american queen voyages river cruise

American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels future cruises amid reported service issues

American Queen Voyages has shut down.

An automated voice message on its customer information hotline said the cruise line "has made the difficult decision" to suspend operations, and all future cruises have been scrapped. “Guests and customers should expect to be fully refunded for canceled cruises,” the message said.

The message directed listeners to www.aqvrefunds.com “to begin the refund process,” and said they could find more information at www.aqvinfo.com .

"Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable," a guest FAQ section on the second website reads. "We thank you for your support and deeply regret any inconvenience this causes you."

No ships were sailing at the time of the closure. Adam Peakes, president of the line's owner Hornblower Group, said it plans to "sell the company, or, if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down."

"Please know this decision was not made lightly," he said in an emailed statement shared with USA TODAY. "We are deeply proud of our employees and crew for the outstanding services they have provided our guests over the years. As the backbone of the AQV experience we extend our deepest appreciation to our team for their unwavering commitment, passion and hard work, which has been exceptional. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our guests, partners, agents and the local communities where we call who have each been integral to our journey."

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

The news comes after the line reportedly canceled three season-opening sailings set to take place on the Mississippi River later this month, attributing the changes to an extended layup schedule. Multiple industry groups previously suspended sales of American Queen Voyages cruises because of service issues, including delayed commission payments, Travel Weekly reported in January.

The line began sailing as American Queen Steamboat Company in 2011 and was rebranded as American Queen Voyages in 2021 after merging with Victory Cruise Lines.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

This 23-day Cruise Takes You to 10 States on Some of the Most Scenic Rivers in the U.S.

American Queen Voyages announced its longest-ever itinerary, sailing from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh, aboard the 245-passenger American Countess .

American Queen Voyages is launching its longest-ever itinerary next year, which will spend nearly three weeks sailing from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh.

The company will kick off the 23-day journey on July 24, 2023, on the American Countess , the cruise line shared with Travel + Leisure . The ship will sail more than 1,700 miles from Minnesota down the Ohio River and Upper Mississippi River , calling on more ports and offering more guided tours than ever before.

The ship will then turn around and sail back north from Pittsburgh on Aug. 14, 2023.

"Guests have made the 16-day Mighty Mississippi voyage between Minneapolis (Red Wing) and New Orleans one of our most popular itineraries, and we are pleased to reveal an even more immersive itinerary sailing to Pittsburgh that now incorporates the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers," Isis Ruiz, the chief commercial officer of American Queen Voyages , said in a statement provided to T+L.

Travelers who board the cruise will pass through 10 different states and explore cities like La Crosse , Wisconsin ; St. Louis ; Louisville; and Cincinnati .

Travelers can visit the baseball field from the movie " Field of Dreams " in Dubuque, Iowa, learn all about the art of quilting at The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, visit the 1867 house of the Anheuser family in Kimmswick, Missouri, and even board a Coast Guard-approved jet boat in Madison, Indiana, to explore the river.

The American Countess , first christened in 2020, is American Queen Voyages' newest riverboat and can host 245 passengers on board. It features a grand lobby bar, a gym, a theater, and more.

The trip, which can be booked online , includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, unlimited group tours, unlimited drinks, and unlimited Wi-Fi.

American Queen Voyages sails river cruises, lake, and ocean cruises, as well as expedition voyages to Alaska. To sail with the company right now, all guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, according to the cruise line , though taking a COVID-19 test prior to boarding is no longer required.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

Related Articles

American Queen Steamboat Company Cruises from New Orleans

The American Queen and American Duchess are modern steamboats in the American Queen Steamboat Company fleet. They offer cruises on the Mississippi River and its surrounding tributaries. See the full schedule of departures from New Orleans below.

The American Queen features American regional cuisine in two restaurants, a small pool, all-American staff, daily lectures by the Riverlorian, showboat-style entertainment nightly, and nightly dancing to swing, big band and Dixieland jazz music.

The video above is an excellent tour of the American Queen. See the size and style of the ship. Tour staterooms, entertainment and dining.

Your cruise fare includes shore excursions in every port, one-night luxury hotel stay and transfers before the cruise, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, and complimentary wine and beer with dinner.

New Orleans to Memphis One-Way

7-night Mississippi River cruises on American Queen or American Countess. One-way from New Orleans to Memphis (Tennessee). Visit Nottoway (Louisiana), St Francisville (Louisiana), Natchez (Mississippi), Vicksburg (Mississippi) and Greenville (Mississippi). • 2024 departures: February 11, February 24, March 9, March 23, April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, June 16, August 25, September 8, September 14, September 22, October 6, October 19, November 2, November 16, November 30, December 14.

Round-trip from New Orleans

7-night Mississippi River cruises on American Countess or American Queen. Round-trip from New Orleans to St Francisville (Louisiana), Natchez (Mississippi), Vicksburg (Mississippi), Baton Rouge (Louisiana) and Nottoway Plantation (Louisiana). • 2024 departures: February 17, February 21, December 28, December 29.

5-night Mississippi River cruises on American Countess or American Queen. Round-trip from New Orleans to St Francisville (Louisiana) and Nottoway Plantation (Louisiana). • 2024 departures: February 17, February 21.

Matador Original Series

This bourbon-focused river cruise combines whiskey with paddleboat charm.

A traditional sternwheeler cruise along the meandering Ohio and Mississippi Rivers offers a glimpse into the era when the Mississippi River was the western frontier of the United States. The small towns that sprung up along the rivers were far removed from the urban cities of the east, and the great rivers were the main means of transportation.

Those peak years of transport and life along the river are long past. Still, there is something immensely appealing about traveling the rivers on slow-moving, flat-bottom boats with traditional Victorian gingerbread trim.

Photo: American Queen Voyages / www.AQVoyages.com

My husband and I recently did just that on a nine-day, bourbon-themed cruise aboard American Countess, a classic riverboat with twin red paddlewheels gracing the stern. Along the way, we paid day-long visits to four small cities in Kentucky, as well as at one of Mark Twain’s favorite river towns, Cape Girardeau in Missouri, and docked just steps away from Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis.

The American Countess is the newest boat among the fleet operated by American Queen Voyages , and the itinerary shows just how great an experience an all-American river cruise can be.

The pre-cruise adventure in Louisville

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Brown Hotel (@brownhotel)

Each of the itineraries with American Queen Voyages begins with a complimentary pre-cruise night at a distinctive hotel in the departure city. We flew into Louisville mid-afternoon and made our way to The Brown Hotel , which was built in the early 1900s by J. Graham Brown, a flamboyant millionaire lumberman and capitalist.

2023 marks The Brown’s 100th anniversary. It’s the home of the hot brown, a distinctive breakfast offered piping hot in a mini-skillet. Now served throughout the day, a hot brown is an open-face turkey sandwich loaded with bacon, tomatoes, and mornay sauce, and has been a Louisville tradition since it was created in 1926 by hotel chef Fred Schmidt. When we arrived at the hotel, we were promptly welcomed by cruise staff, assigned a room, and briefed on the following day’s embarkation procedures. Luggage transfers to our cabin and bus transportation to the American Countess were scheduled by the cruise line. Until the following afternoon, passengers were free to explore Louisville any way they chose.

The city is filled with Southern charm and hospitality, and there is much to see — from breweries and bourbon tastings to Churchill Downs and the Louisville Slugger baseball bat factory, Museum Row, 4th Street Live, charming shops, distinctive restaurants, the Muhammed Ali Center, and the wonderful Church of the Assumption.

