American Queen Voyages Shutdown Operations

Signed Agreement with Madison in 2022

American Queen Voyages announced Tuesday on its website that it is shutting down business, and all future cruises have been canceled with refunds to be issued.

American Queen steamboats have been docking in Madison for many years, and in November of 2022, the city signed a five-year docking agreement for a minimum of 10 day visits per calendar year beginning last year.

“The agreement called for two $25,000 payments, 2023 and 2024 to support capital improvements at the docking area,” Madison Mayor Bob Courtney said. “Neither payments were made. It is still owed but the chance of collecting it now is low given the bankruptcy filing.”

                                    (Picture of the day the agreement was signed by AQV and City of Madison for a docking agreement)

 AQV still owes VMI slightly more than $6,000. He said there is the option to file a claim for what’s owed, and said that step will be taken even if VMI may not eventually receive it.

Forrester noted that VMI invested time and resources to put forth its best effort to make sure AQV’s guests received a good experience during their visits to Madison. “We were told by AQV that we were one of the most popular stops along the river for their guests,” Forrester said, adding that VMI consistently worked to “raise the bar” for boat tourists as they visited the city. “We want all the other ports to look at what Madison is doing.”

He said there are multiple reasons why steamboats are a benefit to Madison — not just their impact on local businesses when they visit. “What we do hear from the stores is that the boat passengers don’t spend a ton of money. They come in, they look around, they don’t eat places” because their food is paid for on the boat. “It’s not a huge impact when they’re here, but what I see is the other benefits. It’s people who get off, and say they love this place, and have got to have more than a day here.”

Last month, there were hints of trouble with American Queen Voyages in a story published by “Travel Weekly” that stated a number of trade organizations had suspended sales with AQV over ongoing service issues. According to the article, Signature Travel Network, Pleasant Holidays and AAA Travel all stated they were no longer offering the U.S. river cruise line due to unresolved service issues.

On the American Queen Voyages (AQV) website, the company states, “Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, American Queen Voyages 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 deeply proud of our crew and the outstanding travel experiences and service we have provided to our guests. As we reflect on the journey we have shared over the years, we are filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving our guests, partners and agents and for being part of our incredible local communities. It has been an honor to bring joy to so many lives, and we are deeply touched by the relationships we have formed and the memorable experiences we have created.”

American Queen Voyages vessels included the American Queen, American Countess, American Duchess, American Empress and the Queen Victory with river destination locations including the Lower Mississippi River, the Upper Mississippi River & Illinois Rivers, Ohio & Mississippi Rivers, Cumberland & Tennessee Rivers and Columbia & Snake Rivers.

There are links to apply for refunds at https://www.aqvinfo.com/