American Queen Steamboat Company Latest Topics

Sheraton Memphis Downtown

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 22:26:28 +0000

This is the host hotel for the first night of our Memphis to New Orleans cruise.

Has anyone got personal knowledge of this hotel? It has pretty crappy reviews.

We are coming in a few days early. I had hoped to just check in and stay until we board the ship.

Now I'm thinking we should find someplace else for a few days then move to the Sheraton for the last night before the cruise.

Thoughts?

Discounts included already?

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 01:35:18 +0000

With the current promo of $3000 per stateroom discount, can anyone tell me if this has already been subtracted when I look at the fares.

I am looking at Pacific Northwest in September and it shows $4199. Is this already discounted?

American Queen Steamboat Company, Victory Cruise Lines to Require COVID-19 Vaccines

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:16:47 +0000

New article on Cruise Critic:

American Queen Steamboat Company, Victory Cruise Lines to Require COVID-19 Vaccines

Pre City Stay Memphis Warning

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 20:52:59 +0000

We are booked for the American Queen Memphis to New Orleans October 11-18, 2021.This is a rebook from October of 2020 as it was canceled.

It includes pre cruise hotel on October 10 at the Sheraton Memphis with embarkation on the 11th.

Since we are planning on before and after stays we decided to look at what AQSC was offering.

Here is the info I have found about the pre stay package in Memphis:

The pre stay is at the Peabody Memphis. You don't move to the Sheraton Downtown. It is 2 nights. The dates are the 9th and 10th.

But you already should have one night included since it in in your cruise fare!

(It includes 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner, some passes and transportation and $50 on board credit to use.)

For $699 per person.

Ridiculous. Be aware that you are paying twice for one of the nights if you book this. I can think of a few better things to do with $1400 (for 2).

Duchess sailing May 9 - May 17

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 15:32:05 +0000

Is anyone out there sailing with us. This is our first River Cruise we are so excited to be able to get out and enjoy the new adventure.

April 2021 sailings

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 18:21:05 +0000

What do you think are the chances for an April 2021 sailing? If you think it is a possibility, how late can river cruises be booked? March? We are looking at the Columbia River cruise on the Empress, but I don’t want to book and be issued a FCC in the event of a cancellation. Opinions?

American Empress 5-17-20 Clarkson to Vancover

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:21:47 +0000

Hi:

My wife and I are doing this cruise and looking to see if other people are doing this trip. We are looking at doing the post cruise package or setting up a post cruise package on our own. If anyone is interested please contact us via this post.

Survey

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 13:23:58 +0000

We got an email the other day from AQSC. It asked us to rank in order, 1,2,3, what we considered most important to sailing again. The choices were (and I am listing them in the order of OUR preference): 1, all guests and staff must be vaccinated, 2, all must provide proof of covid testing, and 3, special cleaning programs (this last is not exactly what they said, but it was along this line). There were a few other questions as well.

We are still worried about making final payment in March for our July trip.

Refunds

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 13:27:47 +0000

Has anyone gotten their refund yet? Our trip was cancelled back in July and still no refund

4th time's the charm?

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 16:11:54 +0000

Our TA called Thursday to say our planned April cruise on the American Queen has been cancelled. This was the third cancellation (June, 2020, September 2020, April 2021). They've given us a deal on the Sept. 5 cruise; even though it's peak season, we just have to pay the April rate.

Wishing everyone a joyous, healthy holiday season.

Kathy D.

Cruising Suspended until at least the end of February

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:47:52 +0000

I just saw that cruises have been suspended through February with the first cruise scheduled for February 28, 2021. Do we really think they will sail again? I wonder how long before they run out of money.

2022 Preview brochure is now available.

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:45:41 +0000

You need to provide contact info and they will send an email with a download link for the PDF.

https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/brochures/

New Boarding Regulations

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:50:55 +0000

I looked at the AQSC website and they have instituted a number of checks to insure the health of passengers and crew. Unfortunately, they will no longer allow people to check in at the boat; instead all must check in at the pre-cruise hotel and undergo screening there. We are disappointed in that we planned to spend a couple of days in Red Wing before our Mighty Mississippi trip in July, rather than staying in Minneapolis. We will have to cancel that reservation, but so be it.

I did not see any requirement for vaccination, but perhaps they will add that once the vaccine becomes widely available. If they do not institute that requirement by the time our final payment is due in March, I do not think we will take the trip.

Email - "Your Refund Has Been Processed"

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 11:53:53 +0000

Got an email yesterday saying this. Only problem is: we have not requested a refund. Our trip planned for this summer was rebooked for next year. I guess this was an error but it makes me wonder. I will watch my credit card.

Is anyone concerned that AQSC will go bankrupt efore cancelled passengers get their future cruises or refunds?