The cruise line offers two Louisville excursions for an additional fee: a private backstretch tour of Churchill Downs, and a bourbon tour at the legendary Castle and Key Distillery and gardens .

The real cruise begins

Stepping aboard the classic riverboat with its twin paddlewheels gracing the stern, we were greeted by crew members who directed us to our cabin and encouraged us to join other passengers in the spacious lounge for a welcome cocktail – bourbon was a spotlight, of course, with other options like Champagne also readily available.

The boat left the dock at 4:30 PM, following the official “All Aboard” whistle. Although the view of the bow was exciting as the lines were hauled and the gangplank hoisted back into position, I couldn’t resist drifting toward the stern, drawn by the turning of the immense paddlewheels. The vessel has four diesel-electric generators that operate the rudder propellers and bow thrusters. Even though this vessel isn’t fueled by steam like paddle boats were in the past, the wheels provide part of the propulsion, and the rhythmic lap of the paddles against the water is mesmerizing.

Photo: American Queen Voyages / www.AQVoyages.com0.9.142

Take note: this vessel is a boat and not a ship. The exterior is in the style of a traditional American riverboat, with a gleaming white exterior, arches, and railings, adorned by classic red horizontal stripes and red paddlewheels. The main floor deck, also red, denotes a no-go zone for passengers while underway. Decks 2 and 3 are home to passenger cabins as well as public spaces both inside and out. Cabin balconies on Deck 2 are private, with two chairs and a small table, and semi-private verandas on Deck 3 have gated seating areas, open to a public walking/jogging path that encircles the boat.

On both Decks 2 and 3, comfortable white rocking chairs afford passengers a view of the passing shoreline when the weather is clear and the winds are light. Additional seating is available on the open upper deck, and a smattering of umbrellas offers shade.

Before the boat became the American Countess, it was the Kanesville Queen, a casino boat originally built in 1995. In a complete top-to-bottom renovation inside and out, 60 feet in length was added and the casino removed. Now, instead of gaming tables, guests gather in the expansive main salon with its traditional paneled bar, a beautiful theater, and a full-width dining room that has views to both port and starboard.

The Countess feels somewhat like a boutique hotel, with 123 passenger cabins, (most suited for two passengers). The décor is pleasantly contemporary with a tasteful, subdued color scheme, well-chosen art and sculptures, and fresh floral arrangements in all public spaces and on all dining tables. While an ocean-going cruise ship might have multiple pools, dining spaces, and attractions for all ages, river cruising offers a leisurely pace, intimate spaces, and a focus on the people one meets and the small towns and scenery along the route.

The floor plan of the Countess clusters public spaces – theater, guest services desk, a small shop, and the curving staircase – around the boat’s main bar on Deck 1. Called the Grand Lobby, this is where passengers can spontaneously gather for cocktails and conversation, where trivia games and contests are held, and where musicians play dance music after dinner. The floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the space perfectly frame the passing river vistas.

Tucked into a space adjacent to the grand staircase is a baby grand piano that’s used for impromptu singalongs, and where the ship’s musicians get together for informal jazz performances.

The Grand Lobby Bar is open most days from 11 AM until the last guests are ready to say goodnight. Double doors adjacent to the bar allow access to the theater, a multi-level space that’s perfect for port talks, cooking demonstrations, afternoon movies, or informative presentations. For this itinerary, special guest Michael Veach, a noted bourbon historian and member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame, held court with several presentations and tastings for passengers who were eager to learn about bourbon’s history and how the spirit is made.

Behind the Grand Lobby is the boat’s full-width dining room, featuring white-clothed tables for two or for a group, with gourmet fare at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The more casual River Grill, one deck above and far astern, offers buffet service for breakfast and lunch, a variety of sandwiches, and prime rib as well as other selected entrees for dinner each evening. It’s a popular alternative to the main dining room. There is a small bar as well, where guests may enjoy a view of the turning paddlewheels while the boat is underway. In port, a shaded patio invites outdoor lounging and dining.

Perks Coffee Room, near the bow, is open 24 hours a day, with fresh coffee, pastries or fresh-from-the-oven cookies, and a soft ice cream machine with a variety of toppings. A small fitness center is neatly tucked into space on the opposite forward side of Deck 1.

Other comfortable guest spaces include a well-stocked library with plush, comfortable seating, as well as a card and games room outfitted with chess, checkers, backgammon, and card tables with leather chairs and an assortment of puzzles. One deck above, another hideaway is the Chart Room, where passengers can study route maps and immerse themselves in nautical lore and riverboat stories.

Dinner, however, is the main event. On our sailing, there were two seatings each evening: dinner at 5:15, followed by showtime in the theater at 9, or the schedule in reverse with a 6:30 theater call, followed by late-seating dinner at 7:45.

A company defining the modern American river cruise

In an interview with Cindy D’Aoust, who assumed duties as the new president of American Queen Voyages in January 2023, she emphasized her goal of “simplicity, affordability, and convenience” for the passenger river cruising experience.

Vice president of marketing Angela Composto, who is also new to the company, notes that the cruise line intends to build new relationships with the towns along their routes and has plans in the works, primarily in the area of food and beverage service, that are designed to “surprise and delight” passengers.

The presence of American Queen Voyages culinary ambassador Regina Charboneau, affectionately known as the biscuit queen of Natchez and a well-known cookbook author, and noted restaurateur Dickie Brennan, of The Bourbon House and other iconic restaurants in New Orleans, on this cruise did exactly that.

Charboneau has added some of her Southern specialties like shrimp and grits, deep-fried frog legs, and her biscuits while tweaking traditional favorites like lobster and duck. Her goal is to introduce regional specialties whenever possible on the various itineraries, and to add customer favorites throughout the fleet.

On-board entertainment

Cruise director Emma Harper teamed with assistant cruise directors Nick McCarthy and Michael Nicholas to present passengers with varied entertainment every day. In addition to scheduled movies, games, and onboard quiz shows, the talented and the American Countess Ensemble and Show Band puts on Broadway-worthy productions featuring energetic and eclectic song and dance numbers – from “Riversong,” a musical experience with a variety of river-inspired songs, to a vocal collection of blues and jazz tunes. Another show features country favorites, and yet another, “Just Go to the Movies,” showcases big screen favorites.

There were passenger team events like trivia or name that tune, cocktail and bourbon tastings, afternoon movies in the theater, a cooking show presented by the Charboneau and Brennan, bourbon lectures and tastings by Veach, and destination talks prior to each port call.

McCarthy serves as the cruise “riverlorian” in addition to being a featured performer. With daily lectures that offer background information and little-known facts about the rivers and their history, these Riverlorian presentations were consistently some of the best-attended special events of the cruise.

Staff and Crew

Unlike officers on large ships who tend to remain a bit aloof and distant, Captain Scott Dunham was not merely introduced at a welcome reception, but rather made an effort to greet everyone who wanted to shake his hand. On subsequent days, he would routinely stop to chat with passengers.

Several pilot house tours were scheduled, open to anyone interested in seeing the “nerve center” of this riverboat. The tours allow passengers to see what’s involved in maneuvering a modern riverboat along the waterway. The boat’s captain and pilot man the pilot house in alternating four-hour shifts around the clock.

