The Queens are driven by a huge red wooden paddlewheel astern. Each has a raucous steam-driven calliope played at arrival and departure at every port. With only an eight-foot draft, the paddlewheeler can travel north to where the navigable Mississippi ends at Saint Paul, almost at the river's headwaters. With the filigree, wrought iron, and brass, and the grand staircase with a crystal chandelier hanging from a mirrored ceiling, the ambiance takes you back to the spirit and elegance of the Great Steamboat Era of the 1800s. There are single, double and triple occupancy configurations.
Some beds are twin, others queen or king.
All cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning, a music system, telephone and a private bath with shower, some with tubs. Suites and many staterooms have French doors that open to the deck or a private verandah. Some cabins are connecting. There are nine wheelchair-accessible cabins. Four meals a day are served, plus snacks and afternoon tea.