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September, ask for details.
Minneapolis, MN; Red Wind, MN; La Crosse, WI; Dubuque, IA; Quad Cities (Bettendorf), IA; Hannibal, MO; St. Louis, MO; Memphis, TN; Helena, AR; Vicksburg, MS; Natchez, MS; Baton Rouge, LA; St. Francisville, LA; Nottoway, LA; New Orleans, LA
Have you ever wondered what this country looked like to its early explorers and pioneers? Traveling on the Mississippi and its tributaries aboard the elegant American Queen, you will be transported back in time to an era of leisurely and romantic travel. Storybook American towns and vibrant, bustling cities combine with the sweeping panoramas and deep blue lakes which inspired the works of Mark Twain. Authentic America is out there just waiting to be explored and after two weeks cruising amidst the charm and gracious style of the American Duchess, you will forever be changed.
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.
Day 1 | Minneapolis, MN - Boutique Hotel: 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.
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 New Orleans.
Day 2 | Red Wing, MN: Explore nearby Minneapolis at your leisure or consider a Pre-Cruise Premium Shore Excursion with afternoon transfer to the vessel.
Day 3 | La Crosse, WI: La Crosse, named by explorer Zebulon Pike who saw a group of people playing a game with sticks that looked like a cross, is a popular destination for tourists. Filled with statues, architecture, and an exquisite view of the river, this river city is an artist's dream. La Crosse became a city renowned for its beer making. Today, make note of lingering pieces of history along the streets of the city, inside local breweries, and within the floorboards of historic homes and businesses.
Day 4 | Dubuque, IA: Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city and is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. The first permanent settler of the area was French-Canadian fur trader Julien Dubuque who arrived in 1785. Dubuque is filled with historic sites, architectural Historic Districts with well-preserved buildings and homes, history and art museums, the great Mississippi River, and a revitalized main street that invites guests with Dubuque's claim-to-fame as an "All-American City."Â
Day 5 | 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."Â 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"Â city and uncover the stories of Quad Cities' past.
Day 6 | Hannibal, MO: Hannibal, Missouri has a rich history, diverse industrial economy, and truly remarkable arts. Today, the most popular draw is Hannibal's very own, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, recognized world-wide as Mark Twain. 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 7 | St. Louis, MO: St. Louis, Missouri, famously referred to as the "Gateway City," is known for its diverse neighborhoods and the different cultures and traditions each one brings forth. The iconic city was founded in 1764 by French explorers who settled on the east side of the Mississippi, claiming the land as their fur trading post. In 1803, the city's name began to spread as the beginning point for the famous Louis and Clark Expedition. The city is typically associated with its 630-foot stainless steel monument, The Gateway Arch, which stands proud on the banks of the Mississippi River to symbolize the westward expansion of the United States.
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 | Memphis, TN: Enjoy a complimentary city tour of Memphis, Tennessee. During this exclusive narrated driving tour of Memphis, you will see such landmarks like Sun Studio, The Peabody Hotel, National Civil Rights Museum and a cruise past Beale Street. Included is a Graceland Platinum ticket! After a guided tour of the Graceland Mansion, enjoy self-guided tours of the rest of the outlying museums.
Day 10 | Helena, AR: In the Valley of Crowley’s Ridge, sits the small town of Helena, Arkansas. Helena dates back to 1833, and was once a bustling, thriving southern city. Today, Helena would seem to some as a town that time forgot. While the rest of the country was building shopping centers and interstate systems, Helena struggled to stay afloat amidst all of the progress. Big changes drew small businesses away from Main Street U.S.A. and into strip malls. Convenience took over, where simplicity once stood. Today, Helena is in the throes of a revival. With quirky boutiques, unique stores and a historic musical past, Helena remains proud of the life they continue to successfully sprout from the ruins of the past. For in through the dust and rubble, new life for this determined Southern town is emerging.
Day 11 | Vicksburg, MS: Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Described as the "Key to the South" by Abraham Lincoln, this southern town carries a history unlike any other Civil War city. Today, Vicksburg is a popular spot for tourists to learn about the battles of the city, taste the cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir.
Day 12 | Natchez, MS: This charming river town was first inhabited by Natchez Indians and French explorers who shared the land. It was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi. The city is known for its elegance, hospitality, and impressive preservation of history - found on every street corner throughout Natchez. Guests enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical homes located in Natchez, all of which contribute to Hugh Bayless' book, "The 100 Best Towns in America."Â
Day 13 | Baton Rouge, LA: Baton Rouge, the Capital of Louisiana, has a deep culture and rich history. The city is home to Louisiana's capitol building which is the largest in the United States, as well as the Old State Capitol, a Gothic architectural monument located on the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mississippi. Spend the day exploring all that Baton Rouge has to offer, from the museums and the architecture, to the shops and the cuisine!
Day 14 | St. Francisville, LA: Established in 1809, St. Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes. Below where St. Francisville is located currently, was a settlement called Bayou Sara in the 1790's. When this settlement was destroyed by flooding and fires, many of the structures and artifacts were hauled up the bluff into St. Francisville, where they are still standing. The town is referred to as "two miles long and two yards wide," but that definitely doesn't mean they have nothing to offer!
Day 15 | Nottoway LA: Nottoway is the South's largest, most glorious remaining Antebellum mansion with a rich history dating back to 1859. Located in a fabulous location along the great River Road it overlooks the grand Mississippi River. Set amongst a natural backdrop of vibrant gardens and two hundred-year-old oak trees, Nottoway Plantation captivates all with a brilliant blend of true Southern hospitality, history and mystery.
Day 16 | New Orleans, LA: Thank you for cruising! Hope that you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future. Enjoy New Orleans 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 one of Tennessee's greatest landmarks throughout your journey on a highlighted excursion to The King's Memphis with Graceland.
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.
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