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 01:11:41 +0000

Maybe I am being paranoid but wonder if people on canceled cruises will actually take their future cruise or receive a refund? I know a refund will take several months.

What is your opinion? Too bad there is not a crystal ball. I am hopeful everything works out for everyone.

Help - can't find FCC policy

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 20:45:56 +0000

We have FCC that we want to use October 2021. Where on the AQSC website can I find their policy for using FCC?

I believe it can only be used for cruise fare but I want to see it in writing. I know I have to pay port charges myself but was hoping we could use any extra for excursions.

Thanks for the help.

CDC no sail order

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:41:41 +0000

AQSC still has sailings starting in August. But this is what I found when I looked up the no sail order that is in effect until the end of September.

I am scheduled for the Queen which is well more than 250 people. I don't understand how they haven't announced more cancellations of their cruises.

What cruise ships does the No Sail Order cover?

The No Sail Order applies to all cruise ships, which it defines as commercial passenger ships with the capacity to carry more than 250 people and where an overnight stay onboard by passengers or crew is anticipated. The Order applies to all cruise ships operating, or seeking to operate, in waters subject to US jurisdiction, including those that have previously voluntarily suspended operations. It does not apply to cargo ships.

American Queen Steamboat Company AWFUL!!!

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 13:19:52 +0000

Awful customer service! We paid in full June 2018( yes over a year ago) for an Upper Mississippi River Cruise from July 13th to July 23, 2019. On the 8th of July, 2019, I got an email telling us that due to flooding on the Mississippi our cruise was changed to the Ohio/Cumberland Rivers starting in Cincinnati with ports in about 5 places in Kentucky . If we had wanted to cruise this river, we would have booked it. 5 ports in Kentucky is not worth what we paid to cruise the Upper Mississippi as I have seen Kentucky as my sister lived in Paducah. We decided to not go as it was not what we paid $9758.00 for. We did not get a refund nor credit for a future cruise on the upper Mississippi. We did not even get a refund of the post and pre hotels I booked through the AQSC. We are only getting a refund of the port charges and the prepaid gratuities! AQSC has $9121.00 of our money for a cruise we paid for they couldn’t provide with no way to get it back. They care nothing for their customers- awful customer service. They can’t provide what we paid for and are keeping the money. I highly recommend you NOT book with American Queen Steamboat Company! They do not promise what you paid for and basically take your money and run!

Difference in 2 Cruises

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:21:12 +0000

Can anyone tell me the difference in the Lewis and Clark Cruise (Sept 2020) and the Ohio River Exploration Cruise (June 2021)? Both cruises are on the Duchess.

They are both Pittsburg to Louisville cruises, and have the same Port stops. Would it be the difference in lectures by the Riverlorian?

Has anyone heard the programs on Lewis and Clark? Wondering how informative they are.

American Countess: PreCruise Hotel in 2020

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 15:31:58 +0000

Just a heads up. I do not want to promise what I cannot deliver, but I suggest anyone on an American Countess voyage in 2020 check with AQSC regarding a possible policy change regarding the pre cruise hotel night, especially if you have a separately booked arrangement.

AQSB Announces Layoffs

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 20:17:34 +0000

www.wlky.com/article/louisville-area-steamboat-company-laying-off-250

Not particularly encouraging news from New Albany, Indiana.

Moving a reservation to 2021

Sat, 23 May 2020 16:23:13 +0000

We are due to travel in August 2020 but given the international travel situation, we know we will not be able to do this. I contacted our UK travel agent as we would be prepared to move the booking to Spring 2021 but we have been told that the cruise line require a change fee of $500 to do this. Has anyone else made such a booking move and if so were you asked to pay this change fee. It may of course be because we are UK guests we are being penalised.

Thanks

Refunds

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 18:23:37 +0000

Has any one received a refund for a cruise that was canceled in May from American Queen? Our trip was canceled in March and as of today we have nor received a refund.

Quarantine policy before cruise

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 20:34:14 +0000

I just learned a bit of concerning news. A friend from Pennsylvania just called to cancel his planned trip to GA as he would have to be quarantined for 14 days when he returns to PA. He can not afford that time off from work. I looked up PA’s policy online and it does seem that those entering PA from several states (including GA) must quarantine for 14 days.

What does that do to those of us leaving from Pittsburg on the Duchess in Sept? We had planned to possibly spend a few days in PA before the cruise, but not 14 days in a hotel room somewhere!!

Also wondering if museums, historic homes, and other attractions on the HOHO bus tour will even be open. Closed restaurants are not a problem for us as we prefer to eat onboard.

American Empress Portland to Clarkston March 15 to 22 2021

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 16:56:39 +0000

Hi everybody We booked the cruise from Portland to Clarkston WA March 15th to the 22nd 2021 is there anybody else going ? John