By
Alice Chambers |
American Queen Voyages is to refocus its operations on river cruises from 2024.
The line will begin its 2024 season with three- and four-day Lower Mississippi voyages onboard its 417-guest steamboat American Queen. It will also bring back its popular 16-day Upper Mississippi cruise from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
American Countess will also sail new ‘Experiential Voyages’ on the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, one of which will include a bourbon-themed voyage with food and spirits experts. Meanwhile, American Empress will operate new wine-themed cruises on the Snake and Columbia rivers.
“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 American river itineraries are exceptional and demonstrate this by returning again and again. All of our focus is being put into updating and enhancing our popular river product with strategic partnerships and an elevated culinary programme, which we know have been very well received.”
American Queen Voyages will continue to operate in Alaska for its third season next year, offering cruises onboard the 186-guest Ocean Victory. However, it will cease operations in the Great Lakes and as a result will sell its Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager vessels.