American Queen To Welcome A Duchess In 2017
Since 2011, the American Queen Steamboat Company has been operating river cruises along the Mississippi, later adding trips along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2014. They aim to create a sense of nostalgia as guests climb aboard their authentic paddle steamers to experience what life was like when these ships ruled the waterways.
Until now, the operator has offered two different vessels, the American Queen and the American Empress, but they are expanding in 2017 with the addition of a third steamboat. The American Duchess will join the fleet in June and, just like the American Queen, will sail between New Orleans and St Paul on the mighty Mississippi. In two cruise line firsts, she will offer shorter trips from Chicago and will also include overnight stays in ports such as Nashville.
The new steamer will be an all-suite vessel, offering the largest accommodation on the Mississippi. Not only will there be sumptuous Owner’s, Veranda and Interior Suites, guests will also be able to choose an innovative Loft Suite. These two-storey rooms are the first of their kind on any US riverboat and will give passengers a spacious option with fantastic views of the passing scenery throughout America’s heartland.
The American Queen Steamboat Company will, of course, be putting their high-quality stamp on the new ship, offering their excellent standard of service along with cuisine that takes inspiration from the beautiful surroundings along this iconic river. Restaurants such as The Grill Room and The Grand Dining Room will allow guests to sit wherever they like to make new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.
Ted Sykes, company president and COO, is confident American Duchess will be a success stating “Demand for more capacity on the Mississippi River has been overwhelming the past two seasons and we look forward to delivering a new boutique, all-suite experience…”
If you want to take advantage of the increased capacity on the Mississippi River in 2017 and beyond, contact us today and we’ll find the perfect US river cruise for you.
