My wife and I were on the very first cruise of the steamboat American Queen on April 13, 2012, a round trip six-day voyage to Vicksburg out of New Orleans. The folks at Great American Steamboat Company were anxious to please and they succeeded; our expectations were met on every level.

The cruise fare included a night's stay at the Westin Canal Place and transfer to the boat via the line's exclusive motor coaches. The coaches followed us up the river, providing transport to the river towns and plantations along the way.

The Queen's wooden paddle wheel really works, though the boat is augmented with bow thrusters and special 360-degree engine pods. Just forward of the wheel is the Engine Room Bar and the River Grill is on the top deck. There were 436 passengers and 175 dedicated all-American crew and there never was a sense of crowding. Read more