For fans of river cruising, there may not be a more romantic journey than floating down one of America's other great rivers aboard a paddlewheeler. The American Queen Steamboat Co. has based its business on that idea with its American Queen, billed as the largest riverboat ever built, and the American Empress, called the largest and most elegant riverboat in the Pacific Northwest.

The company offers themed cruises throughout the year. Heading into this summer there are journeys exploring Civil War-related themes, Kentucky bourbon, the Antebellum South and regional music. Those are followed by fall color offerings and Thanksgiving- and Christmas-related cruises.

Check out all of the themed cruises at tinyurl.com/h8d75gj.