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American Queen Voyages

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DISCOVERY RUNS DEEP™

The company began when HMS Global Maritime, founded by John Waggoner, bought the 436-guest riverboat American Queen® from the United States Maritime Administration and formed the Great American Steamboat Co. to revive travel on U.S. rivers with an all-American crew.

For 10 years, this business entity operated as American Queen Steamboat Co. offering close-to-home adventures on America’s rivers. In September 2021, the line was rebranded American Queen Voyages to better reflect the broad choice of destination experiences offered.

The mighty rivers of the United States of America once served as the great highways of early exploration and inspired dreams of discovery. Today, American Queen Voyages re-creates the same sense of wonder, excitement, and inspiration with all the convenience and comfort of modern luxury aboard the most elegant riverboats in the world, the American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess, and American Countess. Traveling in the wake of legends, guests are transported to an era of leisurely and romantic travel.

“Let us cast off the bowlines and sail together into a deeper, more powerful, and personal experience of the North American continent, history, and people. Are you ready?”
— John Waggoner
CEO and Founder

Recent Growth

2014
In the spring of 2014, they expanded their elegant and intimate style of travel to the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The soaring mountains, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and frontier spirit of the fascinating West serve as perfect complements to the cultural history, quiet towns, and genteel character of their voyages on America's heartland rivers. Just as the American Queen embodies the heartland and legacy of Mark Twain, the American Empress was exclusively designed to celebrate the rich tradition of exploration in the West rivers.

2017
Their continued success led to further expansion, and they were overjoyed to announce the arrival of a new vessel, the American Duchess. This exciting addition to their fleet began cruising the Mississippi River in June of 2017. The American Duchess holds the distinction of being the first all-suite paddlewheel vessel in the United States, offering the largest accommodations in every cabin category level on the river. This innovative vessel, accommodating 166 guests, continues the pedigree of their line's namesake, the American Queen, with itineraries on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Notably, the American Duchess also features luxurious two-story Loft Suites, a first on America's rivers.

2018
The American Queen Steamboat Company announced a definitive agreement to acquire the Victory I and Victory II cruise ships from Sunstone Ships, Inc., along with the Victory Cruise Lines brand. Victory Cruise Lines currently markets these vessels as overnight cruise ships. The terms of the transaction are not disclosed, with the deal anticipated to close in early January 2019.

2020
Guests are welcomed aboard the newest paddle-wheeler in the fleet, the American Countess, which pays a graceful tribute to gracious living and leisurely travel. During her premiere season, individuals have the opportunity to experience a thoroughly modern approach to life on America's legendary rivers by joining the American Countess.

2021
The American Queen Steamboat Company has transitioned into American Queen Voyages, a new overarching brand that combines the American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines. American Queen Voyages now offers a diverse and extensive selection of North American itineraries, including American Queen Voyages River, American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean (incorporating the Victory Cruise Lines fleet), and American Queen Voyages Expedition, featuring new expedition experiences in Alaska and Central America.

2022
The Ocean Voyager embarked on its inaugural Mexico & Yucatan season, followed by the first season sailing the Southeast USA for the Ocean Navigator, which departed from Savannah in April 2022 and made its way to the Great Lakes. Meanwhile, the Ocean Victory set sail for its Expedition season.

FAQs

What kind of cruise does American Queen Voyages offer? 

River Cruise: 
Whether aboard an authentic or a more contemporary riverboat, nothing in the world quite compares with the rhythmic splashing sound of a paddle-wheeler. You will cruise in style on the country’s most important rivers, including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Columbia and Snake rivers. Guests are welcomed into a world of spacious luxury, gracious Southern hospitality, masterful cuisine, curated enrichment, and all-inclusive value.

Lakes & Oceans Cruise:
Eschew the major East and West Coast cruise ports in favor of quaint fishing hamlets and charming seaside resorts in Canada, the Great Lakes, New England, along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Mexico, and the Yucatán Peninsula. With just 202 privileged guests, the experience aboard our boutique coastal vessels is intimate. Plus noted area experts accompany every voyage to enrich the destination experience.

Expedition Cruise: 
Brand new, state-of-the-art expedition vessels with a unique X-bow design for increased comfort are without peer in the Northwest USA, British Columbia, and Alaska waters. Indeed, these ice-class ships are fully equipped with inflatable Zodiac landing craft, kayaks for up-close exploration, and platforms for water-level viewing. All departures are directed by an Expedition Team that includes Cal PolyTech scientists, among other noted guest lecturers.

Themed Cruises: 
For travelers desiring to appreciate the nuances of bourbon or pinot noir, learn culinary techniques from celebrated guest chefs, or relish in the music of local legends, American Queen Voyages™ offers themed cruises known as "Experiential Cruises." These cruises are designed to resonate with individuals who seek to partake in the company's award-winning itineraries, luxurious accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and onboard enrichment alongside like-minded fellow travelers.

On a theme cruise, guests benefit from the shared passion for the subject matter among their fellow travelers. The experience is thoughtfully curated to inspire a variety of activities, including performances, workshops, vineyard visits, and demonstrations.
Experiential or themed cruises at American Queen Voyages are categorized into four distinct themes: Culinary and cocktails, Holiday Series, Music and more, and Special Events.

What are American Queen Voyage boats like?

American Queen Voyages vessels are state-of-the-art, authentic paddle-wheelers. They offer a comfortable escape and breathtaking views as they cruise along iconic American waterways.

Each vessel features an elaborate main dining room, an entertainment hall for performances, beautiful balconies, and immaculate décor.

How many passengers are there on a typical American Queen Voyages cruise?

While the exact number of passengers will vary by the voyage, our authentic paddle wheelers have the capacity to accommodate anywhere from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the vessel. A low passenger count makes American Queen Voyages much more intimate and far less crowded than voyages on standard cruise lines.

What's the food like on an American Queen Voyages cruise?

American Queen Voyages has earned a well-deserved reputation for its dining experiences. The cruises under their brand showcase exquisite dining rooms adorned with pristine, white linens and consistently delightful menus. Typically, American Queen Voyages cruises offer cuisine inspired by the regions they visit. They are also attentive to accommodating dietary restrictions; guests need only inform Adventure Life at the time of booking.

How long is a typical American Queen Voyages cruise?

Cruises range from five to 20-plus days and vary based on the itinerary.

What makes American Queen Voyages cruises the best?

Authentic paddle wheelers and competitive pricing plans make American Queen Voyages cruises second to none. With luxury accommodations and free Wi-Fi on all of their vessels, you can’t go wrong.

Awards

At American Queen Voyages™, the company maintains the highest standards in cruising and takes pride in providing award-winning voyages of discovery on the waterways of North America.

2023
Seatrade Cruise Awards
Winner: River Cruises Initiative

2022
Travvy Awards
Best Cruise Line: US Waterways

2022
Travvy Awards
Best River Cruise Line: US Waterways

2015-2021
The World’s Best Cruise Lines
Reader’s Choice Awards
Top River Cruise Lines

2019
Editor’s Pick
Best River Cruise Line for U.S. Sailings2013
Editor’s Pick Best Onboard Dining

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