More cruises coming to the Mississippi

Three new ships launching within one year on the Mississippi River will more than double the market for cruises in Mark Twain territory.

In October, the new French America Line launched its first ship, the 150-passenger Louisiane. Based in New Orleans, it features French cuisine and a French Quarter Lounge devoted to jazz.

Last spring, American Cruise Lines, which already operates the Queen of the Mississippi, launched the paddle wheel ship America, offering 185 passengers free shore excursions, nightly musical entertainment and an onboard historian.

Next spring, the American Queen Steamboat Co. will introduce the 166-passenger American Duchess on the river. It will incorporate two-story “loft suites” and two restaurants serving regional fare.

“We were starved for capacity,” said Ted Sykes, president of the American Queen Steamboat Co., citing 95 percent occupancy on its present Mississippi paddlewheeler, the American Queen.

With the new launches, operators aim to attract new travelers. The American Duchess will offer shorter itineraries out of Nashville and New Orleans designed to appeal to working professionals, and introduce journeys in and out of the Chicago area.

“We’re seeing a transition in travel styles of people who are starting to be interested in the Mississippi,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of CruiseCritic.com.

The Mississippi could roil again when and if Viking Cruises, the biggest European river operator, enters the market. In 2015, it announced its intention to begin Mississippi cruises, only to retract its launch date. Viking wouldn’t comment on its delay, although observers tie it to domestic construction capacity. By law, operators on U.S. rivers must build their boats in the United States.

CONTRIBUTED BY AMERICAN CRUISE LINES Queen of the Mississippi is American Cruise Lines’ 150-passenger paddlewheeler.