The American Queen Steamboat Company will launch service with its new American Duchess from New Orleans on Aug. 14, 2017, according to a port statement.

“The American Queen Steamboat Company has led the way in a rebirth of U.S. river cruising as thousands discover our heartland and the Pacific Northwest, served by an award-winning, All-American crew,” said American Queen President and CEO, Ted Sykes. “Demand for more capacity on the Mississippi River has been overwhelming the past two seasons and we look forward to delivering a new boutique all-suite experience and the flexibility of two riverboats sailing between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn.”

Inland riverboat cruising has boomed for the Port of New Orleans in recent years, growing 40 percent in 2016 compared to 2015, as the Port welcomed 21,391 passengers on three homeported paddle wheelers sailing on the Lower Mississippi River, according to a press release from the port.

“Inland river cruising is a growing segment of our cruise portfolio,” said Brandy Christian, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and chair of the American Association of Port Authorities’ Cruise Committee. “The history and charm of our historic city combines with the unique offerings of the Great River Road attractions to make cruising from New Orleans ideal for riverboat passengers.”

Other Louisiana stops on the American Duchess itinerary include the Nottoway Antebellum Mansion in White Castle, the historic district in downtown St. Francisville, and museums and attractions in Baton Rouge.