NEW ALBANY, IN — American Queen Steamboat Company has christened the American Countess ahead of its maiden voyage on March 28, 2021.

The christening ceremony took place on March 21 in New Orleans, less than a week after American Duchess returned to service with reduced guest capacity on March 15 on the Mississippi River. The American Empress and flagship American Queen will sail later this year.

Lengthened by 60 feet, the American Countess underwent a total renovation in Los Angeles and now boasts a contemporary design featuring plenty of open space for gatherings. Highlights include 80-foot panoramic views at the portside bar, a Sun Deck, and 123 staterooms in four categories. 

“As we celebrate the grand debut of the American Countess, I could not be more appreciative of the incredible team that made it possible,” said John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “We listened to our returning guests’ feedback on what they would like to see in a new riverboat and created a contemporary American masterpiece that guests are eager to experience.”

Angie Hack, Waggoner’s daughter, was named the American Countess’ godmother and christened the vessel with a bottle of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, a signature AQSC tradition. In its debut following the christening, American Queen Steamboat Company is hosting an abbreviated VIP cruise aboard the American Countess on March 21-28, 2021 from New Orleans, sailing northward along the Mississippi River and stopping in Nottoway and Natchez. 

Following the christening and preview cruise, the American Countess will begin its maiden voyage revenue cruise on March 28, 2021, sailing from Memphis to New Orleans. This journey showcases the diversity of the Lower Mississippi River on an eight-day sailing beginning with a stop at the Port of the Mississippi Delta and continuing down the river to Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge and the AQSC exclusive port stop at Nottoway Plantation before arriving in New Orleans. 

American Queen Steamboat Company resumed operations with newly enacted health and safety protocols that include, but are not limited to, mask mandates in all public areas where social distancing is not possible and 100% testing of all guests and crew. In early February, the cruise line also announced mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all guests and crew that will go into effect for all sailings beginning July 1, 2021. 

To view AQSC’s health and safety fact sheet click here.