Live from the Mississippi!

[editor@cruisecritic]

Test!

Edited July 12, 2016 by editor@cruisecritic

[editor@cruisecritic]

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[NJBeaglemom]

Carolyn,

 

What would you say is the average age aboard? Would a 25-35 year old feel out of place?

 

Nancy

[editor@cruisecritic]

Solent Richard, American Queen gets a lot of interest from the UK and also from Australia -- it's nice to see such curiosity about America from abroad!

 

Carolyn

 

Now this is something I really fancy but I need a few nights in New Orleans as well.

 

We do see The American Queen advertised over here in the UK.

 

Looking forward to more information and pictures.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Hi, NJBeaglemom. I'd say the average age on this trip -- and will ask American Queen for more specifics -- is between 50 - 70. It's an active, engaged, well-traveled group, at least from the conversations I've had. It would depend on the young 'un -- if they're comfortable with traveling with people of all ages, yes. If they're looking for pals, maybe not. Make sense?

 

Carolyn

Carolyn,

 

What would you say is the average age aboard? Would a 25-35 year old feel out of place?

 

Nancy

[editor@cruisecritic]

I think at this point I'll primarily focus on sharing photos on my Cruise Critic FB page -- annoyingly, unlike the CC official page you'll have to request to be allowed in. Promise to promptly approve all :)

 

It's here: https://www.facebook.com/cruiseeditor.cruisecritic or maybe its CruiseEditor Cruise Critic.

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Here are a few more impressions jotted down from our first evening aboard American Queen.

 

 

 

*The scenery between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau (a route which the ship travelers quite often because it’s part of other itineraries) varies between being somewhat industrial (lots of gravel mines and such) and just simply pastoral. My husband noted that the pastoral part reminded him of the stretch on the Danube you hit once just out of Budapest and into Austria. I agree; it’s like after all the magnificence of the city, it’s lovely to rest your eyes and just see nature (and people camping, swimming and kayaking). Like that here. It’s also magically relaxing somehow, can’t explain why, and there are plenty enough places to sit quietly and just…be. The Front Porch is already a favorite.

 

*I’ve seen some excellent upgrading since my other cruise three years ago. Carpets are new and bedrooms are beautiful (especially will point how gorgeous the retro bathrooms are, they are nothing like the soulless cubicles you find on big ships). The dining room, called the JM White, is indeed airy and light (though as it gets dark – we have late seating – it would be nice if they could turn the lights down somewhat, it got a bit too stark later on in the evening). The public rooms offer lots of bolt holes. There seem to be more tables for dining on the Front Porch (a suggestion I remember from my first cruise) and the pool area has got new furniture and even some shade. The fact that the folks here are still tweaking and upgrading every year speaks volumes about the quality of the product -- and that's set to continue, I'm told, with redecorated and expanded suites (look at next year) among other touches.

 

 

*The crew is generally superb, as good if not even better than I’ve seen on European river trips, perhaps because they’re American-style friendly (and not maybe as reserved) and so enthusiastic. I love reading their tags to see where they are from (almost always from the U.S.), and they’re engaging and fun but also efficient and professional.

 

*The bourbon aspect of our trip is really focused on Friday/Saturday/Sunday when we’re in Kentucky. Will keep you posted. There’s a speaker today on it. One tip I’ll suggest: If you’re interested in this cruise, book your tours (they’re included in fares) to the distilleries in advance to make sure you get your favorites. Maker’s Mark is the most popular so far and it has tours running in both the a.m. and afternoon (a pal onboard was lamenting a 7:45 a.m. tour in which they’ll be sampling bourbon but then perked up and said, “let’s go with the flow!” – I predict they’ll napping after lunchtime). But it’s also already at capacity so we missed out. There are plenty of others so we’ll be fine, just advice for you.

 

*Internet is still pretty unpredictable and confounding. You’re literally 100 ft. off shore – with twinkling lights coming from houses there, and you can’t access anything from your AT&T phone (maybe I need another carrier?). The main lounge in the center of the ship is a good place I’m told (and I’m sitting here now, with good luck although we are in port) but I would love to see this being less of a hassle.

