The Spirit of Peoria evokes the spirit of a simpler time. Steadily ferrying passengers along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, the paddlewheel-driven vessel eschews high-speed travel in favor of an authentic riverboat experience. The crew maintains the four-deck vessel's leisurely pace regardless of whether they are leading a 90-minute sightseeing cruise or multi-day river excursion. During longer voyages, passengers get plenty of time to promenade around the ship, savoring the scenery and learning about the history of passing town, or indulging in buffet-style meals. The Spirit of Peoria can also feature live entertainers, including ragtime musicians, old-time storytellers, and a Mark Twain impersonator who regales audiences with witticisms and readings from the author's most famous cookbooks.