Journey Beyond, part of the Hornblower Group, has expanded its brands and experiences to now include the North American cruise line, American Queen Voyages. The inclusion of American Queen Voyages in Journey Beyond’s portfolio is a natural evolution, given the recently expanded role of Chief Executive Officer of Journey Beyond Chris Tallent, who is now the head of a newly created global Overnight Division at Hornblower Group.
The primary distribution strategy for American Queen Voyagers within the Australian market will be Journey Beyond’s network of valued trade partners. The all-inclusive and immersive nature of these captivating voyages has great synergy with the elements being sought by guests travelling on Journey Beyond’s globally recognised rail journeys, such as The Ghan, or small-group 4WD expedition operator, Outback Spirit.
“The romance of rail and the renaissance of US river cruising go hand in hand,” said Tallent. “At the core of every Journey Beyond experience is a strong sense of place. Our overnight rail and lodging brands hero the destinations in which they operate, and American Queen Voyages shares the same philosophy. We’re thrilled to be able to offer American Queen Voyages’ iconic cruise experiences to Australian guests, making it easier to book with the pricing moving to Australian dollars.”
Starting from a riverboat on the Mississippi in 1995, American Queen Voyages set out to tell the story of Americas fabled rivers on iconic red paddle wheelers, including the hallmark paddle wheeler, the American Queen, the largest steam-powered paddle wheeler in the world. Every tour includes an impressive dining experience with menus influenced by flavours of the region, live entertainment and shore excursions.
“We know how much Australians enjoy river cruising,” said Tallent “…and we know Australian guests will love the authenticity of American Queen Voyages. Guests can expect superb southern hospitality and itineraries curated to discover North America’s diversity, while travelling in the height of luxury and comfort.”
American Queen Voyages offers itineraries along the Lower Mississippi, the Upper Mississippi, Columbia and Snake Rivers and The Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. The flagship tour, Memphis to New Orleans, is a 9-day all-inclusive river cruise, filled with Southern charm with a soundtrack of Memphis blues and New Orleans jazz. The allure of the antebellum South flows from town to town and guests experience everything from the home of Elvis Presley to the Cajun charm of the Bayou. Tour highlights include:
- Complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay
- Exploring the diversity of Memphis and learning the beginnings of the blues and the history of rock ‘n’ roll
- Touring the South’s largest remaining pre-Civil-War-era mansion, Nottaway Plantation, on an AQV exclusive visit
- Visiting the Mississippi Grammy museum
- Introduction to Southern culture and hospitality
All-inclusive fare from AUD $4,295 (approx. USD 2944.0716 ) per person
American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Expedition Cruises take guests along Alaska’s Inside Passage and up the Northern Pacific Coast, sharing some of the most remote and beautiful places in North America. Ocean Victory and Ocean Discovery are purpose-built small-size cruise ships, offering access unmatched by larger cruise ships, ensuring an awe-inspiring expedition experience in comfort and style.
On the 12-day Vancouver to Sitka expedition, guests discover by doing. Days are filled with exploration in kayaks and on expert-led Zodiac boat trips. The on-board Expedition Team educates guests on the natural landscape and wildlife during discovery of the paradise of Fiordland – Kynoch Inlet – with bays, island and fjords that reveal an intricate network of waterfalls and glaciers. Expedition highlights include:
- Bear-spotting in Fiordland Conservation Area
- Breathtaking vistas and Native Alaskan culture in Ketchikan
- Marvelling at impressive cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings in Mistry Fjords
- Learning about Gold Rush history and Tlingit culture in Wrangell
- Exploring Norwegian and Tlingit culture in Petersburg
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