We’re sailing the Mississippi aboard the brand new Queen of
the Mississippi of American Cruise Lines. Follow along with us as we go from St
Louis to Memphis…
It’s embarkation day on Queen of the Mississippi and it is
immediately clear this is unlike any cruise we have done before. Our taxi drops
us dockside along this recreated stern-wheel paddle-steamer and there is no
photographer or welcoming committee. In fact, there is no embarkation fuss of
any kind.
Assistant cruise director Theo walks up the short pathway to
greet us and check us off on his clipboard, then we just follow him along the traditional bow
gangplank and we’re all aboard. It’s that simple.
He shows us to our cabin on Deck 4 and, in no time at all,
we’re settled into our balcony cabin with masses of room for a seven-day
voyage. Unlike most river-cruise ships, where cabins tend to be stylish but
functional, with only minimal room and a balcony that is usually a token
effort, this sports genuine big-ship verandah style, with the cabin itself
boasting 300sq ft of space, with a balcony to match.
There is ample closet and drawer space (although a closet
door would be nice), a generous-sized bathroom with a huge shower (by most ship
standards) and, while it wouldn’t live up to a genuine deluxe rating, there are
some classy touches, like the individual Keurig coffee-maker, Judith Jackson
Spa bathroom products and free wi-fi.
A quick tour of the ship (and, at just 295ft long over five
decks, three of which are mainly accommodation, it IS a quick tour!), reveals
some sumptuous public rooms and lounges, the one main dining room and a
generous helping of coffee-making facilities, along with free fruit, snacks and
soft drinks, throughout the vessel.
This immediately looks like a cosy and comfortable way to
travel for at least a week (while we find some on board who have signed up for
the full three-week journey from Minneapolis to New Orleans), and the
friendliness of the crew is evident everywhere with smiling faces and inquries
of “Can I help?”
No, we don’t need any help to start with. This is an
extremely promising first impression, and we have seriously high hopes of a
memorable seven days travelling in the 19th century wake of Mark
Twain, so you’ll have to excuse us while we unpack and get properly settled,
especially as it will soon be time for lunch…!
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