American River BBQ Challenge: 8 nights, Memphis to Alton, Saint Louis

Type of Vessel

The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity.
Offering gracious and elegant steamboat river cruises, climb aboard the American Queen for a memorable journey through United States history and nature. Enjoy Victoria opulence with details like scrolling woodwork, fresh flowers and lacy filigree or travel back in time with the words of Mark Twain, from the ship's collection. Enjoy nightly entertainment aboard the river boat in the Grand Saloon or the Captain's Lounge or stroll up and down the decks admiring the views and scenery during your cruise. Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made River Cruising a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries.
Join aboard the American Queen, for the ultimate steamboat vacation.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Hotel Stay - Memphis, Tennessee: Enjoy your complimentary stay at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel. The evening is yours to get self-acquainted with this city's famed eateries, unique shops and lively entertainment.
Day 2 | Memphis, Tennessee: Today is the day you have been waiting for! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey down America's largest and most historical river.
It's time to start your voyage and begin a luxurious voyage down the Mississippi River, where memories will be made that will last a lifetime!
Day 3 | Leisurely River Cruising: Relax on deck with a copy of Huckleberry Finn or another imaginative selection borrowed from the revered Mark Twain Gallery, enjoy some quiet time in the Ladies' Tea Parlor, or recruit your fellow guests for an exciting board game in the Gentlemen's Card Room. For a remarkable one-of-a-kind experience, take a guided experience of the American Queen's Engine Room to explore the inner workings of our classic, steam-powered vessel. There is always plenty to do between dawn and dusk on the river!
Day 4 | New Madrid, Missouri: New Madrid was founded in 1776 by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miro 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, and France promptly sold it to the United States as part of 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 more than 1,000 earthquakes in 1811-1812, caused by what is called the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Today, explore this quaint river town that will appeal to all guests.
Day 5 | Paducah, Kentucky: 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 6 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri: Nestled along the western banks of the mighty Mississippi River lays the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It's 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 in the 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 will be prominent.
Day 7 | Chester, Illinois: 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 8 | Saint Louis, Missouri: Saint 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 9: Alton, Illinois: Thank you for cruising! Hope that you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future. Enjoy nearby St. Louis 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 motor coaches for your convenience.

Guest Services

Guests holding reservations for select suite-level accommodations will receive the exclusive Commodore Services, an elite-level of hospitality and amenities reserved for guests of select American Queen suites including pre-boarding privileges, fruit basket and bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival, preferred dining arrangements, reserved balcony seating in the Grand Saloon theater, and private reception with Senior Officers of the American Queen.
In addition to Commodore Services hospitality and amenities, guests of the Owner's Suites and Luxury Suites will also receive the services of a friendly River Butler which includes view 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 Grand Saloon theater.

Food and Dining

Every meal aboard the American Queen is an affair to remember. The celebrated American chefs draw their inspiration from the great heartland to create a movable, delectable feast for you to indulge in. On the river cruises, you'll enjoy everything from piping hot beignets and bananas foster French toast for breakfast to succulent five-course dinners. Each feast is a reason to indulge yourself and will help make your river cruise memorable and delicious.

Onboard Activities/Events

Night after magical night, top entertainers bring down the house in the American Queen's majestic Grand Saloon. Each evening the lights dim, the curtains rise and the talented performers offers 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 beautiful landmarks throughout your journey on many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.

New Madrid Historical Museum
New Madrid County Courthouse
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site
Higgerson School
River Walk Gallery
National Quilt Museum
Lloyd Tilghman House
Paducah Railroad Museum
River Discovery Center
The Moonshine Company
Mississippi River Tales Murals
Red House Interpretive Center
Old St. Vincent's Church
Glenn House
Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts River Campus
Crisp Museum
Cape River Heritage Museum
Cohen Memorial Home
The Spinach Can Collectibles and Museum
The Courthouse and Randolph County Museum

