American Queen Voyages™ American Queen® Arrives in Pittsburgh: Announces Extended Journeys

[American Queen Voyages]

American Queen Voyages™  American Queen® Arrives in Pittsburgh: Announces Extended Journeys 23-Day Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers Sailing and Partners with Student-Athletes on Recruitment Efforts  

Basketball Guard William Jeffress and Others Visit American Queen® in Pittsburgh   

 

 

 

 

Pittsburgh, PA, Aug. 9, 2022 –  Yesterday, American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group,  announced a new itinerary for 2023 while in Pittsburgh, which is the most comprehensive in the company’s ten year history. On July 24, 2023, the American Countess® Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers sailing will embark on a 23-day journey for Pittsburgh from Minneapolis (Red Wing), allowing guests to explore the 1,772-mile route of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers together like never before. This sailing will be available in reverse embarking from Pittsburgh on Aug. 14, 2023. The 2023 Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers sailing will cover more miles, call on more port cities and offer the most unlimited guided tours of any itineraries in American Queen Voyages’ 10-year history. 

 

To celebrate this historic sailing announcement and yesterday’s arrival of flagship American Queen in downtown Pittsburgh, the cruise line partnered with local student-athletes, including Men’s Basketball Guard William Jeffress, to welcome the boat and raise awareness about jobs on the world’s largest paddlewheeler.  

 

“Guests have made the 16-day Mighty Mississippi voyage between Minneapolis (Red Wing) and New Orleans one of our most popular itineraries, and we are pleased to reveal an even more immersive itinerary sailing to Pittsburgh that now incorporates the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers,” said Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer of American Queen Voyages. “Pittsburgh has such a rich riverboat and sports history, so announcing the Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers with the city’s talented student-athletes and American Queen in the shadow of Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) was a perfect fit.”   

 

While docked at Pittsburgh’s North Shore Riverfront Park, Football Offensive Lineman Carter Warren and  Defensive Lineman Deslin Alexandre, Men’s Basketball Guard William Jeffress, Women’s Basketball Guard Lauren Wasylson, and Women’s Tennis Player Alexandra Jaksec headlined an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) campaign raising awareness of American Queen Voyages’ Pittsburgh sailings along with hospitality and marine operations jobs on the river.  The student-athletes created content and met with many of the crew to learn about onboard occupations including captain, housekeeper, deckhand, entertainer and purser. Available shoreside and shipboard positions are listed at https://*****/AQVCareers.

 

“This has been a memorable day for the American Queen crew, who shared their contributions to the U.S. river cruising industry, and we wish to thank all the student-athletes who attended our event for spending time onboard,” said Christina Hobbs, vice president, human resources of American Queen Voyages. “Utilizing this NIL partnership has been a unique way to recruit ourselves, while also showcasing our incredible onboard team. I know these talented student-athletes gained some new fans for the upcoming season.”   

 

The 417-guest American Queen is currently sailing a nine-day Ohio River voyage between Louisville and Pittsburgh with ports of call including Madison, Cincinnati, Maysville, Point Pleasant and Marietta. Guests embarking in Pittsburgh yesterday enjoyed a pre-cruise hotel night downtown and explored the city. American Queen Voyages’ newest riverboat, the 245-guest American Countess, visited Pittsburgh earlier this year and will return Sept. 6, 2022. 

 

"It’s great to have American Queen Voyages not only come to the city of Pittsburgh, but to also team with local student-athletes in a very unique NIL partnership,” says Sammy Spina, VMG Sports Representation. “NIL has been a great tool for many student-athletes across the country. This is another creative way to make an impact utilizing Name, Image, and Likeness to educate others about employment opportunities.” 

 

The Minneapolis (Red Wing) to Pittsburgh voyage takes guests through the most scenic spots on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Passing through 10 states and 1772 miles, this sailing on American Countess offers a one-of-a-kind exploration of North America. The journey begins in Red Wing, MN, with an itinerary that includes: La Crosse, WI; Dubuque, IA; Bettendorf, IA; Burlington, IA; Hannibal, MO; St. Louis, MO; Kimmswick, MO; Cape Girardeau, MO; Paducah, KY; Henderson, KY; Owensboro, KY; Brandenburg, KY; Louisville, KY; Madison, IN; Cincinnati, OH; Maysville, KY; Point Pleasant, WV; Marietta, OH; and Pittsburgh, PA. 

 

Premium and included shore excursion highlights of the Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers itinerary include the following: 

 

A Story of Cinema: The “Field of Dreams” Experience – Dubuque, IA: Get a new perspective on the 1989 Academy Award-winning film “Field of Dreams” with American Queen Voyages' premium shore excursion that takes you to the very baseball field featured in the movie. 

 

The National Quilt Museum – Paducah, KY: With 600 pieces of art highlighting modern quilts, guests will leave the National Quilt Museum with a newfound appreciation of the craft. Each exhibit represents a different aspect of the global quilting community and celebrates the talent of these artists. 

 

Tracing the Trail of Tears – Cape Girardeau, MO: This premium shore excursion takes guests back in time to 1830 with a walk-through of the pristine 3,415 acres in the Trail of Tears State Park. 

 

Mark Payton Glass Center – Louisville, KY: Discover the art of glass blowing with a tour of a glass-blowing studio in the heart of Louisville, KY. Here, guests will learn techniques and admire the artwork with a behind-the-scenes look at artists in action. 

 

Old Courthouse/Gateway Arch – St. Louis, MO: Venture through St. Louis for a chance to look at the Old Courthouse, one of the best examples of mid-19th century federal architecture. Then, travelers can check out the Gateway Arch, an iconic symbol of St. Louis. 

 

Anheuser House – Kimmswick, MO: Guests will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime historical experience while exploring the Anheuser Museum and Estate. Constructed in 1867, the home includes family heirlooms, a family library, and portraits of the Anheuser family. 

 

Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens: Owensboro, KY: Stop and smell the roses at the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens. Here, travelers will explore the wind sculptures, woven baskets, Koi ponds, Rose Garden, and much more. 

 

Madison Scenic Jet Boat Experience: Madison, IN: Hop aboard the Coast Guard-approved jet boat for the scenic experience of a lifetime. Guests will sit back and relax while enjoying a narrated journey exploring the river and enjoying the picturesque nature views. 

 

Visit Carter Warren’s Instagram profile at @carterwarren77, Deslin Alexander’s at @deslin__, William Jeffress’ at @william_jeffress, Lauren Wasylson’s at @wlauren4, and Alexandra Jaksec’s at @alexjaksec. 

 

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