American Queen Steamboat FAQs
Cruising the Mississippi River
Packing Tips
Clothing Suggestions for US River Cruises
We at Pavlus Travel suggest that you check a national weather source to plan what to pack for your voyage. Daytime dress is casual, and be sure to bring comfortable, non-slip walking shoes for ports of call and shore excursions. Slacks and shorts are acceptable in all public areas of the vessel and ashore. For evenings, we suggest country-club-casual attire: a dress, a dressy skirt and blouse or a pantsuit for ladies. Gentlemen may wish to wear a sport coat, but it is not required. We kindly request that guests do not wear shorts to dinner in the main dining room. Our US river cruise vessels are climate-controlled, but we recommend that you pack a sweater or jacket in case it is cooler than you prefer onboard. Remember to pack warmer or cooler clothes according to the weather forecast, and always bring rain gear just in case.
Luggage for your USA River Cruise
It is imperative that your luggage be clearly identified with American Queen Steamboat Company luggage tags. Please ensure that the enclosed luggage tags are correctly filled out and attached to your luggage prior to pre-cruise hotel check-in or arrival at the vessel. This will expedite delivery of luggage to your room aboard the vessel. If you have not received luggage tags or you have misplaced them, there will be an American Queen Steamboat Company representative at your pre-cruise hotel or dockside to assist you. Your luggage will be transported to your room after it clears mandatory security screening at the landing. Baggage taken onto the vessel is limited to two pieces per guest at a maximum weight of 50 pounds each. Airlines and other transportation providers have their own rules and limitations; be sure you are in compliance with your airline or other transportation provider’s requirements. Your luggage may be searched or X-rayed during airport or vessel check-in. We recommend placing all film in your carry-on luggage, which typically passes through less powerful screening machines. Guests are urged to obtain travel protection to cover their baggage against possible en-route loss or damage. Travel Protection that will cover baggage through your cruise only is available through American Queen Steamboat Company, or you may purchase protection through your preferred vendor.
Luggage Storage
To maximize enjoyment of your room space, vessel accommodations have been designed so that your suitcases can be stored under your bed. Each room has wardrobe(s) for the hanging of garments and storage of shoes and smaller items
Valuables/Security
We cannot be responsible for valuables left in your room. Each vessel accommodation has a personal safe that will secure your valuables, to give you peace of mind during the cruise.
Embarkation for your River Boat Cruising
Airport Transfers
You are responsible for your transportation to and from the airport at your embarkation and debarkation unless you have made specific arrangements with American Queen Steamboat Company. Transfers to the airport from the vessel on disembarkation day may be purchased onboard.
Check-In/Boarding
Guests may embark starting at 3:00 pm. All guests are required to be onboard no later than 30 minutes prior to departure. Check-in times and location for your specific voyage are contained in your final voyage documents. Upon check-in, please be prepared to show your photo ID and register a credit card to activate your onboard account.
Parking
For security reasons and the physical arrangement of riverfront facilities, we regret that we cannot guarantee parking at our docking locations, but parking facilities are generally available at the airport or a local parking garage. If you drive to meet the vessel, drop your luggage at the docking location, then move your car to a nearby parking lot or garage. Arrange for a taxi to take you back to the dock after you park. The visitors’ centers and chambers of commerce for each of our ports can recommend parking facilities in the vicinity of our landings. Contact information can be found in the Port Information section or by contacting your cruise booking agent.
Departure Time
Departure time varies by port and itinerary. Your boarding documents will note the exact time. If you arrive early and wish to explore your port of embarkation, please ensure that you are back onboard the vessel no later than 30 minutes prior to the posted departure time. The departure time will be posted at the vessel’s boarding area while in port. Please consult it each time before leaving the vessel. For your comfort and convenience, and to allow the deck crew adequate space to put the gangways in place, we request that you remain in the public areas or your room until advised that you may proceed ashore.
