The future of 4 out of 6 former AQV-American Queen Voyages ships has been decided.
Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will return to sailing the Great Lakes under their previous names, Victory I and Victory II, reviving the Victory Cruise Lines brand.
Meanwhile, the two paddlewheelers American Countess and American Duchess, acquired by ACL-American Cruise Lines, are set to be scrapped. There are also indications of potential movement regarding the American Queen, suggesting a similar fate might be considered.
Industry reports last week indicated that American Queen is either on her way to or has already arrived at the MARS-Modern American Recycling Service in Houma LA. ACL responded by stating its ongoing commitment to modernizing and enhancing the domestic cruise industry with new ships, larger staterooms, modern technologies, and stringent environmental standards. ACL confirmed the recycling of the former AQV vessels Countess and Duchess and mentioned that they are still evaluating options for the Queen, including the possibility of donating it to a municipal or non-profit entity.
The last ship acquired by ACL was the American Empress. Although she will not sail the waters of the Columbia or Snake Rivers this year, it remains a possibility that she could return to service in the future.
The two ships being revived under the Victory Cruise Lines flag were purchased by John Waggoner, the founder of American Queen Voyages/AQV (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company/AQSC) and Victory Cruise Lines/VCL.