Marissa Applegate Named Godmother of American Queen Steamboat Company's American Duchess

The American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of the most opulent riverboats in the world, announces Marissa Applegate as the godmother of the all-suite American Duchess. Marissa, who is the daughter of company Chairman John Waggoner, will name her in a christening ceremony in New Orleans on August 14. Highlights of the festivities will include performances by local musicians and a bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon crashing against the bow.

“It is an honor to name my daughter Marissa as godmother of the American Duchess, following in Claudette’s footsteps, my wife, who christened the American Empress just a few short years ago in Portland,” shared Chairman John Waggoner. “The entire American Queen Steamboat Company team is our family and we are so proud to carry on the rich legacy of U.S river cruising.”

The 166-guest American Duchess, the third vessel of the riverboat company, follows in the pedigree of the line’s namesake American Queen, sailing the mighty Mississippi and her tributaries. New for the line, the American Duchess will offer overnight stays in port including the heart of Nashville as well as shorter roundtrip itineraries from the “Music City” and New Orleans. For added convenience, guests can also enjoy departures from Chicago (Ottawa, Il.) for the first time.

As the middle daughter of John Waggoner, Marissa works as a registered nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where she lives with her family. Marissa and her father have a longstanding tradition of competing in road races and triathlons together, and have competed in such events as the Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), a 500 mile Bike ride, RAGNAR Relay races a 200 mile team event, SOMA Half Ironman, LA Marathon as well as many other races.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named as the godmother of the American Duchess,” stated Marissa. “I am beyond proud to be joining my father at the christening ceremony in New Orleans, a city dear to my heart.”

Immediately after its christening, the American Duchess will depart for her inaugural voyage up the Mississippi River with stops in Natchez, Ms., Vicksburg, Ms., Memphis, Tn., Paducah, Ky., St. Louis, Mo., and other charming ports before arriving in her disembarkation city of Red Wing, Mn. near the northern terminus of the river. This 23-day voyage will span the length of the mighty Mississippi and will provide guests with an unforgettable vantage point of America’s heartland.

A variety of voyage lengths, ranging from six days and up offers exceptional value and convenience, with little or no flying required. Pre- or post-cruise luxury hotel stay, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner, and complimentary shore adventures are included in each port of call. For additional information, visit online at AQSC.com.

Image Courtesy American Queen Steamboat Company