The world's largest, and most expensive, steam-powered riverboat docked in Bettendorf today. And, 400 passengers stepped off the American Queen at the Isle of Capri Marina, to spend the day exploring the Quad Cities.
Ted Sykes is President of the American Queen Steamboat Company. He says the boat's passengers will be escorted through the Quad Cities in four luxury coaches, designed to replicate the large river-boat.
And, he says the economic impact is huge for the cities they stop in.
Sykes says the passengers will see many local attractions, including the John Deere Pavilion in Moline.
And while cruises on the lower Mississippi River are usually more popular, the American Queen is working to promote the scenery of the upper Mississippi.
The American Queen is 20 years old, but furnished in the style of the 1920s. The riverboat is 420 feet long, and is about 100 feet above the water, making it the largest operating steam-boat.
Before docking in Bettendorf, the American Queen stopped in Dubuque, and will also stop in Burlington.