American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) completed a milestone this past Friday in the construction of its 245-passenger American Countess, the fourth vessel in AQSC’s fleet, which will begin its inaugural season on April 5, 2020. The stern was stubbed to the bow and mid-body section at the Gulf Island Shipyard in Houma, La. American Countess was originally cut in two as part of her planned lengthening, with the addition of a 60-foot mid-body section from the existing hull of the Kanesville Queen, a former gaming vessel built in 1995. The American Countess will offer many of the same heartland and deep South itineraries as her sisters American Queen and American Duchess.

“Friday was a milestone day in the history of our company,” said David William Kelly, executive vice president of hotel operations and new construction. “We are so thankful to our dedicated team of over 150 skilled employees who have been working around the clock to ready the Countess for its big debut next spring.”

“It’s no secret that American Queen Steamboat Company has led the market in a reignited interest in American riving cruising,” said Kirk Meche, Gulf Island president and chief executive officer. “We are proud of this monumental milestone and look forward to continuing to provide the best in marine manufacturing and construction for the American Countess.”

With four decks, including a Sun Deck, and 123 staterooms in four categories, the American Countess will offer six- to 15-day itineraries, including shore excursions, Broadway-caliber performances and more.

“The American Countess will raise the bar on U.S. river cruising,” said John Waggoner, AQSC’s president and CEO. “We are one step closer to debuting our fourth gem and can’t wait to share more news on dates, itineraries and more in the coming months.”

The M/V Victory I and M/V Victory II recently joined the American Queen Steamboat fleet under the Victory Cruise Lines name, alongside the flagship American Queen, the American Duchess, a 166-guest boutique paddlewheeler sailing the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, and the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest.

Itineraries for the American Countess will go on sale in February 2020, ahead of the inaugural Antebellum South trip on April 5, 2020. For more information, call 888-749-5280 or click on American Queen Steamboat Company