A new riverboat named in honor of the great Louis Armstrong will make its debut soon. Warren Reuther, CEO of Hospitality Enterprises, says the boat will debut in late July or early August. Reuther cites Coast Guard over high river levels have delayed the boat's debut. The Riverboat Louis Armstrong is a fitting tribute to New Orleans' favorite son. Four big decks high, four stacks, with capacity for upwards of three thousand guests.
The boat is the new pride and joy of Hospitality Enterprises, the company which owns and operates the Creole Queen, City Sightseeing, New Orleans Airport Shuttle and Lafitte Swamp Tours. CEO Warren Reuther is the driving force in bringing the boat to New Orleans and honoring Armstrong. The Armstrong recalls the heady days of former Streckfus Steamers, who's steamer President once plied the river for sightseers until retiring in 1985.
The boat began life in 1995 as the riverboat casino City of Evansville and served in that capacity for 20-years. Laid up after the opening of the Tropicana Gaming's land-based casino, the boat was saved by Hospitality Enterprises and moved to Amelia for refit.
One feature is a permanent installation on the boats Texas deck (third deck) as a foundation room with historic photos and highlights honoring the memory of Satchmo and his musical legacy.
For more about the Riverboat Louis Armstrong, visit their Facebook page