The American Queen Steamboat Company is bolstering its fleet, revealing the addition of newbuild, the American Duchess in Jun 2017.
Construction will soon begin on an American-made hull, which is set to be “the first purpose-built boutique paddlewheeler offering the river cruiser an intimate experience through America’s heartland,” the line says.
The all-suite American Duchess will feature the largest suites on the river and will accommodate 166 passengers.
She will be the cruise line’s third vessel and the first to offer overnight stays in port, including in Nashville, along with roundtrips from Nashville and New Orleans.
Departures from Chicago will also be offered for the first time.
“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 and the flexibility of two riverboats sailing between New Orleans and St. Paul,” said company president and coo, Ted Sykes.
American Duchess will offer three 51.1m2 Owner’s Suites, four Loft Suites of the same size and Veranda and Interior Suites.
Two dining venues, The Grand Dining Room and The Grill Room, will have open seating and serve “regionally inspired” cuisine similar to that delivered on the American Queen.
A mock up of the American Duchess is pictured above.
