New Orleans American Heritage ReviewReview of American HeritageThe 2015-built (as "American Eagle") American Heritage cruise ship (formerly "Queen of the Mississippi") is a stern-paddlewheel riverboat operated by . She sails Ohio and Mississippi river cruises departing from homeports such as , , , and .Following a full and redesign in 2021-2022, Queen of the Mississippi was renamed "American Heritage." Fleetmates and underwent similar upgrades and renaming.The vessel is USA- (MMSI 367648680) and registered in Port NOLA (New Orleans).History - Construction and OwnershipOwned by , the USA’s , the brand has been operational since 1991 and is headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut. ACL specializes in voyages along America's largest inland waterways (rivers and lakes), as well as coastal cruises on the East and West Coasts and in Florida. ACL ships offer some of the industry's most spacious cabins (with private balconies), elegant lounges and public spaces, fine cuisine, complimentary excursions, and highly personalized service provided by an all-American crew.All ACL vessels are and built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.Unlike the original Queen of the Mississippi, the newer vessel has crew quarters on Deck 1 instead of Deck 5, which now features balcony cabins and suites. Most staterooms (300–600 ft²) come with private balconies, allowing for alfresco in-cabin dining. The ship’s cuisine emphasizes regional dishes, especially Cajun and Creole. Onboard amenities include lounges of various sizes, a library, a showroom, a card room, a putting green, a complimentary self-service launderette, three Internet computers, and free Wi-Fi.The vessel was initially named "American Eagle," but ACL later reassigned the name "Queen of the Mississippi" to her, renaming the original 2012 ship "American Pride." On August 4, 2015, ACL announced the renaming and repositioning of the original vessel to the Columbia-Snake River System, replaced on the Mississippi by the new "America." A sistership entered service in 2017 and was named .American Heritage shares a design with , operating on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Both vessels have 23-ton stern paddlewheels powered by hydraulic motors connected to diesel engines. Additional Z-drive azimuth thrusters enhance maneuverability and speed.Decks and Cabins has six passenger decks and accommodates 150 guests in , including 6 Suites, 49 Balcony, and 22 Riverview cabins (with non-opening windows) across seven categories. All cabins have private bathrooms, windows, interior entrances, and Wi-Fi. They are among the most spacious in the river cruise industry. An all-American crew ensures a personalized guest experience.Shipboard Facilities and AmenitiesThis large riverboat redefines overnight travel on America’s inland waterways. Hidden beneath its classic wooden décor is modern cruising technology that ensures a comfortable and luxurious experience.Dining and lounge venues include: Grand Dining Salon, Natchez Lounge (entertainment), Magnolia Lounge (club), Paddlewheel Lounge (observation), Sky Lounge (observation), Upper Lounge (cards), Mark Twain Library, and the Sun Deck (Promenade area with Top Deck Café Bar, shaded seating, rocking chairs, live calliope music, putting green, and outdoor gym).American Heritage cruise fares are per person (USD), based on double occupancy, and are subject to change depending on promotions, group bookings, or last-minute deals.ItinerariesAmerican Heritage offers 7-night itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, with departures from New Orleans LA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, and St. Louis MO.Roundtrip Mississippi cruises from New OrleansMemphis to Nashville, Nashville to St. Louis, and Nashville to MemphisMemphis to St. Louis and vice versa, St. Louis to Cincinnati"Lower Mississippi River Cruise" — New Orleans to Memphis and vice versa"Upper Mississippi River Cruise" — St. Louis to St. Paul"Ohio River Cruise" — St. Louis to Pittsburgh"Grand Heartland Cruise" — St. Paul to New Orleans"Cumberland River Cruise" — Nashville to St. LouisSome cruises are themed, including "Food and Wine," "Fall Foliage," "American Civil War," "Music," "Savories of the South," "Mark Twain Tribute," and holiday sailings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.Main U.S. departure ports:New Orleans LAMemphis TNSt. Louis MOSt. Paul MNCincinnati OHPorts of call (by state and county):Louisiana – Oak Alley (Vacherie), St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, Houmas (Burnside)Mississippi – Natchez, VicksburgKentucky – Columbus, Paducah, Louisville, Henderson, MaysvilleMissouri – Cape Girardeau, HannibalIllinois – Chester, Cave-in-RockIndiana – MadisonIowa – Davenport, DubuqueWisconsin – La CrosseMinnesota – Red WingOhio – Portsmouth, Gallipolis, MariettaTennessee – Dover, Clarksville, NashvilleWest Virginia – Point Pleasant, WheelingPennsylvania – PittsburghACL cruise deals include complimentary Wi-Fi, all shore excursions, flight and coach transfers, nightly live entertainment, daily expert lectures, food and beverage tastings, 24-hour coffee/tea, bottled water (replenished daily), and twice-daily room service.Photos of American Heritage Add PhotoAmerican Heritage ship related cruise newsACL-American Cruise Lines begins its biggest season ever on the MississippiACL-American Cruise Lines has just commenced the biggest season ever on the Mississippi., American West (formerly Queen of the West) Cruises: Read 83 American West (formerly Queen of the West) cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise., The 2015-built (as "American Eagle") American Heritage cruise ship (formerly "Queen of the Mississippi") is a stern-paddlewheel riverboat operated by ACL.She sails Ohio and Mississippi river cruises departing from homeports such as New Orleans, Memphis TN, St. Louis MO, and Cincinnati OH..