This U.S. River Cruise Line Just Shut Down — What to Know If You Have a Trip Booked

Alison Fox
·2 min read
8

“American Queen Voyages unfortunately has been unable to rebound from the effects of the pandemic.”

Courtesy of American Queen Voyages
Courtesy of American Queen Voyages

River cruise line American Queen Voyages has shut down, canceling all future cruises and instructing future guests to apply for refunds.

The cruise line posted the news to an official website created to provide information in the aftermath of the shut down. Travelers who were set to go on a now-canceled voyage with the company were instructed to request a refund online by filling out a claim form.

“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 company shared with Travel + Leisure on Wednesday. “The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable.”

The company added: “We sincerely regret any inconvenience this decision causes. Our goal is to ensure a smooth process for all AQV stakeholders.”

Before the shutdown, American Queen Voyages operated the overnight cruise division of the Hornblower Group, which will be acquired, according to a press release shared with T+L.

The cruise line first adopted the name American Queen Voyages in 2021 after changing it from the American Queen Steamboat Company. Under the new name, the company sailed river cruises, lake, and ocean cruises, along with expedition voyages to destinations like Alaska. In fact, the company was known for having some of the best river cruises in the United States, journeying along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers on board classic paddle wheelers.

Now, American Queen Voyages has declared bankruptcy. Travelers who request a refund are warned they will first receive a denial notice since “AQV has filed for Chapter 11 to conduct its business shutdown and is not making reimbursement payments directly.” Customers must then submit the refund request to Argo Surety, which has insured the cruise line.

“You should expect to be fully refunded for deposits you have paid on cancelled AQV cruises,” the company wrote.

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