The Mississippi Queen is, at 3,364 tons and 382 ft, the second-largest sternwheeler, after the American Queen, ever constructed. Built in 1976, she behaves more like a cruise ship than her historic running mate, the Delta Queen, does. This floating re-creation of 19th-century Americana has Victorian decor and design that combine yesteryear styling with modern comfort and safety. She carries 458 passengers and an American crew of 156 on cruises mainly along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. She did not operate in 2007, during which time she had a major overhaul including the enlargement of some cabins.
The Mississippi Queen is a true steamboat, though the engine room action is nowhere near as fetching as that aboard the Delta Queen. For some she represents more of what a palatial palace steamer should look like while the DQ, much simpler in decor and accommodations, is the genuine item. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company became part of Majestic America Line in 2006.
Older North Americans populate the riverboat, though some younger people come aboard to live American history, and hear the lore and the music. Tips are handed directly to the serving staff.
Some runs, such as the Upper Mississippi junket between St. Louis and St. Paul, are especially scenic in the fall, while those in the South visit antebellum homes and historic ports such as Natchez and Vicksburg. Special theme cruises highlight Dixieland music, the Old South and Mark Twain. Cruises lasting 3 to 11 days embark in New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, St. Paul, Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga and Pittsburgh. Shore excursions are reasonably priced and head inland to sites beyond walking distance from the landing. A riverlorian adds to the interpretation and explains the various facets of navigating the rivers.
The lounge rises two decks and overlooks the huge red paddlewheel. The bar above also faces astern. The calliope impresses everyone with its joyful sounds. (Passengers are invited to play—and most play badly.) Observation Deck has a large forward lounge, a gift shop, and two side galleries, one with a bar.
Dinner is at two sittings, with smarter diners nabbing tables by the large windows. The very good regional food veers toward southern and Cajun cooking, and the midnight buffet satisfies late-day cravings. Entertainment spotlights jazz groups, big bands, riverboat shows, Broadway revues and cabarets. The display of steamboat memorabilia piques the curious, and a library, gym, whirlpool and plunge pool share decks with space for jogging, walking and viewing.
All 207 cabins have colorful Victorian patterns on furniture, walls, and beds, carpeting, phones, radios, thermostats and baths. Many cabins have verandas, and those in high categories have tubs. Some, however, prefer the cabins that open onto the side decks as they can then experience the community feeling. More than half are insides, and the lowest-priced cabins have upper and lower berths. Two of the largest face forward and flank the pilot house, and two more face aft over the wheel. The 16 suites on Promenade Deck and two on Cabin Deck have sitting areas, twin or king beds, baths and balconies.
The Mississippi Queen, with its higher standard of accommodation overall, is preferable to the Delta Queen for experienced cruisers expecting something akin to a spirited ocean cruise.
