American Duchess
Former names: Bettendorf Capri (casino boat), Isle of Capri
Cruise line
American Queen Voyages
American Duchess current position
American Duchess current location is at Gulf of Mexico (coordinates 29.94924 N / -90.02524 W) cruising en route to NEW ORLEANS. The AIS position was reported 3 minutes ago.
All Itineraries Current PositionCurrent itinerary of American Duchess
American Duchess current cruise is 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans. Prices start from USD 2599 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 19 Mar, 2023 and ends on 26 Mar, 2023.
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
19 Mar | Departing from Memphis TN, Tennessee hotels |
19 Mar | Memphis TN, Tennessee |
20 Mar | Terrene Landing MS, Mississippi |
21 Mar | Vicksburg MS, Mississippi |
22 Mar | Natchez MS, Mississippi |
23 Mar | St Francisville LA, Louisiana |
24 Mar | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
25 Mar | Nottoway Plantation, Louisiana |
26 Mar | Arriving in New Orleans, Port NOLA, Louisiana hotels |
Specifications of American Duchess
Year of build | 2017 / Age: 6 |
Flag state | USA |
Builder | Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Whidbey Island WA) |
Class | paddle-wheel steamboat |
Speed | 12 kn / 22 km/h / 14 mph |
Length (LOA) | 104 m / 341 ft |
Beam (width) | 30 m / 98 ft |
Gross Tonnage | 3560 gt |
Passengers | 166 |
Crew | 90 |
Decks | 4 |
Cabins | 83 |
Decks with cabins | 2 |
Last Refurbishment | 2023 |
Former names | Bettendorf Capri (casino boat), Isle of Capri |
Christened by | Marissa Applegate |
Owner | Hornblower Group Inc (via Hornblower Cruises and Events) |
Operator | American Queen Voyages |
American Duchess Itineraries
Date | Itinerary | Departure Port | Price from |
---|---|---|---|
2023 Feb 26 | 7 days, round-trip 8 Night Roundtrip New Orleans Cruise and Land Tour | New Orleans | |
2023 Mar 05 | 7 days, round-trip 8 Night Roundtrip New Orleans Cruise and Land Tour | New Orleans | $2599 |
2023 Mar 12 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2599 |
2023 Mar 19 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2599 |
2023 Mar 26 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2599 |
2023 Apr 02 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2899 |
2023 Apr 09 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2899 |
2023 Apr 16 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2899 |
2023 Apr 23 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2899 |
2023 Apr 30 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2899 |
2023 May 07 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2899 |
2023 May 14 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2899 |
2023 May 21 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2899 |
2023 May 28 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2899 |
2023 Jun 04 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2899 |
2023 Jun 11 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | |
2023 Jun 18 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | |
2023 Jun 25 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to Louisville KY | Memphis TN | |
2023 Jul 02 | 7 days, one-way from Louisville KY to Pittsburgh PA | Louisville KY | |
2023 Jul 09 | 7 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to Louisville KY | Pittsburgh PA | |
2023 Jul 16 | 7 days, one-way from Louisville KY to Pittsburgh PA | Louisville KY | |
2023 Jul 23 | 7 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to Louisville KY | Pittsburgh PA | |
2023 Jul 30 | 7 days, one-way from Louisville KY to Nashville TN | Louisville KY | |
2023 Aug 06 | 7 days, one-way from Nashville TN to Alton IL | Nashville TN | |
2023 Aug 13 | 6 days, one-way from St Louis MO to Red Wing MN | St Louis MO | |
2023 Aug 20 | 7 days, one-way from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Alton IL | Minneapolis-Saint Paul | |
2023 Aug 27 | 6 days, one-way from St Louis MO to Red Wing MN | St Louis MO | |
2023 Sep 03 | 7 days, one-way from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Alton IL | Minneapolis-Saint Paul | |
2023 Sep 10 | 6 days, one-way from St Louis MO to Red Wing MN | St Louis MO | |
2023 Sep 17 | 14 days, one-way from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to New Orleans | Minneapolis-Saint Paul | |
2023 Oct 01 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | |
2023 Oct 08 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to Louisville KY | Memphis TN | |
2023 Oct 15 | 7 days, one-way from Louisville KY to Pittsburgh PA | Louisville KY | |
2023 Oct 22 | 7 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to Louisville KY | Pittsburgh PA | |
2023 Oct 29 | 7 days, one-way from Louisville KY to Memphis TN | Louisville KY | |
2023 Nov 05 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | |
2023 Nov 12 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | |
2023 Nov 19 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | |
2023 Nov 26 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | |
2023 Dec 03 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | |
2023 Dec 10 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | |
2023 Dec 17 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | |
2023 Dec 24 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | |
2023 Dec 31 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | |
2024 Mar 05 | 6 days, round-trip 7 Night Roundtrip New Orleans Cruise and Land Tour | New Orleans | $1999 |
2024 Mar 05 | 7 days, round-trip 8 Night Roundtrip New Orleans Cruise and Land Tour | New Orleans | $1999 |
2024 Mar 12 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2299 |
2024 Mar 19 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2299 |
2024 Mar 26 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $1999 |
2024 Apr 02 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $3599 |
2024 Apr 09 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $3599 |
2024 Apr 16 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to Nashville TN | Memphis TN | $2799 |
2024 Apr 23 | 7 days, one-way from Nashville TN to Cincinnati OH | Nashville TN | $1999 |
2024 Apr 30 | 7 days, round-trip 8 Night Roundtrip Cincinnati Cruise and Land Tour | Cincinnati OH | $4799 |
2024 May 07 | 7 days, one-way from Cincinnati OH to Memphis TN | Cincinnati OH | $2299 |
2024 May 07 | 7 days, one-way from Cincinnati OH to Pittsburgh PA | Cincinnati OH | $2299 |
2024 May 14 | 7 days, one-way from Pittsburgh PA to Louisville KY | Pittsburgh PA | $2799 |
2024 May 21 | 7 days, one-way from Louisville KY to Memphis TN | Louisville KY | $1999 |
2024 May 28 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $3599 |
2024 Jun 04 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Jun 11 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2799 |
2024 Jun 18 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Jun 25 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to Alton IL | Memphis TN | $5599 |
2024 Jul 02 | 6 days, one-way from St Louis MO to Red Wing MN | St Louis MO | $5599 |
2024 Jul 09 | 6 days, one-way from St Louis MO to Red Wing MN | St Louis MO | $2299 |
2024 Jul 09 | 7 days, one-way from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Alton IL | Minneapolis-Saint Paul | $5599 |
2024 Jul 16 | 7 days, one-way from St Louis MO to Minneapolis-Saint Paul | St Louis MO | $5599 |
2024 Jul 23 | 14 days, one-way from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to New Orleans | Minneapolis-Saint Paul | $11199 |
2024 Aug 06 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Aug 13 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2799 |
2024 Aug 20 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Aug 27 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $1999 |
2024 Sep 03 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $3599 |
2024 Sep 10 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $3599 |
2024 Sep 17 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $3599 |
2024 Sep 24 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $3599 |
2024 Oct 01 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $3599 |
2024 Oct 08 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to Chattanooga TN | Memphis TN | $3599 |
2024 Oct 08 | 10 days, one-way from Memphis TN to Chattanooga TN | Memphis TN | $3599 |
2024 Oct 19 | 7 days, one-way from Chattanooga TN to Memphis TN | Chattanooga TN | $3599 |
2024 Oct 20 | 9 days, one-way from Chattanooga TN to Memphis TN | Chattanooga TN | $3599 |
2024 Oct 29 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to Nashville TN | Memphis TN | $2799 |
2024 Nov 05 | 7 days, one-way from Nashville TN to Memphis TN | Nashville TN | $2799 |
2024 Nov 12 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2799 |
2024 Nov 19 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $1999 |
2024 Nov 26 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2799 |
2024 Dec 03 | 7 days, round-trip 8 Night Roundtrip New Orleans Cruise and Land Tour | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Dec 03 | 4 days, round-trip 5 Night Roundtrip New Orleans Cruise and Land Tour | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Dec 10 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Dec 17 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2799 |
2024 Dec 24 | 7 days, one-way from New Orleans to Memphis TN | New Orleans | $2799 |
2024 Dec 31 | 7 days, one-way from Memphis TN to New Orleans | Memphis TN | $2799 |
American Duchess Review
Review of American Duchess
American Duchess cruise ship is a paddlewheel steamboat. The vessel started operations for American Queen Steamboat Company (now American Queen Voyages) in 2017 (August 14), following the christening ceremony in New Orleans. The all-suite, 166-passenger riverboat became USA's first newbuild paddle-wheeler on Mississippi River.
