Name: American Heritage
Brand: American Cruise Lines

At a glance

American Heritage is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines, in service since 2015. It carries 150 guests and 50 crew (3.0 guests per crew member) at 2,700 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 10th largest of 20 American Cruise Lines ships by guest capacity. It is rated 3 out of 5 by Cruiseable.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable: 3 / 5

Guests: 150
Crew: 50
Gross tons: 2,700
Decks: 5
Length: 295 ft
Beam: 53 ft
Maiden voyage: 2015
Space ratio: 3.0; Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew: 3.0
Speed (mph): 14

Bliss scores

What American Heritage is best at

We have not scored this ship yet. Until we do, its cruises rank neutrally in the app's Bliss search.

Our review

American Heritage: Rollin' on the river

American Heritage from American Cruise Lines — formerly Queen of the Mississippi —delivers an experience unlike any other riverboat. Originally launched in 2012 and modeled after traditional Victorian-style riverboats of the late 1800s, it was the first paddlewheeler built for the Mississippi River in nearly 20 years. American Heritage offers passengers modern amenities and comforts including large staterooms with private balconies, hotel-style bathrooms, complimentary room service, Wi-Fi and more.

Transporting guests back in time in the most elegant fashion, the experience aboard American Heritage is a seamless blend of old and new. Beneath its historic décor, gleaming woodwork and brass fixtures is a framework of modern cruise ship technology that provides passengers with the most comfortable and upscale vacation imaginable on the Mississippi River.

Who will like sailing on American Heritage

Travelers who like small riverfront towns and the experience of sailing on an old-timey riverboat will enjoy cruising on American Heritage. The cruise line attracts mostly Americans age 60 and up.

Where American Heritage sails

American Cruise Lines' American Heritage cruises the Mississippi River year round. Winter cruises sail from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenn. Summer cruises feature the Northern Mississippi from St. Louis to St. Paul, Minn. Other itineraries include the Ohio River and Cumberland River.

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Modern conveniences & classic ambience

American Heritage may have just launched a little over a decade ago, but it feels like history. The paddlewheeler offers the convenience of a modern ship with the ambience of a classic river paddlewheel. Third and fourth deck staterooms and suites feature sliding glass doors to access private balconies allowing you to experience breathtaking scenery from the privacy of your stateroom as American Heritage makes its way down the river.

Additional amenities Include:

Largest and most spacious staterooms on the Mississippi
Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
All interior entrances mean that every stateroom has a private view
In room phones for complimentary room service and breakfast served on your private balcony
Complimentary Wi-Fi in all staterooms
Satellite TV and DVD player in all staterooms
Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms

Amenities on this ship

Note: There's no pool, fitness center, spa facilities or casino on American Heritage. Passengers get their exercise by going ashore and walking around the port towns.

Your take

Have you sailed on American Heritage? What was it like? Please share a story, tip or discovery. What was the highlight? We'd love to hear about your experience — please share!

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Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on American Heritage, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL AMERICAN HERITAGE SAILINGS

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

A carriage ride in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Shrimp and grits at Lüke Restaurant, St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans.
Horse-drawn carriages pull up to Jackson Square in New Orleans.
St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square in Vieux Carre, New Orleans.
Explore scenic wetlands and waterways on an American Cruise Lines sailing to Lacrosse, Wis.
Nature lovers will enjoy viewing the natural landscapes of the upper Mississippi River, including Alma, Wis.
Take in the colorful fall foliage during a sailing on the Minnesota River.
Meet the Natchez Belles and tour antebellum mansions in Natchez, Miss., during your river cruise.
Take a tour of Civil War era plantations when you reach Natchez, Miss.
Cruise to New Orleans and enjoy the festivities and rows of drinking spots along Bourbon Street.
New Orleans boasts interesting architecture throughout the French Quarter, including this building at the corner of Royal and Dumaine.
Visit historic Jackson Square in New Orleans for a chance to ride on a vintage horse-drawn carriage.

Dining 3

Take in the passing landscapes over dinner with family or friends on your American Cruise Lines sailing.
A dessert dish served on an American Cruise Lines voyage.
A table setting in the dining room on an American Cruise Lines sailing.

On board 1

Learn more about Mark Twain while visiting memorable destinations, including his hometown, on your American River Cruises voyage.

More photos 12

American Cruise Lines's American Heritage was inspired by traditional late 19th century Victorian riverboats yet is outfitted with modern amenities.
The paddlewheeler American Heritage cruises the Mississippi River year round.
Passengers can hear a historian tell stories about the history of the Mississippi in the Chart Room, a forward space on the observation deck of your American Cruise Lines ship.
Guests will enjoy local dishes paired with wines in the dining room aboard your American Cruise Lines sailing.
The largest lounge on American Heritage, the Magnolia Lounge on deck 2 features contemporary interiors and a relaxing ambiance.
Head to the vintage-inspired Paddlewheel Lounge on deck 2 of your American Cruise Lines ship and relax between calls on port cities.
Sit comfortably on white wicker chairs, chat with your friends and enjoy the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Sky Lounge of your American Cruise Lines ship.
Couples can enjoy the perfect honeymoon in one of the spacious staterooms on an American Cruise Lines ship, which feature contemporary furniture and a private balcony.
Travel to Louisiana aboard American Cruise Lines and appreciate the festive vibe at the Houmas House during the Christmas season.
Guests on American Heritage traveling to Louisiana will get a chance to see Oak Alley Plantation, a historic, beautiful landmark with oak trees dating from the early 1700s.
Guests sailing to Louisiana aboard American Heritage will get a chance to visit the antebellum estate Houmas House.
American River Cruises takes guests on a journey to Civil War battlefields through a visit to the Vicksburg Military Park in Mississippi, known for its vintage cannons, monuments, a memorial arch and more.