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American Queen Voyages

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American Queen Voyages fleet

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Originally founded under the name "Great American Steamboat Company", in April 2012 this business enterprise started under the cruise brand AQSC (American Queen Steamboat Company LLC). For 10 years (between 2011-2021), the company was branded as AQSC. In September 2021, the brand was changed to "American Queen Voyages"/AQV, as well as the brand's logo (adding the trademarked "Discovery Runs Deep" tagline).

IMPORTANT : On February 20, 2024, (at 5 pm Indiana time/12:00 UTC) American Queen Steamboat Company LLC officially ceased operations.

• In an internal letter, all employees and crew were notified that their contracts were permanently terminated, citing "unfortunate business circumstances and an inability to obtain sufficient capital at a commercially reasonable rate to continue operations".
• All scheduled AQV sailings were canceled.
• AQV's message stated: "American Queen Voyages has made the difficult decision to shut down and all future cruises have been canceled. Guests and customers should expect to be fully refunded for canceled cruises".
• On February 22, 2024, in a Texas court, AQV voluntarily filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and proposed as a potential auction date (March 28th) for its assets, with March 24th set as a deadline for bidding. In the filing, AQV blamed the COVID crisis' impact on its business, followed by the government-imposed travel restrictions and the failure to sell the business in 2023.
• The fleet's layup costs alone were reportedly US$300,000 per week.
• As AQV's main Creditors (companies with unsecured claims) were listed Seatran Marine ($3,996M), Pleasant Holidays ($0,944M), Easton Coach Company ($0,805M), Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services ($0,792M), US Postal Service ($0,744M), Bay Ship & Yacht Co ($0,694M), Vacations To Go ($0,57M), Port San Diego ($0,48M), Mittera Group ($0,451M), Harbor Fuels ($0,437M), American Express ($0,4M), Toast Inc ($0,375M), North River Shipyard ($0,366M), University of Georgia ($0,356M), Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska ($0,34M), SunStone Ships ($0,334M), FMC Globalsat Inc ($0,331M), Riverview Tug Service ($0,328M).

In January, AQV canceled all scheduled February voyages (with a planned restart of operations in March), and all major travel agencies stopped offering AQV cruises.

On February 21, 2024, Hornblower Group (AQSC's parent company) announced an agreement with its main investor Strategic Value Partners LLC (2001-founded investment company/SVP) to acquire a majority ownership of Hornblower and provide investments in the Group's cruise shipping business. A minority stake in Hornblower remains in Crestview Partners (2004-founded, NYC-based private equity firm).

As of 2024, SVP manages US$16+ billion of capital.

By the deal, Crestview Partners became the sole owner of the "Journey Beyond" (Hornblower-owned Australian travel group) and Hornblower Group received US$121 million in financing from its principal investors (SVP and Crestview), which reduced Hornblower's debt by ~US$720M.

As to the future of AQSC/AQV, Hornblower's cruise shipping division (American Queen Voyages) will be sold or closed down due to AQV's underperformance.

AQV company

In the new brand, the "American Queen Steamboat Company" merged the brand "Victory Cruise Lines" and added two new sea regions (Alaska and Central America/Yucatan Mexico).

Following the rebranding, the company trademarked the following names for its subdivisions (by destination):

• "American Queen Voyages RIVER " (USA)
• "American Queen Voyages EXPEDITION " (Alaska, Central America)
• "American Queen Voyages LAKES & OCEAN " ( Great Lakes , Pacific Northwest, Canada, New England)
• Note: "American Queen Steamboat Company" and "Victory Cruise Lines" are still trademarked.

AQV company's current President is Cindy D’Aoust (former CLIA President & CEO) while Isis Ruiz is the CCO (Chief Commercial Officer). Since 2022, AQV's riverboat fleet's VP of Marine Operations is Captain Jethro Beck (former employee of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , HAL-Holland America Line , Seabourn , Princess , P&O Australia , Shell Oil Co, Global Marine Group).

Since May 2022, AQV's Acting President is David Giersdorf (contracted for 18 months), who reports directly to Kevin Rabbitt (Hornblower Group's CEO). David Giersdorf works with Adam Peakes (Hornblower Group's Executive VP & CFO). AQV's VP of Finance and Accounting is Mostafa Beshir (previously employed by AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages as Senior Director of Finance).

In 2022-Q4/2023-Q1, AQV's leadership team joined John Kingston (VP of Human resources), Angela Composto (VP of Marketing, previously employed by Ritz-Carlton Yachts, Crystal and Silversea), Alex Dormoi (PMO/Project Management Officer, previously employed by Anew Recruit and Alpha Plus Transportation).

AQV's Expedition brand was officially inaugurated on March 7, 2022, with Ocean Victory departing from Vancouver BC Canada . The special ceremony was attended by John Waggoner (AQV's Founder, Chairman and CEO), Kathy DeLisser (AQV's Canada VP), Ceres (AQV's Canada Terminals), Tom Corsie (Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's Real Estate VP).

In June 2023 AQV announced its plans to concentrate on river cruises resulting in a series of fleet deployment changes/schedule updates for the period 2024-2025. As part of this strategic shift, AQV canceled the Great Lakes 2024 program and announced its plans to sell the ships Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager .

AQSC company history and changes

AQV-American Queen Voyages (aqvoyages.com) fka AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company (americanqueensteamboatcompany.com) is a 2011-founded USA passenger shipping company and cruise travel brand headquartered in New Albany (Indiana USA). In 2018, the company's headquarters were moved to New Albany IN from Memphis Tennessee . AQSC/AQV and Victory Cruise Lines are owned by Hornblower Group Inc (1980-founded by Terry MacRae/current CEO) via its subsidiary Hornblower Cruises and Events (1974-founded, San Francisco -headquartered). The shipowner is part of HMS Global Maritime (1994-founded as Hornblower Marine Services). Part of the corporation are also HMS Ferries, Seaward Services (ship repairs/maintenance/management) and HMS Consulting (maritime business development, risk management, technical services).

Hornblower also owns "Niagara Falls Cruises" (Niagara Falls Gorge Boat Tour Company, via "Hornblower Canada Co"), and (via Hornblower USA Co) also owns the ferry companies/brands "Alcatraz Cruises" (Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay), "Statue Cruises" (NYC, between Liberty Island and Ellis Island), "Hornblower New York Cruises" (sightseeing yachts on NYC's East River and Hudson River) and "NYC Ferry" (on East River, between Lower and Midtown Manhattan).