In September 2016, the company announced a fleet expansion with a new ship (American Duchess), scheduled for launch in July 2017. However, due to Mississippi's unseasonably high water levels, the launch was pushed back 6 weeks to August 13. The inaugural cruise was on August 14, with prices starting from USD 1500 pp (double-occupancy Interior Suite rates).
For the new all-suite ship was used the hull of a former casino ship ("Isle of Capri") homeported in Bettendorf (Iowa USA). The casino boat was retrofitted for premium cruises on Mississippi River and its tributaries. Ship conversion included adding a new (3rd) deck and a new stern paddlewheel. The vessel has capacity 166 passengers and features the largest US river cruise industry's suites (sized up to 550 ft2 / 51 m2). The ship also features the river travel industry's ever first Loft Suites (2-level staterooms).
In June 2023, American Duchess is scheduled to be laid up/out of service for a major refit and extensive refurbishment. The boat will reenter service in 2024 with upgraded facilities and services (details to be announced soon) and revamped itineraries.
Itinerary
American Duchess cruise itinerary program offers several overnight port stays and shorter roundtrip itineraries from Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Nashville TN and New Orleans, and also (for the first time) from Chicago (Ottawa, Illinois).
In addition to Mississippi, the riverboat cruises on Ohio, Tennessee and Illinois rivers. Cruise fares start from around USD 3000 pp.
Cabins
Staterooms (all in suite categories) as sizes range between 180 ft2 / 17 m2 (Interior Suite) and 550 ft2 / 51 m2 (Owners Suite and Loft Suite). All cabins offer as standard amenities individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception), dark wood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), personal safe, direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hairdryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.
Staterooms are decorated and equipped with Victorian-style antiques and reproductions. All cabins as decoration feature polished wood, Victorian-era wallpaper patterns, framed paintings. Beds are comfortable, with ample under-bed storage space, luxury bedding sets. Handicap / wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are also available. The ship has no connecting or family cabins.
Most cabins are with private step-out balconies. Each cabin veranda is equipped with 2 wicker chairs and 1 cocktail table.
American Queen Steamboat Company cruise deals
Operated with all-inclusive cruise packages, American Duchess cruise tour deals are inclusive of:
- all shore excursions (“Steamcoach Tours” by luxury motorcoaches)
- 1-night pre-cruise hotel package
- soft drinks and bottled water (offered throughout the voyage)
- wines and beers (offered at dinner only)
- 24-hour room service (menu has the standard for breakfasts fare, plus sandwiches, burgers, macaroni & cheese, fresh salmon, desserts)
- Wi-Fi Internet
- Pilot House tour (of the ship's Navigation Bridge).
- Smoking inside the cabin and on the balcony is forbidden. The only smoking-allowed area on the ship is the sun deck.
