American Queen Voyages Releases 2024 Season Featuring New Routes and Returning Favorites
American Queen Voyages is releasing its 2024 season today, marking the furthest in advance a season has opened for reservations in the company’s ten-year history.
Delivering amazing experiences for River, Lakes & Ocean and Expedition cruising on its eight-vessel fleet, the 2024 season release follows the achievement of several milestones in 2021.
These include the rebrand of American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines into American Queen Voyages, the American Countess™ christening and inaugural season, the company’s 10th anniversary, the opening of the new Fort Lauderdale office and multiple record-breaking booking days throughout 2021.
Itineraries for the 2024 season provide guests with a diverse collection of amazing cruise experiences with an emphasis on encounter-driven travel along North America’s waterways.
The release of the 2024 season also follows the recent transformation of American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean vessels, the Ocean Voyager™ and Ocean Navigator™, previously named Victory I® and Victory II™ under Victory Cruise Lines, which will chart new routes as revealed in the 2024 season launch.
“Following a momentous year for the company, we are eager to introduce a full season of itineraries under the new American Queen Voyages name, establishing our River, Lakes & Ocean and Expedition offerings to cruisers as they plan out their future travels,” shares Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer, American Queen Voyages. “As the desire for close-to-home travel experiences continues to grow, we look forward to discovering new destinations, and returning to those that have captured our hearts, alongside our valued guests for years to come.”
American Queen Voyages River experiences will begin the 2024 season with its famed Lower Mississippi route between New Orleans and Memphis on the paddlewheelers the American Duchess™, American Countess and the American Queen®, guiding guests on memorable journeys through the vibrant cities and historic port towns of the South.
The paddlewheelers will also sail through America’s heartland, showcasing the Ohio and Cumberland rivers through a blend of rich cultural experiences and immersive excursions. For discerning travelers seeking a deeper exploration of the Mississippi and its tributaries, the Mighty Mississippi journeys will return, delighting guests with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the best of American culture, history and grace.
Expanding upon its offerings in Lakes & Ocean cruising, American Queen Voyages will deliver encounter-driven itineraries along the coastal waters of the U.S., Canada and the Great Lakes, beginning with voyages to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula where guests will visit the mystical ruins of Chichén Itzá and the fascinating El Castillo – the Temple of Kukulkan and partake in shore excursions led by bilingual guides to discover Mexico’s distinctive heritage.
New in 2024, guests can traverse an urban exploration between Niagara Falls and Chicago or enjoy a late spring/early summer voyage between Canada and New England with stops in the quaint northeastern port cities like Martha’s Vineyard, Bar Harbor and Newport.
The 2024 season will mark American Queen Voyages Expedition’s third season in the market and its second season with two vessels operating in Alaska, the Ocean Victory™ and Ocean Discoverer™. The newly built 186-passenger vessels, created for intimate access with an innovative X-Bow design, will sail immersive journeys through the less-traveled regions of Alaska’s Inside Passage led by a seasoned expedition team, introducing passengers to the secluded wildlife and distinct landscape of Alaska.
