American Queen Voyages Announces Grand 23-Day Journeys

American Queen in Pittsburgh before its Ohio River cruise to Louisville. American Queen Voyages announced that sister ship American Countess will offer 23-day Ohio and Upper Mississippi River trips in 2023. (Photo by John Roberts)

American Queen Voyages got a big push from the Pittsburgh Panthers and a group of student-athletes to announce the river cruise line's boldest itinerary in the company's 10-year history.

AQV partnered with athletes from the University of Pittsburgh in revealing a grand 23-day itinerary coming in 2023 that cruises between Red Wing, Minnesota and the Steel City.

The voyages are the most comprehensive ever for American Queen Voyages.

The first trip starts on July 24, 2023, as American Countess sails the new Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers itinerary. This almost two-week journey starts in Red Wing bound for Pittsburgh, giving travelers the chance to explore the 1,772-mile route of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers together. This sailing is also available in reverse embarking in Pittsburgh on Aug. 14, 2023.

These voyages offer more miles, stop at more port cities and feature the most unlimited guided tours of any cruises in American Queen Voyages' decade of operating on U.S. rivers.

The announcement of this exciting new voyage coincided with the arrival of the company's flagship American Queen in downtown Pittsburgh.

American Queen Voyages partnered with student-athletes at the university, including men's basketball player William Jeffress, to welcome the American Queen to Pittsburgh and to 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, hoops star Jeffress was joined by Panthers football players offensive lineman Carter Warren, defensive lineman Deslin Alexandre, and women's basketball player Lauren Wasylson and women's tennis player Alexandra Jaksec headlined a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) campaign raising awareness of American Queen Voyages Pittsburgh sailings along with hospitality and marine operations jobs available 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 www.aqvoyages.com/careers/.

"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."
American Queen is currently sailing nine-day Ohio River voyages between Louisville and Pittsburgh with ports of call including Madison, Cincinnati, Maysville, Point Pleasant and Marietta.

AQV's newest riverboat, the 245-passenger American Countess, visited Pittsburgh earlier this year and will return September 6, 2022.

We sailed on American Countess on the Lower Mississippi during its first season. 

A tour of the beautiful American Countess cruise ship from American Queen Voyages.

Bold, diverse itinerary covers Ohio and Upper Mississippi Rivers

The new Minneapolis (Red Wing) to Pittsburgh voyage takes cruisers through the most scenic spots on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. It passes through 10 states, and the itinerary includes 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.

Here are some excursions you van enjoy on the journey:

• 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." The excursion takes you to the very Iowa ballfield featured in the movie.

• The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY: With 600 pieces of art highlighting modern quilts, the National Quilt Museum brings 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 in Cape Girardeau, MO: Venture 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 in Louisville, KY: Discover the art of glass blowing with a tour of a glass-blowing studio in the heart of Louisville, KY. You will learn techniques and admire the artwork with a behind-the-scenes look at artists in action.

• Old Courthouse/Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO: Explore St. Louis with a look at the
  Old Courthouse, one of the best examples of mid-19th century federal architecture. Then, check out the city's iconic Gateway Arch.

• Anheuser House in Kimmswick, MO: Wander to historic 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 in 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 more.

• Madison Scenic Jet Boat Experience in Madison, IN: Hop aboard the Coast Guard-approved jet boat for a thrilling ride. The scenic jet-boat ride is a narrated journey exploring the river and its picturesque nature views.

Fares start around $7,200 for the entire 2023 Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers sailing when paid in full by August 31, 2022. For more information, check out AQVoyages.com.

Thanks for reading, and happy travels!

JR