American Queen Steamboat Company is urging passengers to rebook pre-cruise hotel stays from New Orleans to Memphis to avoid Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to be a hurricane when it hits Louisiana in Aug. 29. The next cruise was scheduled to depart Aug. 30 from Vicksburg, Miss., so some passengers booked pre-cruise hotel stays in New Orleans and Jackson, Miss., and were to be bused to the riverboat in Vicksburg.

However, American Queen has been operating out of Memphis instead of Vicksburg, due to low water levels on the Mississippi River, which has caused some barges to run aground and cause back-ups on the river south of Memphis.

Since airlines are allowing travelers to rebook tickets at no cost, American Queen is recommending passengers rebook flights to Memphis, where the company has arranged hotel accommodations at the Marriott Memphis Downtown at 250 North Main St. for those originally scheduled to arrive in New Orleans on Aug. 28 and Aug. 29. They will be transported by bus to Memphis for the Aug. 30 cruise.

Guests who booked pre-cruise stays in Jackson do not need to change plans. The company will expect them to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn as planned for transport you to Memphis on Aug. 30.

All guests will receive a letter with details on luggage collection, the check-in process and transfer to the boat at the hotel. For questions, call American Queen at 888-749-4945.

Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines’ new paddlewheeler, Queen of the Mississippi, was sailing from Nashville north to St. Louis this week and does not expect to be impacted by the storm.