The American Queen Steamboat Company revealed details about
the four 550-square-foot loft suites that will be featured on the company's
forthcoming Mississippi River vessel, the all-suite American Duchess.
The 166-passenger luxury paddlewheeler will have five suite
categories, the largest of which will be the owner's suites and the loft suites.
The loft suites will be a first in the North American river
cruise market, according to American Queen Steamboat Company. They will feature
a lower level with a full bathroom, small dining area, and living room area
furnished with a queen sofa bed and desk, along with sliding doors to access a
private balcony. The loft suite's upstairs will be a semi-private bedroom with
a full bathroom and large closet.
The American Duchess will also have deluxe suites at 450
square feet, veranda suites ranging from 240 to 330 square feet and interior
suites ranging from 180 to 220 square feet.
The company announced last month that it plans on launching
the 340-foot American Duchess in June, when it will become the third vessel in
the company's river fleet. The Duchess is a former gaming vessel that was
purchased from parent company HMS Global Maritime in August and that is being
gutted, rebuilt and transformed into an all-suite paddlewheeler.
In addition to the American Duchess, American Queen
Steamboat Company also owns its flagship vessel, the 436-passenger American
Queen (entering its sixth season on the Mississippi this year) and the
223-passenger American Empress, which is entering its third season in the
Pacific Northwest.
The American Duchess is expected to offer a "more
elevated" cruising experience than the two other vessels in the fleet, the
company has said. There will be two dining venues as well as onboard
entertainment. The American Duchess will operate year-round on the upper and
lower Mississippi.
Prices for the American Duchess start at $2,699 per person,
based on double occupancy. Loft suites start at $6,699 for a nine-day sailing.