American Queen Steamboat Company will deploy three paddlewheelers to operate a full season on the Ohio River in the US Midwest region next year.
Thirty dedicated Ohio River sailings are currently scheduled for 2022.
As the only overnight provider operating on the Ohio River, and in response to guest demand for less-travelled routes contrasting the Mississippi River headliner, the American Queen, American Duchess and the new American Countess, will showcase the charms of the US heartland from Kentucky to Ohio to Pennsylvania.
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“With the addition of the American Countess, our team has the flexibility to develop more itineraries than ever before, including routes that showcase the Ohio River in particular, as our guests continue to seek out more accessible, close-to-home cruising options,” said Shawn Bierdz, President of the American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines.
“From major urban centres like Louisville, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania, to charming port towns like Madison, Indiana, Kentucky and Brandenburg, we are thrilled to introduce our guests to these compelling destinations along the Ohio River.”
Sample 2022 itineraries that feature routes along the Ohio River
Louisville to Pittsburgh (or reverse) – 9-day
Considered one of the steamboat community’s most hallowed routes, the 9-day Ohio River Exploration sail puts the charms of the Midwest on full display.
Excursion highlights in Steel City include visits to Heinze History Centre and the Duquesne Incline. Guests will be able to learn the dynamic history of the area at the Ohio River Museum in Marietta, Ohio and sample wines from the oldest commercial estate winery in America, the Baker-Bird Winery in Augusta, Kentucky.
Cincinnati is a port-stop favourite with excursions to Fountain Square, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre and the Cincinnati Art Museum. A stop in Louisville, Kentucky is sure to delight with options to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs.
Ports of call on the Ohio River Exploration itinerary include: Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, Wheeling and Huntington in West Virginia, Augusta and Louisville in Kentucky, Marietta and Cincinnati in Ohio, Madison in Wisconsin and Indiana state.
Memphis to Louisville (or reverse) – 9-day
Louisville to Nashville (Clarksville) (or reverse) – 9-day
For pricing and more information on American Queen Steamboat Company, see aqsc.com.au/2023
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