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Bookings open for AQSC's boutique paddlewheeler American Duchess

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The lobby of American Duchess - a first look at the style of this all-suite vessel
American Queen Steamboat Co. released the first renderings and opened reservations for its new, boutique, all-suite American Duchess.

The 166-passenger paddlewheeler will begin sailing through America's heartland in 2017. Voyages will operate along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

'As demand for more capacity on the Mississippi River has been overwhelming the past two seasons, we look forward to offering river cruisers more opportunities to explore our country's heartland,' said Ted Sykes, president and chief operating officer, American Queen Steamboat Co.

The company plans to begin promoting the vessel to travel agents in June, and American Duchess is scheduled to sail its first 'Mighty Mississippi' voyage July 3. New itineraries offered on the company's third riverboat include overnight stays in the heart of Nashville as well as shorter round-trips from the 'Music City' and New Orleans.

For the first time in American Queen Steamboat Co.'s history, it will offer departures from Chicago (Ottawa, Illinois).