Stir in a hearty dose of Cajun culture, add a dab of that 1960's tune about "rollin' on the river," mix with timeless Americana, and you've an idea of what it is like cruising aboard Majestic America's American Queen. Modern is out, old-fashioned is in: Antique-styled furniture reflects the 1800's, cuisine is anything but trendy and light (instead think hearty and old fashioned) and entertainment is focused on the music -- and folklore -- of the Mississippi.

Previously, American Queen was one of three ships in the Delta Queen Steamboat fleet. The cruise line was given a new life lease after its original parent company, American Classic Voyages, went out of business in late 2001. Then in May 2002, the line was snapped up at auction by Delaware North. The Delta Queen family of ships was the privately-held Delaware North's first foray into the cruise industry -- and, as of June 2006 -- perhaps its last. The company has sold the line and its three ships to Ambassadors Cruise Group, which has created the U.S.'s first new river and coastal cruising line: Majestic America Line.

American Queen, unlike the historic Delta Queen, was launched in 1995 and so offers a years-gone-by ambience combined with more contemporary amenities. While this ship's features include a pool, a small fitness center and hair salon, not to mention plenty of food and entertainment -- just like traditional cruise ships -- the similarity ends there. This is steamboatin' and this huge red paddlewheeler would be completely out of place on the Caribbean. A very relaxed attitude pervades the entire vessel. No one seems ready to knock down the doors of the dining room to get to a table; audiences don't jump up and scurry out of the show room at the production's end; officers and crew smile readily, eager to accommodate guests, and after a day or so seem to know each guests' name.

Passengers who enjoy antebellum architecture and Southern and Cajun culture and history -- and a slow, relaxed pace -- will find this type of water travel to their liking. From lemonade and red beans and rice to a "Ladies" parlor and official onboard "riverlorian," these trips are designed for those interested in back-in-time travel.

Dining
Food on the American Queen is good, well presented and plentiful. While sugar-free, vegetarian and other menu items are available, the food is geared to those who don't often count calories. Much of it is fried, creamed or sauced. But hey, that doesn't make it bad. Au contraire! It's too good.

Meals are served in the large airy and attractive J.M. White Dining Room, where huge glass windows offer waterline views of the river. There are two dinner seatings: 6 and 8:30 pm. A list of moderately priced, domestic wines is offered. Bar service -- including sodas -- is offered in the dining room.

Dinnertime is the highlight of each day. Offerings include such southern favorites as fried green tomatoes, stuffed and fried catfish, jambalaya, a variety of gumbos and bisques, and always a vegetarian or heart-healthy choice. Service is excellent. Empty iced tea glasses are never empty long, coffee is refilled promptly and a good-natured staff encourages passengers to "taste" (if you think you might want to try something and don't want an entire order, your waiter will bring a sample portion). Coconut shrimp or fried oysters are deep fried, but not greasy. A blackened redfish made me yearn for a refrigerator in my room to save the large portion for the next day!

And, if spicy Cajun or southern cooking isn't what you are looking for, there is always a filet mignon, broiled chicken or fish, and more. (If your diet requirements don't include spicy presentations, let your server know, or advise the company when you book.) Desserts range from old fashioned chocolate sundaes in those traditional glass v-shaped servers, to peach pies and chocolate cakes like Granny used to make. The recipe for Mississippi Mud Pie is available to guests -- an absolutely sinful concoction of chocolate, pecans, whipping cream and liquor. Each night there is a different flavor of bread pudding.

Breakfast comes a la carte or from the buffet, complete with biscuits and gravy, made-to-order omelets, bacon, ham or sausage, a quiche, potatoes, lots of good fresh fruit, cereals, and just in case you forget where you are, the ever-present grits. A continental menu is available from room service, but unless you are in a large room, juggling a tray on the bed is awkward. Breakfast is the only room service option available.

Lunch menus feature salads, a fish dish, and, usually three or four other choices. Try a poor boy sandwich of fried oysters, or opt for a buffet set up in the Grand Saloon where do-it-yourself sandwiches are fast and easy.

Coffee, tea and hot chocolate is available 24 hours a day in the Mark Twain Gallery, considered the vessel's main lobby. Each day at "tea time," coffee and cookies are set out on the Front Porch and in the Ladies Parlor (though it's more of an afterthought than a full fledged British tea). Popcorn and hors d'oeuvres, usually veggies, potato chips and a dip, are available in the late afternoon in the Engine Room Bar.

Public Rooms
The decor throughout the ship is Victorian-style, and what's funky about it is that nothing really matches: melanges of floral and paisley prints in a number of textiles have been put together to reflect early "riverboat" times. Muted red and green prints abound, and lots of complicated gingerbread on furniture further dates back to the days of steamboating. Oddly enough, while it sounds somewhat chaotic, it works. The busiest area on the vessel is aptly named the Mark Twain Gallery (it's also the atrium); it's furnished with a mix of comfortable couches, chairs, tables and great Tiffany lamps.

Off the gallery is the purser's lobby. Here you will find the Emporium, which sells the usual cruise logo-wear (though also offers some interesting books on river destinations, not to mention pralines and hot sauces).

The Grand Saloon, American Queen's theater, looks a lot like Great Aunt Millie's tin candy box. Remember the one she kept her sewing things in? There's a great deal of gold and turquoise with bright green trim. Pull-up chairs and a long banquette make up seating. Dark wood-toned floors round out this lovely showroom with excellent sight lines. Four poles along each side offer the only blind spots.