Staterooms or Cabins

Inside Staterooms | Surrounded by wonderful period details and with every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments upon entering these cozy havens. Ample shelving and storage spaces keep your necessities out of the way but easily accessible.
Deluxe Outside Staterooms with Bay Window | An expansive bay window overlooking the ever-changing scenery of America's heartland is the main draw of this spacious category featuring 190 square-feet of space, a queen bed or two single beds, tub/shower combination and a flat-screen television. Curl up in front of the window with a new novel and savor a moment that belongs to only you.
Deluxe Outside Staterooms with Private Veranda | With your own private 40 square-feet veranda, these staterooms are so enjoyable you might decide to extend your journey featuring 190 square-feet of space, tub/shower combination, flat-screen television, French doors opening to the veranda, Texas deck and interior access. Sit in your cozy armchairs and prop your feet up on the ottoman as you read through the River Times, the daily program, and discover the delights that await you.
Suites and Deluxe Suites with Open Veranda | The suites give you the feeling of a fine Southern estate home, complete with authentic Antebellum decor and antiques. Indulge in a soothing soak in your tub and then retire to your cozy armchair, prop your feet up on the ottoman and read through the River Times, the daily program, to discover the delights that await you. Enjoy the finest amenities in these luxurious accommodations featuring a flat-screen television, generous closet space and a full bathroom. As a guest of this fine suite, you will also receive the benefits of exclusive suite-level Commodore Services.
Outside Staterooms and Superior Outside Staterooms with Open Veranda | Settle in your sitting area, open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river slip majestically by. Some staterooms in this category offer a view of the paddlewheel, while others offer expansive views of America's heartland.
Luxury Suites with Private or Open Veranda | The spacious 353-363 square-feet, elegant suites are furnished with authentic Antebellum decor and fabulous antiques providing the warm ambiance of a fine Southern estate home. Open your French doors and delight in sweeping river views as you sip a beverage and share conversation in your cozy sitting area. With two configurations to choose from, either one large guestroom suite with private veranda or two adjoining guestrooms with open veranda, these intimate suites accommodate a variety of travel needs and are the ideal choice for family and friends vacationing together. As a guest of the luxury suite, you will also be treated to exclusive suite-level Commodore Services, as well as personal river butler service.
It is important to note that the Luxury Suites located on the Texas deck are in close proximity to the paddlewheel. While many guests love the allure of the traditional paddlewheel experience, others may find it to be slightly noisier than they would like at times.
Owners Suites with Exclusive Veranda | Perched atop the American Queen in the best location with sprawling views of the river. Open your French doors and step out onto your veranda to unwind on your amply furnished patio. Adorned with 11-feet vaulted ceilings, overhead lighting, a cozy interior lounging area with sofa-bed and cocktail tables, these expansive suites can accommodate up to three guests and epitomize luxurious river cruising. Boasting every essential amenity while providing the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, you will relish the many exclusive benefits of the Commodore Services while being well attended to by your personal river butler.
Paddlewheel Staterooms | These spacious retreats offer unmatched views, each with a six-foot-square viewing window that overlooks the paddlewheel, for a truly authentic steamboating experience. It is important to note that while some guests are enamored with the allure of the more traditional experience, others may find the turning of the paddlewheel to produce more sound and vibration than they like at times. Enjoy a full bathroom with tub/shower combination, flat-screen television, sitting area with a sofa-bed, vanity, and a desk.
Single Inside and Single Deluxe Staterooms | Unaccompanied travelers should never have to sacrifice the comforts of home. Surrounded by wonderful period details and with every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments upon entering your cozy home away from home. Enjoy the finest amenities in these luxurious accommodations featuring a flat-screen television and a full bathroom.

Spa

While cruising aboard the American Queen, take some time to pamper yourself during your river cruise with a luxurious spa treatment. Unwind, relieve stress and slow down with a professional massage to make sure you leave feeling your very best. The spa offers an array of treatments, like hot stone, Swedish massage or reflexology, ensuring that you get the service you need to relax.

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 for the adventurer in all of us. The American Queen offers a range of amenities including weight training and state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment to ensure you maintain your health goals even when you're cruising some of the nation's most famous rivers. You'll find that your active, healthy lifestyle is easily accommodated. Weight and resistance training are simple with the workout bench, dumbbells and versatile Kinesis One apparatus. Guests looking for a more aerobic form of exercise can get their heart rates up using the treadmills or static bike.