Exploring the rivers one small town at a time

AQSC Christening of American Countess A general view of the atmosphere during the christening of the American Countess at Mardi Gras World on March 21, 2021 in New Orleans, LA. (Josh Brasted for AQSC)

While days at sea may represent an almost equal appeal to cruise passengers as the ports visited, river cruising is mostly about the cities along the way. Much of the actual river travel is done at night. There’s a wealth of shore excursions in the small towns along the river, but there are onboard activities even while the boat is at rest in a port.

American Queen Voyages has a fleet of contracted buses and drivers. The buses mimic each cruise itinerary via highway routes, and they meet at the dock each morning to whisk passengers from the boat to a daily round of complimentary hop on-hop off destinations. Local guides typically join each bus to offer insights about the history and attractions of each locale. Travelers are free to visit as many of the stops as they wish, and spend as much time as they wish at each, and are cautioned about the last run of the bus each day (the boat doesn’t wait for late passengers).

On this particular itinerary, each stop provided something entirely different.

Brandenburg, Kentucky

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP (@lincolnbirthplacenps)

Named after a local barkeep and landowner rather than the German city of the same name, historic Brandenburg prospered as an early American trade center, and there’s evidence of Native American settlements in the area dating back at least 10,000 years ago.

Here, a four-hour tour highlighting the life of Abraham Lincoln, who hailed from this area, is a prime excursion offered at no charge for cruise passengers. The tour includes a stop at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, an impressive memorial building set upon park-like grounds with a replica of the Lincoln family’s humble one-room cabin and a natural spring that has been in use for well over a century.

The tour also stopped in Hodgenville to visit the Lincoln Museum, which occupies a prime location on the town square. Here, Lincoln look-alike dressed in period attire recited parts of the Gettysburg Address and explained some of the reasons behind Lincoln’s actions during the Civil War. Those who chose the premium tour in Brandenburg also took a hands-on pottery class at PG Studio Arts Center.

Owensboro, Kentucky

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Green River Distilling Co. (@greenriverdistillingco)

Owensboro is the self-proclaimed “Barbecue Capital of the World,” with a hometown festival scheduled in May that attracts tens of thousands of international visitors to the town of 60,000 people. It’s also sometimes known as Kentucky’s Festival City, with at least six other festivals throughout the year.

During the 19th Century, there were 18 distilleries located in Daviess County, but today only three are left. Cruisers can visit Green River Distillery, the tenth bourbon distillery licensed in Kentucky, for a tour and tasting.

Other stops on the cruise bus route include the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens with the world’s tallest Sassafras tree (100 feet in height with a trunk that measures 21 feet around), the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Smothers Park, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and St. Stephen Cathedral.

Henderson, Kentucky

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hometown Roots (@hometownrootsky)

Here, the premium experience for $129 per person was a bourbon tasting paired with small dishes of Southern comfort food at Hometown Roots. Started by Henderson-born Casey Todd, the restaurant focuses on local ingredients and has a grow wall filled with Bibb lettuce.

Drinks included an old fashioned cocktail made with Buffalo Trace and three other distinctive brands of Kentucky bourbon, all accompanied by plates from chef Shawna Harrington: deep-fried Brussels sprouts, a deviled egg duo including one deep-fried version, pimento cheese fritters, and cornbread served in a miniature cast iron skillet and topped with a whopping scoop of soft butter.

Paducah, Kentucky

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @thehotelmetropolitan

The premium experience in Paducah, “Check-In Along the Chitlin Trail,” is $99 per person. That check-in is at a large frame house with a sign above the front porch that simply reads Hotel Metropolitan . Except that it stands almost alone on its block today, there wouldn’t be much to distinguish it from other homes in town. But in the early 1900s, this house was a well-known safe haven for Black musicians, performers, and travelers who were denied room and board at many places in the South during segregation and Jim Crow. The Metropolitan Hotel was one of the sites listed in The Green Book, a travel guide published between 1936 and 1967. It identified businesses that would accept Black customers.

B.B. King, Billie Holiday, Ike and Tina Turner, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Thurgood Marshall, Ella Fitzgerald, the Harlem Globetrotters, and many others have found sanctuary in this simple home-like setting with 11 bedrooms. Today, it has been totally restored, and is run by a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve the history of the hotel and its operator.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by National Quilt Museum (@nationalquiltmuseum)

Other noteworthy stops in Paducah include the National Quilt Museum and, depending on the day and time of year, the Saturday Farmers Market. Silent Brigade Distillery, the Lloyd Tilghman house, Paducah Railroad Museum, and the River Discovery Center are other options along the bus route. Walking back, be sure to catch the stunning murals by Robert Dafford that capture Paducah’s rich history.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Photo: photo.eccles / Shutterstock

After departing Paducah late in the afternoon, we followed the Ohio River to where it flows into the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. Turning to follow the mighty Mississippi’s course upstream at that point, we were scheduled to arrive at historic Cape Girardeau at approximately 8 AM.

Cape Girardeau is said to have been one of Mark Twain’s favorite towns, and I was immediately enthralled by its quaint appeal. Even though it was Sunday and many of the shops and businesses were closed, Cape Girardeau exudes charm. The Mississippi River Tales Mural stretches along the interior of the flood wall, while on the river side, a “Welcome to Cape Girardeau, Missouri” mural leaves no doubt about where you are.

We spent most of our allotted shore time at the Crisp Museum on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, first watching a film about the Mississippian era, then strolling through the museum’s historical art and archeological collections. Some pieces are estimated to be 15,000 years old.

Other stops in Cape Girardeau include Old St. Vincent’s Church, built in 1850s English Gothic Revival Style; the Cape River Heritage Center; and Capaha Rose Garden — Cape Girardeau was once known as the “City of Roses.”

St. Louis, Missouri

Photo: f11photo / Shutterstock

Our final day of cruising the Mississippi brought us to St. Louis, with a scheduled arrival time of noon. The 600-feet-tall Arch became visible before we reached the city. Gateway Arch National Park and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, known as the Old Cathedral, are just steps away from the riverboat docking point. Again, the fleet of buses awaited us at the pier and whisked us to the sights we chose to visit in St. Louis. My husband chose to hop off at the Arch, to watch the award-winning film of its construction and walk around Gateway Park. I rode on through the city, to enjoy the beauty of the celebrated mosaics at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

There are so many things to do in St. Louis that a few hours can in no way do the city justice, but the options available to riverboat cruisers are great ones, including the National Blues Museum, the Economy Museum, and the Missouri History Museum.

More like this

Trending now, underground (literally) experiences in missouri you won’t want to pass over, 9 things about missouri that will surprise you, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy .

Matador's Newsletter

Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more!

You've been signed up!

Follow us on social media.

American Queen

Discover the heritage and culture of America with a cruise onboard the elegant American Queen, an authentic paddlewheel steamboat. Luxurious amenities display the opulence of the American Victorian era while also featuring every modern convenience. Each stateroom features lush bedding and fine linens as well as in-room bottled water and fresh fruit. Onboard cuisine is gourmet and something to satisfy every craving is available 24 hours a day, from grand meals in the Dining Saloon to American favorites in the Front Porch of America. Complimentary wine and beer are available with dinner. There is always something to enjoy onboard during your leisure time. Enjoy a swim or a workout in the pool or athletic club or borrow a book in the Mark Twain Gallery; after a day of exploring, enjoy nightly entertainment that includes everything from showboat style performances to calliope concerts to swing dancing.

