This being our fifth trip on the American Queen we had high expectations. And once again they were fulfilled. The service is excellent, the food wonderful and plentiful and very available. The shows are wonderfully staged. The onboard ensemble is as talented as we have come to expect. The Band, Steamboat Syncopators, as always was the finest. The sock hop night was great dancing and great fun. This was our first time on a full ship, and there was no degradation of service. The cruise director, new this year is as personable and friendly as they get, pretty good singer also. If you take one of these cruises, you certainly won't get bored. There is something to do all the time. However, if you wish there are places to just kick back and relax like the Front Porch of America, where food ,treats and drinks are available while you watch the river go by. My wife made it her business to try and watch each pass thru locks, even at 2 AM crazy lady. Our cabin nicely appointed, nice size for two. Everyone on the boat in the crew was always friendly and helpful, can't say enough good about them. We are a very active couple who enjoy dancing and touring all the stops along the route, mostly by walking. However the Bus service the boat provides allows everyone to experience all the things each stop provides