Dmodj

22 hours ago, LDVinNC said:

Yes, the laundry is free but there are only 2 washers and dryers.  They do offer a service at $20 for a bag; it is nicely done and folded upon return.  You can get a LOT in the bag they provide.

Is that service provided on every cruise or just the Mighty Mississippi ones?

Yes, the laundry is free.  There is also a supply of laundry soap, etc. gratis.

Try Machu Pichu Tours.  They have a website and are on Trip Advisor.  Very good service and very satisfied.

Although I can't comment on the American Duchess, I did stay in a AAA cabin on the American Queen with my sister and my 89 year old father. I slept on the fold out which was surprisingly comfortable, although I'm sure not as comfortable as a regular mattress but should be fine for your children. The cabin attendant makes up the fold out in the evening and folds it away in the morning so you would have use of the entire cabin during the day. We had an extra sink outside of the bathroom and a dressing table of sorts so one bathroom wasn't an issue for three people. For us it worked out well.

I'm not familiar with cabins on the Duchess but the footage in the AAA's was 230 sq. ft. I believe the cabins are a bit larger on the Duchess so you should be quite comfortable.

Helen,

My sister and I are from the Chicago area so a little snow is not a problem for us but we were hoping for better weather than that. No matter, we are so looking forward to the entire experience a little bad weather will not dampen our spirit. We will probably know more of our itinerary after the holidays so may take you up on your kind offer to answer any questions we may have.

Debbie

I thought I might miss the direct access to the deck but I'm glad now we chose the E category.

Thanks LHT28. Have you found the cabins noisy due to thin walls? Also, does the bay window open?

I will be sailing, along with my sister, on the 5 day New Orleans RT in February. This will be our first trip, not only on the AQ, but any cruise where you sleep on board. We have done the Twilight in Iowa and the Spirit of Peoria in Illinois on multi day cruises and enjoyed them both but want to experience a sleep aboard river cruise.

We have booked an E cabin (#205) and would appreciate critique by anyone who has stayed in these types of cabins. We are interested in adding a day or two pre cruise at the Hilton Riverside. Will the AQ handle these arrangements or are we on our own? How are the rooms there? This voyage will not have a HOHO available and I was wondering if there are any pre-cruise tours available from the AQ the morning of embarkation.

We will be driving in and would like recommendations for parking close to the hotel. I believe the Hilton Riverside wants $38 a day which is way beyond what the budget allows.

If anyone has taken the 5 day cruises, I'm starting to wonder if that is enough time to get a feel for river cruising but we thought it would be enough to get our feet wet at least.

I've been reading this board for quite some time in anticipation of our first cruise and have learned a great deal, so thank you to all you prolific posters!

We are eager for February to come and are praying for good weather. Any and all responses are much appreciated.