-
August, ask for details.
Minneapolis, MN; Red Wing, MN; Winona, MN; Quad Cities (Bettendorf), IA; Nauvoo, IL; Hannibal, MO; St. Louis, MO
The upper reaches of the Mississippi River are rich with frontier tales of fur traders and pioneers set among picturesque geography and abundant wildlife. The region reflects the spirit of the people who worked this land even before steamboats came to the river. As Mark Twain once said, "there are all the enlivening signs of the presence of active, energetic, intelligent, prosperous, practical 19th-century populations. The people don't dream; they work." Farming, fur-trapping, lumbering and mining were at one time the lifeblood of this region. As hard as the river and the region has been worked by its people, its scenery remains enchanting and largely unspoiled. Twain's Life on the Mississippi describes this area as a paradise and you will experience it for yourself as hidden gems around each bend of the river fuel your sense of discovery and the very best of America's heartland unfolds before you.
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 this 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.
Day 1 | Boutique Hotel - Minneapolis, MN: Enjoy your included, one-night stay at the Loews Hotel in Minneapolis. The evening is yours to get self-acquainted with this culturally diverse city steeped in natural beauty. 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 Minneapolis.
Day 2 | Minneapolis, MN: Enjoy the sights and sounds of Minneapolis today. This afternoon, you will board the vessel to begin your voyage.
Day 3 | Red Wing, MN: Red Wing, Minnesota was included on National Geographic Traveler's list of most historic places in the world. Discovered in the early 1850's, the lands were used mostly for harvesting wheat that would be transported up the river. Later in Red Wing's history the economy began to flourish due to the thriving pottery industry, which became a main source of income between 1877 and 1967. Today, the city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and travelers that occupied the land before today, or to admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past.
Day 4 | Winona, MN: Explore Winona, Minnesota, one of the most beautiful places in the country. The city is referred to as the "Island City"Â by locals because of the large sand bar it was built upon. Evidence suggests that the land's history reaches back as early as 9500 B.C., while present-day Winona was founded as the small village of Keoxa in 1851. Nestled between the covered limestone river bluffs of the Mississippi River, this quaint port is full of culture and small town Americana. Enjoy stunning views of the rolling bluffs as they plummet to the mighty Mississippi below in this beautiful and historic city, filled with incredible museums, galleries, and parks.
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 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 6 | Quad Cities (Bettendorf), IA: During the Civil War, the nearby river towns of Davenport, Iowa, Rock Island, Illinois and Moline, Illinois thoughtful planning and strong leaders helped them to flourish while other settlements began to fail. It was during this same time period that the three towns began to refer to themselves as the "Tri-Cities." Today, despite the name "Quad Cities," the city is comprised of five towns in total with the addition of East Moline, Illinois and Bettendorf, Iowa. Enjoy the diverse culture of this "melting-pot" city and uncover the stories of Quad Cities' past in the many museums, boutiques, and eateries!
Day 7 | Nauvoo, IL: Discover this quaint little city and its unique history that has been well-preserved through sweeping restoration projects.
Day 8 | Hannibal, MO: Hannibal, Missouri has a rich history, diverse industrial economy, and truly remarkable arts. The city was founded in 1819 by Moses D. Bates and became a popular stop along the river for many steamboats traveling up the Mississippi. Hannibal offers more parks per citizens than most towns in the Midwest and was included in the famous “50 Miles of Art.†Today, the most popular draw of this quirky town is Hannibal's very own, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, recognized world-wide as Mark Twain. Many of the popular characters featured in Twain's novels were based on people Sam had known while growing up in Hannibal. Many of the characters and influences of this American icon are weaved into the streets, shops, restaurants, and museums of Hannibal waiting to be uncovered.
Day 9 | St. Louis, MO: Thank you for cruising! Hope that you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future. Enjoy St. Louis at your leisure or consider a Post-Cruise Premium Shore Excursion with airport transfer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore some of Iowa and Missouri's most beautiful landmarks throughout your journey on these highlighted excursions at:
Village of East Davenport
Isabel Bloom Studio
Figge Art Museum
River Music Experience
German-American Heritage Center
Quad City Botanicals Center
Big River Train Town
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
Trinity Episcopal Church
Hannibal History Museum
Ayers Pottery
Cave Hollow Complex
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.
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.
Distinguished Recognitions, Pleasant Holidays Family of Brands
© Copyright 2024. Hawaii World, LLC (dba Journese®). All Rights Reserved.
CST # 1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TAR#5308 Florida ST #37983