Dear Future Steamboat Traveler:

A few years ago, I hosted a Fall Colors holiday by train and Steamboat that made a great impression on me, since it was, literally, a magnificent journey through America and through time, back to a slower, gentler era. We began with train travel aboard the California Zephyr through the Colorado Rockies to Chicago, a visual treat of the first order. We then had two full nights in 'The Windy City' with all of the things that make Chicago great: Shopping in North Michigan Avenue, deep-dish pizza at Giordano's, a visit to Navy Pier, a concert in Grant Park and a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. We then travel to Cincinnati where we boarded the magnificent Mississippi Queen for very special Fall Colors trip on the Ohio River to Pittsburgh, passing such small towns at Maysville, Kentucky, Wheeling, West Virginia and Marietta, OH. The passing panorama of church spires, stately homes, rugged limestone cliffs and great stretches of natural forests unchanged from the days of Lewis & Clark made history come alive in a way not possible on freeways or when flying. It was as if a great book of American history unfolded in front of us, a 'front porch' view of a now vanished America.

On this voyage, days began with wonderful breakfasts of hot cakes, bacon, piping hot coffee and sweet rolls in the elegant Main Dining Room on the Mississippi Queen. Afternoons were made more fun but the steam calliope tooting to school children waving to us along the riverbank, mint juleps by the pool and now and then, kite flying off the stern over the large red paddle-wheel. Evenings were perhaps most fun of all, dinner with new friends followed by some of the best entertainment afloat in the Grand Saloon. Later in the evening, the two-deck high Paddlewheel Bar offered up the best dixieland jazz afloat. In short, my voyage offered everything I like about an ocean cruise: great dining and entertainment, unpacking once, a relaxed pace but with one important change, there was great scenery around every bend in the river, all the time.

It was said that the late President Ronald Reagan had 'a lifelong love affair with America' and this is how I feel about these wonderful Steamboats and the view of America they offer. From the morning mist rising off the Cumberland River to the excitement in small towns in Iowa when the entire school is let out to witness the Steamboat passing by, the sheer pleasure, incredible beauty and sense of wonder these voyages through America provide are second to none. It's a moving experience very hard to explain or write about here, try as I might. .. you simply must come aboard the 'front porch of America' and just see what I mean. We invite you to join us.

I am looking forward to the honor and privilege of welcoming you aboard, until then, I am ...

D. Kendall Grigsby
President