American Duchess Maiden Voyage In Vicksburg Today

The American Duchess is the first all-suite paddle wheeler on U.S. rivers, a floating, intimate masterpiece that can carry up to 166 guests through America's heartland. The paddle wheeler, created from a 1995 hull, was completely reconstructed to become one of the most luxurious rivers cruising vessels in the country, featuring single-seating main dining and entertainment venues, soaring ceilings, and all of the features guests have come to expect. 

We welcome the American Duchess with open arms today and hope this is the first of many returns to our historic city of Vicksburg: The Key To The South!

American Duchess received some TV coverage from WJTV Channel 12 in Jackson, MS.  

Also, coverage from the River City Network of Vicksburg, TV. 

While sitting down on the bench and waiting for the American Duchess to go by, I met this traveling man at the Mississippi Welcome Center and said he is walking the USA from his hometown of Georgia.  He was in Memphis and walked/hitchhiked down Hwy 61 South and ended up in Vicksburg today.  He loves the blues and wanted to check out the Big Muddy Blues Bar & Restaurant downtown tonight.  He told me he wanted to walk the USA and will most likely take him 3 years.  He claims to be an artist/writer by the name of Ricky Reidinger.  His gear was with him that he packs on his back and was stacked up to the left of the bench.   

When I checked my FINDSHIP app for the direction of the American Duchess, I saw where she was headed north even though it said destination was Natchez.  I then wished Ricky good luck and to be safe because it's going to be a long, long walk for him.