Passengers always make it back on board before supper time. Some retire to their elegant but unfussy staterooms for a short nap before dinner, others walk the promenades to watch passing barges and tankers and view the miles and miles of farmland. It's on the expansive decks that passengers discover the real thrill of steamboating. The Victorian-style parlors are abuzz with conversation as people share adventures and observations. Finely upholstered sofas and comfortable chairs invite passengers to spend time reading, playing cards or writing postcards.
Many passengers are seniors and a multitude of activities are geared toward their likes.
During the daytime, there are guest lecturers, talent shows and movies. Later, the Grand Saloon becomes the main attraction as big-band music, Broadway show tunes and Dixieland jazz are presented for entertainment and dancing. The two dozen children on this cruise of the American Queen like to hang out at the top deck's pool. They compete at table tennis, eat hot dogs and popcorn at the snack bar, play the brass pipe calliope and attend ice cream socials, pajama parties and arts and crafts sessions. Lee and Wendy Girer of Cherry Hill, Pa., want their three children to experience a different kind of vacation.