The company operating American Queen on Monday, August 14, officially welcomed a 2nd ship to the river, American Duchess, via a christening ceremony along the New Orleans' waterfront.
The daughter of American Queen Steamboat Company chairman John Waggoner, Marissa Applegate, served as godmother for the ship, smashing a bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon against her front railing instead of champagne.
The cruise line bought and rebuilt the ex-casino vessel Isle of Capri and created American Duchess. The conversion included addition of a 3rd deck and a working paddle wheel.
Just like American Queen, the American Duchess river ship will sail on Mississippi between Red Bank and New Orleans. The boat will also cruise on Ohio, Tennessee and Illinois rivers.
Fares start at US$2,999 per person.