American Queen Riverboat Cruise

October 4 until Saturday – October 12, 2013

ALL-AMERICAN ADVENTURE

There’s never been a better time to rediscover America, & the Great American Steamboat Company has the perfect way to explore the heartland of our great nation — aboard the grand American Queen, the only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America.. Steamboating is a unique blend of American beauty & history, acclaimed cuisine, lively showboat-style entertainment, & the adventure of exploring Mark Twain’s riverside America.
 

You’ll discover a side of our country that few ever see, from the indescribable perspective of the river. So step on board & experience America in style as the American Queen takes you on a journey that you will never forget. Gliding along at a stately 8 mph, your mind has time to wander—back to a time when life was a bit slower & more genteel, when these mighty rivers served as America's natural "highways," & an elegant paddlewheel steamboat was the epitome of travel.

The all-American staff & crew look forward to welcoming you aboard as you experience the United States as you've never seen it before — from the decks of a genuine paddlewheel steamboat. Night after magical night, top entertainers bring down the house in the American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon. Two decks tall, the Grand Saloon is absolutely palatial, the most elegant showplace on the river.

Every evening, you’re treated to a different celebration of America’s best music, from Broadway hits to Dixieland Jazz, big band to bluegrass, ragtime to rock and roll. Showboat-style cabaret acts and old-fashioned radio shows add variety and charm to the evening lineup.

Book now! Your Steamboatin' voyage of discovery awaits!

Fall Foliage

It’s the only time of year that the river is even more colorful than the American Queen’s bright red paddlewheel. A blanket of reds, oranges and golds covers the landscape. Leaves blow across the brick-paved streets of small towns like Red Wing, Minnesota & Hannibal, Missouri. Warm apple cider & spied pumpkin pie bring autumn’s wonders right to your table as wildlife bustles about the myriad of colors lining the Mighty Mississippi in preparation for the coming winter. You can shuffle through the leaves during shore excursions & learn from guest naturalists. At dinnertime, you’ll sample the bounties of Heartland America, from pumpkin pie to hot, spiced cider.

Enjoy this 9 Day voyage between St. Paul, MN and St. Louis, MO. Traveling the Upper Mississippi River, this journey through the heartland of America takes you to Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri.

Hop-on hop-off Steamcoaches

Included on every American Queen® voyage, the Explore America Passport® series of tours is your ticket to experience great river cities with selected admissions, narrated tours and their own dedicated fleet of hop-on hop-off Steamcoaches®. With the Explore America Passport, you will enjoy hassle-free access to some of the most historically and culturally significant attractions in America’s Heartland. The Explore America Passport is the best way to experience the freedom of choosing your own path in these great cities. Each passenger will receive a map with the hop-on hop-off route.

On the map, you will see the route and its numbered stops. You may visit each attraction with a gold star, show your boat ID, and your admission is included. Steamcoaches typically stop at each stop every 15 to 20 minutes. Each port has a narrated tour by giving by a local step on guide..

Day 1: Friday October 4 Hotel Overnight – St. Paul, MN

We depart Hemet and fly from Ontario to Minneapolis / St. Paul airport. Then you will have airport/ hotel transfer. Included in your voyage is a luxury hotel stay. For this itinerary, a room will be reserved for you at one of these properties: The Westin Minneapolis or Hilton Minneapolis or Saint Paul Hotel. This evening explore & have dinner or just relax.

Day 2: Saturday October 5 St. Paul, MN Departure: 7:30 p.m.

This afternoon you will Embark on your cruise in the Twin Cities surrounded by skyscrapers, bridges and the first of many Mississippi River locks and dams. Before the American Queen’s departure, you will be able to check out of your hotel, have your luggage transferred to the American Queen, and enjoy some time on your own exploring your embarkation city. You will then be transferred from the hotel to the boat in the mid-afternoon in plenty of time for settling in and exploring all of the great amenities onboard.

Day 3: Sunday October 6 Red Wing, MN Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 1:00 p.m.

Red Wing is home to a variety of shops, including arts, antiques, pottery & one-of-a kind boutiques. Red Wing ranks as one of Minnesota's leading manufacturing cities. Historically it is known as home to products including shoes, pottery and linseed oil. Today it also produces safety and robotic products.

Then, visit the Sheldon Theatre, the country’s first city-owned theatre which showcases the best in arts and entertainment from Minnesota’s heartland and beyond. Plus much more.

Day 4: Monday October 7 La Crosse, WI Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 1:00 p.m.

