This was our second river cruise - the first was a few years ago down the Danube in August. The American Queen is a very special ship,not only because of the beautiful furnishings, collectibles and artwork which is abundant, but because of the paddlewheel. Its power is ever present, and is mesmerizing. Visits to the engine room are encouraged.
We cruised from New Orleans to Memphis. The printed material they distributed were clear and well-presented, from the daily newsletters to the material you receive pre-cruise.
There were some discouraging reviews that I read prior to departing, so was ready for anything, but I found most everything about this cruise to be very satisfying and agreeable.
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
We cruised on larger ships servicing the Caribbean and also on a Danube River cruise, and this was, BY FAR, the most beautiful cabin. It was decorated like a bedroom in a fancy southern home. We had a large bay window with venetian blinds, so there was plenty of light in the cabin. The furniture was antique (reproductions probably) and there was just enough to store all our belongings with room to spare. The bathroom was full-size - bathtub, pedestal sink, lots of mirrors. This cabin was on the 2nd level and very well located. We were on the main floor, with the purser's desk, engine room bar, theater balcony. As it turned out, this was a better cabin than the balcony cabins because those "balconies" were just the deck, and not private at all. Cabin walls are thin, so TVs, snoring from next door, etc could sometimes be heard.