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Voyages Cruise Guide – What’s Inside:
Voyages by U.S. Tours presents its 20-page inaugural guide to cruise opportunities on the oceans and rivers of the world. This new division of respected operator U.S. Tours aims to become “group cruise central” for professional tour planners. In the guide, profiles of 10 partner lines provide highlights of each cruise company and suggested voyages. These partners include Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean, plus small-ship lines AmaWaterways, American Queen Steamboat, Seabourn and Victory. From beginning to end, Voyages by U.S. Tours handles all the details of planning a cruise, including collecting deposits and final payments, coordinating schedules, getting documents, arranging for special side trips and just going to bat for you should a problem arise. Its dedicated group department also can offer complimentary meeting space on the ship if needed and coordinate any special events you might wish to include.
The American Queen Steamboat Company operates U.S.-flagged riverboats on the Mississippi and other rivers.
Fleet size
The largest of the line’s three paddlewheelers is the 424-passenger American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built. The 166-passenger American Duchess was introduced in 2017. The American Empress (233 passengers) operates in the Pacific Northwest.
Destinations
Cruises ranging from five to 23 days operate along the Upper and Lower Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. The riverboats embark from or visit New Orleans, Memphis, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Nashville and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Pacific Northwest cruises (five to nine days) sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers; itineraries include roundtrips from Vancouver, Washington (Portland) and feature the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Unique themed cruises, including Civil War, Mark Twain, American Music and Plantation Holidays, operate seasonally with special entertainment.
Discernible differences
Cruises through America’s heartland and Pacific Northwest offer a unique perspective on America’s history, culture and landscape for nature lovers and history buffs alike. American Queen provides an inclusive river cruise experience with pre-cruise hotel stays, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, and included shore excursions in each port with a dedicated fleet of deluxe motorcoaches. Onboard, passengers enjoy regionally-inspired cuisine with fine dining and casual options and Broadway-caliber entertainment. Cultural enrichment lectures and experiences are offered in port and onboard. Accommodations range from inside cabins to balcony staterooms and suites. The American Duchess offers spacious, two-level Loft Suites.
Group policies
Substantial savings are offered over shoulder and off-peak cruises for groups, with one free bed for every 12 paid beds (maximum four) for the group leader. The minimum group size is five cabins, and American Queen supports group sales with customizable, branded materials.
What’s new
Commencing its eighth season in 2019, American Queen will be featuring new itineraries on the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers as well as on the Upper Mississippi. The company has confirmed plans to build a fourth riverboat for its fleet, the 245-passenger American Countess, which is expected to be based on the Lower Mississippi.
Awards won
Gold Winner in 2017 as the Best River Cruise Line – U.S. (Travvy Award) and a finalist for World’s Top River Cruise Lines 2014-2017 from Condé Nast Traveler. American Queen has also won awards for the best shore excursions, value and onboard dining.
Suggested Voyages
Experience an inclusive American river cruise vacation with Voyages by US Tours. When you choose a river cruise aboard the American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess and the new American Countess. Your package includes: pre-cruise deluxe hotel stays, hop-on hop-off shore excursions, fabulous dining, nightly entertainment, wine and beer with dinner, onboard gratuities and much more. Booking now for 2020!
