American Queen Riverboat – Basics Regarding One Of The Most Well Known Stern-Wheelers Which Cruised The Mississippi River
American Queen is considered the largest river boat that was ever built. This boat has been built in 1995 and is considered to be a 6-deck recreation of a traditional Mississippi river boat, which is owned by Delta Queen Steamboat Co.. The American Queen`s stern paddle-wheel is being powered by an authentic steam plant, and her secondary propulsion and much more of its maneuverability will come from a few diesel-electric propellers, also being known as Z-drives, on each side of the stern-wheel.
The boat will include over 200 staterooms and has a capacity of over 430 passengers and a crew of around 160 members. The ship is 420 feet in length and 90 feet wide.
A nice and relaxing attitude will pervade most of the ship. No one will leave the impression of wanting to knock down the doors of the dining area so they can get to a table; audiences will not jump up or scurry out of the show public room when the production will end; the crew or the officers will generally smile with every occasion, just eager to accommodate passengers, and just a few hours or so will seem know each passengers` name.
Guests who will enjoy antebellum architecture and the history or culture of Cajun, will find this kind of travel by water to their own liking. From red beans or lemonade to official on board “riverlorian” or a “Ladies parlor”, this type of trips are generally designed only for those certain travelers who are interested in back-in-time travel.
The cuisine on the American Queen is very good and plentiful. While vegetarian, sugar-free or just about any other menu items will be available, the cuisine is generally more geared to those who will not often count their calories. Much of it will be fried, sauced or creamed. But hey, is that really so bad? Au contraire! You will most likely feel that is too good.
On Nov. 20, 2008, American Queen was retired to the reserve fleet in Violet. Due to the failure of its owner, the Majestic America cruise company, the boat was returned to MARAD (United States Maritime Administration) who held her over $30.000.000 mortgage. At the present, the ship is in storage in Beaumont. Starting from April 2011, American Queen is under a contract of over $15.000.000 to HMS Global Maritime, which is based in New Albany. The Great Amercian Steamboat Company, its new operator has announced its new plans to return it to service along the Mississippi River from a port in Memphis. The ship is to re-join its fellow stern-wheeler riverboats the Chautauqua Belle, Spirit of Peoria, Belle of Louisville, Minne-Ha-Ha or Natchez.
