American Duchess

The 2017-built (scrapped in 2024) cruise ship American Duchess was a paddlewheel steamboat.

The vessel (MMSI 367755720) began service for American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC, rebranded as American Queen Voyages/AQV) on August 14, 2017, following a christening ceremony in New Orleans, LA.

This all-suite, 166-passenger riverboat became the USA's first newbuild paddle-wheeler on the Mississippi River.

In September 2016, the company announced plans to expand its fleet with the American Duchess, scheduled for launch in July 2017. However, due to unseasonably high water levels on the Mississippi River, the launch was delayed by six weeks to August 13. The inaugural cruise departed on August 14, with fares starting at USD 1500 per person (double occupancy, Interior Suite).

The hull of the new all-suite ship was repurposed from the former casino ship "Isle of Capri," homeported in Bettendorf, Iowa. The vessel was retrofitted for premium cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The conversion included adding a third deck and a new stern paddlewheel. With a passenger capacity of 166, the vessel featured the largest suites in the US river cruise industry (up to 550 ft² / 51 m²), including the industry’s first-ever Loft Suites (two-level staterooms).

In June 2023, the American Duchess was scheduled to be laid up for a major refit and extensive refurbishment. She was expected to reenter service in 2024 with upgraded facilities and services, along with revamped itineraries.

The ship's previous owner was Hornblower Group Inc. (via Hornblower Cruises and Events).

Following Hornblower Group's bankruptcy filing in February 2024, American Queen Voyages was placed for sale. Hornblower was acquired by Strategic Value Partners and announced reorganization plans to focus on other subsidiaries.

At an auction held in Texas in March 2024, American Cruise Lines (ACL) emerged as the highest bidder and acquired four riverboats—American Duchess (USD 0.2 million), American Empress (USD 1.6 million), American Queen (USD 2.15 million), and American Countess (USD 1.6 million)—along with other AQV assets.

In May 2024, ACL announced that American Countess, American Duchess, and American Queen would be scrapped. American Duchess' AIS signal last transmitted on April 25 at 12:38 UTC, showing the vessel at MARS (Modern American Recycling Service Inc.'s yard) in Houma, Louisiana.

Itinerary

American Duchess’ cruise program featured several overnight port stays and shorter roundtrip itineraries from Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Nashville, TN, New Orleans, and, for the first time, Chicago (embarkation in Ottawa, Illinois).

In addition to the Mississippi River, the ship cruised the Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois rivers. Cruise fares started at approximately USD 3000 per person.

Cabins

All staterooms were suite categories, with sizes ranging from 180 ft² / 17 m² (Interior Suite) to 550 ft² / 51 m² (Owner’s Suite and Loft Suite). Standard cabin amenities included individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV (satellite reception), dark wood wardrobe, dressers with ample drawer space, mini-bar (fridge), personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee maker), binoculars, luxury bath amenities (Clarins toiletries, terry robes, hairdryer), and ample outlets and lighting.

Cabins were furnished and decorated in Victorian style, featuring polished wood, period wallpaper patterns, and framed artwork. Beds offered under-bed storage and luxury bedding. Handicap-accessible cabins were available, though the ship did not offer connecting or family cabins.

Most cabins featured private step-out balconies, each furnished with two wicker chairs and a cocktail table.

American Queen Steamboat Company Cruise Deals

Operated under all-inclusive packages, American Duchess cruise fares included the following:

• All shore excursions (“Steamcoach Tours” via luxury motorcoaches)
• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay
• Soft drinks and bottled water (available throughout the voyage)
• Wines and beers (served at dinner only)
• 24-hour room service (menu included standard breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, macaroni & cheese, fresh salmon, and desserts)
• Wi-Fi Internet
• Pilot House tour (navigation bridge)
• Smoking was prohibited in all cabins and on balconies. The only designated smoking area onboard was the sun deck.

"Commodore Services" was the company’s exclusive package of perks for passengers in LFS-Loft and OS-Owner Suites. These complimentary privileges included:

• Welcome gifts – fruit basket and a bottle of wine
• Suite tour upon arrival
• Priority boarding and dining reservations
• Reserved balcony seating in "The Auditorium" (show lounge), with personal escort to seats
• Private reception with the ship's Captain and Senior Officers
• Personal River Butler
• Assistance with unpacking/packing, laundry, pressing, shoeshine service
• In-suite dining – Afternoon Tea, breakfast and dinner (on the suite's balcony, upon request), pre-dinner canapés, and post-dinner sweets