A brand new paddlewheeler started cruising on the Mississippi River last month. The 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi, which makes seven-night cruises from several ports, has not been affected by the river’s drought-induced low water, which has curtailed some traffic on the river.

While the new American Cruise Line ship brings back old-style cruising on the river, its facilities are decidedly modern. Its staterooms, at 300-square-feet-plus, are more spacious than on other riverboats. Most have private balconies, and each is equipped with telephone, satellite television and Wi-Fi. Fares are luxury level, starting at $3,995 per person double occupancy.

The Queen of the Mississippi is the second sternwheeler to restore cruising on America’s biggest river. Last April, the refurbished 1995-built American Queen, operated by a rival cruise line, resumed river cruising after being out of service for four years.

Information: 800-814-8880, www.americancruiselines.com.

NEW LIFE FOR OLD SHIP?

On the 60th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the SS United States, a campaign has been launched to save the ship, the fastest passenger liner ever built.

In July 1952, the ship broke the trans-Atlantic speed record, making the eastbound crossing in three days, 10 hours and 40 minutes. The ship, which transported Presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy and their wives as well as dozens of Hollywood stars, lost the eastbound speed record in 1990 to the Hoverspeed Great Britain, a catamaran ferry, but it still holds the Blue Riband for the westbound crossing.

The new campaign undertaken by the Save the United States Conservancy is relying on social networking and an interactive Internet experience to raise funds to restore the vessel, which has been laid up at a Philadelphia dock for some years. For $1 a square inch, supporters can select and “save” their own sections of the ship. The plan also envisions creating a 20,000-square-foot museum and a Center for American Design and Discovery.

Details: www.SavetheUnitedStates.org.

MOVIES & MAGIC

In an industry first, Crystal Cruises is offering a complimentary five-hour course in movie-making on Crystal Symphony. Participants will learn to use professional tools and techniques, utilizing the iMovie app on their own iPads. They will shoot one of five documentary-style genres, then edit the footage and add music, graphics, voiceovers and other effects. The course will be expanded to the Crystal Serenity in January.

In another first, the line is bringing aboard magicians from the Los Angeles private magicians’ club, the Magic Castle, both to entertain and to teach magic arts to passengers. Attendance at half-hour performances is by invitation only and limited to 25. The shows will be offered on 13 European cruises this year and on every voyage in 2013.

WITH OR WITHOUT KIDS

MSC Cruises has introduced several plans to make family dining a happier time.

Under one plan, MSC Happy Dinners, kids eat with their parents from the kids’ menu while their parents have their opening courses. When the kids are finished, they are taken to the Kids Club, letting parents finish their meal at leisure. With another option, MSC Fun Time Dinners, kids eat in a separate area from their parents, then are taken to their clubs; children 3-11 eat with the entertainment team. The services are free.