In New Orleans, Louisiana, American Queen Steamboat Company has officially christened its latest 166-guest American Duchess riverboat.
Godmother Marissa Applegate, daughter of American Queen Steamboat Company Chairman and CEO John Waggoner, commemorated the festivities by breaking a bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon over the hull.
"I could not be more appreciative of all the hard work from every person involved in making the American Duchess dream come true; it's times like these that I am reminded just how incredible this team and family is," Waggoner said in a press release.
"Thank you for being here to witness this special celebration with our entire crew and myself. We are thrilled to welcome the American Duchess to our fleet."
The American Duchess joins the existing fleet of the American Queen in Memphis and American Empress in the Pacific Northwest. It will be "the first all-suite paddlewheeler on America's rivers," according to the cruise line.
"In addition to the pride I take being the godmother of the American Duchess today, it has been such a joy to stand by my father and watch him grow this company from the ground up," added Godmother Applegate, in the press release. "Thank you to everyone for bestowing this honor on me and letting me be a part of this special day."
Applegate spoke of how much it meant to her to be among other ship godmothers like Princess Kate Middleton, Sophia Loren, American Queen Godmother Priscilla Presley and American Empress Godmother Claudette Waggoner.
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The American Duchess was additionally blessed by Joy Manthey of Seaman's Church. Celebrating the partnership between Maker's Mark and the cruise line, a bourbon presentation finished off the ceremony, which took place along the Mississippi River..
"The American Duchess is a culmination of our company's core values and finest attributes, poised to deliver our trademark level of gracious service, first-class entertainment, superlative fine dining and award-winning shore excursions," said American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes, in the press release. "With the first Loft Suites on U.S. rivers, she is an innovation that will no doubt set new standards for excellence within the industry."
The vessel features three 550-square-foot Owner's Suites, four 550-square-foot Loft Suites, Veranda Suites and Interior Suites. Two restaurants onboard-The Grand Dining Room and The River Club and Terrace-are available with open seating serving regionally-inspired fare as on the American Queen.
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The American Duchess is currently on its 23-day inaugural voyage on the Mississippi calling on Natchez, Mississippi; Vicksburg, Mississippi; Memphis, Tennessee; Paducah, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri and Red Wing, Minnesota.
Its regular cruises start at six days in length and begin at $2,999 per person. Included in the fare are pre- or post-cruise luxury hotel stays, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner and free shore excursions in every port.
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