FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Adrienne Thomas
New Orleans Steamboat Co.
Gray Line New Orleans
504.587.0724 | athomas@glnosc.com

 New Orleans, LA (September 21, 2015)- Gordon Stevens, President & CEO of New Orleans Steamboat Company and Gray Line Tours announced the construction of a new Mississippi Riverboat for New Orleans. Stevens said that the company has engaged the marine architectural firm of DeJong and Lebet of Jacksonville, FL to begin designing the new boat.


The plans call for a vessel 160' long and 36' wide with three passenger decks, a dining room that can seat 200 passengers, and a full service galley and bars. The new boat will have the traditional steamboat look with stacks, bow stages and shear and camber in the decks. It will be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry 600 passengers.

Stevens says the new boat will complement the Steamboat NATCHEZ running harbor cruises, dinner cruises and private charters. The boat will berth at the lower end of the Riverfront Park (the old Lower Bienville Street Wharf) adjacent to the Steamboat NATCHEZ' berth at the Toulouse Street Wharf. The company leases this berthing spot, on a long term basis, from the Port of New Orleans. The new boat should be completed and sailing in New Orleans in late 2017. Bids will go out to shipyards in the near future.

The Steamboat NATCHEZ first sailed in New Orleans in 1975. This year is her 40th Anniversary! In addition to the NATCHEZ, the New Orleans Steamboat Company has owned and operated the Sternwheeler COTTON BLOSSOM, the Riverboats PRESIDENT, MARK TWAIN, BECKY THATCHER, M/V JOHN JAMES AUDUBON and the AUDUBON EXPRESS in New Orleans and the Sternwheeler P.A. DENNY at the 1984 World's Fair.

The New Orleans Steamboat Company was founded by Wilbur and Bill Dow after the rebuilding of the Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter in 1974. Less than one year later, the 1600 passenger Steamboat NATCHEZ was christened. New Orleans Steamboat Company is well recognized and regarded for its contribution to the New Orleans cultural landscape and tourism industry. Since 1975, the Steamboat NATCHEZ has sailed daily offering Mississippi River cruises featuring live jazz, wonderful New Orleans cuisine and the best view in town! Take a cruise and experience part of our American Heritage. The New Orleans Steamboat Company also owns Gray Line Tours. For more information, please call 504-586-8777 or visit www.neworleanssteamboatcompany.com.

###