Photos and Videos

American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the Mississippi departed New Orleans on Aug. 4 making it the first new paddlewheeler to sail the Mississippi in 17 years. Photos by Johanna Jainchill; posted Aug. 8, 2012.

Photos & Videos

Introducing the Queen of the Mississippi

American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the Mississippi departed New Orleans on Aug. 4 making it the first new paddlewheeler to sail the Mississippi in 17 years. Photos by Johanna Jainchill; posted Aug. 8, 2012.

American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the Mississippi departed New Orleans on Aug. 4 making it the first new paddlewheeler to sail the Mississippi in 17 years. Photos by Johanna Jainchill; posted Aug. 8, 2012.

From the outside, the 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi could look like a luxury paddlewheeler trawling the river here 100 years ago. But inside, the design is modern and comfortable.

Decorated with blue carpeting and white furniture, the cabins feel spacious and bright, some with large windows, and balconies in all but 12 of the cabins.

The vessel has one main dining room on Deck 1 that can fit all passengers at once, and offers open seating.

The Magnolia Lounge on Deck 2, the largest of the vessel's three lounges, could fit all passengers at one time.

The Paddlewheel Lounge on the other end of Deck 2 is more intimate, with red leather furniture and dark wood tables.

The ship also features two mini-lounges, on Decks 2 and 4, which the company says are very popular on other American Cruise Lines ships, especially with groups that use them for card games or other gatherings. The vessel also has a small library.

The Lounge on Deck 4, a bright space with white wicker furniture that leads to an outdoor sitting area, has yet to be named. In the afternoon, guests are treated to coffee, pastries and fruits here.

Each cabin has a full-size, hotel-style bathroom.

Purpose-built in a U.S. shipyard, the 150-passenger, U.S.-flagged vessel has an all-American crew.