This gem of Victorian and Art Deco architecture with an inviting Riverwalk is your gateway to local culture. Explore Amish Country or enjoy "lefse" and Scandinavian folk tunes with Norwegian descendants. —

Some other highlights are exhibitions with historical & educational art programs at the Swarthout Museum & Pumphouse Regional Arts Center. Chapels of St. Rose & the Riverside Museum with exhibitions from the War Eagle. Riverside International Friendship Garden.

Day 5: Tuesday October 8 Dubuque, IA Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 1:00 p.m.

The flags of five nations have flown over a city that lives & breathes river lore. Take in its diverse flavors from Cable Car Square to the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Also the Dubuque’s Museum of Art. Visit, the Grand Opera House, Shot Tower, you’ll hear about how this structure produced nearly two-thirds of all the lead shot used during the Civil War. The Fenelon Place Elevator sits on the bluff of Dubuque, overlooking downtown & the mighty Mississippi River. — The Hotel Julien, which became known as one of the finest hotels in the Midwest and Al Capone’s hiding-out spot in Dubuque. Plus more.

Day 6: Wednesday October 9 Davenport, IA Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 5:00 p.m.

The world’s most comprehensive agricultural exhibit celebrates the accomplishments of John Deere. Discover our 3,000- year addiction to chocolate with taste testing & a tour of the tropical gardens 7 chocolate tree in historic downtown Rock Island. — Enjoy an exhibition representing art from the 16th century to the present at the Figge Art Museum, or listen to some American roots music at the River Music Experience. Other cultural & historic attractions include the German American Center & St. Anthony Church.

Visit the first Preferred Summit Hotel in Iowa—the chic, hip, historic Black Hawk Hotel. Spend an unstructured day, strolling from place to place & discovering surprises among the gift & gallery shops. Interact in an exhibit with equipment & agricultural machines at the John Deer Pavilion. Amble through the Moline Walking Tour & the Quad City Botanical Center, which offers a collection of flowers, indoor tropical atrium, gardens, greenhouse & more.

Day 7: Thursday October 10 Burlington, IA Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 1:00 p.m.

The ancestral home of the Suak Indians, Burlington became a bustling river & railroad port. Its rich heritage is kept alive in Historic Nauvoo’s Family Living Center & at Fort Madison. — View Heritage Hill National Historic District. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River from Mosquito Park, so named for its tiny size. Visit Snake Alley. Ripley’s Believe It or Not dubbed Snake Alley the "crookedest street in the world. Step back in time as you visit the new Des Moines County Heritage Center.. Plus much more.

Day 8: Friday October 11 Hannibal, MO Arrival: 8:00 a.m. — Departure: 12:00 p.m.

This is all about exploring the Hannibal of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Stroll through the Museum Complex, explore the famous Cave & watch as your guide points out scenes from famous tales.

Like Mark Twain Boyhood House & Museum, the Justice of Peace, the courtroom setting used for trial in Tom Sawyer’s story, the Becky Thatcher House, the Molly Brown house. Delight your palates with exclusive wines & free tasting at the Mark Twain Winery. Then, take a journey to a time where the golden age of railroading & toy trains were part of most everyone’s life at the Big River Train Town Museum. Also the Trinity Church & shopping at the Huck Finn Shopping Center.

Day 9: Saturday October 12 Disembark in St. Louis, MO Arrival: 8:00 a.m.

After breakfast, keep an eye out for St. Louis’ Gateway Arch. This iconic landmark is a symbol of America’s frontier journey. Bid your fellow travelers adieu as you make your way home. — Today we’ll visit the areas that are most associated with the Gateway City. The Steamcoaches will pick you & your luggage up at the dock of the American Queen. We begin our tour with a local guide at the 21 Gateway to the West. St. Louis is more than just the Arch. The city that hosted the 1904 World’s Fair is full of intriguing places to visit and experience. During a three hour narrated tour, you will explore all that St. Louis has to offer.

On your visit, discover the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. This Cathedral was finished in 1908, but the interior mosaics – the largest in the world – were so elaborate that they weren’t finished until the late 1980s. The next stop is Forest Park. This 1,300-acre park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. In 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the greatest of all World’s Fairs, attracted 19 million visitors from around the world.

Explore the Missouri History Museum, where you will relive the history of the gateway city from its founding in 1764 to the Spirit of St. Louis, the 1904 World’s Fair, Miles Davis and the Cardinals. The last stop will be the Anheuser-Busch historic Brew House and the Budweiser Clydesdale Stables. This tour ends at the St. Louis International Airport at 12:30 pm ish in plenty of time for our flight home.

