American Queen, American Empress get off-season spiff-ups

[HostDave]

During their off-season lay ups both American Queen Steamboat Co. riverboats are getting cleaned, repaired and updated. Cosmetic changes include fresh paint, carpet and upholstery.

American Queen will be docked for five weeks in Gretna, Louisiana, while American Empress will be docked for four months in Troutdale, Oregon.

AQSC president Ted Sykes noted the American Queen paddlewheeler's work includes the installation of mahogany deck rails and fresh, yacht-white paint, 'so it should sparkle.'

Other lay up repairs and improvements on both vessels entail fresh carpeting and upholstery in public areas and select staterooms, the replacement of wall coverings in some accommodations, sanding and repainting deck door frames and doors and painting hotel interiors including the dining room.

'In 2015, we enjoyed a banner year for both vessels, bringing the pleasure of river cruising to a record number of guests and adding itineraries to the season in order to accommodate the large number of reservations,' Sykes said. 'With necessary repairs and improvements, we are delighted to have 2016 under way in style.'