Cindy D’Aoust, the former CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is the new president of American Queen Voyages (AQV). As the brand continues to evolve its domestic product lineup and branding, we sat down with D’Aoust to discuss her vision moving forward.
What is the current positioning for the American Queen Voyages brand, and how do you foresee it changing in the future?
Cruise travel is back in a big way, and while travelers are ready to embark on a cruise, what we are finding is many are opting to stay closer to home, wanting to explore and seek adventure right here in North America. As a result, American Queen Voyages is uniquely positioned to be the signature North American cruise experience.
With more than 150 departures on seven rivers, the Great Lakes and the oceans on the East and West coasts, our guests have the opportunity to visit vibrant cities and quaint towns rich in culture, history and beauty. By offering world-class cruising, leveraging the unequaled appeal of our destinations and ports, as well as providing an unparalleled level of service, we will continue to elevate the domestic cruise experience.
You asked how we will shape the brand in the future, and one of the many ways is through our culinary program. We recently announced our partnership with America’s Test Kitchen. Through that collaboration and the expertise of our culinary ambassador, Regina Charboneau, we will serve a thoughtfully crafted menu and culinary experience inspired by flavors of the locales we visit.
On the recent President’s Cruise, the first night as we embarked in New Orleans, guests enjoyed amazing doberge cake — a New Orleans tradition from Gambino’s bakery — as well as chicken pontalba, made famous by Brennan’s restaurant in the 1950s — both of those are perfect examples of classic New Orleans cuisine.
How did your time at CLIA inform your vision for the cruise line?
I have more than 40 years of travel industry experience, and have had a front-row seat for the many unprecedented challenges cruise lines have faced. But I also have a deep understanding of the best practices that have propelled the entire industry forward. Three areas that are always priorities are: people, ports and creating and maintaining a level of prestige.
People: Building meaningful relationships with travel advisors, guests and employees has always been a priority. To be successful, you must take the time to learn and listen to these valuable audiences.
I also have a deep understanding of the best practices that have propelled the entire industry forward. Three areas that are always priorities are: people, ports and creating and maintaining a level of prestige.
Ports: Did you know that the economic impact for each port visited by American Queen Voyages sailings is an average of $135 per person, per day? Guests and crew disembark at destinations and spend money in local stores, pharmacies, restaurants, bars and more.
American Queen Voyages brings this economic influx to a variety of less-traveled destinations along America’s waterways. We are also exploring ways to create deeper partnerships with local businesses within our destination communities.
For example, on the recent President’s Cruise, donuts from Vicksburg’s Bohemian Cafe and Bakery were brought onboard for crew and guests. This is just one example of how we are tapping into the destinations we visit.
Prestige: Working in the cruise industry, I have learned firsthand about the immense value of a strong, positive image and reputation. My goal at American Queen Voyages includes elevating the company’s image through a series of upgrades to service, product enhancements and exclusive itinerary offerings.
Cindy D'Aoust, former CEO of CLIA, is now president of American Queen Voyages.
Credit: 2023 American Queen VoyagesWhat itineraries excite you for 2023?
We have more than 150 departures currently, but we are always looking for new destinations and ways to help our guests deeply discover America.
One of the most exciting, new itineraries is a 23-day cruise taking guests to 10 states on some of the most scenic rivers in the U.S. This cruise will embark in July in Minneapolis and will sail more than 1,700 miles. Travelers will have the chance to explore quaint towns and vibrant cities such as Lacrosse, Wis.; St. Louis; Louisville, Ky.; and Cincinnati.
In addition to unique itineraries, we are also expanding our theme cruises to tap into guests’ passions, ranging from a unique bourbon cruise along the Bourbon Trail and the sights and sounds of various musical genres on the Rhythm of the Rivers cruise, to a Kentucky Derby cruise complete with a steamboat race.
For those on the West Coast, our Pacific Northwest wine cruises are truly a cut above. Guests can travel into the heart of wine country and learn about the sources of some of America’s best wines. They can take part in seminars from sommeliers, then indulge in nature's flavors with tasting happy hours.
Why should travel advisors consider selling American Queen Voyages currently?
As of Jan. 2, American Queen Voyages updated our all-inclusive fare offerings and pricing structure that features inclusion of port charges, taxes, services fees and onboard crew gratuities. Our travel advisors also now earn commission on previously non-commissionable fees.
Our travel advisors also now earn commission on previously non-commissionable fees.
Do you have any other messages for the travel advisor community?
I want to mention that the one thing I have learned during my time in travel is the importance of the travel advisor. Travel professionals are the essential resource for our guests to discover the perfect itinerary and vessel, and at American Queen Voyages it will always be my priority to listen to our travel agent network and build strong, lasting relationships with our cruise travel partners.
American Queen Voyages is continually evolving to offer both advisors and guests the best experience possible. We value feedback around the agent perspective and want to create meaningful relationships with the agents at the forefront of every American Queen Voyages cruise experience.
