Queen of the West has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation after it was acquired by American Cruise Lines in 2009, which included reconstruction of major areas such as passenger staterooms, community areas, the galley, and engine room. Aimed at providing a more comfortable and elegant atmosphere for passengers, meticulous care and attention to detail went into the reconstruction, from the newly designed and custom built furniture, to the fresh interior décor, the expanded size of staterooms and the addition of more private balconies. The new authentic paddlewheel makes for a quieter and smoother cruise aboard the new Queen of the West, while having less of an impact on the environment.