American Cruise Lines chose a travel agent to officially name the new riverboat Queen of the Mississippi in downtown Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday. Phyllis Dale, co-owner of Great Escapes Travel in Lake Mary, Fla., and a small-ship enthusiast, cracked the champagne bottle on the railing of the vessel to much applause from the passengers who watched from the decks above. The paddlewheeler then departed at full capacity on an eight-day voyage to St. Louis.

The new vessel, which will operate year-round except for most of February, will sail on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Demand has been “unbelievable,” said President and CEO Charles Robertson, with the company selling out virtually every cruise this year.

As the first authentic paddlewheeler built for the Mississippi River in nearly 20 years, the new vessel has roomy 300-square-foot staterooms with private balconies, free Wi-Fi, room service, and open dining with complimentary wine with dinner. Built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., the riverboat has an American crew.

Demand has been so great that American Cruise Lines has already ordered another new riverboat for delivery in 2014. The company has not revealed where the vessel will cruise or it name, but expects to do so this fall.

For more information on river cruises, visit Sell River Cruises.