Port Information
ALTON, ILLINOIS Landing: Riverfront Park 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton, IL 62002 Time Zone:
Central Visitor’s Info: (800) 258-6645
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE Landing: Ross’s Landing Park 101 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Time Zone: Eastern Visitor’s Info: (800) 322-3344
CINCINNATI, OHIO Landing: Cincinnati Public Landing 435 East Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Time Zone: Eastern Visitor’s Info: (800) 543-2613
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Landing: Next to Joe’s Crab Shack 131 West River Road, Louisville, KY 40202 Time Zone: Eastern Visitor’s Info: (800) 626-5646
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Landing: Beale Street Landing 251 Riverside Drive, Memphis, TN 38103 Time Zone: Central Visitor’s Info: (800) 873-6282
CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE Landing: McGregor Park Riverwalk 640 N. Riverside Drive, Clarksville, TN 37040 Time Zone: Central Visitor’s Info: (800) 530-2487
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA Landing: Hilton Riverside Hotel 2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 Time Zone: Central Visitor’s Info: (800) 672-6124
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Landing: North Shore Riverfront Park 375 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Time Zone: Eastern Visitor’s Info: (412) 281-7711
RED WING, MINNESOTA Landing: Levee Park 418 Levee Road, Red Wing, MN 55066 Time Zone: Central Visitor’s Info: (651) 385-5934
- LOUIS, MISSOURI Landing: South leg of the Gateway Arch 78 N. Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd. St Louis, MO 63102 Time Zone: Central Visitor’s Info: (800) 325-7962
CLARKSTON, WASHINGTON Landing: Port of Clarkston 100 14th St., Clarkston, WA 99403 Time Zone: Pacific Visitor’s Info: (877) 774-7248
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON Landing: Port of Vancouver 110 Columbia Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98660 Time Zone: Pacific Visitor’s Info: (877) 600-0800
Amenities
Television
Vessel accommodations include a flat-screen television with satellite programming available, depending on satellite signal reception.
Air Conditioning/Heating
Our vessels are fully air conditioned or heated, as appropriate. In addition, each vessel accommodation is individually equipped with a thermostat, allowing you to control the temperature in your room. If you need assistance, please contact the onboard Purser’s Office.
Electrical Appliances
Vessel accommodations are equipped with 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) outlets. Electric razors and toothbrushes will operate from bathroom outlets. Each bathroom includes a hairdryer. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Other small appliances not exceeding 1500 watts (110 volts) may be used in room outlets. Please check with the crew before using any other appliance.
Room Key/Security
A key will be in your room or provided during your onboard registration. Your boarding card will identify you as a guest when you are re-boarding, and functions as a charge card that will keep track of your onboard purchases to be billed to your room account. You will want to carry this multipurpose card with you at all times. You will need your boarding card to embark or disembark the vessel.
Telephone Communications
Your room is equipped with a telephone that you may use to call throughout the vessel. Follow the directions on your in-room telephone to make calls or to program a wakeup call. Depending on your service provider’s network coverage area, your cellular phone may operate during your river cruise. Check with your provider for its network coverage information and the possibility of incurring any roaming charges. If you are having trouble making a call, contact the Purser’s Office or any crew member for assistance.
Dining
Country-Club-Casual Attire
Country-club-casual or elegant resort wear is appropriate dress for all evenings; shorts are not appropriate for dinner in our main dining rooms.
Breakfast
Each morning, Early Riser’s Coffee and a breakfast buffet is available in the alternative dining venue. Traditional breakfast service is available in the main dining room. Room service is also available; check your in-room Guest Services Directory
Lunch
Please refer to the River Times onboard daily planner for lunch times and applicable venues.
Dinner
Traditional dinner service is offered in the main dining room. An alternative dining venue is also available. Our alternative dining venues are complimentary, but may have certain restrictions depending upon the vessel on which you travel. Refer to the River Times for details.
Between Meals
A tantalizing array of items, including fresh fruits, popcorn, ice cream and freshly baked cookies, may be available in the vessel’s alternative dining venue.