• Detailed Information
• Dining Info

American Queen Voyages launches 2025 River Collection

American Queen Voyages is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025 River Voyage Collection. The launch includes voyages ranging from 6 to 17 days aboard American Queen, American Countess and American Empress, as well as an expanded collection of Themed Voyages and Special Events.

Cruises available include the Lower Mississippi River, with itineraries such as Memphis to New Orleans, vice versa and Roundtrip New Orleans. The Columbia & Snake Rivers itineraries include Portland to Spokane and vice versa; and Ohio & Mississippi River cruises include itineraries such as Memphis to Cincinnati and Roundtrip Cincinnati; Pittsburgh to Louisville and vice versa; Memphis to Chattanooga and more. Finally, Upper Mississippi and Illinois cruises include Minneapolis to St. Louis and vice versa; and Minneapolis to New Orleans, amongst others.

There are also a range of themed cruises – immersive experiential journeys that include Culinary & Cocktail sailings; Music & More, with a focus on live entertainment, Multi-Generational, family friendly cruises; and Special Events and Holiday Series cruises, that celebrate particular moments of significance across the year.

Itineraries on board Ocean Victory in 2025 will follow.

American Queen Voyages’ newly enhanced all-inclusive fares include: 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay; ground transfers between hotel and vessel; unlimited guided tours; unlimited beverages; open bars and lounges; acclaimed cuisine in multiple venues; in-room dining available;  new  pre-paid gratuities;  new  port taxes and fees; unlimited Wi-Fi; live daily onboard entertainment and enrichment; bicycles* and hiking sticks.

American Queen Voyages™ launches “Sail Away & Save Event” and…

American Queen Voyages Names New Executives

Journey Beyond expands with cruise line ‘American Queen Voyages’

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you design and create an advertising campaign

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Yes, contact me I want to download the media kit

Comments are closed.

LATEST STORIES

From Humor to Hits: How new tourism ads like VisitOSLO’s are redefining destination marketing

Etihad Airways welcomes ‘10 millionth member’

Flight From New York To Santo Domingo For Tropical Thanksgiving

flydubai adds two destinations in Iran

Welcome, Login to your account.

Sign in with Google

Powered by wp-glogin.com

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

Welcome back, Log in to your account.

SIGN UP FOR FREE

Be part of our community of seasoned travel and hospitality industry professionals from all over the world.

• LOGIN / SIGN UP
• Middle East
• UK & Europe
• USA & Canada
• Hospitality
• HR & Careers
• Luxury Travel
• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)
• Travel Tech
• Travel Agents
• Airlines / Airports
• Conferences
• Cruising (Ocean)
• Cruising (River)
• Destination Management (DMC)
• Hotels & Resorts
• Hotel Management Company
• Hotel Technology
• HR / Appointments
• Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE)
• Travel Agents (all)
• Travel Technology
• Tourism Boards
• Global Leaders and Csuite
• Executive Women Series
• Executive Hoteliers
• SEAHIS 2024
• Destination Soundbites
• Industry appointments
• Travel Bloggers
• Podcasts – Features
• How to join
• RSVP Portal
• Event Photos/Videos
• Competitions
• Travel Club
• Middle East September 2024
• Thailand October 2024
• Destination NaJomtien BanAmphur BangSaray *NEW*
• จุดหมายปลายทาง นาจอมเทียน หาดบ้านอำเภอ บางเสร่ *NEW*
• South Australia Reward Wonders *NEW*
• Ponant Yacht Cruises and Expeditions
• Encore Tickets (Chinese Guide)
• Affordable Luxury in Thailand by Centara Hotels
• Rising Above the Oridinary by Conrad Bangkok
• The Best of Thailand
• Who is IWTA
• Philippines
• Recommend Someone
• Recommend yourself
• IWTA Awards

Search Travel Market Report

• Packaged Travel
• Hotels & Resorts
• Destinations
• Retail Strategies
• Niche & Luxury
• Training & Resources

5 Things to Know About River Cruising with American Queen Voyages

Travel Market Report recently spent a week onboard American Queen Voyages’ American Queen for the line’s first-ever President’s Cruise. Onboard the Lower Mississippi sailing, which went from New Orleans to Memphis, were the line’s new president Cindy D’Aoust and John Waggoner, founder and chairman. During several dinners with both onboard we got to hear more about the line’s past and where it’s headed.

Currently in a bit of a transitional phase, a river cruise with American Queen Voyages combines elements of traditional U.S. riverboat cruising with contemporary ideas intended to bring it into the future.

For advisors who have never sailed with AQV, here are a few things to know before recommending the line to clients.

1. Nothing but North America You won’t find a European itinerary with American Queen Voyages. The line’s expedition ship doesn’t venture to the Arctic or Antarctic. It’s ocean-going vessels don’t make their way across the pond.  American Queen Voyages is exactly what the name says it is, American.

North American that is, though something like 95% of the itineraries are in the United States, with a smattering of itineraries that visit parts of Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company, got its start on the Mississippi River back in 2012. Today, you’ll find river voyages on the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, as well as along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The line has four ships plying these waterways, all crewed entirely by U.S. citizens.

The cruise line also offers expedition sailings to Alaska on its sole expedition ship, Ocean Victory. On its two ocean ships – Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator – the line offers Great Lakes sailings on all five Great Lakes, up the St. Lawrence and into Canada and along the U.S.’s east coast and down into Costa Rica and Mexico. Because these ships are not U.S.-flagged, their crew maintains a more international mix.

2. No Cookie Cutter Ships With the sole exception of Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, which are nearly identical, all of American Queen Victory’s ships are different, particularly in the line’s riverboat fleet.

The 436-passenger American Queen, the boat TMR sailed on during the line’s first annual President’s Cruise, is the grand dame of the fleet, the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built. It’s steamboat-era traditional, with dark woods and gleaming brass. There’s a ladies’ parlor with cherry woods, genteel décor and furniture designed for sipping tea and chatting. Across the way is the gentleman’s card room with dark woods, stuffed animals, an oversized fish on the wall, and tables and chairs set up for drinking whiskey over a card game. The main theater, called the Grand Saloon, is a replica of the Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. As for cabins, there are several suite choices and some inside cabins, but most are outside rooms that connect directly to the circular promenade that surrounds the boat on decks four and five.

American Empress, which sails exclusively on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, is nearly half the size of American Queen, carrying 223 passengers. Like American Queen it has an old-timely feel, though its paddlewheel is mostly for show (it provides only a small proportion of the propulsion onboard). Unlike on the Queen, there are no inside cabins on Empress.  

The smaller 166-passenger American Duchess and 145-passenger American Countess have a considerably more modern feel with higher ceilings and lots of windows for a much airier feel. Décor on these boats is more akin to a luxury boutique hotel than a steamboat, with lighter colors and a more geometric-styled design scheme. The main bar outside the dining room on American Duchess, for instance, would fit in in just about any contemporary hotel lobby. Between the two, American Countess has fewer – and smaller – cabin choices, with American Duchess having the line’s only two-story loft suites in the fleet. Of the two, American Countess also brings back some of the traditions found on American Queen including a library, chart room and lanai cabins (though these cabins have a small, fenced section of the lanai for private use).

The remainder of AQV’s fleet comprises three ocean ships, one of which is an expedition vessel that offers magnificent viewing spaces, hands-on science programs, floating marina for easy kayak and Zodiac loading and unloading.

