Upper Mississippi River
Minneapolis to St. Louis
with American Queen Voyages
- All-inclusive cruising
- Live entertainment and enrichment
- Pre night hotel stay and transfer to vessel included
- Save up to $3000 per stateroom^
Bald eagles and towering skylines grace the horizons here, contrasted by the lush landscapes and historic towns that line the riverbends from the deep south to the Midwest. Explore Hannibal, Missouri, the muse of Mark Twain, who brought this lovely region to life through his writings. Marvel at the architecture of the All-America City Dubuque, Iowa and the remarkable craftsmanship of artisans in Red Wing, Minnesota, named one of National Geographic’s most historic places.
Christened in Memphis in 2012 by Godmother Priscilla Presley with a bottle of champagne, the American Queen is the largest steamboat ever built — spanning 418 feet.
Year Built / Refurbished: 1995 / 2017
Guest Decks: 6
Length: 418 ft.
Suites & Staterooms: 213
Guest Capacity: 417
Number of Crew Members: 172
Accommodation
SI - Single Inside Stateroom
Guests: 1
SQ Feet: 80 sq. ft.
Deck: 4
These intimate cabins with ample storage space are slightly scaled down to accommodate the independent traveller and feature a single bed.
E - Inside Stateroom
Guests: 2
SQ Feet: 130 sq. ft.
Deck: 3
Surrounded by excellent period details, accompanied by every modern convenience, these cozy havens will make your cares disappear. Ample shelving and storage spaces keep necessities out of the way yet easily accessible.
SD - Single Deluxe Stateroom
Guests: 2
SQ Feet: 130 sq. ft.
Deck: 4
Greet the day in your cozy stateroom, relaxing before breakfast, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning in bed with room service.
D – Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Bay Window
Guests: 2
SQ Feet: 190 sq. ft.
Deck: 2
An expansive bay window overlooking the scenery of America’s heartland is the main draw of this spacious category. Curl up in front of the window with a new novel and savour a moment that belongs to only you.
C – Outside Stateroom with Open Veranda
Guests: 1-2
SQ Feet: 145-180 sq. ft.
Deck: 3, 4 & 2
Can you imagine opening French doors to a sweeping river vista and the sweet scent of magnolia trees? Sit on the deck outside your stateroom and greet early-morning strollers, relax in bed with your favourite book or soak in a hot bath.
B – Outside Stateroom with Open Veranda
Guests: 2-3
SQ Feet: 160-230 sq. ft.
Deck: 4 & 3
Can you imagine opening French doors to a sweeping river vista and the sweet scent of magnolia trees? Sit on the deck outside your stateroom and greet early-morning strollers, relax in bed with your favourite book or soak in a hot bath.
A – Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Private Veranda
Guests: 2
SQ Feet: 190 sq. ft.
Deck: 3
With a private veranda, these staterooms are so enjoyable that you might decide to extend your journey. Relax in a cozy armchair and enjoy the view as you anticipate the activities of the day.
PS – Paddlewheel Stateroom
Guests: 2-3
SQ Feet: 265-320 sq. ft.
Deck: 3
These spacious retreats offer unmatched views, each with a 6-foot-square viewing window that overlooks the paddlewheel for a genuinely authentic steam boating experience. Guests are enamoured with the allure of the more traditional experience from sound and vibration of the proximity of the turning paddlewheel.
JS – Junior Suite with Open Veranda
Guests: 2
SQ Feet: 145-230 sq. ft.
Deck: 5
Settle into your sitting area, open the French doors to the deck, and greet the day as the banks of the river majestically slip by. Some staterooms in this category offer a view of the paddlewheel, while others provide expansive views of America’s heartland.
DS – Deluxe Suite with Open Veranda
Guests: 3
SQ Feet: 260 sq. ft.
Deck: 5
You will feel right at home on the river in our magnificent suites. Indulge in a soothing soak in your tub, then retire to your cozy armchair or sofa, prop your feet up on the ottoman, and read through the River Times — our daily program — to discover the delights that await.
LS - Luxury Suite with Private or Open Veranda
Guests: 4
SQ Feet: 345-420 sq. ft.
Deck: 5
Our spacious, elegant suites are furnished to provide the warm ambiance of a fine Southern estate. Open your French doors and delight in sweeping river views as you sip a beverage and share conversation in your cozy sitting area. With two configurations to choose from — either one large room with a private veranda or two adjoining rooms with an open veranda — these suites are the ideal choice for family and friends vacationing together.
OS – Owner's Suite with Exclusive Veranda
Guests: 3
SQ Feet: 348 sq. ft.
Deck: 5
Open your French doors and step onto your veranda to unwind on your amply furnished patio. Adorned with 11-foot vaulted ceilings, overhead lighting, and a cozy interior lounging area with a sofa-bed and cocktail tables, these expansive suites can accommodate up to three guests and epitomize luxurious river cruising. Relish the many exclusive benefits of our Commodore Services while your personal River Butler attends to your every need.
Highlights
The upper reaches of the Mississippi River offer the opportunity to explore the territory that served as Mark Twain’s muse. The river stretches north toward country that’s almost as wild and beautiful as it must have been during his lifetime. Still enlivened by the coming and going of rivercraft, this course of travel offers adventure for all who embark upon it.
Inclusions
Put your wallet away and leave your cares behind. Everything is included while exploring the wonders of the waters. Roam freely on board, stopping at this lounge, that bar, catching a performance, exploring new interests, or even pulling up a deck chair. While you are with American Queen Voyages, they take care of it all.
