NEW ALBANY — American Queen Steamboat Company has released its 2019 deluxe brochure, featuring 100 full-colour pages and a comprehensive overview of river cruise offerings in the United States.

Now in its eight season, the U.S.-flagged cruise line comprises three ships that were inspired by the great steamboats of the 19th century: American Queen, American Empress, and American Duchess. These ships will embark on a variety of itineraries in 2019, sailing along the mighty Mississippi to such beloved destinations as Nashville, Chicago and more.

“Our new brochure vividly captures the authentic American experience we provide to our guests that has no equal in terms of cuisine, hospitality, extraordinary entertainment, and unique experiences ashore,” shares American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted L. Sykes. “After our record setting 2017 season we’re excited to move full steam ahead as we welcome back many returning guests and share our experience with others for the very first time.”

Highlights of the 2019 season include:

• Mighty Mississippi cruises give guests the best chance to experience the most storied river in America. With 16- and 23-day cruises covering the length of the Mississippi from Red Wing, MN to New Orleans, guests will be transported back in time. Stops in storied river ports like Natchez, MS, Hannibal, MO, Memphis, TN, St. Louis, MO, and Paducah, KY provide excitement and give guests the opportunity to explore some of the most vibrant ports in America.
• New itineraries on the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers as well as on the Upper Mississippi River including stops in Pittsburgh, PA, one of the grandest river towns in the country. Other new itineraries include Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN, Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA and vice versa, and Nashville, TN to Chattanooga, TN and vice versa.
• Racing on the River theme cruise on the American Duchess offers guests the chance to experience the heritage of small town America. Themed racing events include a five-kilometre run in Augusta, Kentucky, and watching a horse race at the famed track at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

The all-new luxury paddlewheeler American Duchess can carry up to 166 guests and offers 46 sailings in 2019, with new stops and overnights in ports like Nashville and Chicago.

American Empress, the largest and most elegant riverboat west of the Mississippi, carries 223 guests and will embark on its sixth season sailing the Pacific Northwest beginning March 3, 2019. It will offer 38 departure dates sailing between Portland/Vancouver, Wash., and Clarkston, Wash., and feature stops along the Columbia and Snake Rivers such as Multnomah Falls, Mt., St. Helens and the Walla Walla Wine Trail.

Embarking on its eight season on Feb. 17, 2019, the American Queen will offer 43 itineraries next year, with each voyage steeped in history. Highlights include pre-cruise hotel stays in New Orleans and tracing the steps of Mark Twain in Hannibal, MO.

Nine-day sailings on the American Queen start at US$2,099, while American Empress fare begin at $2,099. American Duchess fares start at $2,399. All nine-day journeys include a one-night, pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.

For more details go to AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com.