American Queen Voyages, a US river cruise line, has ceased operations amidst financial difficulties.
- The company blames the pandemic and shifts in travel preferences for its financial issues.
- All future cruises have been cancelled with assurances of customer refunds.
- The UK sales agency, Light Blue Travel, promises to assist affected customers.
- Fred Holidays offers support and assistance to rebook customers on similar cruises.
American Queen Voyages, a prominent river cruise operator in the United States, has announced its decision to cease trading and suspend all operations following severe financial challenges. The company attributes its decline to the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the travel industry, particularly affecting overnight cruises, coupled with changing travel preferences. Despite earnest efforts by the AQV team, crew, and partners, they were unable to revive demand, leading to an unsustainable financial situation.
The company has taken immediate action to cancel all future cruises. As a priority, AQV has assured its guests of full refunds for their cruise deposits. To facilitate this process, two dedicated websites, aqvinfo.com and aqvrefunds.com, have been launched to support both customers and agents impacted by this development.
In response to the cessation of operations, the United Kingdom’s general sales agency for AQV, Light Blue Travel, expressed regret over the situation. Managing Director Rupert Thomson stated, “We will either source a similar cruise through another supplier or provide a full refund of monies paid.” Thomson emphasised that the funds are securely held in designated accounts, aiming to reassure customers about their financial safety.
Furthermore, Thompsons’ sentiments resonate with the assurance from Fred Holidays, who are equally saddened by the cessation. Fred Holidays has highlighted that while there are no direct affiliations with American Queen Voyages, they offer a similar experience through other lines. The company is ready to provide assistance in managing existing bookings, rebooking on alternative products, and offering expertise in cruise package arrangements.
The cessation of American Queen Voyages reflects the pandemic’s lasting impact on the cruise industry.
