American Queen Voyages has announced that it has ceased all operations and canceled all of its future river and expedition cruises. An official statement addressing the line’s closure was issued from Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group.
“Since 2011, American Queen Voyages (AQV) has proudly celebrated the American spirit of adventure and discovery. From our iconic paddlewheel river cruises through the heartlands to our small-ship expeditions in Alaska, we have been focused on providing guests with world-class travel experiences. It is most unfortunate that, despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, AQV has been unable to fully rebound from the effects of the pandemic. As a result, the financial impact has proven unsustainable and we have made the very difficult decision to sell the company, or, if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down. Please know this decision was not made lightly. We are deeply proud of our employees and crew for the outstanding services they have provided our guests over the years. As the backbone of the AQV experience, we extend our deepest appreciation to our team for their unwavering commitment, passion and hard work, which has been exceptional. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our guests, partners, agents and the local communities where we call, who have each been integral to our journey. It's been a sincere privilege creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories with all involved. Thank you for the support and understanding as we navigate through this transition."
When asked about what could be relayed to travel agents with clients booked on upcoming sailings, no additional specifics were provided by AQV’s media representatives. However, visiting the brand’s website now reveals a way to apply for a refund.
The site’s current page of frequently asked questions addresses partners, saying, “You have played an important role in enabling AQV to provide outstanding travel experiences and service to our guests.”
The line’s goal now is to “facilitate an orderly wind-down of our relationship with you."
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, and we thank you for your support,” AQV concluded.