The Gentleman's Parlor is opposite the Ladies' Parlor. The Gentleman's Parlor features a television (camouflaged behind a boar's head on the wall) and on our cruise was the gathering spot for football fans; the Ladies' Parlor was a tad more genteel and a good place for quiet activities. Men and women are, of course, welcome to enter either!

The Chart Room on Observation Deck offers old navigation tools and charts and the ship's library including dozens of books about the Mississippi River.

A piano bar in the Engine Room Bar is the ship's most raucous party place. There's also a small cinema that features relatively new films; refreshments, such as coffee and cookies, are provided.

Cabins

The average American Queen cabin is 190 square ft. Decor is a mix of patterns, fabrics and colors designed to recreate the days of the Riverboats with plush red couches, multi-patterned wallpaper and upholstery -- none, naturally, that match. Lace trim is found all over. Cabins do not have television sets (plans are underway to install them). A basic in-the-wall radio offers CNN news and a variety of music. Rooms do not include safes or hair blowers. Showers are roomy and comfortable. Tubs are available in AAA through D category rooms. Towels, washcloths, shampoo and lotion are standard and plentiful. Observation Deck cabins offer French doors opening right onto the deck.

Note: Be sure to draw the curtains on those French doors on the Observation Deck because it's a bit too easy for another guest to become a peeping Tom or Thomasina! These specific window coverings are about a foot wide and four feet long, and cover the glass part of the door. Unless tucked securely, they provide a peep show for those inclined to peep.

Pack light, because cabins do not offer a lot of storage or closet space. Eight staterooms are geared to the needs of physically challenged guests and accommodate wheelchairs. Cribs and other special needs can be arranged.

Entertainment
American Queen is launching a brand new program this year that is focused on Blues and Cajun culture and music. It will continue to offer its established Mark Twain program.

The blues and Cajun music performers are fresh, talented and work in the New Orleans music genre as though they were born to it -- and most were. They're Mississippi River performers, and many having been born and raised in Louisiana.

Shows are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. for late seating guests and at 8:45 p.m. for early diners. Clara Christensen serves as the Riverlorian, and tells intriguing stories about navigation, the Mighty Mississippi, and the hundreds of years' worth of history of people who lived and worked along its banks with a wonderful flair for combining humor and information.

Shore excursions, priced in the $30 - $40 range, are not included in the price of the cruise.

Fitness & Recreation
A small (heated) pool and small gym -- two cycles and two treadmills -- does the job. Walks around the deck are also common. Two midship elevators serve the American Queen, but heading up and down staircases serves as great exercise. A hair salon is open a few hours each day (though no spa services are offered).

Family
During the summer, American Queen will host a "riverbonding adventures" program for families. Organized and supervised by an activity coordinator, youngsters will learn about life and lore along the Mississippi, as well as how to read a map and tie knots.

Other aspects of the program, again, available only in summer June through August: Each family will receive two board games upon boarding the vessel, chosen beforehand from a lengthy list (and they get to take them home at the end of the cruise). There will be kite-flying, ice cream socials and scavenger hunts. Advance Purchase family discounts allow a second person free, plus a child under the age of 18 free in the same stateroom. Families with two or more children can get the second room of equal or lesser value free.

Fellow Passengers
Many of the folks who sail on American Queen are regular cruisers with Delta Queen Steamboat Co. A large number from California, Florida, Texas and throughout the Sunbelt states, which reflects its large number of retirees. These are proud Americans who love the River, Mark Twain-isms, Cajun culture, good old-fashioned American cooking, sitting on the front porch reading, listening to the calliope and watching the river roll beneath them. These are not travelers out to impress with their jewelry, clothing or conversation.

The cruise line anticipates its demographics will be somewhat younger on American Queen during the summer season as a result of the ship's exclusive youth program.

Dress Code
The American Queen is generally casual -- though garb worn for the Captain's Cocktail party can be pretty dressy (on our trip, one couple actually dressed as Scarlet O'Hara and Rhett Butler -- still can't figure out how she packed that bustle). Most men wear a sports jacket or suit with or without a tie, and women opt for dressy tops and pants. Daytime wear is casual, with rubber-soled shoes a must, both for touring and onboard.

Gratuity
Suggested tips per day: $4.50 per person for cabin attendant and server in dining room; $3.25 for bus person. Dining room captain, $5.75 per couple per cruise; maitre d' $4.25 per couple per cruise. Porters charge $5 per bag ($2.50 per bag on and off). Envelopes are provided prior to the last evening's meal.

The Great American Streamboat Company has revealed the itineraries and cruise rates for the American Queen’s 2012 “inaugural” season. Though there are no big surprises in the schedule, there are in fact some surprising differences to the schedules Majestic America Line and Delta Queen Steamboat Company had in place when they were still operating the American Queen. Rates are targeting, no surprise either, to the premium cruise market. Booking will be open from Sept. 30, 2011.

The American Queen will start out in New Orleans on April 13, go to the Ohio River for April and early May and then back to the South for until end of June. July and August will be Ohio River months while the AQ stays on the Upper Mississippi River from September to as late as mid-November for fall foliage cruises. For the winter she’ll be cruising down south, alternating between New Orleans and Memphis.

Rates include beer and wine at dinner as well as bottled water and softdrinks throughout the whole cruise. Staterooms are equipped with coffee brewers and Starbucks coffee. Early bookings until end of December will receive a free land excursion package and a free pre-cruise hotel night at the port of embarcation.

additional port charges and will be added to this rates:

Call  Riverdiscounts 880-640-46899