American Queen Voyages Will Not Return to the Great Lakes Next Season

AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES RENEWS BUSINESS FOCUS ON CORE RIVER PRODUCTS

Itineraries for 2024 Showcase Immersive Experiences Throughout North America

In a strategic decision to refocus its business on its award-winning river cruises, American Queen Voyages has announced a series of deployment changes and updates set to commence in early 2024 and extend into 2025. Subsequently, American Queen Voyages will not return to the Great Lakes next season. New routes are now open for early bookings with early savings available on key dates.

Our primary commitment is to deliver a best-in-class cruise vacation with a focus on immersive culinary and destination experiences,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages. “Our customers consistently tell us our U.S. River itineraries are exceptional and demonstrate this by returning again and again.”  A fact recently supported through a McKinsey market survey where participants noted American Queen Voyages enjoys the highest brand affinity amongst U.S. river operators.

“All of our focus is being put into updating and enhancing our popular river product with strategic partnerships and an elevated culinary program, which we know have been very well received,” added D’Aoust.

Revised 2024 Itineraries

Lower Mississippi: AQV will begin the season with its popular Lower Mississippi voyages. These voyages take guests through the cities and historic port towns of the South on the 417-guest American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built. Based on guest requests, we will offer new three- and four-day cruises for time-pressed travelers.

Upper Mississippi: By popular demand, AQV will traverse the Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This 16-day journey combines wildlife and intricate locks and dams, with Southern charms and the birthplaces of jazz and country music.

America’s Heartland: The 245-guest, paddle wheeler American Countess cruises the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. New Experiential Voyages include a bourbon-themed voyage with noted food and spirits experts, including Dickie Brennan, chef-owner of the legendary Bourbon House in New Orleans.

Snake & Columbia Rivers: Travelers can discover the Pacific Northwest aboard the 221-guest American Empress, including new wine-themed cruises. On select voyages, guests can join a salmon excursion and bring their freshly caught catch back to the boat.

Alaska & British Columbia: AQV will return to Alaska for its third season with the environmentally friendly, 186-guest Ocean Victory. Guests can enjoy expeditions via Zodiac exploration boats and kayak excursions led by a team of naturalists and field guides in cooperation with California Polytechnic State University.

American Queen Voyages to Sell Ocean Ships

As part of its new focus, AQV will not return to the Great Lakes next season. As a result, the company has announced its intent to sell its Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager vessels.

All current published voyages will continue to operate as planned through November 2023.

SOURCE American Queen Voyages

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