The launch of the Queen of the
Mississippi marks the return of
traditional paddlewheeler
cruises in America.
AFTER several years without any holiday
cruises on the Mississippi River, two ships are
bringing back the good old days.
On the weekend, American Cruise Lines
debuted the first new, authentic paddlewheeler
built for the famous waterway in almost 20 years.
The 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi
set sail on Saturday on a sold-out, eight-day,
roundtrip voyage from New Orleans.
According to the operators, the vessel offers
a new way to see the longest river system in
North America, boasting large staterooms with
private balconies, free internet, room service
and satellite TV.
“The launch of Queen of the Mississippi
represents the beginning of an exciting new
chapter for Mississippi river-boating, where
21st century amenities are offered aboard an
authentic paddlewheeler that is historic in
appearance,” said Charles Robertson,
President and CEO, American Cruise Lines.
Destinations in 2012/13, extending to the
Ohio River, include New Orleans, Memphis,
Nashville, St Louis, Cincinnati, Minneapolis-St.
Paul and Pittsburgh.
It follows the April 2012 return of the newly
renamed American Steamboat Company’s 436-
passenger American Queen.
Next year the refurbished American Queen,
featuring new single rooms for solo travellers,
will offer 30 departures between Memphis and
New Orleans, with themed cruises including
Elvis, cooking and Civil War history.
For details, see www.americancruiselines.com
or www.americanqueensteamboat.com.