3. Dine Your Way through Your Itinerary The onboard culinary experience is an integral component of an American Queen Voyages sailing. While American Queen Steamboat Company always offered local flavors on each itinerary, American Queen Voyages, under the guidance of new president Cindy D’Aoust and culinary ambassador Regina Charboneau, is taking this much farther. Today, guests will find an almost entirely new menu combined with the stories behind the dishes, giving visitors a better understanding of the people along the routes they’re traveling.

Each night of our Lower Mississippi sailing from New Orleans to Memphis, the dinner menu started with a short history of the cuisine in the region of that day’s port stop.

Here’s an excerpt, “The Acadiana foodways and greater New Orleans area were influenced by the Germans who settled along the lower Mississippi. The sausage making and smokehouse culinary culture here is widely attributed to the skilled German artisan butchers who settled in the northern parts of the bayou… Andouille sausage and smoked Tasso, essential to many Creole and Cajun dishes, were created by these artisans…”

The menu that night had items like sweet potato latkes, white bean and Andouille soup, and cod with andouille in saffron broth.

Another night focused on the Italian and Chinese immigrants to the Mississippi Delta. Menu items that night included spicy sweet chili shrimp, oxtail soup, and chicken parmesan.

Sometimes, individual menu dishes came with a history as well.

On the night the menu offered Creole Daube, we learned, “Daube was introduced to New Orleans by the French Creoles who brought the preparation from their native France… it is the Louisiana version of Beef Bourguignon.”

Our favorite “local” culinary moments were the mornings local pastry makers brought their specialties onboard (the donuts in Natchez, Miss!), something AQV president D’Aoust said she’s hoping to do in more ports of call.

4. Fairly All-Inclusive A river cruise with American Queen Voyages is fairly inclusive. Food, unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, a pre-night hotel stay and a hop-on hop-off tour in each port is included in the fare. Not included are premium drinks (on our sailing, there were a handful of beer brands and wines not included in the price), premium excursions, spa services (not all vessels in the fleet have a spa), purchases from the onboard shop, and pre- and post-cruise airport transfers.

Of all the exclusions, the last one was the one we found most notable. For a line that says it wants to provide a seamless experience from booking to end of cruise, it’s the one piece that’s missing. D’Aoust told TMR she’s aware of that and plans to address it at some point in the future, but only when she’s sure it can be done right.

5. Four Hours a Mile One evening on a stroll around the promenade, we stopped to chat with a gentleman who spent most evenings sitting outside his cabin watching the river roll by. A repeat (several times over) American Queen Steamboat Company cruiser, we asked him who he thought the ideal passenger for the line is. He told us, someone in their 60s and older who likes their travel to happen at four miles an hour.

That certainy is the traditional demographic the line has been pulling in since it launched in 2012 (more 70s and 80s than 60s), but American Queen Voyages is working to change that. Our sailing had a honeymoon couple in their 20s – they’re both American history buffs and he’s in a blues band – and a three-generation family that included two young couples, both pregnant. There were definitely more 60 years olds than 80 year olds.

(FYI, the line’s expedition vessel, Ocean Victory skews much younger. The Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises also skew a tad younger.)

One way the line is trying to entice new cruisers is through an expanded – and slightly more active – shore excursion program with more premium options that go further afield. The line is also adding more bikes and will soon be providing bike trail maps to guests who want to explore on their own.

With that said, the overall experience remains a leisurely one. The river boats usually spend nearly a full day in port, with most people choosing to spend part of the day relaxing with a book, playing cards or even napping. In the evening, a piano player sings before and after dinner, the main theater show might feature music (on our sailing we had banjo one night, guitar another, a Broadway tribute and a bona fide Memphis blues band) or could be a Mark Twain impersonator telling tales, and late night live music and dancing (think 50s, 60s and 70s) gets started at 9:30.

MOST VIEWED

To Niche or Not to Niche: Travel Advisors Share Their Experiences

We spoke to three impressively successful travel advisors about how they have used a niche to build their businesses.

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

Bookings are now open for itineraries on the new National Geographic vessels.

Rhode Island’s governor has signed a bill that will allow Newport to increase its cruise ship passenger fees.

Guests are getting a little extra time onboard.

Windstar also announced a new promotion for Canadian residents.

The newest ship from Oceania Cruises remains on track to debut next summer.

After hitting Grenada on Monday, Beryl is expected to strike Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise news
• Cruise Industry

American Queen Voyages 2024 season's new routes & itineraries

AQV-American Queen Voyages released its 2024 season, marking the furthest in advance a cruise season has opened for reservations in the 10-year history of the company.

Delivering unique experiences via 3 new brands/divisions (River, Lakes & Ocean, Expedition) on its 8-ship fleet, AQV's 2024 program release followed the achievement of several milestones in 2021, including the company's rebranding (AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines into "American Queen Voyages"), the American Countess ' inaugural season, the company's 10th anniversary, the opening of the new office in Fort Lauderdale (Florida) and record-breaking booking days throughout the year.

AQV's itineraries for season 2024 provide a diverse collection of experiences with an emphasis on "encounter-driven travel" along the waterways of North America.

American Queen Voyages River experiences are expected to commence the 2024 season with the Lower Mississippi route between New Orleans (Port NOLA, Louisiana) and Memphis TN (Tennessee) on the paddle-wheelers American Countess, American Duchess , and American Queen .

The paddle-wheelers will also cruise through America’s heartland, showcasing the Cumberland and Ohio rivers through cultural experiences. The Mighty Mississippi journeys return to offer a deeper exploration of the river and its tributaries.

New in 2024, passengers can traverse an urban exploration Niagara Falls(from Port Colborne ON ) and Chicago or enjoy a late spring/early summer Canada-New England sailing with stops in the northeastern port cities like Bar Harbor , Newport , Martha’s Vineyard .

The 2024 cruise season will mark the line’s 3rd season in the market and its 2nd season with 2 ships operating in Alaska, Ocean Discoverer and Ocean Victory . The newly built 186-guest ships will sail immersive voyages through the less-traveled regions of the Inside Passage led by an expedition team, introducing guests to the wildlife and landscape of Alaska.

Visit 10 Different U.S. States During This Epic 23-Day River Cruise

The sailing travels 1,800 miles along the mississippi and ohio rivers through the heartland of america..

• Copy Link copied

The initial sailing starts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on July 24, 2023.

Photo by Shutterstock

American Queen Voyages, a cruise company specializing in U.S. river cruises, recently announced its longest sailing ever—a river cruise through 10 states and covering nearly 1,800 miles between Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

The company’s 16-day “Mighty Mississippi” voyage between Minneapolis and New Orleans was so popular that the company decided to develop an even more comprehensive sailing all the way to Pittsburgh.

During the 23-day river sailing, the American Countess will visit 10 states.

Courtesy of American Queen Voyages

While the 23-day sailing starts and ends in major cities, most of the stops along the way are smaller, lesser-known Midwestern towns. Some of the standouts include LaCrosse, Wisconsin, which is known for its nearly 600-foot Granddad Bluff with sweeping Mississippi River Valley views; Chester, Illinois, the home of the Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon; and Cincinnati, Ohio, the birthplace of baseball. The real highlight of these cruises is that passengers will get to see and experience a slice of life in charming riverfront towns they may not otherwise visit.

