American Queen Arrives in Memphis for Christening

The Great American Steamboat Company’s American Queen arrived in its home port of Memphis after her first voyage up the Mississippi River since 2008.

Originally built in 1995 by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, the American Queen can accomodate 436-guests.

The U.S.-flagged steamboat was welcomed to the revitalized Beale Street Landing marking the return of overnight cruises on the rivers of America’s heartland and the continuation of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company legacy.

As the American Queen approached downtown Memphis, it was met by the city’s residents and family members of the crew. The Great American Steamboat Company hired over 300 employees from the area, including the steamboat crew, and an economic impact of $89 million is anticipated for the region.

After the christening, the American Queen will depart for her inaugural voyage up the Mississippi River to the Ohio River with stops in Henderson, Ky., Louisville, Ky., and Madison, Ind., before arriving in her disembarkation city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

On May 2 in Louisville, she  will take part in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Great Steamboat Race with the Belle of Louisville and Belle of Cincinnati.

A variety of voyage lengths, ranging from three nights to ten nights, and fares beginning at $995 per guest, are available with little or no flying required.

For more information, visit www.GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com