American Heritage

Former names: Queen of the Mississippi, American Eagle

American Heritage last position

American Heritage last location was at Gulf of Mexico (coordinates 30.02669 N / -90.03188 W) cruising en route to NEW ORLEANS,LA. The AIS position was reported 1 month ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of American Heritage

American Heritage current cruise is 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise. The itinerary starts on 16 Mar, 2024 and ends on 23 Mar, 2024.

Specifications of American Heritage

Year of build2015  /  Age: 9
Flag state USA
BuilderChesapeake Shipbuilding (Salisbury, Maryland USA)
Classpaddlewheel riverboat
Speed12 kn / 22 km/h / 14 mph
Length (LOA)90 m / 295 ft
Beam (width)16 m / 52 ft
Gross Tonnage3800 gt
Passengers78 - 150
Crew40
Cabins78
Last Refurbishment2022
Former namesQueen of the Mississippi, American Eagle
Christened byCheryl Landrieu
OwnerAmerican Cruise Lines Inc
OperatorAmerican Cruise Lines

American Heritage Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Feb 24 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Mar 02 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Mar 09 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Mar 16 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Mar 20 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Mar 23 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Mar 27 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Mar 30 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Apr 03 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Apr 10 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Apr 13 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Apr 17 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Apr 20 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Apr 27 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 01 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 04 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 08 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 11 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 15 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 22 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 25 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 May 29 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Jun 01 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Jun 08 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Jun 22 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans Memphis TN
2024 Jul 06 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans Memphis TN
2024 Jul 20 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans Memphis TN
2024 Jul 27 13 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to St Louis MO Pittsburgh PA $6545
2024 Aug 16 9 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to St Louis MO Pittsburgh PA
2024 Aug 24 13 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to St Louis MO Pittsburgh PA $6945
2024 Nov 05 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Nov 12 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Nov 19 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2024 Nov 26 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise New Orleans
2025 Jul 26 13 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to St Louis MO Pittsburgh PA $7545
2025 Aug 23 13 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to St Louis MO Pittsburgh PA $7545
2026 Jul 26 13 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to St Louis MO Pittsburgh PA
2026 Aug 23 13 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to St Louis MO Pittsburgh PA

American Heritage Review

Review of American Heritage

The 2015-built (as "American Eagle") American Heritage cruise ship (fka "Queen of the Mississippi") is a stern-paddlewheel riverboat owned by ACL and operating Ohio and Mississippi river cruises departing from homeports New Orleans, Memphis TN, Saint Louis MO, Cincinnati OH.

Following a redesign and complete refurbishment in 2021-2022, the riverboat Queen of the Mississippi was renamed "American Heritage". Also fully-refitted and renamed were the fleetmates America (now American Splendor) and Queen of the West (now American West).

The vessel is currently USA-flagged (MMSI 367648680) and registered in Port NOLA (New Orleans).

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner American Cruise Lines (ACL) is the USA's largest river cruise company (headquarters in Guilford Connecticut) operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on the USA's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes) as well as in cruises along the US East Coast, US West Coast and Florida. All ACL vessels feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor deck spaces, gourmet cuisine, a top-quality enrichment program (with many complimentary land tours and excursions), highly personalized service by all-American staff and crew.

All ACL cruise ships are US-flagged and built by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury (Maryland USA).

American Heritage cruise ship (Queen of the Mississippi riverboat)

Unlike the old Queen of the Mississippi ship, the newbuild's crew quarters are on Deck 1 (instead od Deck 5) as Deck 5 houses balcony staterooms and suites. Most cabins (ranging 300-600 ft2) are with private balconies, so passengers can enjoy alfresco in-cabin dining. Traditionally, American Cruise Line serves local food, focusing on Cajun and Creole cuisine. The new riverboat also features small and large lounges, library, showroom, card room, putting green, complimentary self-service launderette, 3 PC terminals (Internet computers) and free WiFi access.

"American Eagle" was the name previously chosen for the new Queen of the new Mississippi ship. This large riverboat is a sister (with similar design) to American Pride. In 2015, ACL decided to rename the old Queen of the Mississippi to "American Pride" and the new vessel ("American Eagle") to be named "Queen of the Mississippi".