 

*Nothing I can think of in cruising beats sitting on the aft of a ship, listening to the rumble of the engines and the sound of the water whooshing through the paddlewheel, occasionally showering sprinkles here and there. The big, red paddlewheel is beautiful to watch, too. We are happy to be here!

 

I’m still struggling with posting photos but will try to make progress today. If not, I’ll just do the thumbprints.

 

Any thoughts, please share!

 

Carolyn

[Hydrokitty]

Sounds great Carolyn....I'm rethinking this trip...now that I KNOW it's not the same line I took on Columbia River.

[NJBeaglemom]

Hi, NJBeaglemom. I'd say the average age on this trip -- and will ask American Queen for more specifics -- is between 50 - 70. It's an active, engaged, well-traveled group, at least from the conversations I've had. It would depend on the young 'un -- if they're comfortable with traveling with people of all ages, yes. If they're looking for pals, maybe not. Make sense?

 

Carolyn

 

Yep, perfect sense. We are considering 2018 with the family. Thanks for the info!

 

Nancy

[editor@cruisecritic]

If you’re considering our itinerary for your next Mississippi River (and its tributaries) cruise – St. Louis to Cincinnati by way of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky, and Madison, Indiana – it’s probably not your first Mississippi river cruise. Indeed, super popular routes such as New Orleans to Memphis and St. Louis to St. Paul tend to draw virgin Mississippi cruisers.

 

Definitely this is a sleeper itinerary and I mean that in the best possible way. We’re loving the chance to visit places we didn’t know much about before (stopped for a too-short time in Kentucky’s Paducah today and it, and all around Kentucky, are definitely on our road trip bucket list).

 

Of course, the big draw this week is the bourbon theme. We started off slowly (our last few days are in the heart of bourbon country) and yesterday’s tasting/intro, given by Buffalo Trace’s Don Flinn, was fascinating. Easily two thirds of the ship was in attendance (and not just for the sips – Flinn told terrific stories). Today there was a cooking-with-Makers-Mark demonstration, and the company’s Bill Samuels, considered in these parts a “rock star of bourbon,” boarded. He’ll host events later in the week.

 

A couple of observations:

 

*We love American Queen’s policy of a free hotel stay pre-cruise though even one day is not enough to see everything there is to see in St. Louis. The Gateway Arch is the biggest surprise; we’ve certainly seen the photos and admired from afar but wow, its graciousness and elegance is powerful when it’s seen up close. One note: The area around the arch, along with its Lewis and Clark Museum, is closed due to refurbishment but you can still go into the arch itself and see exhibits in a nearby building. Other don’t miss spots include the Budweiser plant’s tour and a glimpse into the city’s enchanting Basilica. On a nice day, you could easily spend a day in Forest Park, St. Louis’ “central park,” riding bikes, people-watching and visiting museums.

 

*Cape Girardeau, a regular stop on American Queen’s Memphis to St. Louis voyages, is a repeat stop for me. It’s quiet and sleepy (both times we visited), and charming enough. We were only there in the morning and a lot of the shops and restaurants opened rather late (we missed ‘em as a result). It’s also the only stop where there’s no premium tour option. It’s a nice, easy place to visit, and we just took it easy.

 

*Flood walls. One of the things that really across when visiting these smaller river towns is how the waterway is both a blessing (they were built because it was the central mode of transport two centuries ago and it offers pretty vistas) but also a menace. Flooding is a real thread (2011 was the most recent major “100 year flood”) and they all have floodwalls, high concrete fences, that essentially cut the towns off from the riverfront. But they’re fascinating. In both Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau, artists have painted murals depicting historic scenes along them, and they’re fascinating and insightful. Our guide in Paducah told us that each mural (there are dozens) cost about $20,000 to paint, originally, and three or four each year are refreshed by professional artists (weather can be a detriment).

