Five Things to Know About American Cruise Lines' Queen of the West Cruise Ship

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Passengers: 100
Best for: Older cruisers looking for a stress-free way to follow in the footsteps of explorers Lewis and Clark

Sails: The Columbia River, the Snake River

At a Glance: Launched in 2015, this paddlewheeler features a friendly all-American crew, entertaining onboard experts, and an iconic itinerary in the Pacific Northwest.

Start Slideshow

1 of 5

The Entertainment Is Local

deebrowning/Getty Images

One of the best parts about a trip on Queen of the West is being steeped in the history and landscape of the Pacific Northwest—both on and off the ship. Expect Native American guest performers and a resident river historian (dubbed a “riverlorian”) who regales passengers with entertaining lectures on everything from Lewis and Clark to the lock-and-dam system on the Columbia River.

2 of 5

The Cabins Are Snug

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines purchased this paddlewheeler and refurbished it, so staterooms are a bit smaller than they are on the line’s larger ships: Single cabins start at 149 square feet, while the Owner’s Suites are 280 square feet. The line added balconies, too—most staterooms have them.

3 of 5

The Food Is Pure Pacific Northwest

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dinner happens in the dining room, which is large enough to serve every guest at once. Whenever possible, ingredients—and recipes—are locally sourced: Think Pacific shrimp bisque, Widmer Cascadian Ale-braised Snake River Farms pork shank, and marionberry cheesecake.

4 of 5

You Won’t Get Nickle-and-Dimed

Ryan Yong/Getty Images

Don’t stress about that excursion tab: Usually, at least one tour per port is free, as is beer and wine with lunch and dinner and Wi-Fi throughout your cruise.

5 of 5

There’s No Bar Onboard

Getty Images/Tetra images

Before dinner every night, the ship throws a cocktail party for all the passengers, and you can have beer and wine at dinner. But if you know you’re going to want an after-dinner drink, make a point of buying your own bottles when you’re off the ship.

Replay gallery

Five Things to Know About American Cruise Lines' Queen of the West Cruise Ship

1 of 5

The Entertainment Is Local

1 of 5

2 of 5

The Cabins Are Snug

2 of 5

3 of 5

The Food Is Pure Pacific Northwest

3 of 5

4 of 5

You Won’t Get Nickle-and-Dimed

4 of 5

5 of 5

There’s No Bar Onboard

5 of 5

Up Next

Everything in This Slideshow

Your Profile

Five Things to Know About American Cruise Lines' Queen of the West Cruise Ship

1 of 5

The Entertainment Is Local

1 of 5

2 of 5

The Cabins Are Snug

2 of 5

3 of 5

The Food Is Pure Pacific Northwest

3 of 5

4 of 5

You Won’t Get Nickle-and-Dimed

4 of 5

5 of 5

There’s No Bar Onboard

5 of 5

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery