Wednesday, April 3, 2024
American Cruise Lines (ACL) is set to expand its fleet by acquiring four river cruise vessels from American Queen Voyages, which recently ceased its operations. Among these vessels is the notable American Queen, the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever constructed, purchased for US$2.15 million (AU$3.3 million). Additionally, ACL will take over the paddlewheelers American Duchess and American Countess, each acquired for AU$2.45 million, as well as the American Empress, which navigates the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, for US$400,000 (AU$613,000).
This acquisition came about following the cessation of operations by American Queen Voyages on February 20, and the subsequent bankruptcy filing of its parent company, Hornblower Group. The total purchase price for the four vessels and additional assets, pending final approval by the bankruptcy court, amounts to US$6.3 million (AU$9.66 million), excluding two coastal cruise ships previously operated by American Queen Voyages.
The sale of American Queen Voyages’ two coastal vessels, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, also pending post their April 1 auction, will not see them returning to ACL. These vessels will not make a comeback to the Great Lakes in the 2024 season under ACL’s flag.
ACL has expressed its satisfaction with being the successful bidder for the river vessels of AQV, anticipating the finalization of the sale as part of the Hornblower Holdings bankruptcy proceedings. The addition of these vessels will bring ACL’s fleet to a total of 25, including river boats, coastal ships, and paddlewheelers, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion.
Over the past five years, ACL has nearly tripled the size of its US fleet and has consistently introduced new riverboats on the Mississippi annually since 2018. With three more ships on order, including riverboats, and five under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, ACL continues to strengthen its position in the US river cruise market. The company’s existing fleet of 19 small ships and riverboats serves over 140 ports across the US, offering a wide range of cruising options for travelers.
Tags: Acquisition, Cruise, expansion, fleet, Paddlewheelers, Riverboats, Travel
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
