American Cruise Lines Acquires Four Former American Queen Voyages Ships

Another U.S.-based cruise line is growing from the remnants of American Queen Voyages’ (AQV) demise.

American Cruise Lines is adding four former American Queen Voyages ships to its fleet—American Queen, American Duchess, and American Countess, and American Empress. The news was first reported by Seatrade and confirmed by TMR on Tuesday.

All four ships, paddlewheelers, were left without a home after American Queen Voyages’ parent company, Hornblower Group, put AQV up for sale in February.

Where there’s no word yet on the timeline for the ships officially joining American Cruise Lines, or whether or not they’ll undergo a refurb before joining that fleet, ACL did confirm that it will be expanding its fleet with the ships soon.

“American Cruise Lines is pleased to be the successful bidder for AQV’s river vessels. We look forward to announcing additional details after this portion of the Hornblower Holdings bankruptcy process concludes,” a spokesperson for ACL told TMR.

The news continues ACL’s expansion, which includes boosting its fleet to 19 ships this year with the additions of two “Coastal Cat” ships—American Liberty and American Legend. Both those ships hold 100 guests. The four new AVQ ships will join ACL’s other paddlewheelers—American Heritage, American Splendor, American Pride, and American West.