On August 4, 2015, ACL announced that the boat would be renamed (first to "American Eagle") and repositioned from Mississippi to Columbia-Snake River System in early 2016, and replaced on the Mississippi by the ship "America". Another new paddle-wheeler constructed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding assumed the name "Queen of the Mississippi". ACL has since listed on its website the old Mississippi ship's name as "American Pride".

The vessel's sister by design is American West/Queen of the West (cruising on Snake and Columbia rivers in Northwest USA). Both ships have stern-mounted paddlewheel (23-ton). It is driven by a hydraulic motor, powered by diesel engines. The ships are easily navigated by a couple of Z-drive units providing more maneuverability and higher cruising speed than typical riverboats.

American Pride (the old Queen of the Mississippi ship) entered service in 2012. On August 4, 2015, American Cruise Lines announced that the boat would be renamed (first to "American Eagle") and repositioned from Mississippi to Columbia-Snake River System in early 2016, and replaced on the Mississippi by the ship "America". Another new paddle-wheeler constructed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding assumed the name "Queen of the Mississippi". ACL has since listed on its website the old Mississippi ship's name as "American Pride". A new sistership entered service in 2017 and was named "America (American Splendor since 2022)".

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Heritage riverboat has 6 passenger decks and accommodates 150 passengers in 78 staterooms. Accommodations include 6 Suites, 49 Balcony, 22 Riverview (with non-opening windows) in 7 grades.

All staterooms feature a private bath, window, interior entrance, Wi-Fi, are among the most spacious in the river cruising industry, with more space per guest than most riverboats. An all-American crew provides carefully personalized service.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship offers overnight river travel deals within the continental United States. This big-sized riverboat gives new standards to America's most iconic river. The framework of modern cruising technology is beneath gleaming woodwork and ensures guests spend a most comfortable vacation. 

Restaurants, Lounges & Bars include: Grand Dining Salon (dining room), Natchez Lounge (shows), Magnolia Lounge (club), Paddlewheel Lounge (observation), Sky Lounge (observation), Upper Lounge (cards room), Mark Twain Library, Sun Deck (Promenade, an open-air observation lounge area with Top Deck Cafe bar, shaded seating, rocking chairs, live calliope music, putting green, outdoor gym).

American Heritage river cruise prices are per person (USD) and based on double occupancy. These are only indicative ACL cruise rates. They might be different when you book your USA river cruise deals, influenced by travel agency promotions, special offers and discounts, group travel booking or last-minute deals rates.

Itineraries

American Heritage cruises feature 7-night itineraries on Mississippi and Ohio rivers with departures from the ports of New Orleans LA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN and St Louis MO.

  • (Mississippi cruises) round-trip from New Orleans, from Memphis to Nashville TN (Tennessee) from Nashville to St Louis, and from Nashville to Memphis
  • (Mississippi and Ohio cruises) from Memphis to St Louis, and the reverse from St Louis to Memphis, also from St. Louis to Cincinnati
  • ("Lower Mississippi River Cruise") from New Orleans to Memphis, and the reverse from Memphis to New Orleans
  • ("Upper Mississippi River Cruise") from St Louis to St Paul
  • ("Ohio River Cruise") from St Louis to Pittsburgh PA
  • themed ("Grand Heartland Cruise") from St Paul to New Orleans
  • themed ("Cumberland River Cruise") from Nashville to St Louis

Some of the ACL riverboat deals are on themed voyages. Among those themes are "Food and Wine", "Fall Foliage", "American Civil War", "Music", "Savories of the South", "Mark Twain Tribute", the Holiday-themed sailings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Follows the list of the boat's USA departure ports:

  • New Orleans LA (Louisiana)
  • Memphis TN (Tennessee)
  • St Louis MO (Missouri)
  • St Paul MN (Minnesota)
  • Cincinnati OH (Ohio).

