The 166-passenger American Duchess is the most elegant paddle wheeler on U.S. rivers. She is a floating, intimate masterpiece that carries guests through America’s heartland. The riverboat, created from a 1995 hull, was completely reconstructed to become one of the most luxurious river cruise boats in the country, featuring open-seating dining, upscale décor, soaring ceilings and the exceptional service that guests have come to expect on any American Queen Steamboat Company river cruise.
Spacious luxury awaits aboard the floating masterpiece that is the American Duchess. This boutique-style riverboat offers exquisite dining, beautiful decks and exceptional amenities. Her suites range from 180 to 550 square feet, allowing guests to stay in some of the largest accommodations on the rivers. Unique to the American Duchess are her Loft Suites, which feature two stories enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows, two full bathrooms, a comfortable dining area, a beautiful lounge with a queen sofa-bed, a private balcony and an upstairs bedroom.
Courteous staff and opulent furnishings welcome you aboard. Stop by The Grand Dining Room or The River Club & Terrace for delicious, fresh culinary delights, and enjoy world-class entertainment each night in The Show Lounge. Make plans to spend your evenings aboard the American Duchess enjoying nightly river cruise entertainment.
Live entertainers will bring down the house in The Show Lounge. Catch world-class performances, relive a historic moment or hear a famous Mississippi River tale initially told by Mark Twain. Come back night after night for unmatched entertainment you’ll always remember! Each magical evening, the lights dim, the curtains open and our talented performers offer you a show worthy of Broadway.
Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady epitomizes the grace and grandeur that have made cruising on the Mississippi River a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. One voyage on the American Duchess, and you’ll see why.
Lounges
The American Duchess offers several relaxing venues for socializing with fellow, like-minded passengers or simply gazing at the passing scenery. The Grand Lobby & Bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail prior to an evening’s show in The Show Lounge. The Show Lounge features Broadway-caliber entertainment. Relive a historical moment or hear a famous river tale originally told by Mark Twain. The River Club & Terrace is located in the rear of the ship near the paddlewheel and provides excellent views of the Mississippi River.
Dining
Dining aboard the American Duchess is an elevated, Epicurean affair that pleases the palate and warms the soul. Savor each succulent bite, swirl and sip amidst the rich ambiance of The Grand Dining Room. Furnished with a refined decor of extravagant, custom Italian fabrics and rich walnut accents, you will enjoy tantalizing meals morning, noon and night in this exquisite venue which comfortably accommodates all guests. Equally decadent with a more intimate experience is our alternative venue, the River Club & Terrace. Its lofty feel and classy decor of hand-blown Murano glass, along with an open-view kitchen and double-sided bar, sets the tone for the splendid dining and delightful cocktails.
American Duchess Details
Welcome to your home aboard the luxurious American Duchess, where you can relax in a lavish atmosphere brimming with the finest amenities. Premium linens and plush bedding will ensure that you are well-rested to fully enjoy all-included shore excursions, historical lectures, and nightly entertainment. Each elegant accommodation boasts a flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker and a safe, for your comfort and convenience.
Commodore Services
Guests holding reservations for suite-level accommodations will receive American Queen Steamboat Company’s exclusive Commodore Services. This elite-level of service includes pre-boarding privileges, a fruit basket and bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival, preferred dining arrangements, reserved balcony seating in Th Show Lounge, and a private reception with Senior Officers of the American Duchess.
Guests of Owner’s Suites and Loft Suites will also receive the services of a friendly River Butler. River Butler services include a warm welcome with a tour of your suite, unpacking of luggage and hanging of clothes, preparation and packing of luggage, laundry and pressing service, shoeshine and conditioning, afternoon tea served in your suite, breakfast and dinner served on your private veranda upon request, in-suite pre-dinner canapés, and in-suite post-dinner sweets and a personal escort to reserved balcony seating in The Show Lounge. River Butler service is limited to suite categories OS and LFS.
| Category | Description | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| OS | These two-room Owner's Suites with Private Veranda feature sliding glass doors, accessible from both the bedroom and lounge areas. Step out onto your expansive private balcony to unwind and take in the beauty of riverside America. Adorned with an intimate interior lounging area amply furnished with a full-size sofa-bed, cocktail tables and a desk, these lavish suites can accommodate up to four guests, and they epitomize luxurious river cruising. These suites boast every essential modern amenity while providing the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. You will relish the many exclusive benefits of our Commodore Services while being well attended to by your personal River Butler.
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| LFS | These spacious, elegant Loft Suites with Private Balcony are your new home away from home. The lower level features a full bathroom, small dining area, a beautiful lounge section furnished with a full-size sofa-bed and desk area, along with sliding doors to access your private balcony where you can unwind and take in the majestic, riverside scenery. Ascend the stairs to the upper level of the loft and you will discover a tranquil retreat with its semi-private bedroom, a full bathroom, and plentiful closet space. A large picture window in front of the staircase affords river views from the upper-level bedroom. These expansive suites accommodate a variety of travel needs and are the ideal choice for family and friends vacationing together. Boasting every essential modern amenity while providing the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, you will relish the many exclusive benefits of our Commodore Services® while being well attended to by your personal river butler.
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| DS | These 2-room Deluxe Suites with Private Balcony give you the feeling of a fine estate home. Upon entry, you will discover a lounge area with half bath, a full-size sofa-bed, and a small desk area. Off of the lounge, you will enter your private bedroom complete with a full bath, plentiful closet space and sliding doors to your private balcony. Indulge in a soothing soak in your tub and then retire to your cozy armchair, prop your feet up and read through the River Times, our daily program, to discover the delights that await you.
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| VS | These Veranda Suites with Private Balcony offer the perfect respite from a busy day on the river. Settle in at your desk or relax on the couch, slide open the doors to your private balcony, and peacefully watch the river banks of America's heartland drift by. Enjoy the finest amenities in these luxurious accommodations, featuring generous closet space and a full bathroom.
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| IS | In these Inside Staterooms, and surrounded by every modern convenience, you will find your cares disappear within moments of entering our welcoming Interior Staterooms. These tranquil retreats provide plenty of personal space for you to comfortably move about and feel right at home on the river. Enjoy special touches such as ample closet space and a writing desk.
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| Specification | Information |
|---|---|
| Built | 1995 (Hull); 2017 (Superstructure) at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Whidbey Island WA) |
| Last Refurbished | 2019 |
| Former Names | Bettendorf Capri (casino boat), Isle of Capri |
| Guests | 166 |
| Cabins | 83 |
| Crew | 83 |
| Tonnage (gross tons) | 3560 |
| Length (feet) | 320 |
| Width (Beam) (feet) | 98 |
| Depth (feet) | N/A |
| Speed (knots) | 12 |
| Registry | United States |
| Elevator | Yes |
| Accessible Cabins | Yes |
