American Queen Voyages (AQV) has announced it will depart the Great Lakes next season and sell its Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager vessels, which are currently sailing there. While all published cruises will still operate as scheduled through November 2023, the line will strategically renew its focus on domestic river cruising and introduce a series of revised 2024 itineraries, extending into 2025.
“Our primary commitment is to deliver a best-in-class cruise vacation with a focus on immersive culinary and destination experiences,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president of AQV. “Our customers consistently tell us our U.S. river itineraries are exceptional, and demonstrate this by returning again and again.”
The line points out that a recent McKinsey market survey determined that AQV is known as the U.S. river operator with the highest brand affinity. So, D’Aoust explained that all of the line’s efforts are now being put into enhancing its popular river lineup with key partnerships and an elevated culinary program, which she notes has been particularly well received.
Among the revised 2024 routes will be the Lower Mississippi onboard the 417-guest American Queen, and a series of new three- and four-day sailings for travelers with limited vacation time. Or, for a longer alternative, AQV’s 16-day Upper Mississippi voyage will return from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting Southern culture, wildlife, jazz and country music.
Our customers consistently tell us our U.S. river itineraries are exceptional, and demonstrate this by returning again and again.
The line’s latest ship, American Countess, will also feature America’s Heartland, traversing along the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers with fresh Experiential Voyages, including a bourbon-themed cruise hosted by food and spirits connoisseurs such as Dickie Brennan, the chef and owner of New Orleans’ Bourbon House. And floating on the Snake and Columbia rivers will also be American Empress, celebrating new wine-themed cruises. On select voyages, guests will even be able to embark on a salmon tour to catch and clean their own fish and then eat it onboard.
Beyond the line’s core rivers, AQV will continue to offer ocean voyages on the 186-guest Ocean Victory’s third season in Alaska and British Columbia. Adventures extend to Zodiac cruising and kayaking, all led by an expedition team of naturalists and field guides in partnership with California Polytechnic State University.
Travel Agent Response
In regard to the line ditching the Great Lakes, Sharece Lendl, owner and advisor at Lincoln, Calif.-based Travel On Travel, believes it’s an odd decision.
"Baby boomers account for 80% of luxury travel market spending,” she said. “Since COVID-19, boomers are looking for travel opportunities that do not entail a long flight overseas. Just recently, I had to book a client for the September 2023 [AQV] Great Lakes sailing because there were no sailings in 2024 to offer, which was their preference. Moving forward, advisors will have only one option to offer clients for the Great Lakes: Viking Expeditions.”
As for AQV, its new river routes are now open to book, and early savings are available on certain dates.
