8 Nights Derby Cruise: Louisville to Cincinnati

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 | Louisville, KY - Boutique Hotel: Enjoy your included, one-night stay at the iconic Brown Hotel in Louisville. The evening is yours to get self-acquainted with this rich in architectural beauty and hidden history. The Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel for your convenience. 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 Louisville.

Day 2 | Louisville, KY: Enjoy Louisville at your leisure. You will board the American Queen this afternoon to begin your journey.

Day 3 | Madison, IN: This quaint river town is sure to win the heart of guests. Madison's culture and heritage is weaved into nearly every stop, ensuring each guest will get a glimpse of the beauty and history of antique machinery at the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, or a taste of the hospitality and craftsmanship found at the Thomas Family Winery where each guest is invited to try a sample of the handcrafted wine.

Day 4 | Louisville, KY: From its frontier founding at the time of the American Revolution, to the heyday of Steamboat transport in the early 19th century, through the city's importance as a Union base during the Civil War, Louisville has always balanced a sense of history with an ability to re-invent itself as the city of originals. As the largest city in Kentucky and in the top 30 most populated cities in the United States, this large city brings with it an authentic and original culture and diversity that visitors quickly learn to love. Discover the talent and creativity of Louisville locals in a number of art galleries, theatrical performances, and museums. Nearly everyone can find something they love here as we discover Louisville's treasures!

Day 5 | Brandenburg, KY: Once in Brandenburg and Meade County, enjoy the stunning scenery of a city perfectly situated along the Ohio River. The quiet community features two golf ranges, countless outdoor activities, and hunting and fishing abound. The relaxing nature of Brandenburg has pasted its name onto tourist's maps as a quiet, rejuvenating vacation destination. While visiting, discover Brandenburg's rich history winding throughout the Civil War and pay a visit to historic Fort Knox to uncover stories from the past!

Day 6 | Owensboro, KY: As Kentucky's fourth-largest city, Owensboro is a hidden gem nestled on a scenic bend of the Ohio River. The city has become an important cultural hub of western Kentucky, known for their signature barbequed mutton and burgoo, bluegrass music, and hospitality. Sports Illustrated Magazine noted Owensboro as the #1 sports town in the United States, as they recognize their numerous tournaments, sporting complexes, and various other sporting activities. The city offers countless attractions, assuring everyone will find something to suit their interests!

Day 7 | Louisville, KY: From its frontier founding at the time of the American Revolution, to the heyday of Steamboat transport in the early 19th century, through the city's importance as a Union base during the Civil War, Louisville has always balanced a sense of history with an ability to re-invent itself as the city of originals. As the largest city in Kentucky and in the top 30 most populated cities in the United States, this large city brings with it an authentic and original culture and diversity that visitors quickly learn to love. Discover the talent and creativity of Louisville locals in a number of art galleries, theatrical performances, and museums. Nearly everyone can find something they love here as we discover Louisville’s treasures!

Day 8 | 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 Lincoln Library 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 9 | Cincinnati, OH: Thank you for cruising with us! We hope that you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future. Enjoy Cincinnati 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.

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.