We sailed from New Orleans to Memphis and were very pleased with the experience. We were in suite 513 and it was clean and well furnished. I had wanted to have a private balcony, but was glad I didn't get one after I saw the boat. Being on the promenade deck allowed us to meet a variety of interesting people. Cleon, our cabin attendant was the best. He was always prompt in making up the room and very cordial. Cabin walls are quite thin though and you can hear your neighbors coughs and snores. Food was very good, although service in the main dining room was spotty. Wait staff was trying, but room for them to move is limited when the dining room is full. I especially enjoyed the Front Porch where service was less formal and the view was great. We were on the blues cruise and blues performers who came on at various stops were first rate. The regular entertainment staff was just so-so. We took a couple of the premium excursions, which were quite good and worth the extra money. The hop on-hop off tours are OK, but there is not a lot to do in some of the small town stops. I was very happy with the experience. The Mississippi is a river of many faces from industrial sites to rural farms. I would definitely recommend the American Queen.