French America Line > A New river cruise line to sail the Mississippi

The Louisiane will have a U.S. crew of 64 and will scheduled to embark on its inaugural cruise on Aug. 22, 2016. A team of river cruise veterans has launched what they are calling a deluxe U.S. river cruise company, French America Line, and has purchased the former Columbia Queen boat. 
The company is refurbishing the 150-passenger vessel to be relaunched in August as the Louisiane. 
French America Line is headed by Christopher Kyte, chairman and former president of the American Queen Steamboat Co., and Tom Markwell, president of French America Line and former managing partner at Haimark. 
The Columbia Queen is a former Majestic America Line vessel that was built in 2000 and had been purchased along with the Delta Queen by Xanterra Holding Corp. in 2011, three years after Majestic ceased operations.It is undergoing a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and will sail the Mississippi.  
French America Line is creating a French-inspired ambience onboard, a nod to the French influences in and around the Louisianes homeport of New Orleans. The Veranda, a casual French-style bistro, will be one of two dining venues on the Louisiane. 
It will sail a variety of cruise lengths ranging from five to 10 days, along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Red rivers, as well as along the Gulf Coast. 
There will be two dining venues  the main Orleans Room, and the more casual French-style bistro Veranda  offering regional, French and standard American favorites as well as healthy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour room service.  Laduree macarons will be served onboard and Vosges chocolates will be offered at turndown. The Orleans Room will be transformed nightly to host a cabaret show. The full-service Currents Spa will offer massages and body treatments, and nail and hair services. 
Prices, which the company executives said will not be discounted, includes a one-night pre-embarkation stay at a deluxe hotel; transfer to the vessel; all meals; unlimited wine, beer and spirits; coffee and tea; still or sparking Natura water in the staterooms; nightly live entertainment; onboard lectures; complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas; and shore excursions in every port of call. 
Bicycles, helmets and maps will abe made available to passengers in every port of call. Privately guided experiences can be added for an extra charge. Optional pre- and post-cruise packages are available.
The 75 suites and staterooms in seven categories, many will have private verandas or French balconies, and all staterooms will have individual climate control, deluxe mattresses and high-end linens, an in-room safe, 24-hour room service, and a flat-screen LED television with satellite programming. 
The Lounge will host nightly jazz, and the Great River Room will host card games and private events. 

For more information and to make reservations on this boat or others sailing the Mississippi and other US rivers,, contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com  For  exclusive rates and amenities.