Rollin' on the river: American Queen steamboat brings river cruising back to the mighty Mississippi

Entertainment: The core of the boat's entertainment is the Steamboat Syncopators, plus four singers who perform two shows most nights in the Grand Saloon. Programs are aimed at an older crowd and on this cruise included Dixieland Jazz, Memphis blues, a medley of show tunes, a medley of river songs, a jug band, and a Mark Twain impersonator. The Syncopators play dance music after the second show, but the room usually emptied before 11:30 p.m. In the Engine Room Bar, a duo of singers perform till midnight. They were surprised when guests asked for more '70s music, more dance music. Movies are shown on some days. Riverlorians — river historians — give talks on steam boating, local history and the rivers.

Crew: Most of the crew members are new and were hired in Memphis. However, many did not have experience in their new jobs and were hired for their friendliness and positive attitudes. They were roundly praised by guests, both in end-of-trip surveys and in interviews with The Miami Herald, for their helpfulness and friendliness. Cruise line executives said another few weeks of training should bring their skills up to par. Some crew members with specialized skills — some musicians, the riverlorians, maitre d', pilots, engineers and others — have worked on the American Queen for many years.

Information: 888-749-5280, www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com.

— Marjie Lambert, MCT