American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels all cruises
American Queen Voyages, a riverboat cruise line that operated in Memphis, has shut down.
In an FAQ on it website, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company said that "despite great efforts," the operation of American Queen Voyages has become financially untenable, attributing that to the pandemic.
"The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable," the site reads.
All cruises have immediately ceased and future rides have been canceled. AQV is now offering refunds to customers who had their cruise canceled.
Among American Queen Voyages'
cruises was a trip on the Mississippi River between Memphis and New Orleans.
This is not the end of river cruises in Memphis. Locally based line Memphis
Riverboats continues to operate in the city, offering sightseeing cruises, private events and live music, as well as larger, international lines. Memphis Tourism isn't too worried about AQV'S absence.
"While the American Queen Voyages' suspension of cruises along the Mississippi River is disappointing, the Memphis tourism and hospitality community remains encouraged by the strong consumer demand and quality products offered by both American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises," said Regena Bearden, chief marketing officer with Memphis Tourism. "Our enhanced riverfront remains an important gateway for visitors to reach the Memphis destination, and know the demand for this luxury travel option remains strong for both of these river cruise brands.”
The fate of the Aqv-owned American Queen, considered the largest steamboat ever built, is unknown. The ship's port of registry remains in Memphis.
Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com .