American Queen Steamboat invites guests to explore the Ohio River region. For the first time in the company’s history, three paddlewheelers will operate a full season in the Midwest, with 30 dedicated Ohio River sailings currently scheduled for 2022. Guests can take advantage of significant savings for 2022 bookings with the recently announced Spring Sale, including up to $2,000 bonus savings per stateroom.
As the only overnight provider operating on the Ohio River, and in response to guest demand for less-traveled routes contrasting the Mississippi River headliner, the American Queen, American Duchess and the new American Countess, will provide guests the opportunity to travel through the U.S. heartland from Kentucky to Ohio to Pennsylvania. For those looking to book early, the Spring Sale is valid on select 2022 sailings, including Ohio River itineraries, when booked by June 30, 2021 using the code SPRING.
“With the addition of the American Countess, our team has the flexibility to develop more itineraries than ever before, including routes that showcase the Ohio River in particular, as our guests continue to seek out more accessible, close-to-home cruising options,” says Shawn Bierdz, president, American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines. “From major urban centers like Louisville, Ky. and Pittsburgh, Pa. to charming port towns like Madison, In. and Brandenburg, Ky., we are thrilled to introduce our guests to these compelling destinations along the Ohio River.”
Below is a sampling of American Queen Steamboat Company’s 2022 itineraries that feature routes along the Ohio River.
Louisville to Pittsburgh (or reverse)
With Louisville to Pittsburgh route, the 9-day Ohio River Exploration sailing puts the charms of the Midwest on full display. Excursion highlights in Steel City include visits to Heinze History Center and the Duquesne Incline. Guests will also be able learn the dynamic history of the area at the Ohio River Museum in Marietta, Ohio and sample wines from the oldest commercial estate winery in America at the Baker-Bird Winery in Augusta, Ky. Cincinnati is a port-stop favorite with excursions to Fountain Square, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum, and a stop in Louisville, Ky. is sure to delight with options to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs. Ports of call on the Ohio River Exploration itinerary include: Pittsburgh, Pa.; Wheeling, W.Va.; Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, W.Va.; Augusta, Ky.; Cincinnati; Madison, Ind.; Louisville, Ky.
Memphis to Louisville (or reverse)
This 9-day sailing takes guests on a journey along the Ohio River, with stops in some Kentucky’s most charming port cities. A visit to Paducah, Ky., a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, is sure to inspire guests. History buffs will enjoy a stop in Brandenburg, Ky. with the option to visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park, tour the Lincoln Museum and explore the legacy of General George S. Patton at one of the United States Army’s most renowned military complexes, Fort Knox. Ports of call on this itinerary include Louisville, Ky.; Brandenburg, Ky.; Owensboro, Ky.; Henderson, Ky.; Columbus, Ky.; Memphis, Tn.
Louisville to Nashville (or reverse)
Each port on this 9-day itinerary offers the opportunity to uncover authentic Americana. From Louisville to Clarksville, highlights on this itinerary include stops to the Kentucky river towns including Paducah, Henderson, Owensboro, Brandenburg and Louisville, followed by visits to the charming Tennessee port towns of Dover and Clarksville. Guests can select from a number of excursions throughout the sailing, including a visit to Fort Knox and the General George Patton Museum of Leadership in Brandenburg, a private tour of the Churchill Downs back-stretch in Louisville and in-depth tours of Tennessee Valley Brewing Company, Old Glory Distilling Company and Beachaven Vineyards and Winery in Clarksville, Tenn. Ports of call on the Soul of the South itinerary include: Louisville, Ky.; Brandenburg, Ky.; Owensboro, Ky.; Henderson, Ky.; Paducah, Ky.; Dover, Tenn.; Clarksville, Tenn.
Sailing under U.S. flags, American Queen Steamboat Company’s domestic routes, including those along the Ohio River, support American towns, businesses and the historic landmarks that preserve the cherished stories of the nation. American Queen Steamboat Company resumed operations in March 2021 under enhanced health and safety policies including, but not limited to, pre-cruise COVID-19 testing of all guests and crew, a mask mandate in all public areas where social distancing is not possible and partnership with leading health advisors, like VIKAND Medical Solutions. American Queen Steamboat Company also enacted a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all guests and crew that will go into effect for all sailings beginning July 1, 2021.
Fares start at $1,799 pp, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities.
For more information, visit americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.
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