River Cruise Review: American Duchess

The mood was merry onboard American Queen Steamboat Company’s luxurious new American Duchess riverboat as it left Nashville, Tenn., to sail along the Cumberland River. Christmas music was playing, Christmas trees were glittering, and I felt like a duchess as I was welcomed with a sparkling flute of champagne. But even with such royal treatment, I was still in for an all-American cruise, complete with Southern hospitality, Cajun flavors, Broadway-style entertainment and pure Americana-themed shore excursions.

My fellow passengers were a well-traveled bunch; many had previously enjoyed river cruises in the U.S., Europe and beyond. We all marveled at Duchess’ generous proportions: With 83 roomy suites (most with private balconies) and a passenger capacity of 166 — plus two spacious dining areas, a theater, a terrace, a library, a fitness center and a cafe — the ship offers all sorts of inviting places to relax. The decor is fresh, contemporary and comfortable, and the interiors are light-filled and airy.

I was fortunate to have a Loft Suite, which includes a dining area, a sitting room, an elevated bedroom and two bathrooms — one with a shower and one with a shower/bath. The river views through the two-story windows are stunning, and patio doors open onto a lovely private balcony. The room category includes Commodore Service, and I was spoiled with a dedicated River Butler, preferred restaurant seating, evening hors d’oeuvres, late-night sweets and more.

Southern flavors enliven Duchess’ culinary program, and sophisticated multicourse meals with wine are the norm at both The River Club & Terrace (casual, reservations required) and The Grand Dining Room (“country club casual,” with open seating). Since I sailed during winter, menus included plenty of comfort food. Our chef was a soup wizard, and we eagerly awaited each day’s delectable new offering. (His “Death by Gumbo” was my favorite.) The vegetarians I met were pleasantly surprised by the well-crafted plant-based dishes, while meat connoisseurs admired the excellent steaks. And everyone loved the biscuits. The pastry chef concocts memorable old-fashioned favorites such as fruit cobbler, bread pudding and bourbon-and-pecan pie that had folks in rhapsodies. And Perks, the self-service cafe open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., was a cozy place to satisfy my latte cravings.

“Hop-On/Hop-Off” shore excursions offered wonderful flexibility, with local tour guides joining us on wheelchair-accessible buses that circulated continuously. My sailing included land excursions in Dover and Clarksville, Tenn., plus Paducah, Ky.

History buffs were especially thrilled by the Civil War sites and monuments, and we also had a chance to explore Christmas-decorated homes and delightful museums, including The National Quilt Museum in Paducah. Premium Shore Excursions offering more in-depth visits were an option, too. And had the weather been just a little warmer, it would have been fun to take a spin around the towns on one of the boat’s complimentary bicycles.

When we weren’t taking part in shore excursions, onboard offerings included viewings of holiday films such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a gingerbread-house-decorating class and all sorts of games. The Riverlorian (river historian) was always on hand to answer questions and provide fascinating historical tidbits, as well. The Lincoln Library, furnished with Chesterfield sofas and wingback armchairs, was a popular place where guests read and played board games with friends.

The entertainment onboard Duchess was a big highlight at the end of every day. Many passengers told me it was their favorite part of the cruise.

With an excellent live band and extraordinarily versatile and talented young performers, The Show Lounge was festive and fun. Music ranged from Dixieland to country to Broadway — and there was a sock hop, too.

Back in Nashville, our tuneful cruise finished on a perfect note with a concert at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in the hallowed Ryman Auditorium — named, appropriately, after Thomas Green Ryman, a 19th-century riverboat captain.

The Details:
American Queen Steamboat Company
www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com