FORT LAUDERDALE — American Queen Voyages has announced a series of deployment changes and updates set to take effect in early 2024, and extend into 2025.

As part of its new focus, AQV will not return to the Great Lakes next season and as a result has announced its intent to sell its Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager vessels.

All current published voyages on Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager will continue to operate as planned through November 2023.

AQV, part of Hornblower Group, says the moves are part of a strategic decision to refocus its business on its river cruises. AQV acquired Victory Cruise Lines in early 2019, and announced the renaming of the M/V Victory I and M/V Victory II to Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator in 2021.

New routes are now open for early bookings with early savings available on key dates.

“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 American Queen Voyages. “Our customers consistently tell us our U.S. River itineraries are exceptional and demonstrate this by returning again and again. All of our focus is being put into updating and enhancing our popular river product with strategic partnerships and an elevated culinary program, which we know have been very well received.”

Revised 2024 itineraries include …

•  Lower Mississippi: AQV will begin the season with its popular Lower Mississippi voyages through the cities and historic port towns of the South on the 417-guest American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built. Based on guest requests, AQV will offer new three- and four-day cruises for time-pressed travellers.
• Upper Mississippi: Back by popular demand, AQV will be traversing the Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. This epic, 16-day journey combines wildlife and intricate locks and dams, with Southern charms and the birthplaces of jazz and country music.
• America’s Heartland: The 245-guest, paddle wheeler American Countess cruises the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. New Experiential Voyages include a bourbon-themed voyage with noted food and spirits experts, including Dickie Brennan, chef-owner of the legendary Bourbon House in New Orleans.
• Snake & Columbia Rivers: Travellers can discover the Pacific Northwest aboard the 221-guest American Empress, including new wine-themed cruises.
• Alaska & B.C.: AQV will return to Alaska for its third season. Aboard the environmentally friendly, 186-guest Ocean Victory, guests enjoy expeditions via Zodiac exploration boats and kayak excursions led by a team of naturalists and field guides in cooperation with California Polytechnic State University.