Room Service
Our vessels offer 24-hour room service for your enjoyment, comfort and convenience
Meal Seating
The seating times for dinner vary among our vessels. Please refer to the River Times for details.
Special Dietary Requests
With adequate advance notice, special diet requests can usually be accommodated. Please inform your travel agent, group leader, or our Reservations Department at (888) 749-5280 of any special dietary restrictions as soon as possible, but no later than three weeks before your departure date. Please be sure to reconfirm your requests with the maître d’ and your server
Shore Excursions
General Information
For general information about our excursions, please visit www.ReserveMyExcursions.com online before your voyage. Once onboard, you may consult the River Times or speak with the shore excursions staff. The River Times is delivered to your room each evening, and provides details on the following day’s activities
Ports of Call/Shore Excursions
At each port, you will have the chance to learn firsthand about its culture – past and present. Included excursions generally consist of a guided Hop-On Hop-Off motorcoach tour of the town, allowing you freedom to explore the sites at your leisure. Some ports offer a more structured guided tour of one or more points of interest. All excursions and tour times are dependent upon navigational conditions of the river, over which we have no control, and therefore are subject to occasional change with short notice.
Premium Shore Excursions
Premium shore excursions on your voyage provide a more immersive experience to satisfy your specific interests, and are offered at an additional cost. Information on available tours is included in your river cruise documents package. Excursions are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and space may be limited for some tours. Activity levels vary.
Special Needs
Accessibility
Our vessels are equipped with several conveniences for guests requiring special assistance. Elevators provide access to most decks, and handicapped-accessible staterooms are available (see brochure for details). Should you require the use of a wheelchair onboard the vessel, we encourage you to bring your own. The wheelchairs carried onboard the vessel are not available for general guest use. The crew will provide any needed assistance to move guests to and from the motorcoaches; however, staff are not available to assist guests simply moving about the vessel or while on excursions. Guests requiring assistance for general mobility should have a travel companion to assist them during the voyage and excursions.
Medications/Emergencies
If you are taking any medications, or require the use of oxygen, please be sure to bring an adequate supply for the entire cruise, as it may not be possible to refill your prescriptions at ports of call. Several of our crew members are trained in providing emergency first aid for injuries or sudden illness requiring immediate attention or CPR. Because the vessel is never far from shore, we are always within relatively close proximity to emergency medical facilities. If you have a specific medical or physical limitation, please advise our reservations personnel by calling the toll-free number below so that we may better anticipate your needs. If you have any questions, please call your travel agent, group leader, or our Reservations Department at (888) 749-5280.
Cruise theme for Entertainment & Activities
Activities Onboard
American Queen Steamboat Company provides a wide array of onboard activities. You may do as much or as little as you desire. You can attend one of the Riverlorian’s programs, watch a video, or recruit fellow guests for a card game. Perhaps complete serenity is more tempting. Stroll with friends, relax with a book and binoculars on deck, or enjoy a cocktail in one of the vessel’s unique bars.
Daily Program
River Times, the vessel’s daily program, will be delivered to your room each evening. It will provide a comprehensive schedule of the next day’s activities, including meal times, shore excursion departure times, port arrival time, special activities planned by our cruise staff, lectures, movies and entertainment features.
Staff
Accommodation(s) Assistance
Housekeeping attendants are on duty each morning and evening. Apart from cleaning your room, they will assist you with items such as extra towels and special requests to ensure your comfort
Crew Members
While on duty, all crew members wear distinctive uniforms and nametags. Our cruise staff has been trained to help you in any way possible. If you have any questions or need help, please do not hesitate to ask. They are eager to assist you.
Purser’s Office
Here, you may obtain answers to any questions and settle your onboard account. The purser’s hours of operation will be published onboard. If you need information, please do not hesitate to contact the Purser’s Office by using your in-room phone
Gratuities and Beverage Service Charges
Our crew works very hard to ensure that every aspect of your voyage meets the highest standards. This includes crew members who serve you directly, such as wait staff, beverage servers, housekeepers, and many others who support their efforts, whom you may never meet. To ensure that the efforts of all our crew members are recognized and rewarded, gratuities of $18.50 per guest will be automatically added to your onboard account on a daily basis. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. A 15% Beverage Service Charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room purchases of spirits, premium beers and premium wines. These charges are paid entirely to American Queen Steamboat Company crew members. In ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary local practices.