 

*In Paducah, highly recommended was the “Check in Along the Chittlin Trail” premium tour that focuses on African American culture and history in the region. The 1.5 hour trip visits the Hotel Metropolitan, which housed traveling musicians like B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, Billie Holiday. There’s lots of history there, and good stories. Both times offered for this tour sold out, so it’s a good idea to reserve ahead if you want to go. In the don’t miss category, the National Quilt Museum will change your preconceptions about what quilting’s all about (there’s one made of canvas, another of cotton, some really unconventional pieces). The downtown’s also cute though like Cape Girardeau, we only stayed for a half day and most of the shops and eateries didn’t open until 11 a.m.

 

*The company’s use of Hop On Hop Off buses for its no-charge tours is nothing short of inspired. You get on at any one of a handful of designated spots and, as the name conveys, hop off at any other spot. Or you can just ride around the circuit. Each bus has a local guide so you get history along the way. The other real win about this method of touring – which lets you be independent but gives awesome guidance – is that American Queen’s tour department does all the heavy lifting, from letting you know what the most important spots to see are – to taking care of your admissions. With only a few minutes to spare to check out the National Quilt Museum, I probably wouldn’t have paid the $11 admission, but since it was complementary to American Queen passengers I was able to have a quick look-around (and it’s on the list to go back when I have more time – marvelous).

 

*We’ve had two afternoons on the river so far, and while it doesn’t offer the vistas you get in Europe of castles and vineyards, it’s absolutely lovely and pastoral with the occasional really intriguing factory or gravel pit. Seriously! Interesting stuff to see, and also time to relax your eyes and just watch the world (mostly cargo ships) go by. My favorite thing so far was a shipyard on the Kentucky side that was rehabbing an old Harrah’s casino boat….

 

Any questions so far? Happy to answer ‘em.

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

:)

 

The food's been great so far even the humble (in this case not-so-humble) hamburger today was superb....

 

Carolyn

 

Sounds great Carolyn....I'm rethinking this trip...now that I KNOW it's not the same line I took on Columbia River.[/quote

[Hydrokitty]

:)

 

The food's been great so far even the humble (in this case not-so-humble) hamburger today was superb....

 

Carolyn

 

Sounds great Carolyn....I'm rethinking this trip...now that I KNOW it's not the same line I took on Columbia River.[/quote

 

Thanks Carolyn. :)

[mimmy52]

Are the "premium tours" the ones you pay extra for?

 

And thank you for the nice comments about my home town, St. Louis. If you ever get a chance to spend more time there, all the institutions in Forest Park--the zoo, the art museum, the science museum, the history museum--have free entry. There can be a charge for special exhibits, but there's a lot to see for free. And the outdoor Muny Opera in Forest Park has a section at the top that are free seats (although early arrival is required).

 

I am really enjoying hearing about this trip.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Thanks, mimmy52, excellent advice. Definitely will be back -- and love it when locals' make recommendations cause you know they (aka you) know what they're talking about!

 

Yes, the premium tours are extra charges. They're priced pretty moderately and they often sell out because they're boutique experiences. Haven't taken one but am chatting up those who have.

 

Carolyn

 

Are the "premium tours" the ones you pay extra for?

 

And thank you for the nice comments about my home town, St. Louis. If you ever get a chance to spend more time there, all the institutions in Forest Park--the zoo, the art museum, the science museum, the history museum--have free entry. There can be a charge for special exhibits, but there's a lot to see for free. And the outdoor Muny Opera in Forest Park has a section at the top that are free seats (although early arrival is required).

 

I am really enjoying hearing about this trip.

Edited July 14, 2016 by editor@cruisecritic

[editor@cruisecritic]

A couple of random thoughts on this stormy morning while we’re at “sea” all day:

*I’m completely surprised and delighted at how beautiful the river is on this route. It’s not the castles and vineyards of Europe and yet every around every bend there’s something magical to see – shipyard refurbishing an old Harrah’s casino boat, an approaching thunderstorm, the timeless beauty of American Queen’s red paddlewheel. Going to post some picks on the Facebook page I mentioned in an earlier post, Internet permitting.

