Signature highlights
The ship features a classic stern paddlewheel, multiple passenger lounges, a quiet study, a sun deck, and elevator access to all passenger decks. Its 150-guest scale provides a comparatively intimate river-cruise setting.
American Heritage
American Heritage is a 150-guest American Cruise Lines river cruise ship, in service since 2015. This page lists 128 upcoming departures across 13 itineraries in US Gulf & Rivers, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
✓ River scenery and observation-deck travelers
✓ Passengers who prefer intimate ships
✓ Solo travelers seeking single staterooms
American Heritage at a glance
Ship size
Bigger than 36%
A small expedition-size ship at 3,800 gross tons — #362 of 566 ships we track. 25 tons of ship per guest.
Best for
- River scenery and observation-deck travelers
- Passengers who prefer intimate ships
- Solo travelers seeking single staterooms
- Guests interested in history and enrichment
- Travelers wanting included dining and onboard gratuities
Think twice if you want
- Travelers seeking pools or spa facilities
- Families looking for dedicated kids facilities
- Passengers wanting large-ship nightlife
- Guests who prefer many specialty restaurants
- Travelers seeking extensive outdoor recreation
Live Position ● 2 hours ago
Heading to: Memphis TNCurrently on: Lower Mississippi River Cruise (8 nights) — En route to Cleveland, MS — last stop Memphis, TN
Memphis, TN
→ Cleveland, MS
→ Vicksburg, MS
→ Natchez, MS
→ Baton Rouge, LA
→ Oak Alley, LA
→ New Orleans, LA
1.0 knots
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About American Heritage
American Heritage is a 2015-built stern-paddlewheel riverboat operated by American Cruise Lines. Formerly known as American Eagle and Queen of the Mississippi, it carries up to 150 guests on U.S. river cruises. The ship combines a traditional paddlewheeler profile with modern accommodations, including balcony and waterview staterooms, a glass-enclosed restaurant, several lounges, elevator access to passenger decks, and a fitness center. Its design emphasizes scenic viewing and relaxed, small-ship river travel.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- American Cruise Lines
- Builder / shipyard
- Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Salisbury, Maryland, United States
- Registry / flag
- United States (confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
- Call sign
- WDP9828
- MMSI
- 367648680
- Draft
- 2.3 m
- Previous names
- American Eagle; Queen of the Mississippi
Onboard Experience
For families
The ship offers spacious staterooms, open public areas, elevator access, and a casual study/lounge environment suitable for multigenerational travel. No dedicated children’s club or youth program was identified.
Pools, spa & wellness
A fitness center includes cardio equipment and other exercise equipment, while the sun deck provides open-air space for relaxing and taking in river views.
Accessibility
Elevator access is provided to all passenger decks. Specific accessible-stateroom details and mobility-equipment policies were not confirmed from the reviewed sources.
Environmental features
No ship-specific environmental technology or sustainability certification was confirmed from the reviewed sources.
Deck plans
Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it
Deck 5
Sun Deck Guest Laundry Premium Balcony Single BalconyDeck 4
Sky Lounge Fitness Center Vestibule Veranda Suite Deluxe Balcony Single BalconyDeck 3
The Study Vestibule Veranda Suite Deluxe Balcony Single BalconyDeck 2
Paddlewheel Lounge Midship Lounge River Lounge Ship's Office Vestibule Standard Balcony Single BalconyDeck 1
Restaurant Galley VestibuleView the official American Heritage deck plans from American Cruise Lines →
Cabins & suites
| Category | Type | Size | Decks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veranda Suite | Suite | 360 sq ft | 3, 4 |
| Premium Balcony | Balcony | 300 sq ft | 5 |
| Deluxe BalconyBooking categories: 1, 2. | Balcony | 300 sq ft | 3, 4 |
| Standard Balcony | Balcony | 300 sq ft | 2 |
Dining, bars & venues
7 included 0 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.
Dining
Restaurant
Included
The glass-enclosed main dining room serves meals with open seating.
Bars & lounges
Sky Lounge
Varies
An aft lounge with large windows where cocktails and scenic views are available.
History & sister ships
- 2015Entered service, built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Salisbury, Maryland, United States.
- 2022The paddlewheeler underwent a major redesign and renovation and was renamed American Heritage from Queen of the Mississippi.