Each day will feature a stop in a new place, where guests will have the opportunity to get off and explore the communities, either on their own or with a free guided tour, which includes the “Field of Dreams” experience in Dubuque, Iowa (where guests go to the original site of the 1989 baseball movie), and a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Kentucky.

The first sailing will take place on July 24, 2023, aboard the 245-passenger paddlewheeler American Countess , which is modeled after the classic steamboats that rolled along U.S. rivers in the 19th century. The American Countess features a Grand Dining Room that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menus inspired by the company’s Southern heritage. There is also a theater where nightly shows are performed in a lounge-like setting, a fitness center, a library, a card room, and a sun deck. The 123 guest rooms range from deluxe staterooms with private verandas to smaller inside cabins with a queen bed but no windows.

After reaching Pittsburgh, the ship will turn around and sail back to Minneapolis on August 13. Meals and drinks are included (alcohol too), as is a one-night precruise hotel stay, unlimited Wi-Fi, on-board live entertainment, and complimentary bicycles and hiking sticks that passengers can check out. Rooms are bookable on the American Queen Voyages website with rates starting at $10,197 per person.

Travel the U.S. with American Queen Voyages

American Queen Voyages has sailed the grand rivers of the U.S. for more than a decade. The company features a collection of modern, elegant ships that cruise the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Illinois rivers in America's heartland and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest.

Vacations To Go customers receive access to our terrific deals on cruises with American Queen Voyages. To see all current offers, click here .

The upfront price of a trip with American Queen Voyages covers a pre-cruise hotel night, guided tours, gourmet cuisine, live onboard entertainment, all-day room service, Wi-Fi and unlimited soft drinks and specialty coffees. Choice spirits, wine and local craft beer are also included in the fare, and new for this year, pre-paid service fees, port charges and taxes are covered as well. A Riverlorian (an expert in the region's history and cultures) accompanies all river sailings. The line's river vessels resemble classic 19th-century paddlewheelers with all the comforts of contemporary cruising. The American Queen and American Countess cruise the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and the American Empress explores the scenic Columbia and Snake rivers. The American Queen is the largest steamboat operating overnight cruises in the U.S. American Queen Voyages' holiday cruises are especially enticing this year. Enjoy a traditional feast of roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, bourbon pecan pie and other classics on a Thanksgiving cruise or ring in the New Year with a gala dinner, champagne and dancing. Visit Christmas markets decked in festive decor on Holidays on the River sailings and browse stalls for unique gifts, handcrafted goods and delicious treats from local artisans and vendors. The company also has a few new itineraries in 2024, each featuring special experiences. Meet fellow baseball fans and celebrate the game's rich history and traditions on Baseball Legends , or reel in the catch of the day and participate in onboard cooking demonstrations on Salmon Fest .

American Queen Voyages

At a glance

Editor’s note: American Queen Voyages ceased operations in February 2024, following financial difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Booked passengers seeking refunds can request them by filling out a form on the dedicated website American Queen Voyages set up to handle claims.

More stories that include American Queen Voyages

Advertiser Disclosure

  AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES CEASES TRADING  

On wednesday 21 february 2024, aqgsa ltd and light blue travel learned of the sad news that american queen voyages had ceased trading., as the uk and europe representative for american queen voyages we are currently in the process of contacting all affected bookings made through our office, to offer alternative solutions with other cruise lines. our priority is to help assist those who are due to travel within the next few weeks/months and we will process all bookings in departure date order., if you have made a booking through a travel agent or tour operator, please contact them directly in the first instance., we understand that this is very disappointing and may cause concern, however, please be assured that all monies paid to the uk office are held securely in the uk and any refund requests will be processed swiftly within 10-14 days..

• Our friendly team of experts are here to help. Feel free to drop us a message using the form below and someone will get back to you within 1 business day. *
• I would like to receive communications by email and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

American Queen Voyages

• » View More Cruise Lines
• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada & New England
• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Western Europe
• Panama Canal
• South America
• South Pacific
• Cruise Tours
• Galapagos Cruises
• Middle East
• Pacific Coast
• River Cruises
• Transatlantic Cruises
• World Cruises
• » All Cruise Destinations

Cruises From

• Africa, India & Middle East
• Australia & South Pacific
• Latin America
• USA & Canada
• Vacation Interests
• Destination Weddings
• Family Vacations
• Gay & Lesbian Travel
• Group Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Luxury Cruises
• Senior Citizen Travel
• Singles Cruises
• Career Discounts
• Firefighter Discounts
• Military Travel Deals
• Police Discounts
• Land Travel Types
• Vacation Packages
• Transportation
• Car, Bus & Rail
• Cruise Shore Excursions
• Travel Insurance
• Transfer Your Booking To Us
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Port Directions
• Cruise Registration
• » More Resources

Advanced Cruise Search

What's a Cruise Tour?

A cruise vacation combined with a land package!

The ability to search and book a Cruise Tour online is coming soon!

In the meanwhile, check out our Cruise Tours page or contact us.

If you'd prefer not to fill out this form, feel free to contact us using any of the following options:

Toll Free Phone: 1-866-214-7447 (U.S. & Canada)

Local Phone: 732-970-9142

International Phone: 001-732-970-9142

E-mail: [email protected]

Find the Best Travel Deals!

• Cruise Destinations
• Alaska Cruises
• Australia Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises
• Bermuda Cruises
• Canada Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Hawaii Cruises
• Mediterranean Cruises
• Mexico Cruises
• Panama Cruises
• South America Cruises
• Bayonne, NJ
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Galveston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Port Canaveral, FL
• San Diego, CA
• San Juan, PR
• Seattle, WA
• Vancouver, BC
• » All Departure Ports
• Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Celebrity Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• » All Cruise Lines

Popular Pages

• Cruise Clubs
• Cruise Finder
• Sell Cruises From Home
• Transfer Bookings to Us
• Customer Service
• Cruise FAQs
• Cruise Reviews

Check us out!

The 11 Best Cruises In And Around The U.S.

T aking a cruise is an excellent way to explore the country and world without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. The U.S. offers a variety of cruises, both on the ocean and river, that cater to different interests, ranging from exploring the wonders of Alaska to savoring the Pacific wine country.

With so many options, finding a cruise that fits your itinerary and budget is easy. In this post, I will share the 11 best cruises in and around the U.S. for seeing the wonders of our country and having an unforgettable vacation. Here they are, in no apparent order.

1. New England/Canada

Holland America offers several New England and Canada cruise options, including a 10-day getaway from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale or a 6-to-8-day journey from Boston to the culturally rich Montreal or Quebec City. The latter option includes stops in Bar Harbor, Maine; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and back. 

If you prefer a more extended cruise with more days at sea, Holland America has a 10-day itinerary from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale with stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, and Portland instead of Bar Harbor, Maine.

Highlights Of New England/Canada

These Holland America cruises are ideal for those seeking fall foliage, sandy beaches, fresh seafood, the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, the Anne of Green Gables house and farm, and the East’s most famous attraction — Acadia National Park. I found the 8-mile Confederation Bridge on Prince Edward Island truly fascinating. It stands over the Northumberland Strait and costs $50.25 to cross.

Fun Fact: Confederation Bridge is the longest bridge in the world over icy waters .

2. California Coastal And Wine Country 

Princess Cruises offers several itineraries, with my favorites being California Coastal or the Pacific Wine Country and Coastal, with stops in San Francisco and Santa Barbara , ending in Vancouver, Canada. The 7-day itinerary, which currently runs less than $500 for an inside cabin, is particularly popular. It has been named “Best Cruises from the West Coast” by Cruise Critic.