"Commodore Services" is the company's set of exclusive services reserved for American Duchess cruise passengers booking categories LFS-Loft and OS-Owner suites. The list of bonus perks (price-inclusive / complimentary privileges) includes:
- gifts (upon arrival) - fruit basket and a bottle of wine
- suite tour (upon arrival)
- priority boarding and dining arrangements
- reserved balcony seating in "The Auditorium" (boat's theatre/show lounge), with a personal escort to the reserved seats
- private reception party with the ship's Captain and Senior Officers
- personal River Butler
- unpacking, hanging the clothes in the closet, packing, laundry, pressing service, shoeshine (conditioning)
- in-cabin dining - Afternoon Tea service, Breakfast and Dinner service (on the suite's balcony, upon request), pre-dinner canapes, post-dinner sweets).
American Duchess - user reviews and comments
American Duchess ship related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
American Queen Voyages 2024 season's new routes & itineraries
AQV-American Queen Voyages released its 2024 season, marking the furthest in advance a cruise season has opened for reservations in the 10-year...
December 17, 2021 - Cruise Industry
The only fully COVID-vaccinated US river cruise line is AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced that its passengers will no longer be required to wear masks onboard or receive pre-cruise COVID...
July 4, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company restarts on June 14 aboard American Empress
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced that its American Empress ship, sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers, would restart operations on...
May 10, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines announce Spring Sale for 2022
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines announced a Spring Sale for 2022 where passengers can save up to US$2,000 per...
May 8, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company christens its newest ship, American Countess
A year after the pandemic canceled the debut of AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company's 4th paddle-wheeler riverboat American Countess, godmother...
March 22, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company music-themed cruises 2021 with Lee Greenwood
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced that country music legend Lee Greenwood would perform on 6 music-themed cruises during season 2021...
March 14, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announces 2021 Special Edition Voyages
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced its 2021 Special Edition Voyages. With itineraries featuring exceptional cruise programming aboard...
November 9, 2020 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announces itineraries for 2021 cruise season
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company continues to chart unique routes on the USA’s rivers, inviting travelers to explore the country's history...
September 12, 2020 - Cruise Industry
US river lines push back plans to resume cruises
USA's river cruise companies continue to push back plans to resume sailings. On Tuesday, June 30, AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company said its...
July 2, 2020 - Cruise Industry
American Queen Steamboat Company resumes sailings on July 20
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced its new timeline for restarting domestic river sailings. While the line's American Duchess is due to...
June 19, 2020 - show more news
Other American Queen Voyages cruise ships
American Duchess Wiki
The casino ship MS Isle of Capri was bought from "Isle of Capri Casinos Inc" in August 2016. The vessel had MMSI 367020470, length 85 m (280 ft), width 30 m (87 ft).
American Duchess riverboat's launch was delayed by 6 weeks, resulting in changes in the ship's 2017 cruise schedule. The completely renovated riverboat was launched on August 13 (2017) instead of the pre-scheduled July 1. Several of its summer 2017 Inaugural itineraries were affected.
Marissa Applegate served as the ship's Godmother. She is the daughter of the cruise company's Chairman John Waggoner. The christening ceremony was on August 14, 2017, held in New Orleans. Highlights of the naming ceremony included a bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon (instead of the traditional Champagne) and live performances by local musicians. The special event was led by godmother Marissa Applegate (daughter of John Waggoner - the Steamboat Company's Chairman).
The Inaugural Cruise (23-days Mississippi River itinerary, August 13 - September 4) was from New Orleans (Louisiana) to Red Wing (Minnesota). Prices started from USD 7300 pp (double occupancy Interior Suite rates), inclusive of a 1-night Boutique Hotel in New Orleans. The maiden voyage's ports of call were New Orleans LA (overnight hotel stay), Nottoway LA, Francisville LA, Natchez MS, Vicksburg MS, Greenville MS, Memphis TN, Ashport Landing TN, New Madrid MO, Paducah KY, Cape Girardeau MO, Chester IL, St Louis MO, Clinton IA, Dubuque IA, La Crosse WI, and Red Wing MN (overnight onboard stay).
The vessel is a retrofitted (functioning) paddle-wheeler that cost USD 2 million. Additionally, AQSC paid nearly USD 3 million for steel alone, building the hull from the ground up. Also new is the boat's propulsion.
Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.