- Pre hotel stay
- Transfer from hotel to vessel
- Guided excursions in every port
- Unlimited beverages
- Acclaimed cuisine
- All day in room dining
- Unlimited wi-fi
- Bicycle and hiking sticks
- Daily live entertainment
- In room entertainment
Day 1: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Representatives from American Queen Voyages will be available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.
Stay: 1 Night Hotel Stay
Day 2: Red Wing, Minnesota
Say goodbye to Minneapolis, check out of your hotel and transfer to Redwing to embark on your American Queen Voyages adventure. If you want to spend some extra time in Minneapolis, opt for the optional upgrade premium shore excursion and the rich history of Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Stay: The first of 7 Nights on your River Ship
Day 3: Red Wing, Minnesota
Red Wing was included on National Geographic Traveller’s list of the world’s most historic places. The port city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and pioneers who occupied the land or admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past.
Day 4: La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse resides along the famous Great River Road National Scenic Byway, considered by some as the most scenic drive in America. This river town also has a long-standing connection with the steamboat era where guests are welcomed by its eye-catching vistas and expansive waterfront park.
Day 5: Dubuque, Iowa
Victorian meets bohemian in this evergrowing Mississippi River gem that is sure to leave dazzling memories. In Dubuque you'll discover the perfect nature getaway, and explore districts peppered with preserved history. Cap your day in Dubuque with a tasting at one of the local vineyards or tasting rooms including Stone Cliff and Park Farm wineries.
Day 6: Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf is part of a large metro area called the “Quad Cities,” a collection of river vistas and metropolitan communities that meld Midwestern neighbourliness with rich educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Comprised of the Mississippi riverfront towns of Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, these distinctively different urban areas blend into the melting pot that the region celebrates.
Day 7: Burlington, Iowa
Burlington is the centre of a micropolitan area, which includes West Burlington and Middletown, Iowa, and Gulfport, Illinois. Burlington was a bustling river port in the steamboat era and a central city to the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy railroads. A highlight today includes a visit to the Des Moines County Heritage Centre.
Day 8: Hannibal, Missouri
Hannibal with its style and dignity, comes to life in the writings of Mark Twain and its attractions are sure to make your port call unforgettable. People, entities, and livelihoods of Hannibal’s past endure within the pages of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi”.
Day 9: St. Louis (Alton), Missouri
As your journey concludes, there are opportunities for you to further explore St.Louis. Whether it's an optional premier post-cruise experience or a quick transfer to the airport for your final trip home.
Prices
| Cabin | Price per person, twin share |
|---|---|
| SI – Single Inside Stateroom | Sold out |
| E – Inside Stateroom | From $5595 |
| SD – Single Deluxe Stateroom | Sold out |
| D – Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Bay Window | From $6795 |
| C – Outside Stateroom with Open Veranda | From $7395 |
| B – Outside Stateroom with Open Veranda | From $7895 |
| A – Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Private Veranda | From $8295 |
| PS – Paddlewheel Stateroom | From $8495 |
| JS – Junior Suite with Open Veranda | From $8495 |
| DS – Deluxe Suite with Open Veranda | From $9395 |
| LS – Luxury Suite with Private or Open Veranda | From $13,495 |
| OS – Owner's Suite With Exclusive Veranda | From $16,295 |
Dates
| 2024 departures |
|---|
| 14 July, 28 July |
| 24 August (aboard American Countess) |
*Advertised price of $6795 per person is based on 14 July 2024 departure in cabin category D and includes saving amount.
*Advertised price of $6795 per person is based on 14 July 2024 departure in cabin category D and includes saving amount. Fares are in Australian dollars (AUD), are per guest, are based on double occupancy, and do not include air or land transportation. Currency fluctuations may occur due to rate of exchange. Stateroom categories SI, SO, and SD are based on single occupancy. Port charges are included in the advertised fare. This is dependent on voyage and voyage length. All fares, itineraries, special interest series, themes, entertainment, shore excursions, and other voyage attributes are subject to change without notice. American Queen Voyages reserve the right not to honour any published prices that they determine were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. For confirmation of individual reservations, a deposit of $500 AUD per person is due within seven days of your initial reservation for non-promotional fares on voyages nine (9) days or fewer. A deposit of $1000 AUD per person is due within seven days of your initial reservation for non-promotional fares on voyages greater than nine (9) days. The balance of the voyage fare is due one hundred twenty-one (121) days prior to the sail date, and all reservations not fully paid at such time will be cancelled and subject to the cancellation provisions. Further terms and conditions apply, please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for details.
^Save up to $3000 per stateroom on select 2023 and 2024 cruises. Restrictions apply. Offer expires 30 November 2023. Fares, savings, and eligible itineraries are capacity-controlled and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Offer is valid for guests one and two on new bookings on select voyages and cabin categories, excludes group bookings and payment is due in full at the time of booking. Category E, SD, SI, and SO staterooms (American Queen, American Countess, American Empress), and Category D staterooms (Ocean Victory) are excluded from the offer. Port Fees and Gratuities are included in the fares shown. Mention Offer Codes: 2023FALL . All services and programs, including but not limited to pricing, applicable fare promotions, cruise sail dates/times, itineraries, special amenity offers, any/all excursions or special events, policies, terms and conditions etc are subject to change without prior notice. For Australia/ New Zealand market, local AUD values apply: Savings up to AU$3000 per stateroom are calculated and included in the posted AUD fare. Other restrictions may apply.
A further $165 per person deposit applies. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