In September 2020, Hornblower acquired SEA-Shore Excursions of America (2011-founded tour company, based in Easton, Pennsylvania, that specializes in exclusive cruise extension land tour packages. SEA was founded to serve exclusively AQSC and Victory Cruise Lines.

The AQV brand is affiliated with the corporation "HMS Global Maritime Inc" - Florida/ Fort Lauderdale -based company managing its marine operations.

In 2012, with PS American Queen AQSC resurrected the overnight Mississippi River cruise operations - a US travel service that was almost dead since 2008. SInce 2019, AQSC owns the company Victory Cruise Lines , which fleet is listed at CruiseMapper as part of AQSC.

Currently, the company is led by Ted Sykes. He previously worked in leadership and executive roles at Viking , Vantage, Grand Circle Travel , and Saga UK .

In 2023, AQV's finance team joined Lissette Balbiers (as Senior VP of Finance & Accounting/previously employed by iAero Airways as CFO), Susan Anderson (as Finance Director and Financial Controller/previously employed by Hornblower Cruises as Assistant Financial Controller) and Frits van der Werff (as Senior VP of Guest Experiences/hotel operations, previously employed by NCL-Norwegian , MSC , HAL-Holland America, St Regis Hotels & Resorts/Marriott International, Westgate Resorts).

This genuine USA cruise company employs resident experts who narrate the history of all towns visited along the itinerary routes. Onboard bicycles are also at hand, allowing passengers to enjoy biking along the river and through ports the riverboats call at.

All owned by AQSC/AQV ships are stern paddlewheelers designed as the British Victorian era's steam-powered riverboats. Their interior decorations are marked by rich upholstery, ornate chandeliers, custom-made furniture of polished wood and with brass ornaments.

AQV's boats offer modern hotel amenities, such as Wi-Fi in all public spaces, gourmet cuisine, ticket price-inclusive land tours/shore excursions. Still, they aim to evoke the "old timer's" memories of the 19th-century paddlewheel steamships. The riverboats are fitted with an original design steam plant. The steam engine drives a stern paddlewheel to propel the large vessel through water.

In September 2022, AQV partnered with the National Museum of the Great Lakes (Toledo Maritime Center on Maumee River, Toledo OH) to offer Lakelorian guided voyages starting May 2023. On two Toronto-homeported boats (Ocean Voyager, Ocean Navigator), each sailing features a permanent Lakelorian-licensed tour guide. The Lakelorians conduct onboard lectures and discussions (held in the ship's Compass Lounge or Seascape Tavern) themed on the visited city and also answer questions throughout the AQV cruise.

In September 2016, the company announced a fleet expansion with a newbuild ( American Duchess ) scheduled for launch in July 2017. However, due to Mississippi's unseasonably high water levels, the launch was postponed for 6 weeks (to August 13th/christening ceremony). The Maiden Voyage was on August 14th, with prices starting from USD 1500 pp (double-occupancy Interior Suite rates). American Duchess was deployed to the rivers Mississippi and Ohio.

For the new riverboat was used the hull of a former casino ship ("Isle of Capri") homeported in Bettendorf (Iowa USA). The casino boat was retrofitted for premium cruises on Mississippi and its tributaries. The riverboat became the USA's first newbuild paddlewheeler. The vessel has capacity 166 passengers and features the American river cruise industry's largest suites (sized up to 550 ft2 / 51 m2) as well as the river travel industry's first-ever Loft Suites (2-level accommodations/on two decks).

American Duchess has a traditional for Mississippi paddle-wheeler design. The itinerary program offers several overnight port stays and shorter roundtrips from homeports Minneapolis-Saint Paul , Nashville , New Orleans and (for the first time) from Chicago (Ottawa, Illinois).

In 2018 was acquired the casino boat "Kanesville Queen" - previously operated by "Harrahs Council Bluffs Casino and Hotel" in Council Bluffs (Iowa USA). The vessel (renamed American Countess ) entered service in 2019, following drydock lengthening at Gulf Island Shipyard (Houma, Louisiana).

Ship stretching included cutting the existing hull in two and adding a 60 ft (18 m) long prefabricated midship section. Nearly 150 workers are currently involved in this project.

AQSC cruise deals

Operated with all-inclusive cruise packages, AQV deals are inclusive of:

• all shore excursions ("Steamcoach Tours" by luxury buses)
• 1-night pre-cruise hotel package
• soft drinks and bottled water (offered throughout the voyage)
• wines and beers (offered at dinner only)
• 24-hour room service (menu has standard breakfasts fare, plus sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, fresh salmon, desserts)
• Wi-Fi Internet
• Pilot House tour (of the ship's Navigation Bridge)
• Since January 2, 2023, AQV's all-inclusive fares additionally include port charges, Gov taxes, service fees and onboard gratuities.

Smoking inside the cabin and on the balcony is forbidden. The only smoking-allowed area on the ship is the sun deck.

"Commodore Services" is the company's set of exclusive services reserved for cruise ship passengers booking categories LFS-Loft and OS-Owner suites. The list of bonus perks (price-inclusive / complimentary privileges) includes:

• gifts (upon arrival) - fruit basket and a bottle of wine
• suite tour (upon arrival)
• priority boarding and dining arrangements
• reserved balcony seating in "The Auditorium" (boat's theater/show lounge), with a personal escort to the reserved seats
• private reception party with the ship's Captain and Senior Officers
• personal River Butler
• unpacking, hanging the clothes in the closet, packing, laundry, pressing service, shoeshine (conditioning)
• in-cabin dining - Afternoon Tea service, Breakfast, and Dinner service (on the suite's balcony, upon request), pre-dinner canapes, post-dinner sweets).

Victory Cruise Lines

In mid-November 2018, AQSC announced an agreement to acquire the brand "Victory Cruise Line" and its two chartered (Sunstone Ships-owned) vessels Ocean Voyager/fka Victory I (2001-built) and Ocean Navigator/fka Victory II (2004-built). Transaction terms were not disclosed. The acquisition deal was closed in mid-January 2019.