Other Paddlewheeler ships
Where American Heritage sails, month by month
| Oct 26 |
Nov 26 |
Dec 26 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 27 |
Apr 27 |
May 27 |
Jun 27 |
Jul 27 |
Aug 27 |
Sep 27 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Gulf & Rivers | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
Ports it visits most
Explore This Ship
Jump from American Heritage sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
Ports of Call
Next: Jul 10, 2027
23 upcoming departures
Ports of Call
Knoxville, TN, Pigeon Forge, TN, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fort Southwest Point, TN +3 more
Next: Jul 13, 2027
19 upcoming departures
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 1, 2026
53 upcoming departures
Ports of Call
Next: Oct 29, 2027
3 upcoming departures
All 13 itineraries and their departure dates
- Great Smoky Mountains Cruise 10 Jul 2027, 22 Jul 2027, 3 Aug 2027, 15 Aug 2027, 27 Aug 2027, 8 Sep 2027, 20 Sep 2027, 2 Oct 2027, 14 Oct 2027, 9 Jul 2028, 21 Jul 2028, 2 Aug 2028, 14 Aug 2028, 26 Aug 2028, 7 Sep 2028, 19 Sep 2028, 1 Oct 2028, 13 Oct 2028, 8 Jul 2029, 20 Jul 2029, 1 Aug 2029, 13 Aug 2029, 25 Aug 2029
- Great Smoky Mountains Cruise 13 Jul 2027, 25 Jul 2027, 6 Aug 2027, 18 Aug 2027, 30 Aug 2027, 11 Sep 2027, 23 Sep 2027, 5 Oct 2027, 17 Oct 2027, 1 Nov 2027, 12 Jul 2028, 24 Jul 2028, 5 Aug 2028, 17 Aug 2028, 29 Aug 2028, 10 Sep 2028, 22 Sep 2028, 4 Oct 2028, 16 Oct 2028
- Great Smoky Mountains Cruise 26 Oct 2028, 25 Oct 2029
- Great Smoky Mountains Cruise 1 Nov 2028, 31 Oct 2029
- Great Smoky Mountains Cruise 26 Oct 2027, 6 Sep 2029, 18 Sep 2029, 30 Sep 2029, 12 Oct 2029
- Great Smoky Mountains Cruise 14 Jul 2029, 26 Jul 2029, 7 Aug 2029, 19 Aug 2029, 31 Aug 2029, 12 Sep 2029, 24 Sep 2029, 6 Oct 2029, 18 Oct 2029
- Highlights of the Mississippi Cruise 1 Nov 2026, 7 Nov 2026, 13 Nov 2026, 19 Nov 2026, 25 Nov 2026, 1 Dec 2026, 22 Mar 2027, 28 Mar 2027, 3 Apr 2027, 9 Apr 2027, 15 Apr 2027, 21 Apr 2027, 27 Apr 2027, 3 May 2027, 9 May 2027, 15 May 2027, 21 May 2027, 27 May 2027, 2 Jun 2027, 8 Jun 2027, 14 Jun 2027, 20 Jun 2027, 9 Nov 2027, 15 Nov 2027, 25 Mar 2028, 31 Mar 2028, 6 Apr 2028, 12 Apr 2028, 18 Apr 2028, 24 Apr 2028, 30 Apr 2028, 6 May 2028, 12 May 2028, 18 May 2028, 24 May 2028, 13 Jun 2028, 19 Jun 2028, 8 Nov 2028, 24 Mar 2029, 30 Mar 2029, 5 Apr 2029, 11 Apr 2029, 17 Apr 2029, 23 Apr 2029, 29 Apr 2029, 5 May 2029, 11 May 2029, 17 May 2029, 23 May 2029, 12 Jun 2029, 18 Jun 2029, 7 Nov 2029, 13 Nov 2029
- Lower Mississippi River Cruise 26 Jun 2028, 6 Jun 2029
- Lower Mississippi River Cruise 29 Oct 2027, 12 Nov 2027, 6 Jun 2028
- Lower Mississippi River Cruise 5 Nov 2027, 30 May 2028, 29 May 2029
- Lower Mississippi River Cruise 25 Jun 2029
- Mississippi & Tennessee Rivers Cruise 26 Oct 2027, 25 Oct 2028, 24 Oct 2029
- Mississippi & Tennessee Rivers Cruise 26 Jun 2027, 25 Jun 2028, 24 Jun 2029
All Upcoming Departures
American Heritage FAQ
What flag does American Heritage sail under?
American Heritage is registered in United States.
How many passengers does American Heritage hold?
American Heritage carries about 150 guests.
How old is American Heritage?
American Heritage entered service in 2015 and was last refurbished in 2022.
How big is American Heritage?
At 3,800 gross tons and 90 m long, American Heritage is a small expedition-size ship — larger than 36% of the 566 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.
What is the dress code on American Heritage?
American Cruise Lines recommends casual resort attire. Dinner attire can include a sports shirt and slacks for men and a dress or top with slacks for women.
Is dining included on American Heritage?
All meals, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the standard fare. The ship has a glass-enclosed main restaurant with open seating.
Are tips and gratuities included?
Onboard tips and gratuities are included in the American Cruise Lines fare.
Is Wi-Fi available on American Heritage?
Wi-Fi is provided through Starlink and is included in the cruise fare.
Is American Heritage accessible for passengers with disabilities?
The ship has elevator access between passenger decks and accessible staterooms. American Cruise Lines states that most lounges, sun decks and dining salons can accommodate wheelchairs and other walking aids.