American Queen Voyages’ iconic river fleet acquired by American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines has purchased the classic river fleet of American Queen Voyages following parent company’s debt restructuring earlier this year.

American Cruise Line purchased four classic paddle-driven riverboats at auction for around $4.5 million according to a court filing.

The acquisition ensures that the river vessels American Queen, American Empress, American Countess and American Duchess continue to ply the waterways of Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, and Alaska.

“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,” the company said in a statement.

Sale Prices:

American Queen: $2,150,000

American Empress: $1,600,000

American Countess: $1,600,000

American Duchess: $200,000

An auction was held for the assets, including the coastal ships, following American Queen’s bankruptcy, with American Cruise Lines emerging as the winner of the river fleet. 

It is unknown who purchased the two coastal ships in the company’s fleet, the Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager.

American Queen Voyages was established in 1995 when it launched American Queen, the largest river steamboat ever built.

Although the American Queen’s stern paddlewheel is indeed powered by a steam engine, her secondary propulsion, in case of an emergency and for maneuverability around tight areas, comes from a set of diesel-electric propellers known as Z-drives on either side of the sternwheel.

The vessel carries more than 450 passengers and has six decks and a length of 418 ft (127 m). The fleet was steadily expanded over the years under the ownership of Hornblower Group, but in February the group announced it was shedding the brand.

American Queen Voyages was to be sold off as part of a debt restructuring deal, with the brand seen as a liability following the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Hornblower has assured that outside of American Queen Voyages, its current services will not be affected by the transaction. All services, booked trips, excursions, and other offerings are set to continue as planned.

Hornblower offers charter yacht, dining cruise and ferry services in the United States on most major US waterways, particularly the Niagara Falls.