To the AQSC fleet were also added Ocean Victory (2021) and Ocean Discoverer (2023). Both are Sunstone-owned newbuilds (operated under charter) and deployed seasonally in Alaska.

These four vessels are in a separate fleet (Victory Cruise Line) and operated under the "American Queen Voyages EXPEDITION" brand.

For season 2019 (May through October) were scheduled 10-day Great Lakes voyages  operated with all-inclusive deals. Victory 1 was homeported in Montreal and Detroit MI , with route ports Quebec City , Kingston, Toronto (with crossing Welland Canal between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie), Port Colborne (gateway to Niagara Falls) and Cleveland . Victory 2 was homeported in Toronto and Chicago , with route ports Port Colborne, Cleveland, Detroit, Lake Huron (scenic cruising), Little Current (Manitoulin Island) , Soo Locks (connecting Lake Superior with Great Lakes). Sault Ste Marie , Mackinac Island , Lake Michigan.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, AQSC suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all riverboats) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through May 2021. Fleet operations resumed on the following dates in 2021 (by ship).

• American Duchess (May 3 from Louisville)
• American Empress (May 4 from Clarkston)
• American Countess (May 14 from Memphis)
• American Queen (August 9 from New Orleans)
• (Victory Cruise Lines ships) Victory I and Victory II (May 1)
• Note: Under CERTS (Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act), in August 2021 the company received USD 64 million (CAD 80,67M / AUD 87,31M / EUR 54,23M) grant from the USA's government. The CERTS provides grants to eligible (USA-based and all American-crewed) passenger transportation companies (motorcoach, school bus, shipping, pilotage) that have experienced 25% or more annual revenue losses due to the COVID crisis.

Previously, passenger shipping operations were planned to resume on August 2 (American Empress), August 8 (American Countess, American Queen) and August 16 (American Duchess). All affected bookings received a full refund (100% cash) or 125% refund as FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking. Any booking may move to another departure date in 2020 and their current cancellation penalty applies to the new departure date. The new booking must be of equal or greater value and the customer is responsible for any increase in fare. AQSC covers flight change fees for all immediately rebooking customers.

The AQSC-owned company "Victory Cruise Lines" also suspended passenger shipping operations. The Victory 1 ship cruises were initially canceled through June 30, 2020 (planned to resume on July 5), while the Victory 2 ship (Ocean Navigator) cruises scheduled for 2020 were all canceled. In late-May, AQSC also canceled the entire 2020 program of Victory 1. Victory Cruise Line's suspension was due to Canadia's travel restrictions. All affected bookings received a full monetary refund (100%) or 125% refund as FCC with rebooking.

Itinerary of American Queen Voyages

AQV operates unique paddlewheel-boat voyages along the USA's rivers Ohio, Tennessee, Columbia, Cumberland, Snake, Mississippi. The vessels are all traditional-designed American stern-paddlewheelers featuring luxurious and spacious staterooms, top-quality service, authentic onboard and ashore experiences themed on geography, history, culture, music, cuisine.

NOTE : Since 2021, the brand "American Queen Voyages"/AQV groups the travel brands "American Queen Steamboat Company" (AQSC) and "Victory Cruise Lines" (VCL). Both companies are owned by Hornblower Group Inc (1980-founded) via its subsidiary Hornblower Cruises and Events (1974-founded).

Memphis TN is an important homeport for AQV. American Queen (fleet's most famous ship) docks there regularly - at the city attraction Beale Street Landing. In April 2014, a second boat (American Empress) joined the fleet after a major refurbishment. The vessel formerly sailed under the name "Empress of the North" - another famous American steamboat. With American Empress, in 2014 the company introduced its Pacific Northwest program.

AQSC/AQV owns and operates four (for now) paddle-wheeler riverboats sailing on some of the biggest rivers in the USA.

• American Duchess (2017-built)
• American Empress (2004-built/2013-acquired) on Snake and Columbia (Pacific Northwest)
• American Queen (1995-built/2011-acquired) on Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee.
• American Countess (1995-built as "Kanesville Queen" casino boat/2018-acquired) on Mississippi River

Into the subsidiary Victory Cruise Line merged the new brands "American Queen Voyages EXPEDITION" (Alaska, Central America) and "American Queen Voyages LAKES & OCEAN"). The fleet currently includes two pairs of sisterships - Ocean Voyager (fka Victory 1) and Ocean-Navigator (fka Victory 2) , as well as the chartered from SunStone Ships Inc (USA-based shipowner) newbuilds Ocean Victory (2021) and Ocean Discoverer (2023).

The following AQV cruise itinerary map shows the company's destinations and all itineraries as rivers and ports of call. The company's main departure ports/homeports are with capital letters and bolded. These are Minneapolis-St Paul (Minnesota) , Chicago (Illinois) , St Louis (Missouri) , Nashville (Tennessee) , Memphis (Tennessee) and New Orleans (Louisiana) .

Special Edition Voyages ( theme cruises ) are regularly scheduled annually by AQV and are themed on "Memorial Day", "July 4th" (Star-Spangled, Salute to Veterans), "Thanksgiving", "Christmas and New Year" (Home for the Holidays, Creole Christmas, Country Christmas, New Year"s Celebration), "History and Culture" (Art of Discovery, Civil War), music (American Music Festival, Star-Spangled Spectacular, The Rhythm of the Rivers, Big Band, A Music of the 1950"s-60"s), food and wine (Culinary and Cocktails, Bourbon - An American Spirit, Cajun-Creole Culinary Experience, American Culinary Experience), sports (The Kentucky Derby, American River Golf Classic), other (Past Guest Reunion).

AQV cruise itineraries 2023 (Lakes & Ocean)

Due to "unprecedented demand" for 2022 voyages, in mid-February 2021 AQSC and Victory Cruise Lines announced the brands' 2023 ship deployment and itineraries. The season's highlight is the introduction of the chartered ship Ocean Discoverer .

American Queen (on Lower Mississippi) has scheduled for 2023 a total of 28 departures on itineraries between Memphis and New Orleans. American Duchess (on Ohio River) has scheduled for 2023 a total of 6 itineraries between Louisville KY and Pittsburgh PA .

