Michelle Daniels, Commercial Director, UK & Europe, talks about two of American Queen Voyages very different programmes: the expedition cruises and the rivers cruises. She believes both types of cruises to be unique.
Alaska programme
This cruise travels from Vancouver to Sitka, or reverse, onboard Ocean Victory, which takes just 186 guests and was designed in 2021, with long-term responsibility for Alaska’s fragile environment firmly in mind. The ship uses the cleanest available fuel, has no single use plastic onboard, and benefits from the latest waste management and water filtration systems.
Along the Alaskan coast, the ship’s small size allows it into small inlets, carved glacier canals and narrow riverways. Tracking through the Inside Passage, Ocean Victory visits Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm, where the scenery is like that of the Ice age, as well as the romantically named Misty Fjords, where canal style inlets, the result of glacial activity, have spectacular, almost vertical walls. This is real wilderness country.
Guests head off on expeditions on Zodiacs and kayaks, accompanied by marine biologists who are collecting data whilst on the ship. These trips are unscheduled taking you where the wildlife is, truly exploring in nature, guided by experts.
Due to its small size, Ocean Victory can visit Petersburg (Alaska) for a fishing trip. This is where the shallow waters of the bay play host to Alaska’s largest home-based halibut fleet, with strong Norwegian and Tlingit cultural roots.
Mississippi
Mississippi paddleboats are an iconic part of the river, where the southern vibe allows a leisurely experience. Guests visit quaint villages and towns on the river, many of which remain little changed since they were first settled. The Upper Mississippi cruise journeys from Minneapolis to New New Orleans, the Lower Mississippi cruises travel to or from New Orleans with its jazz and blues down to Memphis, home of soul and rock & roll, passing quintessential American settlements. Calling at Natchez, one of the oldest towns on the river and Vicksburg, famous for its links with the American Civil War and battlefields.
Throughout the cruise beautiful Antebellum houses can be seen. In an American Queen Voyages exclusive, there’s a visit to Nottoway, a stunning historic mansion where there’s a full in-depth guided tour, filled with fascinating family tales and stories of how they survived through the War. This is Gone with the Wind come alive.
Columbia and Snake rivers, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, Ohio and Mississippi rivers
In contrast to the Mississippi, which can be quite busy, smaller rivers take guests to the heartland of America, through farmlands, which are not built up at all. Here there’s the chance to become immersed in the local communities, taking a deep dive into their stories and culture. This is off the beaten track America, where you’ll find the real country and real people.
- Columbia and Snake river cruises travel from Astoria to The Dalles
- Tennessee and Cumberland river cruises travel from Nashville to Memphis
- Ohio and Mississippi river cruises take a variety of routes incorporating Louisville, Nashville, St Louis, Pittsburgh and Memphis.
What an American Queen Voyage offers
- All-inclusive including Wi-Fi, hop on hop off excursions including entrance fees to visitor attractions, drinks, entertainment, gratuities
- All American inclusive experience of the Deep South
- Culturally immersive including the history, food, drink and music of the region
- A river cruise like no other – slow travel
- All the facilities of a small ocean ship – multiple dining venues, bars and lounges, cabaret style shows, salon and wellbeing facilities, pool, fitness centre – but on a river vessel
- American Queen (on the Mississippi) is the largest authentic paddleboat steamer in the world carrying 417 guests and she operates on her paddlewheel
- Other vessels are smaller with between 186 and 245 guests, they all have a paddlewheel
- And take a look at American Queen Voyages 2024 Brochure
Next steps
Call our Silver Travel Advisors to book your cruise and to find out more: 0800 412 5678.
Visit American Queen Voyages.
