THEME CRUISES
& SPECIAL EVENTS
Enriching and Engaging
Enhance your American Queen Voyages travels with specially curated theme cruises. Explore the roots of iconic American music where it all began. Taste an authentic Kentucky Hot Brown, compare America’s best barbeques or sample fine wines and spirits. Take part in cruises that are dedicated to bettering the communities we visit on specially themed voyages where we have something for everyone.
Aboard intimate ships designed for discovery, adventure and camaraderie, you will be welcomed into a world of small ship cruising, genuine hospitality, masterful cuisine, curated enrichment, and all-inclusive value. Share your experience with fellow guests who, like you, have come not only to see, but to fully encounter the magnificent North American continent.
Culinary & Cocktails
Highlighting signature dishes from local dining venues, and special presentations by experts and innovators from the culinary industry, this cruise offers something for everyone and is sure to appeal to amateur palates and experienced foodies alike.
BOURBON CRUISES: Bourbon enthusiasts and those new to barrel-aged whiskey will embark on the adventure of a lifetime on a bourbon-themed cruise. Sip on bourbon that ranges from earthy and nutty to savory and zesty as you cruise down the river to iconic destinations, most known for bringing the spirit of bourbon to life. Listen in on riveting talks from passionate Stewards, then attend a happy hour where expanding your palette is the only thing on the agenda. Dive into the history of this famous American spirit on a voyage of discovery. Includes Bourbon education seminars, Happy Hours, featured bourbon selections at dinner
CULINARY CRUISES: Indulge in a wide range of flavors, from savory to sweet, on a culinary voyage. Entice your taste buds with shore excursions that take you to local eateries that only the locals know. Sit in on cooking demonstrations by Culinary Ambassador Regina Charboneau as she crafts delicious meals with recipes from her very own cookbook. Dine on signature dishes while discovering new ones. Whether you dabble in cuisine or are a culinary connoisseur, this flavorful voyage has something for every traveler to enjoy. Includes Chef demonstrations, Chef’s Dinner menus, hosted tours to local eateries, memento gift
WINE CRUISES: Discover the intoxicating influence of one of the world’s classic beverages and sample the uniquely American notes of the Pacific Northwest. We’ll travel into the heart of wine country and introduce you to the sources of delicious libations. Explore breathtaking vineyards where exquisite concoctions come to fruition. Listen in on compelling seminars from sommeliers, then indulge in nature’s flavors with tasting happy hours. Sip it all in. Includes wine education seminars, happy hour, featured regional wines at dinner, wine gift
Holidays On The River
Embark on a holiday celebration with American Queen Voyages and return with treasured memories of the season. Offering special holiday decorations, activities and special holiday performances, discover the heart of America and celebrate with traditions both old and new!
Wrap yourself in a cozy world of enchantments this holiday season, as you savor the all-inclusive amenities of our authentic paddlewheel riverboat. Broaden your perspectives as you sit in on historical lectures, or while in port, explore quaint river towns transformed into a holiday wonderland. Best of all, spend the holidays with those you love and make memories to last a lifetime.
Rhythm of the Rivers
Join us for a riveting music cruise where the sights and sounds of America’s rivers spring to life in the form of various musical genres. Listen for the smooth multi-melodies in country music and the rhythmic beat of the drums in jazz. Travel back in time with the help of musical classics from some of the most iconic eras in music history. Enjoy remarkable music performances from the onboard entertainment team and special guest performers. Whether you enjoy bluegrass, pop, rhythm and blues, or Memphis blues, head to the theater, sit back, relax, and get ready for the musical journey of a lifetime. Voyage includes featured music artists, music history lecturer, dance parties and more.
Special Events
Founder's Cruise
Over a decade ago, John Waggoner, founded American Queen Voyages with a single goal in mind: to travel and discover North America like never before. Exploring waters and destinations less traveled, American Queen Voyages’ humble beginnings has grown from a single riverboat on the Mississippi to its present seven vessel fleet. Today we’ve opened up all North America to deeper discovery — including voyages throughout Canada, New England. the Southeast and beyond with Expedition voyages to Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Join John and his wife, Claudette, as they host the next Founder’s Cruise. Sail from Louisville, known as the home of the “fastest two minutes in sports” to the historic city of Pittsburgh. Or, discover a different side of North America and embark on your voyage from the rolling hills of Spokane or the wilds of Alaska. No matter where your starting point is, adventure is guaranteed.
President's Cruise
Follow the legendary currents of the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis as you join special guests Cindy D’Aoust, AQV President; John Waggoner, Founder & Chairman, his wife Claudette Waggoner, American Empress® Godmother; and Regina Charboneau, AQV Culinary Ambassador. Experience special perks of the President’s Cruise, including a jazz brunch, hosted premium shoreside excursions, and onboard enrichment that allows guests to become personal with the leaders of American Queen Voyages, and much more! Celebrate this milestone voyage by deeply discovering North America at iconic Lower Mississippi River destinations, including Nottoway, St. Francisville, and Natchez.
Kentucky Derby
Pull out your favorite derby fascinator and get ready to drink mint juleps at one of the most exciting events in May — the Kentucky Derby!
Full of fireworks over the Ohio river, the Great American Steamboat Race, an exclusive dinner onboard American Countess® hosted by Culinary Ambassador Regina Charboneau, and of course, unmatched horse racing. It’s the Southern event of the year. Celebrate in appropriate style aboard the lavish American Countess® with American Queen Voyages and discover the South’s distinct charm and its abundance of time-honored traditions. The thrill of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs can be yours with a premium Derby Day ticket package.
©2022 American Queen Steamboat Operating Company, LLC. Ships’ Registry: United States and Bahamas
