American Queen Makes Inaugural Sailing

 

American Queen Makes Inaugural Sailing

by Janelle Woodyard

The Great American Steamboat Company is excited about the inaugural sailing of the American Queen, in April. As a Memphis based company, they have chosen Priscilla Presley as the godmother.  Memphis is not only home to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, it is also a city packed with steamboat history.  

In continuing our blog series on steamboats, I’ve invited Rick Simonson, Regional Sales Director with Great American Steamboat Company, to share with us some perks cruisers can expect from riverboat cruising.

The Great American Steamboat Company eagerly anticipates your arrival. Awaiting you on board the Steamer American Queen is uncompromising elegance and hospitality, meticulous attention to detail and refined amenities that outshine the slender of even the golden age of river travel. It has been far too long since genuine steamboats have graced the rivers of America. With the formation of the Great American Steamboat Company, Steamboating is back and better than ever. In April of this year, the Steamer American Queen will resume her proud role of taking guests on Steamboating Adventures through the heartland of America. While onboard you will enjoy the acclaimed cuisine of famed chef Regina Charboneau, enjoy complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Dinner includes complimentary wine and beer. Each voyage offers you a pre–cruise luxury hotel stay with breakfast and complimentary shore adventures. All staterooms feature gourmet coffee brewers and Starbucks® coffee. Gracious, friendly service from a professionally trained all-American staff, elegant-casual attire, daily lectures by the Riverlorian (our onboard historian, professional showboat-style entertainment. Traveling onboard the Steamer American Queen adds up to the greatest value in all-American vacations.

 

Do you like being a part of history?  Are you looking for a quaint get away?  If so, you don’t want to miss the christening of the American Queen on her inaugural sailing from Memphis to Cincinnati, on April 25, 2012.  You'll voyage up the Mississippi River to the Ohio River.  Once you arrive in Cincinnati, you'll be able to witness the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Steamboat Race, featuring the American Queen, Belle of Louisville and Belle of Cincinnati. 

Fares are from $1,995 per guest.  At the time of this post, only 37 rooms remain available.  For additional information on this memorable riverboat cruise, please contact janelle@lifesrudder.com.

10 Reasons to Cruise - Part I

10 Reasons to Cruise

Part I

By Janelle Woodyard

1)   Unpack Once: 

One reason I like to cruise is because once I get on board, I unpack my suitcase and don’t have to repack until it’s time to get off the ship.  I’ve been on non-cruise vacations where I have lived out of my suitcase.  Other vacations required a couple days at several different hotels, and I found myself packing and unpacking every other day. As a traveler, I do what I need to; however, there’s something to be said about hanging my dresses in the closet and putting clothes in the drawers for the duration of a trip.  Need a place to put your suitcase once you unpack?  Stow it under the bed.

2)   Children’ Activities:

As a mom and educator, I always make it a priority to visit the children’s activity areas.  Cruise lines have incredible children’s programs (in particular Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean).  Each of these cruise lines have top-notch programs.  Parents and grandparents can feel secure knowing their little loved ones are well taken care of with crafts, sports, and activities which educate and entertain.  Don’t be surprised if your little one is excited about going back to participate in the programs.

3)   Family and Friend Time:

Cruises allow families and friends to spend time together.  Several years ago, we went on a family and friends cruise to the Caribbean.  We had so much fun and laughed so much.  Even to this day, we all look back at that particular cruise and can reminisce about allthe food we ate and the miles of laughter we logged.  Cruising with family and friends is a fabulous way to make incredible memories.  In fact, I think we’re due for another family and friends cruise.  Where would you want to cruise: Eastern or Western Caribbean?

4)   Food:

Speaking of food, cruise lines have state of the art chefs preparing the cuisine. Not only do they know how to cook, the presentation of the food is truly a work of art.  In fact, sometimes choices on the dinner menu look so inviting, I have a hard time deciding how to please my palate.  I have been known to order a couple appetizers at one sitting.  Dinner menus change every night so what is listed on the menu on Monday night might not be on the menu for the rest of the cruise.  Live with no regrets…especially when it comes to desserts.  https://twitter.com/#!/JanelleWoodyard/status/173500275737362432/photo/1

5)    Family Entertainment:

Cruise lines know how to provide family entertainment from poolside games, comedy routines, to incredible music shows.  Cruise lines offer evening shows of the highest professional caliber.  As a singer, the quality of a show is high on my priority list, and I expect the best from the cruise lines.  There are two music shows I will never forget.  One was a tribute to the Beetles, Ticket to Ride, on Carnival, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj_2DEAKMQ8.  The other one was the hit Broadway musical Saturday Night Fever, on Royal Caribbean, http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2011/05/04/saturday-night-fever-debuts-liberty-seas.  I believe the cruise lines have some of the best talent in musicians, dancers, and singers.

Next week, 10 Reasons to Cruise Part II.  What are some reasons you cruise?