*The company’s made a significant investment in WiFi this year, I was told, but it’s still not fabulous. The good news is that my cell phone has been in range for most if not all of the trip (no crazy European data roaming charges!).

*Love the balance, while we’re onboard, of events geared to bourbon fans who are on because it’s this cruise’s theme, and “normal” stuff that appeals to everybody. Last night’s entertainment, for instance, was superb – the first show (there was a performance for both early and main dining room sittings) was our Riverlorian singing and playing southern tunes with the banjo and guitar; he was exceptional and so, too, was the band (The Steamboat Syncopaters) – full of joie de vivre and darn fine musicians, too. After dinner there was a more contemporary country concert, with dancing. Both were amazing.

*What’s on tap for our day on the river? We woke up to menacing skies but the storm’s moved on and it’s cloudless and sunny. There’s a river-related chat. Calliope Capers looks interesting – passengers can try out their piano playing skills on the calliope. There are two intimate bourbon conversations (you have to sign up, but no charge), and a tasting and session with Maker’s Mark.

Might not even be time for a nap, today’s so busy.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Some discussion here onboard about whether or not American Queen is a good trip for families (there are a couple of families onboard and the kids seem to be engaged even without 12 story waterslides and cartoon characters!).

 

Think it's an interesting bonding experience particularly for multi-generational families. Would you consider booking a family trip on the US rivers? And if so, which itinerary would you choose?

 

Carolyn

[Hydrokitty]

Really enjoying and getting a lot out of your review...could you post a little more about the shore excursions....free and optional...I'm sending for a catalog.

[phabric]

Can you give us a sample of what they service for breakfast, lunch, dinner?

 

Is food only served in the dining room?

[editor@cruisecritic]

Would you believe that the debarkation talk is going on right now? It's depressing to think the cruise is going to end :) -- of course, we're really just barely midway through.

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Phabric, I'll post menus later. Breakfast, lunch and dinner have been available every day from both the Front Porch for buffet fare (and the most amazing, freshly prepared rotisserie chicken every day) and the JM White Dining Room, which is more formal.

 

I actually prefer the latter -- the interaction between the terrific wait staff and the sheer quality of the food make it a winner. Wine is served complimentary with dinner.

 

There is room service, haven't tried it. Will do and report back!

 

Carolyn

 

Can you give us a sample of what they service for breakfast, lunch, dinner?

 

Is food only served in the dining room?

[Lois R]

Good morning Carolyn:)....any information on solo cruisers? I checked

the website and they do offer some cabin choices for the solo cruiser.

Just wondering about the atmosphere? Demographics? I always travel

solo and it is quite easy for me to meet folks.;):)

 

Your thoughts? (oh, if it matters, I am 58).

Edited July 16, 2016 by Lois R

[Lois R]

Hi again,:) never mind to previous question.......I called the company

and the prices for solos are way more than I want to spend.:eek:

[CruzinNoony]

Hi Carolyn, I am enjoying reading your review. My MIL and a friend will be on the American Queen sailing from New Orleans to Memphis in December. You mention tours. Where would they find the tours being offered (included and premium) and can they book them online ahead of time? Any info on tours would be most appreciated!:)

[purduemom1]

Hi again,:) never mind to previous question.......I called the company

and the prices for solos are way more than I want to spend.:eek:

 

Hi Lois-I wonder if this cruise line has specials for solos like the European river cruises have? Maybe they have email specials? Fot those of us in the US there is also a lower cost of getting to and from the cruise. Hopefully you will find a good deal and it will work for you.

[steamboats]

Some discussion here onboard about whether or not American Queen is a good trip for families (there are a couple of families onboard and the kids seem to be engaged even without 12 story waterslides and cartoon characters!).

 

Think it's an interesting bonding experience particularly for multi-generational families. Would you consider booking a family trip on the US rivers? And if so, which itinerary would you choose?

 

Carolyn

 

Ask my DD :D! She´s been on her first US river cruise at the age of 1.5 years. And just recently she asked when are we finally going again (now 16 yo).

 

steamboats