Cruise News - Maritime News

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 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.

American Queen Steamboat Company

American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) is the operator of the U.S. flagged American Queen, the largest, most opulent riverboat in the world.  Longer than a football field, towering six decks in height and laced with fanciful gingerbread trim, she is a marvel of modern engineering. Her journeys through the heartland offer a unique perspective on America’s history, culture and landscape with convenient departures from some of America’s most iconic river port cities including Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis and Minneapolis. In April 2014, AQSC began serving the Pacific Northwest with the opulence and grandeur of the American Empress and added the American Duchess to the Mississippi River in August 2017.  

Victory Cruise Lines

New Albany-based Victory Cruise Lines operates Victory I and Victory II, identical 202-passenger ships, and has a new build 180-passenger vessel, the Ocean Victory, on order for 2021. Victory Cruise Lines operates all-inclusive cruises to Canada, the Great Lakes and New England. For more information about Victory Cruise Lines, contact a travel agent or visit www.victorycruiselines.com.