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Sales open for American Countess, debuting in 2020

american countess
American Countess will offer six- to 15-day itineraries, including its own 'Mighty Mississippi' voyage
American Queen Steamboat Co.'s new paddlewheeler, American Countess, is set to debut April 5, 2020, with a voyage from New Orleans to Memphis.

Heartland and deep South

Along with sister vessels American Queen and American Duchess, the new Countess will sail itineraries in the US heartland and deep South. The first April 2020 to January 2021 season is now open to book.

Rates are slightly lower than the large, historic American Queen steamboat and the boutique, all-suite American Duchess.

American Countess will carry 245 passengers on six- to 15-day itineraries, including its own 'Mighty Mississippi' voyage.

AQSC's David Kelly, EVP of hotel operations and new construction, noted the strong interest in the inaugural season.

Gulf Island construction

Built from the hull of former gaming vessel Kanesville Queen, with a 60-foot mid-body section added, American Countess is under construction at Gulf Island Shipyard in Houma, Louisiana.

American Countess has four decks including a Sun Deck, and 123 modern-style staterooms in four categories.

The new paddlewheeler follows the recent addition of coastal vessels Victory I and Victory II to the AQSC fleet under the Victory Cruise Lines name, alongside flagship American Queen and the boutique paddlewheeler American Duchess sailing Mississippi and Ohio rivers, and American Empress in the Pacific Northwest.