“Tie the Knot” on the Steamboat Natchez Wedding Sweepstakes Launches on Valentine’s Day

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Vicki Voelker
Communications Strategist, Social Media Specialist
Gambel Communications
Office: 504.324.4242 | Mobile: 985.373.8129
Vicki@GambelPR.com

NEW ORLEANS (February 14, 2013) - Today on February 14, the New Orleans Steamboat Company will take Valentine's Day to the next level by kicking off its third annual "Tie the Knot on NATCHEZ" Wedding Sweepstakes on its Facebook page.

"We are honored that so many couples have chosen to make the NATCHEZ a part of their special day," says Adrienne Thomas, director of marketing for the New Orleans Steamboat Company. "We can't wait to show our appreciation for being a part of this time-honored tradition by giving one lucky couple a dream wedding experience."

Valued at more than $5,000, the "Tie the Knot on the NATCEZ" prize package includes a complete wedding and reception for one lucky engaged couple. The complete wedding package includes*:
• Ceremony on the steamboat's top deck under the stern canopy
• One musician to play a jazz entrance for the bride
• Ordained Steamboat NATCHEZ Captain to officiate the ceremony
• Flowers for four people in the wedding party
• Complimentary boarding photo
• Reception in the Magnolia Suite for 40 guests during the 11:30 a.m. cruise or 7 p.m. cruise
• Oak Alley Buffet including action stations
• Complimentary beer, wine, bloody marys and mimosas
• Champagne toast for all guests
• NATCHEZ champagne toasting glasses for the bride and groom
• Wedding cake from local favorite La Louisiane
• Calliope rendition of "Here comes the Bride" at the ceremony conclusion
• One-night stay at the Bienville House Hotel in the French Quarter, based on availability
*Additional guests or upgrades can be added at the expense of the winning couple, and the prize package cannot be used for any other event.

How to Enter
To enter the giveaway, couples need to become a fan of the Steamboat NATCHEZ Facebook page starting Thursday, Feb. 14 and post the following on the Sweepstakes tab: the date they got engaged and why they want to get married on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River

On Thursday, March 14 at 12:00pm (CT), the NATCHEZ will randomly select 10 finalists and will contact the couples directly within 48 hours for a photograph to post on its Facebook page. The NATCHEZ will announce the finalists once they have been contacted and confirmed. It will then be up to Facebook fans to vote for their favorite couple by clicking the "Like" button under their picture. Voting will be closed at 12:00pm (CT) Friday, March 29, and any late votes will not be counted. The Steamboat NATCHEZ will formally announce the winners that afternoon.

Rules and Guidelines
Couples can only enter the sweepstakes once, and Louisiana marriage licenses are the responsibility of the couple. This sweepstakes is for a wedding ceremony and reception only, and the prize package cannot be used for any other event. The couple can choose their wedding date based on availability and must book at least 30 days in advance. The prize package expires at midnight on February 13, 2013.

The sweepstakes does not include transportation to and from New Orleans. The couple must agree to share photos with the Steamboat NATCHEZ after the event for use on post-contest promotion if needed.

For the complete list of sweepstakes guidelines and to enter the sweepstakes, visit facebook.com/steamboatnatchez. For more information about the Steamboat NATCHEZ and to make reservations, call (504) 586-8777 or visit steamboatnatchez.com. Follow the Steamboat NATCHEZ on Twitter @steamernatchez.

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.