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Cruise: New Orleans, Tampa

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American Duchess, American Queen Steamboat Company’s Latest Riverboat, to Launch Aug. 14 from New Orleans

The American Queen Steamboat Company’s new American Duchess will be offering multi-day Mississippi River cruises from the Port of New Orleans beginning August 14. That will follow by a day its christening as the latest addition to a fleet of paddle wheelers that that also includes the American Queen and American Empress.

The all-suite, 166-guest American Duchess features suites ranging from 250 square feet to 550-square-foot loft suites. Two dining venues offer open seating and regionally inspired cuisine.

Other Louisiana stops on the American Duchess itinerary include the Nottoway Antebellum Mansion in White Castle, the historic district in downtown St. Francisville, and museums and attractions in Baton Rouge.

"The American Queen Steamboat Company has led the way in a rebirth of U.S. river cruising as thousands discover our heartland and the Pacific Northwest, served by an award-winning, All-American crew," said Ted Sykes, the steamboat company’s president and CEO. "Demand for more capacity on the Mississippi River has been overwhelming the past two seasons and we look forward to delivering a new boutique all-suite experience and the flexibility of two riverboats sailing between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn."

Inland riverboat cruising has boomed for New Orleans, which last year welcomed 21,391 passengers sailing the Lower Mississippi on three homeported paddle wheelers.

"Inland river cruising is a growing segment of our cruise portfolio," said Brandy Christian, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and chair of the AAPA Cruise Committee. "The history and charm of our historic city combines with the unique offerings of the Great River Road attractions to make cruising from New Orleans ideal for riverboat passengers."


American Duchess, American Queen Steamboat Company’s Latest Riverboat, will be home-ported in New Orleans beginning this August.
Photo/American Queen Steamship Company

Empress of the Seas Will Return to Tampa Bay for Summer 2018

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has decided to return Empress of the Seas to Port Tampa Bay for a season of summer cruises in 2018.

This April 30, the 2,070-passenger capacity cruise liner began sailing during the summer season for the first time from Tampa on itineraries that include visits to Havana, Cuba. This year it will have 42 homeport calls from the Florida West Coast port city.

RCI’s decision was prompted by positive feedback from guests sailing to Cuba on that inaugural voyage. In summer 2018, Empress of the Seas will offer a series of four- and five-night cruises to Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Havana.

"Today’s announcement to continue summer cruises to Cuba from Tampa through 2018 is a big feather in our cap, not only for the port but for all of Tampa Bay, which is a major gateway to the Western Caribbean," said Port Authority President Paul Anderson. "We are delighted to work with our partners at Royal Caribbean International for many years to come."


RCI’s Empress of the Seas will be returning to Tampa for a second summer in 2018
Photo/Port Tampa Bay

 

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