The leader in United States' overnight river cruising, American Queen Steamboat Company, completed a major milestone on Friday, March 15, in the building of its 245-guest American Countess, the 4th ship in the fleet which kicks off her inaugural season on April 5, next year.
The stern of the vessel was stubbed to the bow and mid-body section at Gulf Island Shipyard in Houma, LA, which was a pivotal construction step completed thirteen months before the christening ceremony of the ship.
The paddle-wheeler used the existing hull of Kanesville Queen, a 1995-built former gaming vessel. The boat was cut in 2 as part of the planned lengthening, via the addition of a 60ft mid-body section. Nearly 150 workers were involved in the project.
American Countess is expected to feature many of the same exciting itineraries as sisterships American Duchess and American Queen. American Countess will soon boast 6- to 15-day itineraries, of which her own “Mighty Mississippi” sailing.
MS Victory I and MS Victory II joined the fleet of American Queen Steamboat Company under Victory Cruise Lines name, alongside flagship American Queen, American Duchess, a 166-passenger boutique paddle-wheeler sailing the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and American Empress sailing in the Pacific Northwest.