American Countess operates on Mississippi River (between Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN and New Orleans) and on Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee rivers. American Empress (Pacific Northwest USA/March 23 thru November 26, 2023) operates 9-day itineraries between Portland OR and Spokane WA ( Vancouver WA and Clarkston WA ).

Ocean Discoverer's Maiden Voyage (May 12, 2023) is planned as a repositioning cruise from Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas, Costa Rica) to San Diego CA . The inaugural 2023 season is based on 11-12-day Alaskan itineraries Sitka AK - Vancouver BC and Sitka- Seattle . Ocean Victory's Alaska 2023 program (between Vancouver BC and Sitka AK) also offers seasonal relocation cruises between Puntarenas and San Diego.

The sisterships Ocean Voyager/ex Victory 1 and Ocean Navigator/ex Victory 2 have scheduled for 2023 itineraries (11- to 16-days long) leaving from homeports Chicago, Toronto, Detroit, Montreal. The itinerary's call ports include Marquette, Mackinaw Island, Sault-Ste Marie (Soo Locks passing), Savannah, Charleston, Fernandina Beach FL. Ocean Navigator also operates in the Western Caribbean (Yucatan Mexico) with roundtrips out of Cozumel .

In 2023 is scheduled the introduction of AQV's new 23-day itinerary "Grand Ohio and Upper Mississippi Rivers" (ship American Countess) departing from Minneapolis on July 24th and ending in Pittsburgh. The reverse 23-day itinerary leaves from Pittsburgh on August 14th. The new route features 1772 mi/2850 km of river cruising and visiting 19x port cities in 10x states - MN (Red Wing), WI (La Crosse), IA (Dubuque, Bettendorf, Burlington), MO (Hannibal, St Louis, Kimmswick, Cape Girardeau), KY (Paducah, Henderson, Owensboro, Brandenburg, Louisville), IN (Madison), OH (Cincinnati), KY (Maysville), WV (Point Pleasant), GA (Marietta).

AQV cruise itineraries 2024

In mid-December 2021 were announced details on AQV's 2024 program, marking it the company's ever furthest (3 years in advance) season open for booking.

"American Queen Voyages River" 2024 season is on the Lower Mississippi (between New Orleans and Memphis) and based on the boats Duchess, Countess and Queen. The three boats also sail on the rivers Ohio and Cumberland.

"American Queen Voyages Lakes and Ocean" itineraries are along the USA-Canada coasts, America's Great Lakes , Yucatan Mexico. Signature cruisetours visit Niagara Falls, Chicago, Martha's Vineyard Island , Bar Harbor, Newport.

"American Queen Voyages Expedition" 2024 Alaskan season (company's third and brand's second) is based on two newbuilds - Ocean Victory (2021) and Ocean Discoverer (2023).

American Queen Voyages related cruise news

ACL-American Cruise Lines acquires 4 paddlewheelers/riverboats from AQV-American Queen Voyages

ACL-American Cruise Lines has completed the acquisition of all four paddlewheelers previously belonging to the AQV-American Queen Voyages fleet...

American Queen Steamboat Company (American Queen Voyages/AQV) ceased operations

On February 20, 2024, (at 5 pm Indiana time/12:00 UTC) American Queen Steamboat Company LLC (which operates under the travel brand American...

AQV-American Queen Voyages cancels February sailings due to operational concerns

AQV-American Queen Voyages has announced the cancellation of several sailings scheduled for February. The decision stems from an unforeseen...

Fire breaks out on AQV's Ocean Navigator cruise ship in Portland ME

During a scheduled stop in Portland Maine, the 2001-built Ocean Navigator ship, operated by AQV-American Queen Voyages, faced an unexpected incident...

AQV's ship Ocean Voyager is the last to dock in Escanaba Michigan

The final docking of an AQV-American Queen Voyages ship in Escanaba (Michigan USA) occurred on October 2, marking the conclusion of the 2023 season...

AQV-American Queen Voyages launches new 5- and 6-day itineraries for 2024

Renowned River and Expedition cruise line, AQV-American Queen Voyages, has just announced the launch of new 5- and 6-day itineraries starting in...

Port Thunder Bay (Ontario Canada) to host 15 cruise ship calls in 2023

In season 2023, Thunder Bay (Ontario, Canada) is set to accommodate 15 cruise ship visits, a double increase compared to the 9 calls it handled in...

AQV-American Queen Voyages cancels Great Lakes cruises, sells Ocean Navigator and Voyager ships

American Queen Voyages (AQV) has unveiled its plans to shift its focus to river cruises, implementing a series of changes and updates that will...

Viking River Cruises kicks off stops in Greenville (Mississippi)

Viking River Cruises USA will commence stops in Greenville (Mississippi) this Friday, February 24th, bringing thousands of vacationers over a period...

American Queen Voyages/AQV is the first cruise line with fleetwide SpaceX Starlink Internet

AQV-American Queen Voyages announced SpaceX Starlink upgrades to its entire fleet of 7, including the award-winning lines Rivers, Lakes & Oceans...

•   show more news

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.

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American Queen Deck Plans & Reviews

American Queen

Activities & entertainment.

• Engine Room Viewing Area
• Enrichment Lectures
• Fitness Center
• Gentlemen's Card Room
• Inclusive Excursion Options
• Ladies' Parlor
• Local History
• Mark Twain Gallery
• Quizzes & Trivia
• Swimming Pool
• Grand Saloon
• Local Entertainment
• Production Shows
• J.M. White Dining Room - American
• Captain's Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Front Porch Cafe - Casual
• River Grill - Casual
• Engine Room Bar - Nautical bar *
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• Terrible 31
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Information About American Q ueen Voyages

American q ueen voyages has made the difficult decision to shut down..

Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, American Queen Voyages (AQV) unfortunately has been unable to rebound from the effects of the pandemic. The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable.

We are therefore shutting down the business, and all future AQV cruises have been cancelled.

We are deeply proud of our crew and the outstanding travel experiences and service we have provided to our guests. As we reflect on the journey we have shared over the years, we are filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving our guests, partners and agents and for being part of our incredible local communities.

It has been an honor to bring joy to so many lives, and we are deeply touched by the relationships we have formed and the memorable experiences we have created.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this decision causes. Our goal is to ensure a smooth process for all AQV stakeholders.

or visit www.AQVrefunds.com

Why is American Queen Voyages shutting down?

Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable.