The California Coastal departs Los Angeles and stops in San Francisco; Astoria , Oregon; and Seattle, and ends in Vancouver. Princess Cruises offers a variety of onboard amenities, such as culinary experiences, the best afternoon tea at sea, and Broadway-style entertainment.

FYI: I’ve been on 54 cruises and this is one of the two I couldn’t get into a port due to the weather. In this case, it was Santa Barbara and because of the fog. Don’t be discouraged when these things happen; the cruise line’s #1 priority is keeping you safe, so you have to roll with the punches. 

Carnival Cruises takes you on a 10- or 11-day journey to wondrous Alaska, departing from Seattle or San Francisco. Expect breathtaking views of natural wonders such as glaciers, fjords, and Alaska wildlife, namely bears, moose, and whales. 

This Alaska itinerary boasts stops in Juneau and Ketchikan where you can explore charming towns and embark on exciting excursions. Carnival Cruises emphasizes fun and entertainment and is one of the many cruise lines that sail to Alaska . 

4. American Rivers (Multiple)

Viking River Cruises offers an exciting journey from Minnesota’s Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico along the Mighty Mississippi River. Three options for the American rivers that I found intriguing were Heart of the Delta (New Orleans to Memphis ), America’s Heartland (St. Louis to St. Paul), and America’s Great River (St. Paul to New Orleans). The journeys take you through iconic landmarks and scenic spots, including the St. Louis Arch, Mark Twain’s boyhood home, and Civil War battlefields. 

Viking River Cruises is ideal for those interested in history, culture, and scenic landscapes, with onboard activities such as lectures, workshops, and demonstrations. All guided tours are included. 

5. Columbia And Snake Rivers

The Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise with American Queen Voyages is a must-do for anyone interested in American history. This cruise follows the path that Lewis and Clark once charted through dense forests, rocky shorelines, and rich wine country.

Departing from Richland, Washington, or Portland, Oregon, this cruise is a bit pricey but well worth the investment for its educational enrichment and natural beauty. Learn about the Native American history of the area, take in breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge , and indulge in delicious regional cuisine.

6. Cumberland And Tennessee Rivers

Immerse yourself in the charm of small-town America and the Great Smoky Mountains on a cruise down the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers with American Queen Voyages. With all guided tours, Wi-Fi, beverages (including alcohol), and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay included, this trip offers the ultimate vacation.

Learn how to get a National Parks senior pass before you go. 

Highlights Of The Cumberland And Tennessee Rivers

Expect moonshine, Civil War historical sites, country music, Nashville traditions, and the birthplace of the blues — Memphis. While in Memphis, visiting the one and only home of Elvis Presley at Graceland is a must! I’m most intrigued by seeing Paducah, also known as Quilt City and a UNESCO World Heritage Creative City . 

7. Great Lakes

A third cruising option with American Queen Voyages uncovers the grandeur and natural beauty of the Great Lakes (which meet eight states and the Canadian province of Ontario), from Chicago to Niagara Falls. Watch the mesmerizing cascade of Niagara Falls, take a horse-drawn carriage through Mackinac Island, and soak in the fragrant pine forests of the Georgian Bay. 

With carefully selected destinations and daily educational enrichment, this cruise offers a remarkable way to discover America’s northernmost wonders.

Highlights Of The Great Lakes

Having been to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, this is truly one of the treats on this itinerary. Other highlights include:

• Chicago’s photogenic architecture
• Magnificent Mile shopping
• Milwaukee’s craft beer scene
• The Henry Ford Museum
• Traveling through the locks system

8. National Parks And Legendary Rivers

For adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, the National Parks & Legendary Rivers cruise with American Cruise Lines is a natural fit. This 15-day, 14-night cruise on land and sea takes you through some of America’s most iconic national parks: Glacier, Grand Teton , and Yellowstone . Included are guided excursions with an adventure guide, three daily meals, and breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge and Snake River, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and hotels. 

This cruise is perfect for those seeking an educational experience or mature adults seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This might be my future dream cruise itinerary.

9. Mississippi River

A list of the best cruises in the U.S. would only be complete with mentioning a classic Mississippi River cruise. This iconic American river flows through a stunning variety of landscapes, from rich forests to revered southern cities and towns. Enjoy live music, thrilling riverboat casinos, and impeccable southern cuisine on a cruise with American Queen Steamboat Company while taking in the beauty and history of the Mississippi River.

Potential city port visits among these Mississippi River cruise options include Natchez, Mississippi; Cincinnati; Madison, Indiana; Hannibal, Missouri; Dubuque, Iowa; Baton Rouge; and Memphis.

10. San Juan Islands And Puget Sound

A rare and delicious cruise itinerary I found while researching this post is yet another with American Cruise Lines . Have you ever considered cruising in Washington? I know I hadn’t. This enchanting 8-day cruise takes you through the San Juan Islands, with abundant wildlife and natural scenery, to the Puget Sound and Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada.

11. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is another unique cruise with American Cruise Lines that will allow you to witness breathtaking vistas. A few ports of call on this itinerary, or the Olympic National Park one, are lesser-known towns like Port Townsend and Anacortes.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

Hot rides on the inland seas: Great Lakes cruises gaining steam, stoking enthusiasm

A trip to Mackinac Island has long been a quintessential summer vacation. This year, thousands of travelers are opting for a luxurious way to get there: aboard a Great Lakes cruise liner.

"We had a wonderful time in Mackinac," said Rusty Davis, a California native who visited Michigan for the first time aboard Viking's Niagara & the Great Lakes cruise with his wife, Kathy. Davis and his wife are just two of thousands of travelers who will embark on a journey this summer to sail the Midwest's inland seas.

Just as the Great Lakes might not be the most typical cruise destination, the ships don't offer a typical experience either, Davis explained: "These boats are not party boats. They’re designed for older people, education, enlightenment and exploring places you’ve never been."

In recent years, ships such as Viking's Polaris have turned the Great Lakes into one of the most popular spots for cruising. The Great Lakes will see fewer cruise ships this year, but industry officials say that's a blip in an otherwise upward trendline.

Cruise the Great Lakes, a regional program that promotes the industry, projects ships between May and September that will carry 20,000 passengers and make 600 port visits. Michigan alone will welcome 157 visits from nine cruise ships, according to Kelly Wolgamott, director of marketing for Pure Michigan.

Last year, there were 800 regional port visits, according to Cruise the Great Lakes. The overall decline is largely because one cruise line, American Queen Voyages, shut down in February, taking two ships out of service on the lakes this year. However, Victory Cruise Lines bought the 190-passenger vessels, Victory I and Victory II, and plans to put them back into service next year, the company said in a statement.

"We are excited to return to the Great Lakes in April 2025," said John Waggoner, CEO of Victory Cruise Lines.

Anna Tanski, tourism director of Cruise the Great Lakes, points to long-term growth in the sector: “In just a decade, the number of cruise passengers has more than doubled." The organization projects $200 million in regional economic impact this year, a nearly 50% increase from 2022.

Six cruise lines are operating on the Great Lakes this year (Pearl Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd and Plantours Cruises), and some are adding new itineraries and port stops. Each of these cruise lines has its own specialty: Viking is geared towards the more adventurous traveler with its expedition ships, and Pearl Seas boasts private balconies for every room. Meanwhile, French-based Ponant and German Hapag-Lloyd serve European travelers.

