American Queen Steamboat Company has announced its new 2016 brochure with the line's new Commodore River Butler Service with butlers for luxury suites, two Mighty Mississippi Voyages stretching the length of the entire river and expanded theme programming including Presidents & Politics, Five Rivers of the Heartland and Holiday Markets.
New for 2016
Commodore River Butler Service
Guests booked in luxury suites onboard the American Queen and American Empress can enjoy Commodore River Butler Service. The 24-hour personalized butler service includes private check-in, laundry services, shoe shines, afternoon in-suite tea, breakfast and dinner service, in-suite canapés and post-dinner sweets along with a personal escort to reserved balcony seating in the Grand Saloon theater.
Mighty Mississippi Voyages
In response to requests from past guests, the 2016 season will offer two Mighty Mississippi Voyages, traveling the length of the entire river with a southbound and northbound itinerary spanning three weeks. The 23-day sailing departs on August 14 southbound or on September 4 northbound.
New Themed Voyages
Building on the line's tradition of themed voyages led by Bourbon Voyages, the Antebellum South and the Civil War, three added themes for 2016 are:
Presidents & Politics: Guests onboard the Presidents & Politics sailings will immerse themselves in the history of the American presidency. Current political events play out in real time as this voyage coincides with the dates of the 2016 Republican and Democratic National Conventions. The American Queen departs Cincinnati during the GOP convention in Cleveland, and guests will enjoy special presentations from guest speakers and historians addressing such topics as American presidents, politics and elections.
Holiday-Christmas Markets: Basking in the glitter and elegance of an American Queen holiday, guests can revel in the holiday spirit as carolers perform on the levees during the Holiday Christmas Market sailings. An exclusive lineup of Christmas markets offers something for everyone including music, seasonal goods and locally produced crafts.
Five Rivers of the Heartland: The Five Rivers of the Heartland itinerary allows American Queen guests an opportunity to touch five rivers in one voyage. The itinerary embarks from St. Louis before traveling southbound on the Mississippi with a stop in Lincoln country at the mouth of the Illinois River. Continuing on the journey, the riverboat will sail the Ohio River and enjoy scenic views of the Tennessee River before concluding on the Cumberland River in Nashville.
American Empress Itinerary Overview
The 223-guest American Empress embarks on its third season sailing the Pacific Northwest beginning March 19, 2016. Embarking on stops along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, such as Multnomah Falls, Mt. St. Helens and the Walla Walla Wine Trail, the riverboat offers 36 departure dates sailing between Portland/Vancouver, WA and Clarkston, WA.
American Queen Itinerary Overview
Embarking on her fifth season on February 21, 2016, the American Queen transports guests along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. With 45 total itineraries in 2016, each voyage is steeped in history and culture from pre-cruise hotel stays in New Orleans to tracing the steps of Mark Twain in Hannibal, MO.