We thank you for your support and deeply regret any inconvenience this causes you.

I have an American Queen Voyages overnight cruise booked. Should I still expect to go?

All future AQV cruises have been cancelled. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Will I receive a refund? How long will that take?

You should expect to be fully refunded for your cruise deposits.

For information about the refund process, please CLICK HERE or visit www.AQVrefunds.com .

Where can I go for additional assistance?

Please call toll-free (888) 202-5784, or (747) 288-6437 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada.

Vendor, Supplier, Partner and Port Services FAQ

What does this mean for vendors, suppliers, partners and port services.

You have played an important role in enabling AQV to provide outstanding travel experiences and service to our guests.

As AQV is no longer operating, our goal is to facilitate an orderly wind-down of our relationship with you.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, and we thank you for your support.

I have an outstanding invoice. How can I submit that?

Please CLICK HERE or call toll-free (888) 504-8055, or (747) 263-0163 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada.

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American Queen Voyages: The Complete Guide

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

American Queen Voyages is a cruise line catering mainly to a previously untapped market: river cruises in North America. With three types of vessels available — including riverboats — American Queen guests can enjoy sailing down the Mississippi as easily as in the Caribbean.

At American Queen, historical riverboats have been transformed into full-service, all-inclusive cruise ships capable of sailing the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake rivers, as well as excursions in the Great Lakes. The traditional routes are on the roster also, including sailings to Alaska, Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico and New England.

Here's a look at how American Queen Voyages is breathing new life into a part of the U.S. that features natural beauty and history.

About American Queen cruises

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect on an American Queen cruise.

Cabin types: Depending on the type of cruise you book, you can choose from a variety of room types. These include interior rooms, single rooms, rooms with a veranda and suites. 

Main U.S. routes: American Queen operates most of its routes on rivers in the U.S., with its main voyages cruising down the lower portion of the Mississippi. 

American Queen Voyages cruise destinations

American Queen cruise line operates almost exclusively in North America, but that doesn’t mean that its destinations are limited.

The majority of the departures it operates are American Queen river cruises and take place on the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake rivers. You’ll also find ships on the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, though that’s less common.

If you’re not aboard one of its riverboats, you’ll also be able to explore destinations such as Canada, New England, Alaska, British Columbia, Mexico and Costa Rica. Sailings generally last from seven to 16 days.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

American Queen Voyages cruise prices

Journeys on American Queen Voyages are all-inclusive and tend to be more expensive than other cruises. For example, the cheapest option we found rang in at $2,049 per person for a last-minute cruise from Portland, Oregon, to Spokane, Washington.

In contrast, rates for this same cruise in summer 2024 run as high as $5,369 per person.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

What is the best American Queen Voyages ship?

American Queen Voyages has seven ships in its fleet — four of these ships are riverboats, two are coastal vessels and one is purpose-built for expeditions.

What is the newest American Queen Voyages ship?

The newest American Queen Voyages ship is the American Duchess. As a riverboat, this ship will sail on American Queen Mississippi River cruises. With four guest decks and a capacity for 166 guests, the American Duchess features a boutique experience while still offering the amenities you’d expect from a cruise ship.

What’s included

American Queen Voyages bills itself as an all-inclusive experience, and that appears to hold up to scrutiny. While most cruises include food with your package, American Queen Voyages goes beyond that.

One-night pre-cruise hotel stay.

Ground transfers between the hotel and vessel.

Unlimited guided tours.

Unlimited alcohol.

Morning juice bar.

Gourmet dining.

In-room dining.

Prepaid gratuities. 

Port taxes and fees.

Live entertainment. 

Hiking sticks.

American Queen Voyages provides unlimited Wi-Fi to all its passengers for free.

American Queen Voyages trips are all-inclusive and will provide food and alcohol as part of your package. You’ll also be able to take advantage of guided tours, Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities and a pre-cruise hotel stay with your fare.

American Queen Voyages cruises offer complimentary alcohol to all eligible passengers. This includes wine, beer and spirits. It also offers specialty coffees.

American Queen Voyages doesn't require passengers to have any type of COVID vaccine or test to board its ships.

(Top photo courtesy of American Queen Voyages)

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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.

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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].

American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company, offers overnight cruises aboard authentic paddlewheelers on the Mississippi River and its tributaries and on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Ship decor exudes Americana, with gingerbread trim and lacy filigree adorning the decks.

Cruise fares include a pre-voyage hotel night, shore excursions, regionally inspired cuisine, daily entertainment, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi access and unlimited soft drinks throughout the trip. Enjoy spirits, wine and local craft beer -- all included with your cruise. Themed sailings feature special activities that focus on Civil War history, musical interests and other topics.

Trip ratings on this site are based on the quality of accommodations, the number of included meals and activities and the level of service delivered. American Queen's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). In addition to river cruises, the line also sails in Alaska, the Great Lakes and other coastal regions in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, visiting inland harbors, secluded bays and remote ports that larger ships can't reach. To see itineraries and prices for the company's ocean and Great Lakes cruises , click here .

American Queen

This information regarding the American Queen riverboat was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm details directly with American Queen Steamboat Company.

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America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise

This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

Ohio River Cruise

These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

Music Cruise on the Cumberland River

These seven-night American river cruises from Nashville to St. Louis also on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi will take you to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum and then heads on to St. Louis for a celebration of blues music.

Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise

Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.

Lake Michigan

On this eight-day cruise roundtrip out of Chicago on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grande Mariner , you'll visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, home to historic homes and plenty of rocking chairs as well as Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin's Door County, where you'll see lighthouses and plenty of yachts.

Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to New Orleans

See—and eat—the highlights of New Orleans—from beignets to po' boys—before setting sail on American Cruise Line's America Song . You'll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.

Maine Coastal Cruises

Maine Windjammer Association's Lewis R. French is a dramatic 21-passenger schooner that offers two- to six-night cruises in the summer and through the month of September out of the town of Camden, Maine. The schooner, which dates back to 1871 and is a National Historic Landmark, has no engine, and powers through Penobscot Bay just with the wind in its sails. You can help out with the sails, and watch for porpoises and eagles.

