Travel Agent is sailing on American Queen Steamboat Company's (AQSC) newly christened American Countess from New Orleans to Memphis this week. We're staying in room No. 251, a Deluxe Outside Stateroom with Private Balcony, and it's accessible. Take a look at our slides above for a sense of what's here.
This category accommodation typically encompasses 226 feet with a 40-square-foot private veranda, but the accessible option spans 289 square feet. Guests can have this stateroom made up with either a queen bed or two single beds. We found the mattress both soft and supportive, and had good sleep on it. Comfortable bedding includes four fluffy pillows, crisp sheets and a duvet. Luggage can be stored under the bed.
The full bathroom is spacious and the shower is handicapped accessible for "wheelchair roll in." That shower also has a large shower seat and a shower head that moves up and down. Small shelves on both sides of the single sink hold guests' personal items, as well as AQSC-provided bathroom amenities; those include hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. A hair dryer hangs from a bathroom hook
In terms of living space, this stateroom has a large chair that can pull out to a single bed. Another bit smaller chair is available for seating ,too. The desk with a large mirror above has its own chair and is home to a telephone, a Keurig coffeemaker with coffee and tea, plus an shelf with an ice bucket, glasses and two AQSC-logo metal water bottles. Below is a mini-refrigerator.
There is a large flat screen TV system mounted on the wall facing the bed, with a remote control on the bedside table; that table also has a clock. Closet space is limited, but within the two-door closet area are two fluffy robes, hangars, an iron, ironing board, slippers and a safe. Below are two large drawers. Two end tables on either side of the bed also have one drawer.
This handicapped accessible stateroom also has an individual temperature control, as well as a high-tech control for the sliding glass door access.
Pros? We found this stateroom is very comfortable and liked the appointments and amenities. Our biggest "pro" was the space, which is to be expected for an accessible accommodation. Our photos above do not do the room justice. It seems much more spacious than what they reflect. In addition, this stateroom is very close to the River Grill, making a trip there quick and easy.
Cons? Because this stateroom is far aft, there is some engine noise, particularly when the vessel is sailing.
For more on the various categories of accommodations on American Countess, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.
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