WHY IT RATES: On Wednesday, American Queen Voyages celebrated the maiden arrival of Ocean Navigator at Chicago's Navy Pier, one of the city's top attractions, located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Her sister ship, Ocean Voyager, will also call at the waterfront destination for the first time on June 8. - Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer
American Queen Voyages, part of the Hornblower Group, celebrated the maiden arrival of Ocean Navigator, with her first guests arriving at Chicago's Navy Pier. Through an exclusive partnership with sister company City Experiences, American Queen Voyages is the only overnight cruise line to dock at the downtown Chicago destination.
Sister ship Ocean Voyager, will also call on Chicago's Navy Pier for the first time on June 8, as the two boutique coastal ships offer unique Lakes & Oceans experiences designed to navigate the locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway and all five Great Lakes. City and state leaders including Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond, Navy Pier President & CEO Marilynn Gardner, and Magnificent Mile Association President & CEO Kimberly Bares welcomed American Queen Voyages executives and Captain Gary Kerr to Chicago.
"Today, we celebrate the arrival of American Queen Voyages' Ocean Navigator and Chicago as a cruise destination," said Lynn Osmond, chief executive officer, Choose Chicago. "Chicago's tourism industry plays a large role contributing to the vibrancy of the city, and we are thrilled to have partners like American Queen Voyages who offer extraordinary experiences for our locals and tourists alike."
Ocean Navigator holds only 202 guests, delivering immersive Lakes & Oceans experiences in North America sailing the Great Lakes, Canada, New England, Southeast U.S.A., Yucatan & Mexico. The arriving sailing originated in Toronto while the embarking voyage of Ocean Navigator will be an 11-day itinerary touching all five Great Lakes and calling on ports including Mackinac Island, Soo Locks, Sault Ste Marie, Little Current, Detroit, Cleveland, Port Colborne (Niagara Falls) and disembarking in Toronto.
"Travelers are ready to make up for lost time and are eager to deeply discover North America now - and Chicago is a stunning backdrop to embark on that journey," shared Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages. "Ocean Navigator's arrival at Navy Pier is a fitting way to celebrate tourism in Chicago, exploring the city's bounty of culture and history. We look forward to an exciting season showcasing the many treasures across the Great Lakes."
American Queen Voyages Great Lakes voyages of 11 to 16-days call on North America's historic five Great Lakes and the storied St. Lawrence River. Port highlights include exploring the Victorian-era charm of Mackinac Island, historic Soo Locks, breathtaking Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world, the world-famous Horseshoe Falls of Niagara Falls, the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. All cruises include a pre-cruise hotel night and, in Chicago, offer an optional iconic architecture tour from the water. In addition, guests sailing on the fall Great Lakes itineraries will enjoy overnight excursions in several city ports for the first time including Toronto and Mackinac Island on American Queen Voyages.
American Queen Voyages is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022 as the leader in encounter travel, offering a comprehensive portfolio of North American itineraries comprised of Rivers, Lakes & Oceans and Expedition experiences.
For more information on American Queen Voyages' 10th anniversary season, sailing dates, and to book a reservation or order a brochure, contact your travel professional, call 833-598-0119 or visit the company's website.
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