* YOUR STEWART'S PACKAGE INCLUDES:

* Round trip transfer from Hemet area to Airport * All transfers in St. Paul /Minneapolis & St. Louis

* Air Fare & air taxes to St. Paul /Minneapolis

* Air Fare & air taxes from St. Louis * Airline Baggage charge for 1^{st bag}

^{* 7 night Voyage on American Queen & port taxes}

^{* Travel Insurance}

^{* Standard tips for: bus drivers, dock porters, baggage handling during all transfers & Prepaid Gratuities (to all shipboard staff )}

^{* All on board amenities as listed on reverse of this flier.}

^{* St. Paul /Minneapolis Hotel before your cruise — Hotel assignment is solely at the discretion of Great American Steamboat Company. — Special requests & requests for a specific property cannot be accommodated.}

^{Everyone must carry personal ID. Acceptable forms of ID are State Driver’s Licensee or Passport/ Visa}

^{Baggage Policy: One checked bag per person & one carry on {which remains in your custody during all transfers}}

^{Any person making a tour reservation should be in good physical and mental health, not requiring any unusual assistance from the Driver, Tour Director, or Roommate in carrying out the normal activities of the Cruise-tour. If you do not have a companion, but would like to travel on a twin-basis, let us know, and we can try to find another tour member also interested in a companion. However, we do not guarantee a roommate, therefore, the reservation will be held on a single basis unless a suitable roommate can be found. Stewart's Fun Adventures acts solely as agents in arranging cruises, hotels, sightseeing and services, and does not assume liability for injury, damage, loss, delay, or accident due to any act or default of any other company or persons. Right is reserved to re-route itinerary or make substitutions equal in value, should conditions warrant such changes.}

^{* Limit luggage to 1 large suitcase to be checked {50 lb. & 62" Air Line limit} & 1 carry-on per person. * {additional checked baggage has air line fees}}

^{* Bring plenty of film & your camera for this promises to be an interesting trip.}

^{* Wear comfortable walking shoes & comfortable clothing.}

^{* Don't forget sweater, jacket, & rain gear {just in case}.}

 

^{You'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your travel experience because all the details are taken care of.}

7 – night Voyages from St Paul to St Louis Aboard the America Queen

PLUS 1 NIGHT Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

 

Friday – October 4 until Saturday – October 12, 2013

  

	Stewart's Cruise Package*		Cruise Package
Cabin Category	Double Occupancy		Single Occupancy
LS outside Suite with deck veranda	$8,000	wait listed	call
AAA outside Suite with deck veranda	$7,410		call
AA outside with deck veranda	$6,885		call
A outside with private veranda	$6,685		call
B outside with deck veranda	$5,290	wait listed	call
C outside with deck veranda	$4,765	wait listed	call
D outside with Bay Window	$4,565	wait listed	call
E outside with deck veranda	$4,435	wait listed	call
S0 outside single	NA	wait listed	$6,140
F  inside	$4,135		call
G inside	$3,710	wait listed	call
H  inside	$3,810	wait listed	call
I inside	$3,510	wait listed	call
SI  inside single	NA		$4,565

Above prices based on per person All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars.

All cabin categories are subject to availability Air from other cities available, call for pricing.

Payment schedule

$750 per person Due with reservation {credit card payment accepted for up to $500 of your deposit– balance by cash or check }

Final Payment By June 27, 2013 {credit card payment accepted for portion of final payment. Amount will vary based on Category. Balance will be due by cash or check }

 

Cancellations /Refunds 

	Non Insurance	Insurance
Date	Covered reason	Covered Reasons
June  26 – prior	$125.00  administration fee	100% Refund **
June  27 – July 29	50%  of rate Charge	100% Refund **
July 28 – August  28	75%  of rate Charge	100% Refund **
August  29, 2013 – no show	100%  of rate Charge	100% Refund **

Should you find it necessary to cancel, travel assurance provides coverage for trip cancellation or trip Interruption, if circumstances arise that require the late cancellation of your trip prior to departure or Interruption of your trip once you have departed. 

Subject to restrictions, details provided on request & with acknowledgment of your deposit on this trip.  No refunds for portions of the cruise missed after the cruise is in progress.. 

All Cancellations made more than 90 days prior to departure  are subject to a $100 per person Great American Steamboat Company  &  a twenty-five dollar ($25) per person Stewarts’ administrative fee not covered by Insurance.   Insurance premium cost is nonrefundable.

Reservation that are altered once booked and/or ticketed may be subject to additional administrative charge. 

Fares quoted in this brochure are those in  effect at the time of printing.   If governmental action results in

any element of  Taxes  exceeding the  estimates used for the purposes of preparing this brochure,  the right is

reserved to pass through the extra amount.  No right of cancellation exists under these circumstances.

Reservation that are altered once booked and/or ticketed may be subject to additional administrative charge.