American Queen Voyages Renames Two Vessels
American Queen Voyages, a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, announced December 6 that its vessels Victory I and Victory II, acquired in 2018, will be renamed Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator when they re-enter service in early 2022.
The sister ships specialize in Great Lakes and ocean experiences by American Queen Voyages, the new brand encompassing the former American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines.
The Ocean Voyager begins its 2022 season January 4 with immersive Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula itineraries, and Ocean Navigator will debut in Savannah April 10, sailing up the eastern seaboard toward the Great Lakes for the summer season. The two vessels are currently in Port Royal, S.C., undergoing minor renovations preparing for the upcoming season.
“The transformation of our small-coastal vessels to Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator was a natural next step as we introduce our American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean experiences,” said Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer of American Queen Voyages. “Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will deliver encounter travel with innovative itineraries and enrichment programming showcasing the best of North America’s unique waterways.”
The Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator are identical 202-guest ships measuring 286 feet long and feature 101 suites and staterooms across five passenger decks, two dining venues and two lounges, including Compass Lounge, the center of onboard activity, including lectures and entertainment.
These intimate, agile ships were purposely built to navigate the canals and locks of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Itinerary offerings include departures from Chicago’s Navy Pier to downtown Toronto over 11 days, touching all five Great Lakes, along with sailings between Detroit and Montreal. These vessels’ unique size also allows flexibility to explore regions including the Southeast United States and even Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the company said. The itineraries will allow passengers to explore diverse cultures in the U.S. and Canada through historic ports, including Mackinac Island, and showcase a different perspective of New England. Cities like Charleston and Savannah offer a glimpse into coastal Southern living.
Caption for photo: The Ocean Navigator.
