AQSC Adjusts American Queen Cruises Due to High Mississippi Water

In light of high water on the Upper Mississippi River, American Queen Steamboat Company has changed two of American Queen’s itineraries.

June 23-July 15 Itinerary

Formerly sailing from New Orleans, LA, to Red Wing, MN, American Queen’s June 23 to July 15 cruise was adjusted to operate from New Orleans, LA to Cincinnati, OH. That cruise still ends July 15.

In a statement to guests, the line said: “Due to historic high water on the Mississippi River and inaccessible ports, we must alter our schedule for your upcoming voyage. Our team has worked hard to determine a safe and exciting alternative on one of our signature Ohio River itineraries.

“At American Queen Steamboat Company, we are committed to delivering the most memorable experience possible for our guests. An important part of our commitment is to deliver advance communication when circumstances arise that impact the experience in any way.

“As you have witnessed firsthand and on national news programs, the Mississippi River and its surrounding communities are experiencing historic high water. While indications were originally favorable, additional rainfall is causing the upper portion of the Mississippi River to be inaccessible.

“Our team has worked hard to determine a safe and exciting alternative on one of our signature Ohio River itineraries. Some of the ports included are Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky; Madison, Indiana; and Huntington, West Virginia.”

So, cruisers visited those over the past few days on a revised itinerary. When the voyage ends in Cincinnati, the line has helped guests plan alternative arrangements.

The line’s statement continued: “To assist with travel changes, or to get you to Minneapolis to make connecting flights or the post-cruise 'Headwaters of the Mississippi City Stay,' [originally planned prior to the itinerary changes], we will have a representative from the corporate office on board to take care of your travel needs. American Queen Steamboat Company will take care of the expenses to change your travel accordingly.”

July 14-July 22 Itinerary 

American Queen’s July 14 to July 22 itinerary, originally scheduled from Red Wing, MN, to Alton, IL, will now sail from Cincinnati, OH, to St. Louis, MO. Here is the revised itinerary.

In a statement to affected guests, the line said: “While indications were favorable, additional rainfall is causing the upper portion of the Mississippi River to be inaccessible above St. Louis,” the line said. Again, the line worked out an alternative Ohio River itinerary. Some ports included are Paducah, Kentucky; Louisville, Kentucky and Henderson, Kentucky.

The line’s statement continued: “Because we know you were looking forward to the Red Wing (Minneapolis)-to-Alton (St. Louis) voyage, we will have a Future Cruise Certificate valued at 25 percent of the voyage fare you paid this voyage and it will be redeemable on any of our American Queen Steamboat Company vessels or it may be a great way for you to experience our new and exciting Victory Cruise Lines itineraries as you can use the voucher for a cruise aboard M/V Victory I or M/V Victory II as well. This certificate will be presented to you once you board the American Queen.”

The voyage will begin in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Monday, July 15 and conclude in St. Louis, Missouri. Last night, the line put up guests in a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter in Covington, Kentucky (part of Cincinnati's metro area).

"Any pre-cruise hotel arrangements in Minneapolis made through American Queen Steamboat Company have been cancelled and refunded," the line said. “We are providing a new, more detailed itinerary with information about each port, and included Hop-On Hop-Off excursions and optional premium experiences.

Travel change fees? "We also understand that this affects your travel, and American Queen Steamboat Company will cover the change fees associated with changing your embarkation travel," said the statement.

AQSC said that guests claiming fee reimbursement should keep copies of their original receipts and changed travel receipts and send via e-mail to [email protected]. “The email should include your first and last name, Reservation ID, voyage date and a breakdown of the expenses for which you are requesting reimbursement,” the statement said.

The line said its Reservations Department is working diligently to reach out to each guest to answer any questions. “In the event that we have not been able to speak with you or your travel agent, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-888-749-5280 with your questions.”

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