7 Night Cruise sailing from Ottawa to St Louis aboard American Countess. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Chicago.

History is built by those standing on the shoulders of giants. Explore the legacy of an American legend, President Abraham Lincoln, by taking a river cruise through the historic heartland from Memphis to Chicago. This journey takes you by a variety of beautiful American port cities in a luxury cruise vessel that allows both adventure and relaxation. The hospitality of these quaint river towns touches the spirit of all who visit

Day 1 Hotel Stay in Chicago, IL
Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Day 2 and 3 Ottawa, IL
Ottawa is a city of intricacy: butterfly gardens and gardens mingle alongside its city streets. Elegant boutique shops and modern eateries satisfy the urban explorer. Explore treasures old and new in this delightful city.

Day 4 Peoria, IL
The largest city on the Illinois River, Peoria is the oldest European settlement in Illinois. Named after the Peoria Native American Tribe, the city was settled in 1680 by French explorers. With a good blend of government and official buildings as the county seat – Peoria also offers a bustling art and culture scene and offers a robust historical story to entertain guests from around the world.

Day 5 Havana, IL
This town gives way to discovery of the heart and soul of the Illinois River. Within its borders lies a rich cultural heritage, red brick streets and beautiful Riverfront Park. Nature lovers and history buffs alike will relish the day touring this beautiful scenic port.

Day 6 River Cruising
Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

Day 7 Hannibal, MO
Hannibal could be described as ordinary, but the father of American literature would beg to differ. The town, with style and dignity, comes to life in the writings of Mark Twain. People, entities and livelihoods of Hannibal’s past endure within the pages of masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi,” and the town’s preservation efforts allow our quests to step right onto the page where Twain left off. Today, the river stretches north toward country that’s almost as wild and beautiful as it must have been then, and, still enlivened by the coming and going of rivercraft, this exuberant port marks the start of adventure for all who visit.

Day 8 Alton, IL
This adventurist’s oasis is always welcoming to our guests – as dewdrops of watercraft greet them from the shorelines. Founded in 1837, Alton has preserved its small-town aesthetic, but mated it with the modern industry and art that birthed its contemporary ambiance. Cafés overlook limestone bluffs draped in greenery as breezes and birds alike whistle through the trees. Enjoy both the indoor and outdoor treasures that showcase the enchantment that this river town has to offer.

Day 9 St. Louis, MO (Alton)
As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town.

The newest gem in the American Queen Steamboat Company’s riverboat fleet, American Countess welcomes 245 passengers along the Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland, and Mississippi rivers. Her sleek, contemporary design offers plenty of open space for gathering and sharing the fun, and you’ll love the great forward-facing windows and the portside bar with an 80-foot view.

Savor fresh, regional cuisine in the Grand Dining Room with its custom Italian fabrics and rich walnut accents, the floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the shoreline morning, noon and night. Work out in the contemporary gym with its brand new equipment and a dramatic river backdrop. Relax or watch your flat-screen TV in the inviting surroundings of your stateroom with premium linens and plush bedding. Or make your way to the Card Room, Library or Theater for a friendly game, a new best-seller or live award-winning entertainment.

Be one of the first to experience her elegant décor as she makes her way down the mighty Mississippi from the Big Easy to the Home of the Blues.

To really see North America, to understand the land and its people, you need to explore not only the iconic cities, but the pathways between. American Queen Voyages encourages guests to slow down and meander the waterways, to explore an America you thought you knew, in an entirely different way.

American Queen Voyages embodies the story of America’s fabled rivers in their iconic red paddlewheelers. Over the past 10 years, their flagship riverboat, American Queen, has traversed the waterways throughout the Deep South and the Heartland. She meanders as far north as Minneapolis, as far south as New Orleans, and as far west as Pittsburgh, on occasion even journeying along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. American Empress calls the Columbia and Snake rivers of the Pacific Northwest her home, while American Countess travels where the soul of the American South flows. They’ve built an award-winning fleet of paddlewheelers and boats, including the newly built Ocean Victory which is built for exploration in earth's most fragile places. They’re your home away from home, and wherever they go, curious locals line up along the shores welcoming guests when they arrive and waving goodbye when they leave. Every journey is all-inclusive and complete with onboard activities, shore excursions, genuine hospitality, elevated dining, and sophisticated accommodation. On every journey, discovery runs deep. From the sounds of New Orleans Jazz to the taste of Memphis barbeque and the tales of Mark Twain, our iconic red paddlewheelers churn with new possibilities and adventure ahead.