Sarah ArnoldA few times each year, residents along the Ohio River are treated to the majestic sight of grand riverboats making their way up or down river. These floating hotels are beautiful to behold, peacefully paddling their way between stops. This past week, the Mid-Ohio Valley was treated to visits by both The American Queen and the Queen of the Mississippi.
The American Queen is said to be the largest steamboat ever built, a six-deck recreation of the classic Mississippi riverboats of a bygone era. While filled with today’s modern amenities, the rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era, with glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques aplenty. On the exterior, lacy filigree is inspired by the many stately riverboats that preceded her.
The Queen of the Mississippi, originally named American Eagle, is an overnight riverboat owned and operated by American Cruise Lines. Smaller than The American Queen, the Queen of the Mississippi is just as impressive to watch as it glides down the river. Although neither boat allows the public to go on board for tours, hundreds flock to to watch these beauties dock, taking advantage of a rare opportunity to capture the view.
Here are a few of our favorite photos taken over the week:
Photo taken by Eric Dowler of The American Queen
Photo of the Queen of the Mississippi taken by Bruce Wunderlich
Photo by Trygve Koren of The American Queen
Photo by Shawn Lamp of The American Queen
Photo taken by Gary Coleman of the Queen of the Mississippi
Photo by Bruce Wunderlich of The American Queen
Photo by Brian Woodyard of The American Queen