OK, just recently returned from a weeklong cruise aboard the American Queen (Memphis to New Orleans), and wanted to give a detailed review for others who might be considering a riverboat cruise too. As a first-timer (I've never been on any other cruises before, neither ocean nor river), all I can say is: wow, I'm hooked! We're already planning another trip ASAP!
I'm SO glad we chose the American Queen too. We met another group of four travelers aboard the Queen who were originally traveling on the American Eagle (another, smaller boat also traveling down the Mississippi) and they actually took all of their bags, left the Eagle, and booked a room on the American Queen mid-journey at one of the ports. I don't blame them! Everything they told us about the Eagle sounded horrible—paper plates in the dining room, no evening entertainment, average age of guests was like 80+ years old… I'm so glad we chose the American Queen for our trip.
As for our trip, I don't even know where to begin—we were blown away by everything! The boat was absolutely beautiful, the crew was incredibly friendly and accommodating, the dining and entertainment were excellent. The whole trip was so enjoyable, we really had no complaints.