My river cruise on the American Queen was one of the best things I've ever done and that's saying a lot after a 35-year airline career! A Mississippi River paddlewheeler has been on my bucket list since the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen (predecessors to the American Queen) had been plying the same waters. The pre-departure day in St. Louis afforded me the opportunity to go up in the Gateway Arch, another check-off on my bucket list, so I was already happy before I even boarded the beautiful American Queen the next afternoon.

The AQSC has thought through all of the details and logistics which were carried out without a hitch from bus transfers to and from the boat on both ends to the Hop-on-Hop-off buses which followed us on the road as we cruised the river overnight and were waiting for us each morning at the next port-of-call to take us on the city tour, narrated by knowledgeable locals.

The steamboat is beautifully appointed yet comfortable and homey. The bed was one of the most comfortable I've slept in away from home and the full-sized bathroom fixtures were a welcome surprise. Read more