Next summer, the American Queen Steamboat Company will add a third steamship to its river fleet, the 340-foot American Duchess. The former gaming vessel will be converted into the 166-passenger, all-suite Duchess. The four-deck, 83-suite ship will include three 550-square-foot owner’s suites, four 550-square-foot loft suites, 450-square-foot deluxe suites, 240- to 330-square-foot outside veranda suites, and 180- 200-square-foot interior staterooms. There will be two onboard dining venues that will be included in the cruise fare, along with beer and wine at dinner, onboard entertainment, and shore excursions. The Grand Dining Room will feature an open seating arrangement and can accommodate all passengers.

Upon launch, the American Duchess will operate year-round on the Mississippi River, including voyages out of Nashville and Memphis to New Orleans, St. Louis, and Ottawa. For the first time, the new vessel will overnight in Nashville. Bookings for the 2017 season began last month.