American Duchess: A Classic Paddlewheel River Cruise

Five-star cuisine. Astonishing scenery. And spacious suites, some of them loft-style rooms that measure a full 550 square feet.

The American Duchess is the most elegant paddlewheel ship around, an architectural masterpiece that cruises some of the most scenic and historic rivers in the United States.

The ship, cleverly created from a 1995 hull, was completely reconstructed to become one of the most luxurious river cruising vessels in the U.S. and features single-seat main dining and entertainment venues, soaring ceilings and all the features guests have come to expect on other American Queen Steamboat Company cruises.

As the first all-suite paddlewheeler in the US, the American Duchess offers guests large accommodations, vaulted ceilings, fine dining options, beautiful decks for strolling and luxury amenities.

Folks on board can enjoy Broadway-calibre entertainment and will be pampered by a staff of courteous employees. They also have enrichment programs, featuring experts in a variety of fields, as well as wonderful, guided shore excursions to check out beautiful and historic sites along the way.

You’ll enjoy hearing from noted speakers who offer astounding insights on the culture and heritage of America's heartland and the deep South. Relive a tale from Mark Twain for an enchanted evening and you will retire to your room convinced that you've just had a conversation with history.

The gracious Grand Dining room has a single-seating schedule and features fabulous, five-star cuisine that blends classic culinary traditions with local flavours from the area the ship is visiting. Think of it as farm-to-table cuisine, but on a ship that’s sliding along a majestic river.

Furnished with a refined decor of extravagant, custom Italian fabrics and rich walnut accents, you will enjoy tantalizing meals morning, noon and night in this exquisite venue. Sweeping windows reveal a gorgeous backdrop of river views to further enhance the glory of your dining experience.

Guests will find a more relaxed atmosphere at The River Club and Terrace, which can host more than 80 guests who wish to dine at their own pace. Its lofty feel and classy decor of hand-blown Murano glass, along with an open-view kitchen and double-sided bar, sets the tone for the splendid dining and delightful cocktails.

The suites range from 180 sq. ft to a whopping 550 sq. ft., which allows guests to relax in some of the largest accommodations on the rivers. Perhaps the most unique feature of the American Duchess are her Loft Suites; split-level affairs that feature a lower level bathroom, dining area, a lounge section furnished with both a queen sofa-bed and desk area, along with sliding doors to access a private balcony. If that’s not enough, the upstairs loft area is a tranquil retreat with a semi-private bedroom, a full bathroom and plenty of closet space. That makes it ideal for folks who want a little more space on their river cruise, or for small families.

The American Duchess offers a contemporary gym and range of amenities so you can keep your workout routine, even while you're cruising. Look for modern cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills and static bicycles in their fitness centre. Or work your muscles with their workout bench and free weights

Most voyages include a boutique hotel stay prior to the trip, including breakfast, taxes, porterage and vessel transfer.

Passengers who want to treat themselves can try the Commodore Services, featuring ultimate luxury and top-quality services. Guests holding reservations for Owner's Suite and Loft Suite accommodations will receive their exclusive Commodore Services, an elite level of hospitality and amenities reserved for guests of these specific American Duchess suites. (OS and LFS category accommodations)

• Pre-boarding privileges (one hour earlier than standard)
• Fruit basket and bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival
• Preferred dining arrangements
• Reserved seating in The Show Lounge theater
• Dinner with Senior Officers of the American Duchess

In addition to Commodore Services hospitality and amenities, guests of our Owner's Suites and Loft Suites will also receive the services of a friendly River Butler. (OS and LFS category accommodations)

• Tour of your suite upon arrival
• Unpacking of luggage and hanging of clothes
• Preparation and packing of luggage
• Laundry and pressing service
• Shoe shine and conditioning
• Afternoon tea served in your suite
• Breakfast and dinner served on balcony/veranda (upon request)
• In-suite pre-dinner canapés
• In-suite post-dinner sweets
• Personal escort to reserved seating in The Show Lounge theater

Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made river cruising a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. One voyage and you’ll see why.

American Queen Steamboat Company is strongly committed to preserving the marine environment and continually strives to do our part in keeping America’s waterways clean.