hootmon

Guess I am in the minority. Having sailed I find Celebrity a bit more upscale but a bit stuffy or formal. We feel more at home on Princess (28 times). Take your pick. Can't lose either way.

We stayed at the Sheraton a couple of years ago and found it just fine. Trolley stops just outside the door and will drop you of at Central Barbeque. Rooms were fine and they served a good buffet breakfast. Well organized by American Queen. It may have changed but that was our experience.

What exactly is expedited boarding with the Medallion ? We are elite and the last two cruises we were told to stand in until priority boarding started. They said we would be notified but they did not. On the next cruise the door for suite and elite boarding was not being used and again go wait in line. We hope Medallion will  end this nonsense.

We were on the AQ a little while ago and had port side  cabin 410. We had access to the deck and the hallway. The cabin and location were perfect.

True story. A couple of years ago, sailing out of San Pedro, we arrived on bus which was full of passengers, and amid the confusion, the Longshoreman was yelling "identify your luggage". We saw our luggage and with all the pushing and shoving I told my wife lets go. Our luggage never arrived in our cabin. Upon checking at the desk they said they know what happened. They took us to the room where luggage arrives and is sorted. There sat our bags with the tags torn off ! We have been on over 40 cruises and this was the first time (and the last) we failed to tip the longshoreman. $5.00 is our standard tip. We feel it was our fault and his. Happy ending, great cruise.

We sailed on AQ in August. Dress was casual but we understand on some trips they have a Captains party which requires a little fancier dress. I took a long sleeve shirt and tie just in case but did not need it. We agree with earlier post, ages seemed to range from 50's to 80's. We met some fascinating well traveled passengers. As far as the hop on/hop off buss are concerned they are fantastic. We rode the entire circuit at first then picked our place of interest the next time around. We were never asked of ID at any time. Pickup spots are clearly marked.  Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Check Uber for sure. We received excellent rates and service from Memphis Airport to hotel and from Alton to St Louis International.

Just off AQ 9/3 and can answer a few of your questions. Early dinner is at 5:15, late at 7:45. You have the option to dine at the Front Porch Buffet and in the J.M. White Dining room there is a nice buffet should you not care for the menu. Not sure about Presidential Libraries None on ours Memphis to St Louis. Entertainment not Broadway every night but very good. There is a great piano player in the Captains Bar each night and late night entertainment in the Engine Room Bar.

I would say 60-70 age group about right. The boat was in great shape, our cabin, 412 was beautiful. No rain on our trip so unable to comment. We found the Staff to the person to be excellent and very welcoming. You will love the Hop-On Hop-Off busses which offer free tours at each port. Also consider free Ice Cream, popcorn, juices and free bottled water in the cabin each day. This was our first riverboat cruise after 40+ large ship cruises. I can't wait to go back on the riverboats again. Hope this helped.

Just off the American Queen 8-27 to 9-3, Memphis to St Louis. This was our first time on the river. Our Pre cruise hotel was the Sheraton Memphis. The trolley stopped outside the door. Great way to see them city and enjoy great ribs. The boat was beautiful. The entire crew was wonderful. Our cabin, 412, on deck was perfect. Food was good although we were hoping for more Cajun and Creole dishes. The dining room staff could not have been better. The Front Porch was a nice option. The Hop-on Hop-off bus were a big plus. Free ice cream, popcorn,cookies, Expresso and lattes were a nice feature. Free bottled water in your cabin each day. Entertainment was Broadway worthy. The star was the Mississippi River and the ever changing scenery. We have memories that will last forever.

Thanks for the response. We certainly look forward to meeting you. Our age group is much higher than yours (70 - 80) but we are still sociable. We are doing a pre cruise nite at the Sheraton Memphis. Anticipating a relaxing 9 days. Will see you onboard.

Thanks for the response. Any info helpful.

We have booked the August 26 American Queen Memphis to St Louis. We have sailed on 40+ ocean cruises but first time on river. We are excited ! When boarding in Memphis are shorts acceptable or is casual dress best.? We are Carol and Hank from Michigan.

We are off the 10/18 sailing of the Konningsdam so I will try to shed some light on the entertainment. There were the productions, Musicology, One World and 1000 Steps. In between was a magnificent operatic tenor, a magician, a comedian, a couple singers and a sax player. Entertainment, as food is subjective so I will not offer opinions on the shows. I will say One World was my favorite.DO NOT MISS the 60 minute BBC"s presentation of " Frozen Planet Live", The World Stage in itself is amazing, but when you see this show with the screen that surrounds three quarters for the showroom and they have a live orchestra on stage you will say you have never seen anything like it. We also enjoyed the String Quartet on the Lincoln Stage however they a directly across the aisle from the noise of Billboard. Holland goofed badly on this one. You will find the shows at 7:15, 8:30 and 10:15. Hope this helps.

Just notified. Konningsdam 10-18. St Marteen replaced by St Lucia.

Thanks to everyone for the replies !

We are booked on the Konningsdam Oct 18. We understand you no longer have to stand on deck with life jackets on for roll call.Hope this is true. Can anyone confirm this ? Thanks

We will be celebrating our 60th Anniversary on the Konningsdam sailing Oct 18th. We have sailed many times in October and only only once have experienced a Hurricane. We ran head on into Hurricane Tomas in 2010. The Captain (Grand Princess) sailed 120 miles South of his intended course and came in behind Tomas. We never felt a thing. These Captains will never take you into a Hurricane. I am not saying every Oct cruise had perfect weather but never a problem. Hope this answers your concerns.