Services
Daily News
Newspapers will be provided whenever possible.
Gift Shop
Our gift shops offer quality logo apparel for men and women, as well as jewelry, souvenirs, handbags, home décor, gifts, books and toiletries. Please refer to the River Times for operating hours
Lost and Found
Please notify the Purser’s Office immediately of any items lost or found, and then submit a lost-and-found form online at www.aqsc.com/contact-us/lost-and-found.
Please drop your mail at the collection point located near the Purser’s Office.
Medical Services
Because of the proximity to cities along the river, we are never far from professional medical care. A medical officer is onboard and trained in basic emergency first aid, and the captain will contact the appropriate authorities for immediate professional care. Guests requiring special medication should bring an ample supply with them, as it may not be possible to get the medication while in port.
Special Requests
Our cruise director, pursers and other crew are here to help you. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to ask
Purchase of Goods and Services Onboard
Our vessels operate on a cashless basis for your convenience. Your boarding card doubles as your onboard charge card. Each time you make a purchase, your card will be swiped and the charge added to your room account. All of your onboard purchases – including gift shop purchases, gratuities, premium shore excursions and bar and wine tabs – will be handled in this way. Your account must be settled with the purser prior to disembarking the vessel. MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club and cash are all welcomed.
Laundry Service
With the exception of the American Queen, which offers selfservice laundry facilities, dry cleaning, laundry and ironing services are generally not available onboard, but may be offered on select voyages as a complimentary service.
Safety
General Alarm
In an emergency, you will hear the general alarm wherever you are onboard. The crew will then direct you to your muster station in accordance with the instructions provided during the safety briefing session on your first day aboard.
Bow Ramps/Gangways
The gangway will be put in place and its location announced as soon as possible after docking. For security purposes, and to assist you, a uniformed crew member will be on gangway duty at all times to swipe your boarding card as you embark and disembark.
Crew Emergency Drills
Crew members undergo full emergency drills and recurrent training. All life preservation equipment is thoroughly checked on those occasions.
Fire Doors and Bulkheads
Our vessels have been designed and built to meet the highest fire safety requirements. The engine room, galley and storage areas are enclosed by special fire bulkheads. Each main compartment and the stairwells also have fire bulkheads. In the event of a fire, those bulkheads will confine the fire for more than enough time for safe vessel egress, if that is required
Fire Drills
Fire drills will be conducted regularly by the vessel’s crew when all or most guests are ashore. The drills train the vessel’s personnel on the use of the fire equipment, and instruct them on the safe and proper methods of assembling and caring for guests.
Fire Prevention
Smoking is prohibited onboard, except in specified outdoor locations. Please dispose of smoking materials responsibly. The most common cause of fire is a hot or smoldering cigarette and thrown into a wastebasket. You should never throw any cigarette stub, lighted or unlighted, overboard because it may fall onto the decks below or harm the environment. Use only ashtrays to dispose of smoking materials.
Life Preservers
Your room has been outfitted with adult PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices). Please make a note of their location. Instruction cards have been mounted on the back of your room door showing how they are to be worn. If you are traveling with a child, please notify the Purser’s Office so a child’s life vest can be placed in your room. In the event of an emergency or upon hearing the general alarm, proceed immediately to your room and don your life vest. Wait there for further instructions from the captain. The muster stations are listed on the inside of your room door or inside of the closet door.
Muster Stations
The location of your muster station will be identified on the emergency card in your room. The vessel is often near land at any given time. Should it become necessary for the safety of the vessel and our guests, the captain would likely maneuver the vessel to shore if feasible.
