Cruise Line That Served Louisiana Ports Ceases Operations

Louisiana cruisers can't say this news is coming as a total shock, especially since industry analysts and watchdog groups have been predicting this demise for quite some time now. Well, all the forecasts of doom and gloom finally came to a head on February 20th and we can confirm to you that many of you who purchased a cruise out of the port of New Orleans will need to make different arrangements or make arrangements to get your money back.

The cruise line in question is American Queen Voyages. The cruise line known mostly for its river cruises between destinations such as New Orleans and St. Louis or Minneapolis to Memphis had been "ailing" for some time. The website Cruise Critic reported that many guests had written to their site with complaints about onboard services and the ability to get refunds from the company.

Issues for the cruise line were exacerbated by the 2019 and 2020 pandemic years. The pandemic reduced occupancy on the company's vessels and according to industry insiders, the company never recovered. The plan for the company now is for the Hornblower Group, the group that owns the cruise line, to find a buyer for the company, its routes, and its fleet of ships.

Louisiana residents who have booked passage on American Queen Voyages can visit a special refund page on the company's website. You will need to provide specific information about your booking but because the company has filed for Chapter 11 protection it might take a few steps to obtain a refund. The company has outlined the procedure on its website. 

The company offered a variety of itineraries. In addition to the river cruises which included ports such as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and others American Queen Voyages also offered Great Lakes Cruises and some ocean cruises as well. Most of their ocean-going service was limited to the eastern seaboard or the Pacific Northwest. But the line did offer cruises from San Diego to ports in Mexico as well.