Newport, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Cruise

This sailing yacht, the Arabella , may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes. The five-night sailings in July, August, and September let you travel to the area's loveliest beaches under billowing white sails.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This seven-night cruise on American Cruise Line's Independence sails round-trip out of Baltimore to Oxford, St. Michael's, and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit coastal fishing villages and eat plenty of hard-shell blue crabs, and get to visit Baltimore's famed aquarium.

Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise

This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Line's American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.

Savannah to Baltimore

Cruise one of our favorite 12-day American river cruises in the Southeast on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grand Mariner and you'll spend your days exploring Beaufort by horse-drawn carriage and wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina as the port town of Annapolis. Read on to discover the best cruise to take every month of the year .

The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .

  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..

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7 best US river cruises

Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

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All Inclusive River Cruising

Uniworld has redefined the concept of all-inclusive luxury, offering only the most exceptional amenities, experiences and service—including an ample selection of premium spirits and wines, bicycles, Nordic walking sticks, onboard gratuities, onboard fitness classes (like yoga and TRX), ship-wide Wi-Fi and private shore excursions in each city. As we see it, our guests deserve the absolute best of everything and the difference is truly in the details .

2021 Offers extended for a limited time only! Take advantage of our Early Booking Savings, Picture Perfect Savings and Solo Traveler Savings. So why wait? Book today!

See all of our current offers

Or call our Travel Experts today at 1-800-257-2407

Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time

Brussels to Amsterdam | 8 days

You’ll find an ideal mix of old and new, historic and modern, in some of Europe’s liveliest cities on this journey. Spend time in Amsterdam and Maastricht, allowing you to discover great...

Ship: S.S. Victoria

Countries: Belgium, Netherlands

River: Rhine

4.6 /5 (81 reviews)

From $4,679 per person

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Castles along The Rhine

Basel to Amsterdam | 8 days

Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...

Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Victoria

Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

4.7 /5 (1851 reviews)

From $3,149 per person

Highlights of Eastern Europe

Budapest to Bucharest | 10 days

Immerse yourself in new cultures as you travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way.

Ships: River Duchess, River Princess, S.S. Beatrice

Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia

River: Danube

4.4 /5 (342 reviews)

From $4,499 per person

Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland

Amsterdam to Basel | 11 days

Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned museums. ...

Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette

4.6 /5 (273 reviews)

From $3,999 per person

European Holiday Markets

Nuremberg to Vienna | 8 days

This cruise takes you to some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe. At each market, you’ll find wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky ...

Ships: River Princess, S.S. Beatrice

Countries: Austria, Germany

4.4 /5 (135 reviews)

From $3,599 per person

Ultimate European Journey

Amsterdam to Bucharest | 25 days

Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West.

Sail the romantic Rhine, the...

Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Netherlands

Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine

4.5 /5 (80 reviews)

From $14,899 per person

Danube Holiday Markets

Budapest to Passau | 8 days

Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble...

Ships: River Princess, S.S. Maria Theresa

Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

4.6 /5 (140 reviews)

Portraits of Eastern Europe

Prague to Bucharest | 19 days

Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious ...

Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice

Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia

4.1 /5 (45 reviews)

From $9,899 per person

Rhine Holiday Markets

Basel to Cologne | 8 days

Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to ...

Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth

Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland

4.4 /5 (134 reviews)

From $4,299 per person

Classic Christmas Markets

Nuremberg to Frankfurt | 8 days

Discover villages with fairytale houses and a friendly, festive atmosphere. Share traditional holiday goodies with the people who made them. Watch as modern children abandon their usual electronics...

Ships: River Duchess, River Princess, River Queen

Country: Germany

Rivers: Main, Rhine

4.2 /5 (131 reviews)

From $3,699 per person

Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong

Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi | 15 days

Two of the most beautiful, historic and friendly places in all of Asia, dynamic Vietnam and pastoral Cambodia are intriguing studies in contrast. Each possesses its own unique charm and social...

Ship: Mekong Jewel

Countries: Vietnam, Cambodia

River: Mekong

4.8 /5 (315 reviews)

From $6,929 per person

Delightful Danube

Budapest to Nuremberg | 8 days

Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, ...

Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary

4.5 /5 (92 reviews)

From $3,059 per person

European Jewels

Budapest to Amsterdam | 15 days

From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing...

Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands

4.6 /5 (544 reviews)

From $5,849 per person

Delightful Danube & Prague

Budapest to Prague | 10 days

Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna and exquisitely preserved Prague. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the...

Countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary

4.5 /5 (491 reviews)

Grand France

Arles to Paris | 15 days

For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored...

Ships: S.S. Catherine, S.S. Joie de Vivre

Country: France

Rivers: Rhône, Saône, Seine

4.7 /5 (132 reviews)

From $6,389 per person

Burgundy & Provence

Arles to Lyon | 8 days

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh....

Ship: S.S. Catherine

Rivers: Rhône, Saône

4.6 /5 (950 reviews)

From $3,239 per person

Enchanting Danube

The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This...

Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa

4.7 /5 (791 reviews)

From $2,969 per person

Authentic Danube & Prague

Vienna to Prague | 10 days

As your adventure starts, castles, stunning architecture and natural wonders ensue. Discover the old walled city of Nuremberg and its mesmerizing castles. Stroll through countless enchanting towns...

Ship: River Princess

Countries: Austria, Germany, Czech Republic

4.4 /5 (132 reviews)

From $2,999 per person

Authentic Danube

Vienna to Nuremberg | 8 days

As your adventure starts, castles, stunning architecture, natural wonders and rich history ensue. Discover the old walled city of Nuremberg and its mesmerizing castles. Stroll through countless...

4.7 /5 (58 reviews)

From $1,999 per person

Rhine River Valley

Nuremberg to Basel | 8 days

Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns and a stunning imperial palace. Sample the fruits of the Rhine’s famously excellent wineries and enjoy...

Countries: Germany, France, Switzerland

3.7 /5 (15 reviews)

From $2,299 per person

Grand Christmas & New Year's

Nuremberg to Budapest | 13 days

You’ll sail through Germany, Austria, and Hungary along the shimmering Danube and past incredible sights on this unique itinerary. Explore charming old-world villages and Gothic cathedrals and...

Ship: S.S. Beatrice

Rivers: Danube, Main

4.5 /5 (26 reviews)

From $7,199 per person

Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Enchanting Danube

Passau to Venice | 15 days

Embark on a river cruise down the shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River, where our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region,...

Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy

Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise

Passau to Budapest | 11 days

Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful ...

4.6 /5 (25 reviews)

From $6,299 per person

Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express

Kolkata to New Delhi | 16 days

Start your journey onboard the luxurious riverboat, the Ganges Voyager II . Travel to villages lining the Ganges River that only a few people get to see each year and experience our Wellness Program ,...

Ship: Ganges Voyager II

Country: India

River: Ganges

From $28,599 per person

Belgian Holiday Markets

Brussels to Brussels | 8 days

There’s no more magical way to enjoy the holiday season than with a visit to a Christmas market. And on an all-inclusive, luxury river cruise, you can wander the stalls of many such markets in...

3.8 /5 (50 reviews)

From $3,799 per person

Cruise & Rail: Milan, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans

Milan to Istanbul | 19 days

Begin your journey in stunning Milan and embark on your cruise in romantic Venice. These two legendary cities will bookend unforgettable experiences throughout the Veneto region. Treat yourself to a...

Ship: S.S. La Venezia

Countries: Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey

From $20,394 per person

Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto

Budapest to Venice | 16 days

Begin your journey in the stunning cities of Budapest and Vienna, from which you’ll ascend into the idyllic wonderland of the Alps via a luxury overnight train. Your days will be filled with...

Countries: Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy

Cruise & Rail: Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania

Istanbul to Nuremberg | 15 days

Begin with the exquisite mosques of Istanbul, where we explore the fascinating history and age-old traditions of this magnificent city, shaped by the empires of times gone by. Then join us on a...

Ship: River Duchess

Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Turkey

Tulips & Windmills

Amsterdam to Antwerp | 10 days

From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll through colorful acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the ...

4.6 /5 (227 reviews)

From $4,999 per person

Cruise & Rail: Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans

Venice to Istanbul | 17 days

Embark on a private train journey to Istanbul, during which you’ll sleep on the luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express with ever-changing views at your window—the perfect addition to a river...

From $19,494 per person

Grand Central Europe

Vienna to Basel | 15 days

Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Basel and end in imperial Vienna, two showstopping destinations to highlight your cruise. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different...

Countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria

Rivers: Danube, Rhine

4.7 /5 (17 reviews)

From $7,099 per person

Grand Central Europe & Zurich

Zurich to Vienna | 17 days

Cruise between the picturesque city of Basel and imperial Vienna. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different rivers—the Rhine, Main and Danube—to visit Switzerland, France,...

4.2 /5 (6 reviews)

From $7,899 per person

Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Venice to Rome | 11 days

Begin your journey in romantic Venice. Treat yourself to a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the colorful facades of Burano, and sail south to discover...

Country: Italy

From $4,859 per person

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges

New Delhi to Kolkata | 13 days

Complex and beguiling, India is a country unlike any other. Wondrous sights rich in romance and intrigue come alive in the “Golden Triangle”—Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. Delhi’s...

4.8 /5 (205 reviews)

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley

Porto to Lisbon | 11 days

Following the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port and explore ...

Ship: S.S. São Gabriel

Countries: Portugal, Spain

River: Douro

4.3 /5 (419 reviews)

From $5,039 per person

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile

Cairo to Cairo | 12 days

For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury. * Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest...

Ships: River Tosca, S.S. Sphinx

Country: Egypt

River: Nile

4.6 /5 (737 reviews)

Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Milan to Venice | 10 days

Begin your journey in stunning Milan and disembark in romantic Venice. These two legendary cities will bookend unforgettable experiences throughout the Veneto region.

This ultimate Venetian vacation...

4.5 /5 (90 reviews)

From $3,869 per person

Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery

Basel to Brussels | 15 days

Soak in as much of Central Europe’s fantastic cities and culture as possible in just two weeks. Snack on classic Dutch treats in the Netherlands, enjoy the fruits of Germany’s excellent...

Countries: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland

Rivers: Moselle, Rhine

From $8,549 per person

Paris & Normandy

Paris to Paris | 8 days

Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed ...

Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre

River: Seine

4.7 /5 (822 reviews)

From $3,509 per person

Ultimate France

Bordeaux to Arles | 22 days

This triumvirate of France brings you the very best of each region—Paris and the Normandy coast in the north, vineyard-rich Bordeaux in the southwest, and the sun-drenched Mediterranean...

Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Catherine, S.S. Joie de Vivre

Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne, Rhône, Seine

4.4 /5 (51 reviews)

From $10,799 per person

Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration

Lima to Lima | 16 days

From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 16-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon...

Ship: Aria Amazon

Country: Peru

4.8 /5 (35 reviews)

From $13,049 per person

Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery

Lima to Lima | 11 days

Peru is a land of mysteries, legends and ancient cultures. Your journey starts in the country’s capital, Lima. Known as the “City of Kings,” this melting pot of culture will...

5 /5 (6 reviews)

From $11,699 per person

Brilliant Bordeaux

Bordeaux to Bordeaux | 8 days

Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country’s breathtaking backdrops, wines and...

Ship: S.S. Bon Voyage

Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne

4.4 /5 (419 reviews)

Douro River Valley

Porto to Porto | 8 days

As you follow the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port....

4.3 /5 (119 reviews)

From $4,409 per person

Dutch & Belgian Holiday Celebration

Brussels to Amsterdam | 11 days

Enjoy sweet treats as you indulge in the wintertime festivities of Belgian towns, where the Christmas markets are often elaborate festivals complete with ice rinks and Ferris wheels. Warm your hands...

Grande Italia

Milan to Rome | 13 days

Begin your journey in stunning Milan, where you’ll view da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Stop for a tasting of rare Amarone wines on your way to romantic Venice. Embark on your...

From $5,669 per person

Wine Roads of France & Portugal

Bordeaux to Lisbon | 18 days

The Southern European climates and historic towns of both Bordeaux and Portugal are as complimentary as their palettes—expect bold reds and excellent dessert wines, from Sauternes to Port....

Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. São Gabriel

Countries: France, Portugal, Spain

Rivers: Dordogne, Douro, Garonne

From $8,099 per person

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Venice to Venice | 8 days

This ultimate Venetian vacation is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard our floating boutique hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, you’ll also...

