bike.