Step aboard the American Queen and it feels like stepping back in time to the days of “Gone with the Wind”. Although it was built in 1995, no detail was left out and no shortcuts taken to make this feel like an 1800’s era steamboat. She’s a beauty.

We were greeted by a friendly all-American staff, as we embarked and made our way to our cozy inside cabin; a much more affordable option than the outside cabins with a view. Since we don’t spend a lot of time in our cabin, the interior option is just fine with us.

Our cabin is small, but we found it quite well designed to accommodate us comfortably with all of our belongings. I still have spare space in my drawers and on the shelves, so it doesn’t feel cramped at all. Since the beds are on risers, the suitcases stow easily under our beds, which, by the way, are very comfy! Between the pillow-top mattress and deluxe linens, sleeping is a dream.

Check out our bathroom; much roomier than a cruise ship bathroom for sure! The shower is quite large and there is plenty of space for our toiletries. The toiletries American Queen provides are full-sized and quite nice, though, so we really didn’t even need to bring our own. And, the towels are plush!

American Queen Steamboat Company really adds a lot of nice touches. Between the complimentary bottle of French champagne greeting us when we embarked and delicious Memphis chocolates left on our pillow each night, we feel spoiled. And, the complimentary wine served with dinner has been quite good.

At the “Front Porch”; the casual dining option located down the hall from our cabin, there are fresh baked cookies available 24/7, as well as a self-serve ice cream sundae bar, popcorn, and an espresso machine that has just about any hot drink you would like, including real hot chocolate; the type made with steamed milk, rather than hot water. They even have flavors available in pump bottles to add to your coffee drinks.  If cold drinks are your preference, ice tea, lemonade and juices are always available. And, if you’re hungry, the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets offer a delicious variety of food.

Enjoy your treats inside with terrific views of the river or wander out on deck to a table, swing or rocking chair. It’s a relaxing, casual option to the formal dining in the beautiful dining room.

Throughout the ship are beautiful orchid arrangements that looked so perfect, I had to touch them to be sure they were real. And, the furnishings are beautiful and comfortable. My favorites, though, are the stained glass lamps in the library, as well as the oval-shaped stained glass windows at surrounding the dining room, just below the ceiling.

The ambiance aboard ship is so different than home; just what I had hoped for during our 640 mile trip down the Mississippi. And, with the 50 mph winds we experienced during our first night aboard ship, it truly felt like we were Gone with the Wind.