Guest Safety Briefing
On the day of departure, a mandatory safety briefing will be held by the captain. All guests are required to participate. The briefing will acquaint all guests with life vest donning instructions, muster station and emergency procedures. It is very important that all guests participate in the safety briefing and that all instructions are followed carefully
Safety Information
Our officers and crew are trained in key areas related to the safety of the vessel and our guests, and they conduct ongoing safety drills and inspections. The captain and crew are pleased to answer any questions that you may have on this subject.
Safety and Security
Our river ports are regulated by the federal government. For your protection, Homeland Security regulations require us to randomly screen baggage brought aboard the vessel. As part of that process, some bags are opened and physically inspected. Please unlock your bags before they are taken to the vessel. To board, you must present a government-issued photo ID. In addition, you may be asked to participate in random screenings during your river voyage.
Smoking
Smoking, including e-cigarettes or vaping, is expressly forbidden in all vessel accommodations and public areas, as well as on balconies and verandas. Smoking is permitted only in certain outdoor designated areas.
Environment
Environmental Standards
Our vessels have been built to achieve the highest standards of compliance with environmental concerns. It is the policy of American Queen Steamboat Company to operate a responsible and environmentally sensitive cruise operation. We seek to protect and preserve the integrity of the land, the air, the waters, the cultures we have the privilege of sharing, and the habitat of the birds, wildlife and marine life we view. To accomplish our goal, we need your help and participation!
Environmental Friendliness
We are cruising in pristine waters, and our vessels have an outstanding onboard marine sanitation sewage treatment plant that exceeds U.S. Coast Guard standards and preserves the quality of the waters. However, to ensure that it can properly do its job, we need your full cooperation. Please use only the biodegradable toilet tissue provided. Please do not flush facial tissue, feminine hygiene products, cigarettes, or any other items, because they will affect the vessel’s entire system, and may cause an embarrassing backup of black water in your bathroom. Please do not flush anything except body waste and the tissue provided down the toilet.
Keeping the Waters Clean
Please do not throw anything overboard, including matches, cigarettes and food waste. Use the ashtrays and garbage receptacles provided. Be very careful, however, to be certain that a lighted cigarette or smoldering match is not put into the garbage containers. When on deck, please be sure that napkins, reading materials, disposable cups and plates are not left unattended or set down where they can be blown overboard. When you have finished with such items, please dispose of them in the receptacles provided.
Noise
For your own viewing enjoyment and that of your fellow guests, please try to talk softly when the vessel is near marine life or wildlife. When we are in small ports, or when we are docked close to other vessels, please be considerate of noise levels. We kindly ask evening occupants of the lounges to keep the noise levels at a moderate level. Also, please be considerate concerning volume levels when you use the television and music systems in your room.
Ashore
While enjoying the unique, pristine attractions ashore, please be thoughtful and kind to the fragile environment. Do not discard any refuse that may spoil the quality of the experience for others. Please do not collect or destroy anything. That way, the next visitor can enjoy it as well. Please be responsible. Leave only your footprints. Come away with only cherished memories and your photographs. We want to ensure that the magical environment we share with you today is the same for the next visitor and for future generations.
Water Conservation
Although there are many advantages to a smaller vessel, there are a few limitations, including the amount of fresh water that is stowed onboard. Therefore, it is necessary to be thoughtful and conservative when using water. When you have finished showering, please make sure the water tap is completely turned of
Disembarkation
Disembarkation
The exact time of arrival in port on the final day of your river cruise depends on navigational conditions of the river; expected time of arrival and disembarkation will be printed in the River Times. A full breakfast will be available in the dining room on the morning of disembarkation. An informative disembarkation talk will be held toward the end of your river cruise to provide you with further details regarding checkout, luggage handling, ground transportation and other matters. Please consult the River Times for the location and time of that important discussion. Because your bags must be placed outside your room the night before disembarkation, you may wish to have a small carry-on bag available. We ask that all passengers settle onboard accounts and disembark by 9 a.m. Our porters will assist you with your luggage, and taxi service is readily available in most cities of disembarkation
