American Countess

The 2020-built (2021-inaugurated, scrapped in 2024) cruise ship American Countess was a newbuild paddlewheel steamboat reconstructed using the hull of MS Kanesville Queen (1995-built paddle-wheeler and casino ship of "Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino and Hotel").

The vessel (MMSI 368048990) was originally scheduled to enter service on April 5, 2020 (inaugural cruise), following a drydock lengthening project by Gulf Island Fabrication Inc at Gulf Island Shipyard in Houma, Louisiana.

The 246-passenger riverboat was the fourth and final vessel in the USA-flagged fleet of American Queen Voyages (formerly AQSC), alongside American Duchess (2017), American Empress (2003), and American Queen (1995).

The lengthening involved cutting the existing hull in two and inserting a 60 ft (18 m) prefabricated midship section. Nearly 150 workers were involved in the reconstruction project.

The vessel’s previous owner was Hornblower Group Inc (via Hornblower Cruises and Events).

After Hornblower Group declared bankruptcy in February 2024, American Queen Voyages was placed for sale. Hornblower was sold to Strategic Value Partners, which announced reorganization plans to focus on its other subsidiaries.

In a Texas-based auction in March 2024, ACL/American Cruise Lines emerged as the highest bidder and acquired four riverboats—American Countess (US$1.6M), American Duchess (US$0.2M), American Empress (US$1.6M), and American Queen (US$2.15M)—along with other AQV assets.

In May 2024, ACL announced that American Countess, American Duchess, and American Queen would be scrapped. American Countess’ AIS last transmitted on May 2 at 13:49 UTC, showing the vessel at MARS (Modern American Recycling Service Inc's yard) in Houma, Louisiana.

Decks and Cabins

American Countess staterooms (123 total) were primarily balcony cabins, excluding 43 Interior cabins. Each veranda featured two wicker chairs and a cocktail table.

Cabin amenities included individually controlled air-conditioning, smart HDTV (with satellite reception), dark wood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), electronic safe (in closet), direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee), binoculars (in-cabin use), Clarins toiletries, terry robes, hairdryer, and abundant outlets and lighting.

Staterooms, like the ship’s public rooms, were styled with Victorian-era decor, featuring polished wood, period wallpaper patterns, framed paintings, and comfortable beds with luxury bedding and under-bed storage.

Handicap/wheelchair-accessible cabins were available. There were no connecting or family cabins.

The vessel had 8 decks, with accommodations on 2 decks. Three elevators (1 aft, 2 forward) serviced decks 1 through 3.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

The American Countess featured classic decor similar to American Queen and American Empress. Complimentary shore excursions were offered at all ports, conducted via the company’s modern motorcoaches providing hop-on-hop-off tours.

Complimentary beverages (local wines and beers) were served with dinner in the main dining room, which also offered open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ship featured a specialty dining venue separate from the main restaurant.

• The Fitness Center was equipped with modern cardio machines (treadmills, bikes), a workout bench, dumbbells, and free weights, all with scenic river views.
• Perks SPA
• The Theater hosted nightly Broadway-style shows and lectures from guest historians focused on American heritage and culture.
• Grand Lobby
• The Grand Dining Room, staffed by an award-winning culinary team, featured refined decor with walnut accents and Italian fabrics. Large windows provided scenic river views.
• The Library
• The Card Room offered a social setting for games and mingling.
• The River Grill offered a more casual atmosphere with its own bar and outdoor terrace seating. It accommodated half the guests of the main dining room.
• Chart Room

The Sun Deck included a Walking Track, shaded seating, and the Pilot House (Navigation Bridge).

Inaugural Itineraries 2020

American Countess cruised on the Ohio and Lower Mississippi Rivers (including tributaries), with various itineraries from Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana, typically lasting 7 days and themed on the Antebellum South and the American Civil War.

Below are the planned 2020 itineraries, which were eventually canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeport departures were at 5 PM; arrivals at 8 AM.

• 7-night New Orleans to Memphis
• 7-night Memphis to Alton
• 7-night Alton to Louisville
• 7-night Louisville to Pittsburgh
• 7-night Pittsburgh to Louisville
• 7-night Louisville to Memphis
• 7-night Alton to Red Wing
• 7-night Red Wing to Alton
• 14-night Red Wing to New Orleans
• 7-night Memphis to Chattanooga
• 7-night Chattanooga to Memphis
• 7-night roundtrip New Orleans
• 5-night roundtrip New Orleans

The Maiden Voyage (March 21–28, 2021) was a 7-day roundtrip from New Orleans, visiting Nottoway Plantation and Natchez.

American Queen Steamboat Company Cruise Deals

American Countess cruise packages were all-inclusive and covered:

• All shore excursions ("Steamcoach Tours")
• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay
• Soft drinks and bottled water throughout the cruise
• Wines and beers with dinner
• 24-hour room service (breakfast fare, sandwiches, burgers, salmon, macaroni & cheese, desserts)
• Wi-Fi Internet
• Pilot House tour
• Smoking was prohibited inside cabins and on balconies; allowed only on the Sun Deck.

"Commodore Services" offered exclusive perks for guests in LFS-Loft and OS-Owner Suites, including:

• Welcome gifts (fruit basket, wine bottle)
• Suite tour
• Priority boarding and dining
• Reserved balcony seating in the Theater with personal escort
• Private reception with the Captain and Senior Officers
• Personal River Butler
• Unpacking/packing assistance, laundry, pressing, shoeshine
• In-cabin dining services (Afternoon Tea, meals on the balcony, canapés, desserts)