American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Countess Marks Major Milestone
American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a leader in U.S. overnight river cruising, completed a major milestone this past Friday in the construction of its 245-passenger American Countess, the fourth vessel in AQSC’s fleet which kicks off its inaugural season on April 5, 2020.
The stern was stubbed to the bow and mid-body section at the Gulf Island Shipyard in Houma, LA- a pivotal construction step completed 13 months before the vessel’s christening.
Built using the existing hull of the Kanesville Queen, a former gaming vessel built in 1995, the American Countess was originally cut in two as part of her planned lengthening, with the addition of a 60-foot mid-body section. The American Countess will offer many of the same exciting heartland and deep South itineraries as her sisters- the American Queen and American Duchess.
“Friday was a milestone day in the history of our company,” shared American Queen Steamboat Company EVP of Hotel Operations and New Construction David William Kelly. “We are so thankful to our dedicated team of over 150 skilled employees who have been working around the clock to ready the Countess for its big debut next spring.”
“It’s no secret that American Queen Steamboat Company has led the market in a reignited interest in American riving cruising,” shared Gulf Island President and CEO Kirk Meche. “We are proud of this monumental milestone and look forward to continuing to provide the best in marine manufacturing and construction for the American Countess.”
With four decks including a Sun Deck, and 123 comfortable, inviting staterooms in four categories, the American Countess will soon offer six- to 15-day itineraries, including her own “Mighty Mississippi” cruise. Cabins feature a sleek, modern design that will offer guests the perfect place to relax and recharge in between delicious dining, premier shore excursions, Broadway-caliber performances and more.
“The American Countess will raise the bar on U.S. river cruising,” shared American Queen Steamboat Company President and CEO John Waggoner. “We are one step closer to debuting our fourth gem and can’t wait to share more news on dates, itineraries and more in the coming months.”
The M/V Victory I and M/V Victory II recently joined the American Queen Steamboat Company fleet under the Victory Cruise Lines name, alongside the flagship American Queen, the American Duchess, a 166-guest boutique paddlewheeler sailing the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest.
Itineraries for the American Countess will go on sale in February 2019, ahead of the inaugural Antebellum South trip on April 5, 2020.
(American Queen Steamboat Company)