4.6 /5 (106 reviews)

A Portrait of Majestic France

Bordeaux to Paris | 15 days

This picture-perfect journey blends your passion for the good life—art, culture, and gastronomy—with a broad sweep of lovely French landscapes. Travel from beautiful Bordeaux and delight...

Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Joie de Vivre

Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne, Seine

4.5 /5 (93 reviews)

From $6,749 per person

Zurich & the Rhine River Valley

Nuremberg to Zurich | 10 days

4.4 /5 (18 reviews)

From $3,099 per person

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine

Frankfurt to Frankfurt | 10 days

Uncover the best-kept secret in river cruising, the Moselle, as you sail past some of Europe’s most serene and vineyard-lined landscapes. Explore Cochem’s castle-dotted hillsides. See ...

Countries: Germany, Luxembourg

4.7 /5 (29 reviews)

Dutch Delight

Amsterdam to Amsterdam | 8 days

Windmills, colorful flowers, a rich art history, and more bikes than you can possibly imagine—the Netherlands is like nowhere else on earth. See the full spectrum of Dutch life, landscapes, and ...

Ship: River Queen

Country: Netherlands

4.3 /5 (47 reviews)

From $2,199 per person

Rivers of the World Cruise

Lima to Ho Chi Minh City | 55 days

This 55-day odyssey will span three continents and four luxurious ships, taking 40 adventurous guests to some of our favorite destinations as well as new-to-Uniworld locales.

Sail one of...

Ships: Aqua Nera, Mekong Jewel, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Catherine

Countries: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Austria, France, Vietnam, Cambodia

Rivers: Danube, Main, Mekong, Rhine, Rhône, Saône

4.1 /5 (8 reviews)

From $49,399 per person

Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time (2025)

Holland & belgium at tulip time (2024), castles along the rhine (2025).

Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Victoria

Castles along The Rhine (2024)

Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Victoria

4.7 /5 (1864 reviews)

Highlights of Eastern Europe (2024)

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Ship: S.S. Antoinette

Classic Christmas Markets (2024)

Ships: River Princess, River Queen

Portraits of Eastern Europe (2025)

From $6,839 per person

Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland (2025)

From $3,779 per person

Rhine Holiday Markets (2025)

Timeless wonders of vietnam, cambodia & the mekong (2025), ultimate european journey (2025).

Amsterdam to Bucharest | 24 days

Ships: River Duchess, River Princess

From $9,179 per person

European Holiday Markets (2025)

From $3,419 per person

Delightful Danube (2025)

European jewels (2025), delightful danube & prague (2025), grand france (2025), burgundy & provence (2025), highlights of eastern europe (2025), enchanting danube (2025), classic christmas markets (2025).

From $3,329 per person

Danube Holiday Markets (2025)

European jewels (2024).

Budapest to Amsterdam | 16 days

From $5,499 per person

Enchanting Danube (2024)

4.7 /5 (796 reviews)

Delightful Danube (2024)

Authentic danube & prague (2024), authentic danube (2024), burgundy & provence (2024).

4.6 /5 (955 reviews)

Rhine River Valley (2024)

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From $3,199 per person

Grand Christmas & New Year's (2024)

Cruise & rail: grand alpine & the enchanting danube (2024), enchanting christmas & new year's cruise (2024), cruise & rail: the sacred ganges & the maharajas' express (2024), belgian holiday markets (2024), cruise & rail: milan, venice, istanbul & the balkans (2024), cruise & rail: grand alpine & the jewels of veneto (2024), cruise & rail: delightful danube & the castles of transylvania (2024), tulips & windmills (2024), cruise & rail: venice, istanbul & the balkans (2024), grand central europe (2024), grand central europe & zurich (2024), rome, venice & the jewels of veneto (2025), india's golden triangle & the sacred ganges (2025), portugal, spain & the douro river valley (2025), splendors of egypt & the nile (2025), milan, venice & the jewels of veneto (2025), rhine, moselle & belgium grand discovery (2025), paris & normandy (2025), tulips & windmills (2025), ultimate france (2025), peruvian amazon & machu picchu exploration (2025), peruvian rivers & rainforest discovery (2025), belgian holiday markets (2025), grand christmas & new year's (2025).

From $6,659 per person

Brilliant Bordeaux (2025)

Douro river valley (2025), dutch & belgian holiday celebration (2025), enchanting christmas & new year's cruise (2025).

From $5,399 per person

Grande Italia (2025)

Wine roads of france & portugal (2025), venice & the jewels of veneto (2025), a portrait of majestic france (2025), peruvian amazon & machu picchu exploration (2024).

From $11,999 per person

Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2024)

From $10,499 per person

A Portrait of Majestic France (2024)

From $19,199 per person

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2024)

From $6,399 per person

Paris & Normandy (2024)

4.7 /5 (830 reviews)

From $3,499 per person

Grand France (2024)

4.7 /5 (134 reviews)

From $9,299 per person

Ultimate France (2024)

4.4 /5 (52 reviews)

From $13,099 per person

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2024)

4.6 /5 (114 reviews)

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024)

4.4 /5 (423 reviews)

From $2,099 per person

Zurich & the Rhine River Valley (2024)

Milan, venice & the jewels of veneto (2024).

4.5 /5 (91 reviews)

From $2,899 per person

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine (2024)

Timeless wonders of vietnam, cambodia & the mekong (2024).

From $6,999 per person

Dutch Delight (2024)

Douro river valley (2024).

4.3 /5 (121 reviews)

From $2,499 per person

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2024)

4.3 /5 (421 reviews)

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2024)

4.6 /5 (741 reviews)

From $6,499 per person

Rivers of the World Cruise (2024)

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The Riverboat Cruise In Alabama You Never Knew Existed

Jennifer Young

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Alabama is home to several beautiful rivers, including the Black Warrior River. Located in west-central Alabama, the Black Warrior River is one of the state’s most scenic rivers. One of the best ways to explore this scenic river is by taking a cruise aboard the Bama Belle.

Please note, the Bama Belle has permanently closed.

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Address: The Bama Belle 1 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Website: www.BamaBelle.org

If you enjoyed cruising the Black Warrior River while aboard Tuscaloosa’s Bama Belle, you’ll also enjoy cruising the Alabama River while aboard Montgomery’s Harriott II. For more information about this riverboat, click here .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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