American Queen Steamboat Builds Third Boutique Paddle Wheeler
Construction for new American Duchess begins soon.
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Memphis-based American Queen Steamboat Company announced they’ll begin work for their new American Duchess paddle wheeler. Scheduled for a June 2017 launch, the new American Duchess will accommodate 166 passengers and be the first purpose-built boutique paddle wheeler sporting the largest suites on the Mississippi river.
The new river ship will be built over the body of an existing casino river boat, the Isle of Capri, that was docked on the Mississippi in Bettendorf, Iowa. The hull and power plant will remain and three new decks will be built, with the iconic “wedding cake” paddle wheeler design.
There will be two dining venues, the Grand Dining Room and the Grill Room, both with open seating. Dining will feature regionally inspired cuisine similar to that of their signature ship, American Queen.
Ted Sykes, company president and COO, describes their new ship as a boutique, all-suite experience. The American Duchess will feature a generous space ratio with three 550 sq. ft. Owner’s Suites, four 550 sq. ft. Loft Suites, spacious Veranda Suites and Interior Suites.
America Duchess will sail along the Mississippi from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota and include the Mississippi tributaries as well. An exciting innovation will be the overnight stays in ports like Nashville plus round-trip itineraries from Nashville and New Orleans.
Chicago departures!
Chicago will also be included as a departure point, with guests from the Windy City boarding the American Duchess in Ottawa, Illinois. Also, those living near Nashville will also have a close boarding opportunity.
When the new American Duchess begins cruising, the ship will join American Queen and American Empress meandering along America’s rivers. American Queen Steamboat Company will then be able to offer two distinct paddle wheelers on the Mississippi River and tributaries. The American Empress plies the Columbia and Snake Rivers along the Oregon and Washington borders in the Pacific Northwest.
