American Queen Voyages, a cruise line that operated river, lake, ocean, and expedition voyages in the United States, announced on February 20, 2024, that it was shutting down and canceling all future cruises. The company cited financial difficulties caused by the pandemic and low demand for overnight cruises as the main reasons for its closure. The company also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and promised to refund all customers who had booked canceled cruises.
American Queen Voyages was formed in 2021 by merging American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines, both part of Hornblower Group. The company’s flagship vessel was the American Queen, a restored paddlewheeler that sailed on the Mississippi River and other waterways. The company also operated other vessels, such as the American Duchess, the American Countess, the American Empress, the Victory I, and the Victory II. The company offered a variety of itineraries, ranging from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest to the Gulf of Mexico. The company claimed to provide an authentic and immersive American experience, with onboard entertainment, cuisine, and enrichment programs reflecting the regions visited.
However, the company faced several challenges since its inception. The pandemic severely affected the cruise industry, forcing many cruise lines to suspend operations, reduce capacity, and implement health and safety protocols. American Queen Voyages was no exception, as it had to cancel or reschedule many of its sailings due to travel restrictions, outbreaks, and low occupancy. The company also faced competition from other cruise lines, such as Viking, American Cruise Lines, and UnCruise Adventures, that offered similar or superior products and services. Moreover, the company reportedly had service issues, such as delayed commission payments, poor communication, and customer complaints, that led to the suspension of sales by multiple industry groups.
The company’s closure was a blow to the revival of the tradition of steamboat voyages, which were once a vital part of the nation’s transportation, commerce, and culture. From the early 19th century to the mid-20th century, steamboats plied the waters of the Mississippi, Ohio, Columbia, and other rivers, carrying passengers, goods, and stories across the country. They also played a role in the expansion, development, and history of the United States, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Civil War to the Jazz Age. However, the glory days of steamboat voyages came to an end with the advent of railroads, highways, and airplanes, which offered faster, cheaper, and more convenient modes of travel. Steamboats gradually became obsolete, and many were scrapped, sunk, or abandoned. Only a few remained as museum pieces, tourist attractions, or historical landmarks.
The fate of the company’s vessels is uncertain, as they are subject to bankruptcy proceedings and the potential sale of the company. Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages, was acquired by Strategic Value Partners, LLC (SVP), a global investment firm, on February 21, 2024. SVP said it plans to "sell the company, or, if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down." The Federal Maritime Commission, the agency that regulates the cruise industry, has informed passengers that they can file refund claims through the company’s website or through their credit card issuers or travel insurers.
The fall of American Queen Voyages is a sad reminder of the impact of the pandemic and the changing preferences of travelers on the cruise industry. While some cruise lines have resumed or plan to resume operations, others have struggled or ceased to exist. The future of cruising remains uncertain as the industry faces the challenges of recovering from the crisis, adapting to the new normal, and meeting the expectations of customers. Whether steamboat voyages will ever make a comeback is also unclear, as they depend on the availability of vessels, the viability of routes, and the demand of travelers. For now, the American Queen and her sisters are silent, waiting for their next destination.
If you are seeking a refund for your canceled voyage with American Queen Voyages, please click here.