The Debut of a Duchess

Thirty-six-foot ceilings in the Grand Lobby, wide corridors and roomy suites make American Queen Steamboat Co.’s new riverboat feel like an ocean-going cruise ship.

American Duchess also has modern interiors, setting it apart from the historic American Queen steamboat in the heartland and the traditional American Empress in the Pacific Northwest.

“Based on our initial bookings and the contemporary style of the American Duchess, we are seeing a slightly younger clientele than [those who travel on] the American Queen,” said Bob Salmon, the company’s senior vice president of sales.

American Duchess is the first of the line’s vessels built essentially from scratch, from the hull of a former casino vessel. Special features include the first Loft Suites on U.S. rivers and single, open-seating dining. There’s enough space in the show lounge for all 166 passengers. Four suites are ADA accessible with roll-in showers, and elevators serve all decks.

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Murano glass, Austrian crystal chandeliers and riverboat paintings decorate public areas. When planning the Grand Lobby, designer David Kelly said he was inspired by the “Dynasty” staircase.

Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations

Each of the three Owner’s Suites sleeps four people in two rooms with a large private balcony accessed from the lounge and bedroom. Measuring an ample 550 square feet, each suite has a lounge with dining table, queen sofa bed, desk and half bath. The bedroom has a full marble bathroom with tub/ shower combination.

The four Loft Suites—also 550 square feet in size—provide sweeping views from a double-deck-high window. Each has a lounge with queen sofa bed and desk, dining area, bathroom with shower and a private balcony on the lower level. The upper level houses a bedroom and a full bathroom with tub/shower combination.

Both the Owner’s Suites and Loft Suites come with Commodore Services, which include a butler to serve afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweets, balcony breakfast and dinner. A bottle of wine and fruit basket are presented on arrival, and passengers get preferred seating in The Grand Dining Room and reserved seating in The Show Lounge, plus an invitation to dine with senior officers.

Veranda Suites—the most numerous type of accommodation (there are 44)—measure 240 to 330 square feet with private balcony and have a lounge area with sofa and a bath with shower.

All suites have queen beds or two twins, Keurig coffee maker, mini refrigerator, flat-screen television, safe and iron and ironing board.

What’s Included

For most voyages, a pre-cruise boutique hotel stay is included in the rate. Fares also include a shore excursion at every port, Wi-Fi, wine and beer with dinner, espresso drinks, bottled water and soft drinks throughout the cruise.

What’s for Dinner

Open, single seating dining is available for all meals in the elegant Grand Dining Room, with its tall windows, custom Italian fabrics, chandeliers and rich walnut accents. With its open kitchen and bar, The River Club & Terrace transforms from a casual breakfast and lunch spot into a reservation-only dinner restaurant at no charge.

A typical dinner selection in The Grand Dining Room includes three starters such as yellowfin tuna tartar, fried green tomatoes with corn and crab and French market olive salad. Among the half-dozen soup and salad choices are pea soup and smoked ham, chicken broth with vegetables, miso and mushroom broth, spinach salad, Caesar salad and mixed greens.

Entrées include such options as espresso-crusted beef tenderloin, New York strip steak, roast chicken with Madeira and currants, Mississippi catfish, roasted grouper, mushroom risotto and cauliflower steak with chimichurri sauce.

The River Club menu offers entrées such as grilled King salmon, Black Angus rib-eye steak, Tomahawk pork chop and vegetarian and vegan selections.

READ MORE: The Best Rivers to Cruise in America

Best Entertainment

A resident expert in local history and culture, the Riverlorian, enriches every sailing with lectures and informal chats. Evening entertainment features original production shows like “River Song,” a dance band and guest-star singers and comedians.

Favorite Excursion

Passengers can tour Louisiana’s Nottoway Plantation, boasting one of the South’s most glorious remaining antebellum mansions, simply by strolling over the levee where American Duchess ties up. The excellent guides wear period costumes.

Who Goes on This Ship?

Well-traveled Baby Boomers and retirees who have taken luxury land programs or cruises; people with an interest in American history and culture; alumni groups and lifelong learners such as Road Scholar travelers.

Insider Booking Tip

The four Loft Suites are incredibly spacious and distinctive, with double-deck windows and private balconies. Agents can also entice clients with theme cruises like the Civil War, bourbon or Christmas markets.

READ MORE: History Buffs Should Cruise American Queen Steamboat Company

Key Selling Points

The line’s customers typically give high ratings to the excursions, food, entertainment and friendly, all-American crew. At a time when river cruising is booming, there’s no need to take a long flight overseas to delve into history, culture and scenery.

Agent Assistance

The new Steamboat Academy certification program supplements webinars and on-site training. For collateral and fam trip information register on the agent portal at www.AQSC.com.