American Queen Voyages suspends operations and ceases trading

The line, which operated a fleet of traditional US paddlewheel steamboats, paid tribute to its team, crew and partners in a statement.

It comes after the line, which specialised in cruises on the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers, cancelled a number of sailings scheduled for the remainder of the month.

Staff were informed via an internal memo on Tuesday (20 February) according to reports in the US cruise trade media. “American Queen Voyages has made the difficult decision to shut down,” read the line’s statement.

UPDATE: AQV’s UK rep moves to reassure agents

“Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, American Queen Voyages (AQV) unfortunately has been unable to rebound from the effects of the pandemic.

“The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable. We are therefore shutting down the business, and all future AQV cruises have been cancelled.”

AQV’s UK representative, Light Blue Travel, confirmed to TTG agents with clients holding bookings with the line would be contacted shortly, adding clients would be offered the option of an alternative voyage or a full refund.