St Louis Casino Boats

 

COVID-19 Update: We are committed to making the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch a safe and secure destination for our employees and guests.

Casino Queen 200 S. Louis, Illinois 62201 The Casino Queen is a four-story, 2,500-passenger, old-fashioned replica, paddlewheeler docked (no cruises) on the Mississippi river. Located directly across from the St. Louis arch in East St. The Casino Queen Hotel offers the best views of the spectacular downtown St. Louis skyline just steps from the casino floor and our award-winning restaurants. Book a Room DraftKings at Casino Queen.

Make any night special. Our flagship evening cruise features live music, a chef-inspired menu and captivating views of the St. Louis skyline. This two-hour cruise is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic night out or just relaxing on the water. Take a stroll around the top deck to see the city from brand new angles as it lights up the night sky.

Casino

Skyline Dinner Menu

Salad

Garden Salad with Select Dressing

Main Course

Chicken Marsala: Pan-seared and seasoned chicken breast smothered in house-made Marsala wine sauce atop creamy mashed potatoes. Served with sautéed haricots verts.

Louis

Drunken ‘Bella: Portabella mushroom cap soaked in love (white wine marinade) and grilled atop lemon caper capellini pasta. Topped with parmesan cheese.

Jerk-Spiced Seared Salmon: 6 oz. salmon rubbed in house-made jerk spice. Served with flavorful coconut rice, all topped with a grilled pineapple chutney.

Petit Filet: Beef tenderloin herb crusted and pan seared to perfection. Served alongside garlic orzo and haricots verts and topped with house-made Béarnaise.

Louis

Kids Options

Macaroni & Cheese with a side of fruit

Grilled Chicken with a side of mashed potatoes

Dessert

Chef’s Choice

*Menus are subject to change at the chef’s discretion.

Due to the nature of food preparation facilities, we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests for our buffet menus. Food is prepared fresh for each cruise and cross-contact of food products is possible during the preparation process.

Built St. Louis > > Vanished Buildings The Riverfront > > The S.S. Admiral Riverboat


Tinted postcard view, circa 1950.


May 2006 - as she currently stands.


July 1974, sailing near Bellerive Park. Photo courtesy of site visitor Conrad Otto.


Moored downtown, spring 1997.


Seen from the Gateway Arch, circa 1997.


Moved north of Eads and MLK bridges, 2001.


May 2006


May 2006

The Admiral
Architect: Maizie Krebs

St. Louis's most famous sailing ship is older than it looks. Its hull comes from an older cargo vessel, the Albatross, dating from 1907. The Albatross was quite a massive beast, hauling 16 rail cars at a time across the river at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

In 1938, Streckfus Steamers, Inc. began reconstuction of the vessel as their new excursion flagship. The luxurious new vessel launched in June, 1940; it was the largest inland passenger steamer of its time. The Admiral featured Streamlined Art Deco styling around her five decks, two of which were air conditioned. At 373 feet in length, she had room for 4,400 passengers.

The Admiral was built as a steam-powered side-wheel paddlewheel boat; it was converted to diesel-powered propellers in 1973. The original steam engines are on display at St. Louis' Museum of Transport

The Admiral was a local legend in her heyday, and a common sight as she made her way up and down the river, typically cruising south to Jefferson Barracks and back. Cruises featured dancing and live music, food and drink, jazz and big bands and rock and roll. The boat could be rented for banquets in addition to standard day and evening cruises.

After spending many years cruising the river, Streckfus sold the Admiral in 1981, prompted by hull corrosion. After some years as a floating but stationary attraction, it was converted to casino use in 1993. A rather monstrous pink transitional dock was constructed at the time, crudely aping the ship's lines while blocking most of it from view. Little if any of the original interior remains, having been replaced by fairly standard casino fair -- mirrors, flashing lights, plush carpets, and scads of slot machines.

After its conversion, the Admiral operated as the President Casino Laclede's Landing, and was eventually moved from its dock near the Arch to a new location just north of Eads Bridge. The President Casino company went went bankrupt in 2002. In 2006, the Admiral was acquired by Pinnacle Entertainment. Pinnacle sought to sell the vessel, citing excessive maintenance needs and declining business for the casino. Perhaps promted by a requisite 2010 Coast Guard inspection, Pinnacle ended all casino operations and closed the ship down in June 2010. The ship was sold to St. Louis Marine and Materials.

The vessel's future looks bleak as of 2011. In November 2010, the entire boat was offered in an eBay auction, with a suggested price of $1.5 million. Unable to find another buyer to operate the vessel, St. Louis Marine held an auction on November 21st to sell off all the interior fixtures, fittings and contents. Scrappers began working on removing interior machinery and systems after that, causing a small fire on January 21st while using a torch to cut through a grease-coated exhaust duct in the kitchen.

Links:

  • S.S. Admiral at Wikipedia - includes postcard images of the Albatross.
  • Bygone Days Aboard the Admiral at USGennet.org
  • World's Largest Floating Ballroom - postcard view at StLouisTimePortal.com
  • The Admiral at Ecology of Absence
  • St Louis Gambling Casino Boats

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