American Queen Voyages (AQV) has announced plans to focus on its river cruises. The cruise line has made a series of deployment changes and updates that will begin in early 2024 and extend into 2025.
The decision was also made not to return to the Great Lakes region next season, and AQV said it intends to sell the Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager vessels.
"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.”
These customer sentiments were recently supported by a McKinsey market survey in which participants said that AQV has high brand affinity among 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.
(Photo Credit: American Queen Voyages)
Following is a summary of the revised 2024 itineraries:
Lower Mississippi: AQV will operate its popular Lower Mississippi voyages through in the South onboard the 417-guest American Queen. The cruise line has updated its offerings based on guest requests, offering new three- and four-day cruises for time-pressed travelers.
Upper Mississippi: AQV will traverse the mighty Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, an itinerary that is back by popular demand. The 16-day journey combines wildlife and intricate locks and dams with Southern charm and the birthplaces of jazz and country music.
America’s Heartland: The 245-guest, paddle wheeler American Countess will cruise the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Onboard, AQV will offer new, Experiential Voyages that include a bourbon-themed voyage with food and spirits experts, including Dickie Brennan, chef-owner of the legendary Bourbon House in New Orleans.
Snake & Columbia Rivers: Travelers can sail through the Pacific Northwest onboard the 221-guest American Empress and enjoy new wine-themed cruises. AQV will also offer guests the chance to join a salmon excursion and bring their freshly caught, cleaned catch back to enjoy onboard.
Alaska & British Columbia: The cruise line will return to Alaska for a third season, sailing the 186-guest Ocean Victory. Guests can take advantage of expeditions via Zodiac boats, kayak excursions led by a team of naturalists and field guides and more.
While AQV will not return to the Great Lakes in 2024, the cruise line will continue with all current published voyages through November 2023.
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