American Duchess naming set for August in New Orleans

[HostDave]

The American Queen Steamboat Co.'s new American Duchess will enter service from New Orleans following its Aug. 14 christening in the city.

The all-suite, 166-passenger boutique paddlewheeler will join the company's American Queen, sailing in the Heartland, and American Empress, in the Pacific Northwest.

'The American Queen Steamboat Company has led the way in a rebirth of US river cruising as thousands discover our Heartland and the Pacific Northwest, served by an award-winning, all-American crew,” said American Queen president Ted Sykes. '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, Minnesota.'

Inland riverboat cruising has boomed for the Port of New Orleans in recent years, growing 40% in 2016 compared to 2015, as the port welcomed 21,391 passengers on three homeported paddlewheelers sailing on the Lower Mississippi.

'Inland river cruising is a growing segment of our cruise portfolio,' said Brandy Christian, president and ceo of the Port of New Orleans and chair of the American Association of Port Authorities’ Cruise Committee. 'The history and charm of our historic city combines with the unique offerings of the Great River Road attractions to make cruising from New Orleans ideal for riverboat passengers.'