American Queen deck plans

American Queen (1995-built, extensively refurbished in 2013, scrapped in 2024) was an authentic late-1800s-style Mississippi River steamboat. This paddle-wheeler was similar in design to her fleetmates—American Empress, American Duchess, and American Countess—as well as to the American Cruise Lines riverboats America (2016), American Eagle, American Pride (2012), Queen of the Mississippi/American Heritage (2015), and Queen of the West/American West.

The ship was originally built for the “Delta Queen Steamboat Co.” From 2011 to 2024, the riverboat was owned by Hornblower Marine Services (also known as HMSGM/HMS Global Maritime), the parent company of American Queen Voyages (AQV, formerly AQSC). She was a traditional Mississippi River paddlewheeler, widely recognized for her steam-powered propulsion system. Additionally, the American Queen had an auxiliary diesel-electric propulsion system used in emergencies and for improved maneuverability in areas where the stern-mounted paddlewheel was insufficient for navigation.

The American Queen cruise ship deck plan included 222 staterooms accommodating 436 passengers, served by 174 all-American crew and staff. The vessel featured 6 passenger decks (all accessible by 2 elevators), 3 lounges, 3 restaurants, a spa, 1 swimming pool, multiple porches and open deck/promenade areas, but no onboard medical facility or doctor.

American Queen itineraries offered USA river cruise travel along the Mississippi River (both upper and lower), as well as the Ohio and Tennessee rivers.

American Queen Deck Plan Changes – 2013 Refurbishment Review

The 2013 refurbishment, costing over half a million dollars, brought the following enhancements:

• All dining venues, public areas, and lounges were extensively renovated and significantly expanded. Onboard furniture was either replaced or reupholstered.
• Hallways were redecorated with river scenery artwork by Michael Blaser.
• The Dining Room received a new marble and granite entryway, updated wallpaper and carpeting, Victorian-style chairs, and wall displays featuring artwork from renowned US wineries. The buffet area was also upgraded and enlarged.
• The “Front Porch of America” was transformed into the “Front Porch Cafe,” an alternative dining venue with fully replaced furniture in the seating area.
• A new cabin category was introduced—SO (“Single Balcony” staterooms).

The earlier 2012 multi-million-dollar refurbishment (USD 6.5 million) introduced the steamboat’s distinctive Victorian-style décor throughout all public spaces, including elegant chandeliers, traditional upholstery, and polished wood finishes. Passenger cabins were upgraded with luxury bedding and flat-screen TVs. A new venue, the “River Grill & Bar,” was added. All passenger decks were repainted. US celebrity chef Regina Charboneau was brought in to oversee the culinary program, resulting in a refreshed menu with new recipes.