(Memphis) Priscilla Presley is being called the “godmother” of the American Queen Steamboat because of her connection to Memphis.
At 4:02 p.m. Friday, she christened the boat by smashing a bottle of champagne on its hull.
Officials say 200 people were invited to attend the event but many more stood on Beale Street landing hoping to get a glimpse of Presley and the event.
The American Queen arrived to Memphis on Thursday and this will now be its permanent home.
The Great American Steamboat Company that owns the boat says it coming here has created 300 local jobs and will pump $86 billion dollars into the local economy each year.
The steamboat will be giving passengers overnight rides up the Mississippi River.
The trips are three to ten days long starting at $995. A historian on board will give passengers a history lesson along the way.
Friday, Steamboat officials say 430 passengers are going to be getting that experience.
The American Queen is expected to set sail at 6 p.m. The final destination for that trip will be Cincinnati, Ohio.