Even for longtime Michiganians, Great Lakes cruises can be eye-opening. Michael Matti, 54, a former teacher in Stevensville, had been on five previous cruises, including to Antarctica, before traveling aboard the Octantis in 2022.

"I've been to Mackinac, I don't know how many times in my lifetime, but when I went on a tour, I learned many things I didn't know," he said. "It just gave me a very different perspective of my home state."

In many ways, these luxury Great Lakes cruise liners are the antithesis of traditional ocean-going vessels. Instead of sun-splashed Caribbean beaches, travelers can expect stops at such cities as Detroit, Marquette, Muskegon, Toronto, Milwaukee and Duluth, Minn.

Instead of a hulking ship with a towering water slide on the top deck, picture something much smaller: most Great Lakes cruisers are (relatively) petite, typically accommodating 250 or fewer passengers. By comparison, Princess Cruise's Royal Princess ship can hold up to 3,560 guests.

And instead of casinos, shops and live shows, Great Lakes cruise ships offer lower-key experiences such as scientific lectures and performances by local musicians. Pearl Mist is one such luxury ship: a comparatively intimate vessel that can accommodate 210 guests.

The voyage isn't cheap: Prices for a 15-night trip across all five Great Lakes aboard the Pearl Mist start at $10,830.  By comparison, a 14-night Caribbean cruise to the Panama Canal and the western Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas costs an average of $1,638.

Rather than a family of four looking for an indulgent tropical getaway, Great Lakes cruises tend to attract a much different clientele: educated, older and well-traveled. “They’ve been to the Caribbean. They’ve been to Alaska. They’ve been to the Mediterranean," said Mark Schrupp, executive director of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. "The Great Lakes is the next frontier for people who really enjoy cruising.”

Detroit draws cruise ships

Detroit has seen an increase in port visits over the past few years, with 52 dockings in 2022 and 62 in 2023, though just 40 are scheduled this year because American Queen Voyages shut down, Shrupp said.

"The Great Lakes in 2025 should promise to be another banner year for us," said John Jamian, director of operations of Detroit's port authority.

Detroit's efforts to woo more cruise ships have included spending half a million dollars on an extra bollard to upgrade the port authority's dock near the Renaissance Center. The goal is to accommodate longer ships like Viking's Octantis, a vessel more than 650 feet long that stopped at a longer, privately owned dock in 2022.

Tourist organizations like Visit Detroit roll out the red carpet for cruise passengers. As soon as they dock, they're greeted with local entertainment, local guides and Motown music, said Jennifer Ollinger, tourism manager of Visit Detroit: "We have the infrastructure; we just need to convince them to come. Once they get here, they're like, wow, there's a lot to see and do."

High-profile development projects like the Hudson's site and the recently reopened Michigan Central Station help with that. So do the record-breaking crowds who poured into Detroit for the nationally televised NFL Draft in late April.

Davis, the Viking passenger from California, disembarked in Detroit this month and was pleasantly surprised. "I was not aware of all the different things there were in the downtown area and all that had been revitalized," he said. "It was very clean."

While ashore, Davis particularly enjoyed touring Ford Motor Co.'s Rouge Center in Dearborn: "We watched the crews build F-150s, it was so fascinating ... we were there so long they had to come looking for us to go back on the ship."

Davis added that "Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, and the Ford Rouge Center have been the highlights of the trip."

Betsy Ristroph, 78, a retired librarian from Georgia, docked in Detroit last July on Viking's Niagara & the Great Lakes cruise and had a similar reaction. "My previous impression was that all the industry left, and there had been riots long ago. I had very bleak impressions. But it feels to me now they had revitalized the downtown and kept their sports teams," she said. "I have a positive impression of Detroit now."

While in Detroit, Ristroph particularly enjoyed touring the Rouge Center: "I've seen enough museums in my life … but I found the plant fascinating."

Not only do such travelers witness Detroit’s revitalization, but they also play a vital role in it. In 2023, the 14,000 passengers who visited Detroit generated $1.5 million of direct economic impact, according to Cruise the Great Lakes.

Other Michigan cities are looking to get in on the action. Bay City is working to identify the best locations to start welcoming cruise ships on the Saginaw River. "We've been looking to get into the cruise ship industry for years now," said Annette Rummel, CEO of Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, an organization that oversees Bay City tourism.

Muskegon, already a port of call on many cruise itineraries, is also looking to add a second dock to accommodate more Great Lakes cruise ships, according to Robert Lukens, Community Development Director of the port of Muskegon. Other Michigan ports receiving cruise ships this year include Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Traverse City, Alpena and Escanaba.

Science instead of shows

Another major draw for cruisers is the natural beauty of Michigan's Great Lakes coasts, ranging from boreal forests in Thunder Bay to sandstone cliffs in Marquette to the golden autumnal coastline off Sault Ste. Marie. 

“For many of these travelers, it’s their first time in Michigan,” Wolgamott said. “One thing that always surprises travelers when they come is how big the Great Lakes are. They get to discover the beauty of our 3,200 miles of freshwater coastline and quaint coastal towns.”  

Great Lakes cruises seek to give passengers a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna unique to the region. Viking's ships are particularly science-oriented. Both the Octantis and Polaris have scientists on board conducting research in the Great Lakes as well as a science lab where passengers can complete weather samples or launch weather balloons.

"You wouldn't expect how interesting the scientific information is," said Doris Colgate, in her early 80s, who traveled aboard the Octantis in 2022. As a sailor and owner of a sailing company, Colgate is an explorer at heart. But compared to exploring on her own, Colgate appreciated the expert guidance the Octantis offered: "I loved being at anchor in a remote area and seeing all the birds come in. Then an ornithologist would explain the various birds indigenous to the area."

As an expedition ship, the Octantis also offers plenty of opportunities for active exploration. "There were some very active people who kayaked all day long. It’s a great cruise for younger people or fit older people," said Colgate.

With this type of programming, Viking has a no-children policy, limiting guests to 18 years and older. However, other Great Lakes cruise lines have a more flexible policy on children. In addition to scientists, Viking has visiting lecturers on board, while Pearl Seas guests can end the evening conversing with naturalists or local historians. "It's not going on a cruise ship and seeing a casino or big show, but it's much more down to earth: lectures and local musicians," Matti said. Such an environment makes a great place to build friendships with like-minded individuals who may prefer cultural enrichment over pizzazz. "That's one of the things we love," Matti said. "People are so open and conversational. You have that opportunity at night to listen to music and have a drink."

Matti also made friends with crew members — some of whom he still follows on Facebook. Compared to ocean-going vessels, many Great Lakes cruises have crew-to-passenger ratios close to 1:1. "We had room stewards who knew us by name on day one ... they are very, very attentive."

Amenities on these ships reflect the high price tag. On board, nearly everything is included: from alcohol to off-shore activities, though there are add-on options for some stops. There's attention to detail down to the bookshelves — on the Octantis, all the books were related to Great Lakes expeditions. More than the unique programming or entertainment, Matti said it's comfort and service like this that would make him go again.

“Veterans of the cruise industry want to see different things than what they’re seeing all the time — like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or the Navy Pier in Chicago," said David Gutheil, chief commercial officer of the port of Cleveland. "There’s a lot more differentiation among the Great Lakes cruise ship destinations compared to what you’d see cruising in other parts of the world.” 

[email protected]