Cruise line ends tours stopping in Escanaba
ESCANABA, MI – Just over a month after the first American Queen Voyages cruise ship made the voyage to Escanaba, the company has announced it will end Great Lakes cruises after this season.
“Our plan in 2019 when we purchased Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager was to operate them on a 12-month schedule, but the extended off-season operational costs outweigh the benefits to achieve our overall business success,” Gary Gerbino, director of public relations for American Queen Voyages told the Daily Press Friday.
According to Gerbino, American Queen Voyages was founded 12 years ago and specializes in paddle-wheel riverboats on seven American rivers. The company will be refocusing its efforts on river tours and placing the Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager cruise ships up for sale.
“Market research shows we have the highest repeat rate of all U.S. river offerings and the highest guest intent to return, so we are focusing on our river cruises going forward,” he said
It is unclear if there is any future for Great Lakes cruises to stop in Escanaba, as American Queen Voyages does not know who will buy the two ships or where they will operate them.
The first American Queen Voyages cruise ship visited Escanaba on Mother’s Day, May 14. The last ship, the Ocean Navigator, will dock in the city on Monday, Oct. 2.
“All published voyages will be operated through November 2023, and we are committed to our service excellence through the last day of operation,” said Gerbino.
Escanaba Daily Press
