Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
American Queen
Heritage Adventurer
Gross Tonnage
American Queen
3,707 GT
Heritage Adventurer
4,200 GT
Length
American Queen
127 m
Heritage Adventurer
92 m
Beam
American Queen
27 m
Heritage Adventurer
15 m
Passengers
American Queen
436
Heritage Adventurer
140
Crew
American Queen
165
Heritage Adventurer
75
Decks
American Queen
—
Heritage Adventurer
5
Year Built
American Queen
1,995
Heritage Adventurer
1,991
Space Ratio
American Queen
8.5 GT/pax
Heritage Adventurer
30.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Queen
2.64 :1
Heritage Adventurer
1.87 :1
| Specification | American Queen | Heritage Adventurer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Queen Voyages | Heritage Expeditions |
| Class | Paddlewheeler | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,995Winner | 1,991 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 3,707 GT | 4,200 GTWinner |
| Length | 127 mWinner | 92 m |
| Beam | 27 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 436Winner | 140 |
| Crew | 165Winner | 75 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 8.5 GT/pax | 30.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1 | 1.87:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | McDermott Shipyard | Kvaerner Kleven |
| Flag | United States | New Zealand |
| IMO Number | 8644974 | 8802087 |
American Queen
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Heritage Adventurer
Comfortable atmosphere for two
1.9:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Good value for money
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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15 m |
| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | 5 |
