American Queen

The 1995-built/2024-scrapped cruise ship American Queen was initially operated by Delta Queen Steamboat Company (now defunct) and until 2024 by AQSC/AQV/American Queen Voyages.

The 436-passenger riverboat was similar to fleetmate American Empress, as well as to ACL-American Cruise Lines vessels Queen of the Mississippi (now American Heritage) and Queen of the West (now American West).

The American Queen (MMSI 366950740) was the largest steamboat ever built. Before relaunching in April 2012, the ship underwent a USD 6.5 million renovation that introduced elegant Victorian-style decor. Cabins were upgraded with new LCD TVs and luxury bedding, and a new top-deck venue—the River Grill—was added. The steamboat came to resemble a historic boutique hotel more than a traditional riverboat.

American Queen operated 5- to 14-day itineraries on the Upper and Lower Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee rivers, with departures from homeports including New Orleans, St. Louis MO, Minneapolis–St. Paul MN, Memphis TN, and Cincinnati OH.

The ship was previously owned by Hornblower Group Inc (via Hornblower Cruises and Events).

Following Hornblower Group’s bankruptcy in February 2024, American Queen Voyages was put up for sale. Hornblower was acquired by Strategic Value Partners and announced restructuring plans, focusing on other subsidiaries.

In a court-held auction in Texas (March 2024), American Cruise Lines (ACL) emerged as the highest bidder, purchasing four riverboats—American Queen (USD 2.15M), American Duchess (USD 0.2M), American Empress (USD 1.6M), and American Countess (USD 1.6M)—along with other AQV assets.

After the acquisition, in May 2024, ACL announced that American Countess, American Duchess, and American Queen would be scrapped. American Queen’s AIS last transmitted on May 21st (18:08 UTC), showing the 29-year-old vessel at the MARS (Modern American Recycling Service Inc) shipyard in Houma, Louisiana.

American Queen Steamboat Company Cruise Deals

American Queen cruise packages were all-inclusive, featuring:

• All shore excursions (“Steamcoach Tours” by luxury motorcoaches)
• 1-night pre-cruise hotel package
• Soft drinks and bottled water available throughout the voyage
• Wines and beers served at dinner only
• 24-hour room service (menu included standard breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, macaroni & cheese, fresh salmon, desserts)
• Wi-Fi Internet access
• Pilot House tour (of the ship's navigation bridge)
• Smoking was prohibited inside cabins and on balconies. The only designated smoking area was the sun deck.

“Commodore Services” was the company’s exclusive suite perks program, available to American Duchess passengers booking categories LFS-Loft and OS-Owner suites. The complimentary privileges included:

• Welcome gifts (fruit basket and a bottle of wine)
• Suite tour upon arrival
• Priority boarding and dining arrangements
• Reserved balcony seating in “The Auditorium” (the ship's theater/show lounge), with personal escort to the seats
• Private reception with the ship’s Captain and Senior Officers
• Personal River Butler
• Butler services including unpacking, hanging clothes, packing, laundry, pressing, and shoeshine
• In-cabin dining: Afternoon Tea service, breakfast and dinner on the suite’s balcony (upon request), pre-dinner canapés, and post-dinner sweets