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American West

American West is an 110-guest American Cruise Lines cruise ship, in service since 1995. This page collects its itineraries, ports of call and technical specifications. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.

✓ Small-ship river cruising ✓ Travelers who prefer intimate lounges over large entertainment venues ✓ Solo travelers seeking dedicated single cabins
Class Paddlewheeler
Built 1995
Gross Tonnage 2,115
Guests 110
Decks 4
Flag United States
Space ratio 19

American West at a glance

Ship size

Bigger than 10%

A small expedition-size ship at 2,115 gross tons — #505 of 566 ships we track. 19 tons of ship per guest.

Best for

  • Small-ship river cruising
  • Travelers who prefer intimate lounges over large entertainment venues
  • Solo travelers seeking dedicated single cabins
  • Passengers interested in scenic outdoor viewing
  • Guests who enjoy included dining and onboard enrichment

Think twice if you want

  • Travelers wanting a pool or spa
  • Families seeking a dedicated kids club
  • Guests requiring extensive elevator access
  • Passengers looking for numerous specialty restaurants
  • Travelers expecting balconies in every cabin

Live Position ● 2 weeks ago

Heading to: ASTORIA,OR.
0.0 knots

Position data may be outdated.

Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.

About American West

American West is a classic stern-paddlewheel riverboat operated by American Cruise Lines on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Originally built as Queen of the West, the vessel combines a traditional paddlewheeler profile with contemporary accommodations, private-balcony options, panoramic lounges, a glass-enclosed restaurant, and regionally themed interiors. The ship is a relatively intimate choice for passengers who prefer scenic U.S. river cruising and a smaller onboard atmosphere rather than a large ocean-style resort ship.

Ship at a Glance

Operator
American Cruise Lines
Builder / shipyard
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
Registry / flag
United States (confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
Call sign
WDF4506
IMO number
8642957
MMSI
367452710
Previous names
Queen of the West

Onboard Experience

Signature highlights

The ship features a classic paddlewheel aesthetic, three guest lounges, a study enclave, a fitness center, sun-deck viewing areas, and many staterooms with private balconies. American Cruise Lines currently lists capacity for 110 guests.

Pools, spa & wellness

The ship includes a fitness center and outdoor areas suitable for enjoying river scenery.

Accessibility

Secondary deck-plan information identifies wheelchair-accessible staterooms, but current accessibility details should be confirmed directly with American Cruise Lines before booking.

Deck plans

1234

Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it

Deck 4

Sun Deck w/Putting Green Fitness Center Pilothouse Putting Green

Cabins & suites

CategoryTypeSizeSleepsDecks
Veranda Suite Suite 360 sq ft — 2, 3
Deluxe BalconyBooking categories: 1, 2. Balcony 180–240 sq ft — 2, 3
Premium Waterview Oceanview 180 sq ft — 3
Deluxe Waterview Oceanview 150 sq ft — 3

Dining, bars & venues

4 included 0 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.

Dining

Restaurant Included
Deck 1
Glass-enclosed open-seating dining room serving included shipboard meals.

Bars & lounges

Paddlewheel Lounge Varies
Deck 2
Aft lounge with large windows and a skylight for socializing and drinks.

History & sister ships

  1. 1995Entered service, built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.
  2. 2011Major reconstruction added private balconies, enlarged or reconfigured staterooms, more single cabins, a new library and refreshed public areas.
  3. 2022The ship received a major interior redesign and was renamed from Queen of the West to American West.

Other Paddlewheeler ships

Explore This Ship

Jump from American West sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.

No upcoming departures available to book for this ship right now.

American West FAQ

What flag does American West sail under?

American West is registered in United States.

How many passengers does American West hold?

American West carries about 110 guests.

How old is American West?

American West entered service in 1995.

How big is American West?

At 2,115 gross tons, American West is a small expedition-size ship — larger than 10% of the 566 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.

What is the dress code on American West?

Daytime clothing is casual. Dinner generally calls for smart-casual clothing such as slacks and a sport shirt for men, or a dress, top and slacks for women.

Is dining included on American West?

Yes. Shipboard meals, snacks and the open-seating restaurant are included in the fare.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. American Cruise Lines includes onboard tips and gratuities in its cruise fares.

Is Wi-Fi available on American West?

Yes. Wi-Fi is provided through Starlink and is included in the fare, although connectivity can vary while cruising.

Is American West accessible for passengers with disabilities?

The ship has limited elevator access, and American Cruise Lines advises guests to contact the line about accessible staterooms and specific mobility needs before booking.

Does American West have children's facilities?

The operator does not name a dedicated kids club or children's facility on this ship. Its onboard layout emphasizes lounges, scenic viewing, dining, fitness and enrichment spaces.