Board the American Duchess riverboat and cruise through the heart of the American Midwest on this 9-day journey from Louisville, Kentucky to St. Louis, Missouri on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Experience the laid-back, small-town hospitality of Kentucky ports such as Owensboro, where you'll find classic folk tunes and distilleries making Kentucky's signature bourbon, or Henderson, where you can explore the region's role in the Civil War. Admire historic handicrafts at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, and follow in the footsteps of historical figures like Mark Twain and the Lewis & Clark expedition in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Your journey concludes in St. Louis, Missouri, where you'll find a wealth of museums, foodie hot spots, and, of course, the famous arch marking the gateway to the west.
Highlights
Explore the vibrant art scene and foodie hot spots of St. Louis
Admire historic handicraft at the National Quilt Museum
Enjoy lively folk music in the community of Owensboro
Sip classic cocktails made with locally-distilled Kentucky bourbon
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
This authentically quirky port is a muse to artisans of mixed mediums – from sidewalk chalk to street fare – and home to the cultural diversity that quickly captivates the heart of its visitors. The local tradition that lives within images of Derby hats, Old-Fashioned cocktails and the 120-foot Louisville Slugger that towers over the friendly city are better lived than seen. Explore the red penguin-peppered Main Street. Embrace oddity. Experience Louisville.
The essence of Kentucky radiates, from its bourbon traditions to a tableau of rolling farmland. Soul-stirring river views and Southern warmth welcome those who pursue relaxation. Mysteries of the Civil War enlist lifelong learners on the battlefield while sprawling parks and trails make way for recreation. The grass is bluer in Brandenburg and all the surrounding areas.
The exuberance that pervades the sounds of folk music flows through the community of Owensboro. Each of its spaces is a lovely ballad that tugs at the heartstrings of visitors – from the notes of bourbon distilleries to bumbling butterflies in the botanical garden. The tawny banks of this river jewel extend a warm welcome, and invite you to experience the beauty in bluegrass.
Capture your inner artisan in the home of James Audubon and W.C Handy. Hospitality flows freely through a vibrant downtown that kisses the rolling river. Wide streets welcome guests and showcase historic preservation that awakens a classic ambiance in storefronts and homes. Discover nature fingerprinted with humanity in the many parks and trials that showcase artistry throughout the town. Greetings from Henderson – a walkable community wrapped in warmth.
In the hands of artists, modern Paducah was thrown into form. Fingertips muddied with passion and eased by the vision of river water glided along the surface to pull up the community and create the National Quilt Museum. Residents backstitch past into present, then bind appreciation for culture – ensuring that the seams of history will not soon come undone. The people of Paducah have taken great care to orchestrate every crevice of its community into a symphony of craft and color. Life is a work of art, and the town of Paducah certainly is alive and well. Feast in this foodies’ fantasy. Uncover mastership. Catch a glimpse of Paducah.
Cape Girardeau has shown hospitality to the likes of Mark Twain, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and now greets our guests in the same vein. Peeking through the long-standing architecture and handsome panoramas are moments that will mature into golden memories. They say sometimes the little things make the biggest impact, and here, a million little things have built an empire. Take time to dance among the light of day or pedal along the sliver of bike lanes that strip along city streets. Embrace legends, discover a simpler time and relive the wonders of the past. Here, exploration of young America is at your fingertips.
Strategically placed above our docking area on the Chickasaw Bluffs is Fort Pillow – where rest the silenced voices of the Civil War. The smoke has cleared to shed light on the pogrom that transpired in this decisive point. It is here that the Fort Pillow Massacre took the lives of 221 Confederate soldiers, and experienced historians resurrect stories misplaced in the tumult of war.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Interior Staterooms (IS)
180 sq. ft. (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 200 sq. ft.). 30 cabins located on the Cabin and Observation Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Writing desk
Coffee maker and mini refrigerator.
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Veranda Suites With Private Balcony (VS)
240 sq. ft. with private balcony (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 330 sq. ft.). 44 cabins located on the Cabin and Observation Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Furnished lounge area with sofa and desk, Coffee maker and mini refrigerator, Sliding glass doors to balcony, Interior access.
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Deluxe Suites With Private Balcony (DS)
450 sq. ft. with a private balcony. 2 cabins located on the Cabin Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom featuring floor-to-ceiling marble and tub/shower combination, Half bathroom, Two flat-screen TVs, Furnished lounge area with sofa-bed and desk, Coffee maker and mini refrigerator, Sliding glass doors to balcony, Interior access.
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Loft Suites With Private Balcony (LFS)
550 sq. ft. with private balcony. 4 cabins located on the Observation Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Two full bathrooms featuring floor-to-ceiling marble and tub/ shower combination, Furnished lounge area with sofa-bed, Coffee maker and mini refrigerator, Two flat-screen TVs, Sliding glass doors to balcony, Interior access, Commodore Services, including a River Butler.
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Owner’s Suites With Private Balcony (OS)
550 sq. ft. with private balcony. 3 cabins located on the Cabin Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom featuring floor-to- ceiling marble and tub/shower combination, Half bathroom, Furnished lounge area with sofa-bed, Coffee maker and mini refrigerator, Two flat-screen TVs, Sliding glass doors to balcony, Interior access, Commodore Services, including a River Butler.
Notes
PLEASE NOTE:All fares, itineraries, special interest series, entertainment, shore excursions and other voyage attributes are subject to change without notice, and we reserve the right to not honor any published prices that we determine were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Unlimited Wifi
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
Port Taxes & Fees
Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
In-Room Dining
Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner