Rob Selkow and Payton Baggett Reporting
rselkow@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The American Queen of the American Queen Steamboat Company made a stop in the area of the Cumberland River near McGregor Park on October 17, 2015.
The following information is from the American Queen’s last visit in October of last year:
Captain Brent Willits talked about the ship, which is the largest steamboat in the world, saying that the vessel is 418 feet long and 96 feet wide with 420 overnight passengers and 175 crew members. It is also the largest American flag passenger ship on inland waters. The staff works year round with the exception of six weeks of boat maintenance in the winter.
The stop in Clarksville is a part of the steamboat’s latest trip that will end in Chattanooga. The trip started in Louisville, KY with a race against the Belle of Louisville steamboat at the Centennial Festival of Riverboats.
Hotel Manager Michael H. Brown said that the current group of passengers had lunch with the 101st Airborne Division during the Clarksville stop, noting the “patriotic atmosphere onboard the vessel.”
Brown also said, “You’ll find that most of our passengers are interested in the small town experience, places like Clarksville, Dover, etc.” Passengers come from other parts of the country and the world to explore the towns and learn about their history.
Most trips on the American Queen last seven days. During the trip, passengers can enjoy three full-service dining rooms, a saloon and nightly entertainment including jazz, blues, and country.
For information about booking a trip on the steamboat, visit the website.
See photos from the American Queen’s stop in Clarksville below.
Photos by Rob Selkow/ClarksvilleNow.com