The list of visited states and ports of call (counties) along the American Heritage itinerary routes includes:

  • Louisiana - Oak Alley (Vacherie), St Francisville (West Feliciana Parish), Baton Rouge (state's capital), Houmas (Burnside)
  • Mississippi - Natchez (Adams County), Vicksburg (County)
  • Kentucky - Columbus (Hickman County), Paducah (McCracken County), Louisville (Louisville-Jefferson County), Henderson (County), Maysville (Mason County)
  • Missouri - Cape Girardeau (County), Hannibal (Marion-Ralls)
  • Illinois - Chester (Randolph County), Cave-in-Rock (Hardin County)
  • Indiana - Madison (Jefferson County)
  • Iowa - Davenport (Scott County), Dubuque (County)
  • Wisconsin - La Crosse (County)
  • Minnesota - Red Wing
  • Ohio - Portsmouth, Gallipolis, Marietta
  • Tennessee - Dover, Clarksville, Nashville
  • West Virginia - Point Pleasant, Wheeling
  • Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

ACL cruise deals are inclusive of the Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours/excursions, flight and coach transfers, live evening entertainment, daily expert lectures, food tastings, 24-hour coffee/tea, replenished daily bottled water, room service (twice daily).

American Heritage - user reviews and comments

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American Heritage Wiki

Queen of the Mississippi riverboat cruises in the USA and offers unique travel experiences on a market that was once booming, later dormant, present-day exotic - and like no other. The Mississippi river paddle boats were the "cruise ships of the old", delivering both pleasure travel and cargo shipping services in the US in the late 1800s. But unlike her predecessors, the Queen of the Mississippi boat offers amenities and comforts unseen in these destinations before - including large-sized cabins with private verandas and bathrooms, Wi-Fi Internet, classy room service, lifts (to all decks), complimentary land tours and themed entertainment.

American Heritage cruise ship (Queen of the Mississippi riverboat)

The cruise ship is a classic sternwheeler (paddle-wheeler) starting its first cruise on December 25, 2016. The vessel features floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in all staterooms and the industry's most spacious cabins with private balconies (stateroom sizes vary between 268-460 ft2 / 25-43m2).

This vessel, by its paddlewheel riverboat design, is sister to the fleet mates American Pride (the old "Queen of the Mississippi" /2012) and America (2017). It is also similar to Queen of the West/American West (fleetmate) and to American Empress and American Queen (both of the American Steamboat Company's fleet).

The paddle-wheel is a feature component of the ship's propulsion system. The wheel is driven by a hydraulic motor, which is powered by two Caterpillar marine diesel engines (type "CAT C32 ACERT"). The boat's paddlewheel is the main propulsion unit, to which for better maneuverability and higher service cruising speeds are added 3x Azimuth thrusters. These modern marine propulsion units are also known as "Z-drives". They are both fully submerged under water and able to rotate at 360 degrees.

Despite the fact that this so famous riverboat is powered by marine diesel engines, many call Queen of the Mississippi "steamboat". The reason is that the ship is a design replica of the US glamorous riverboats which used to sail on the country's largest rivers of the South (Mississippi and Ohio,) and in the Pacific Northwest (Snake and Columbia) in the late 1800s. Also known as "paddle steamers", they were all driven by the steam power rotating their stern paddle wheel. The alternative riverboat design was with two wheels mounted at the sides.

The ship's 7-night / 8-day itineraries are on Columbia and Snake Rivers with one-way departures from Portland Oregon and Clarkston Washington.

American Heritage cruise ship (Queen of the Mississippi riverboat)

The new Queen of the Mississippi ship was christened (as "American Eagle") on April 25, 2015. The naming ceremony was held on the ship's bow, led by the vessel's godmother Cheryl P. Landrieu (US attorney, wife of New Orleans' Mayor M Landrieu. The ceremony was also attended by Charles Robertson (American Cruise Lines' CEO)and featured a cappella concert by Victory Belles (trio orchestra).

Following the christening ceremony, American Eagle departed on the 7-night Inaugural Cruise on Lower Mississippi River, with call ports Natchez, Vicksburg, Saint Francisville and Vacherie. The riverboat's name was changed in 2016.

This riverboat features advanced water purification equipment that minimizes the effects of greywater discharges into the Mississippi River. The hydraulic paddlewheel (at the stern) benefits from three Z-drive azimuth propellers (aka azimuth thrusters) rotating 360 degrees.

Next infographic shows American Pride cruise ship (Queen of the Mississippi's and America's sister-ship). Here you can see what is what and where on these unique riverboats.

American Pride cruise ship (Queen of the Mississippi) infographic

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.