Holiday River Cruises on Sale

American Queen holiday decor (AQSC)

(PRESS RELEASE)_New Albany, Ind., July 19, 2021 – American Queen Steamboat Company®, part of the Hornblower® Group, is celebrating Christmas in July with up to $1,000 in bonus savings. With the 2021 season almost sold out following the recently announced Freedom campaign, guests are encouraged to book soon to take advantage of savings on select holiday itineraries aboard the American Duchess™, American Queen®, American Empress® and newest paddlewheeler to join the fleet, the American Countess™. 

“Our thoughtfully curated voyages celebrate the season with memorable enrichment programming, as well as shoreside experiences that immerse guests in the sights and sounds of this festive time of year,” said Shawn Bierdz, president of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Our team is dedicated to creating an atmosphere that embraces the genuine and hospitable spirit of the season so that guests can experience the time-honored traditions of the South while creating new memories.”

This season, sailings will include traditional holiday dinners, stunning historic mansions and landscapes, world-class music and more on board these limited-edition sailings. Each nine-day, festive-themed sailing for 2021 include:  

Memphis to New Orleans 

• From the warm and inviting comforts of the richly appointed staterooms and suites to the grandeur of grand lobbies and dining rooms to the magnificent views of the Mississippi River landscapes – guests will discover a world of holiday delights on board. Offered on the American Countess, American Duchess and American Queen, the holiday sailings will introduce guests to a whole new list of things to be thankful for – from gathering with family, friends and fellow passengers to enjoying a grand holiday meal with all the trimmings and visiting gracious towns, stunning mansions and more. Upcoming dates for the nine-day itinerary include: Dec. 12 and 19 on board the American Queen; Dec. 19 on board the American Duchess; Dec. 4, 11, 18 and 25 on board the new American Countess.

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Country Christmas
Memphis to Nashville 

• Guests are invited to discover a special Country Christmas on board the American Duchess as it visits a number of charming port towns through America’s heartland ranging from New Madrid, Mo. to Paducah, Ky. as they come alive with holiday spirit and décor. The itinerary’s main event will feature American country music legend Lee Greenwood performing on board while the boat visits or overnights in Clarksville, Tn., where the singer makes his home. Upcoming dates for the nine-day Country Christmas itinerary include: Dec. 5 and 12 on board the American Duchess. 

Roundtrip New Orleans 

• A journey that will enrich the palate as much as a penchant for American history, sail along the storied Mississippi to towns steeped in heritage and hospitality. Upcoming dates are Dec. 26 on the American Queen and American Duchess Nov. 21 and Dec. 26.  

Roundtrip Portland (Vancouver, Wash.) 

• Guests will discover eclectic local cuisine, craft beers and wines venturing into the wildly beautiful Pacific Northwest. Upcoming dates for the seven-day holiday sailings are Nov. 26; Dec. 1 and 6 on the American Empress.  

Creole Christmas
Memphis to New Orleans 

• The merriment of the holidays and the heritage of the Cajun and Creole cultures come to life on the American Queen and Duchess. This voyage whisks guests away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays to experience the one-of-a-kind Creole and Cajun holiday traditions unique to the lower Mississippi. Set against the backdrop of beautiful holiday décor, guests will have the opportunity to participate in gingerbread decorating, ornament making and caroling. Upcoming dates for the nine-day Creole Christmas itinerary include: Dec. 19 on board the American Duchess; and Dec. 19 on board the American Queen.

New Year’s Celebration

• This cruise has been specially curated to celebrate not only new beginnings, but the achievement and beauty of the year concluding. Evening entertainment will sample the sounds of the South, including an onboard gala with music, dancing and a champagne toast on New Year’s Eve. Upcoming dates for this nine-day New Year’s Celebration itinerary include: Dec. 26 on board the American Queen; and Dec. 26 on board the American Duchess.

Due to its status as the first fully vaccinated U.S. river cruise line, American Queen Steamboat Company’s holiday sailings will also follow the cruise line’s newly updated SafeCruise policies as announced in the Freedom campaign including no longer requiring guests to wear masks while on board or receive pre-cruise testing and the reintroduction of unrestricted access to hop-on-hop-off shore excursions. 

Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, holiday fares with American Queen Steamboat Company begin at $1,499 per guest. All sailings include a one-night, pre-voyage hotel stay, unlimited hop-on hop-off shore excursions in all ports, unlimited beverages with alternative dining and a host of other amenities. 

Christmas in July savings are available on select bookings through August 31, 2021, and can be accessed with the offer code: FREEDOM. For more information on the 2021 holiday sailings or to book a cruise on the American Queen®, American Duchess™, American Empress® and American Countess™, please visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com, call 888-749-5280 or contact your travel agent.
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