American Queen Voyages has reported strong demand for its North American cruises, reaching a 2022 single day booking record on 25 February.

The line said it had surpassed its previous high mark by 10 per cent, while travel agent enquiries were up more than 20 per cent for the second half of February.

American Queen Voyages has announced a spring savings event, offering up to $4,800 in bonus savings on bookings made by 30 April on select voyages.

In addition, the cruise line will provide free Covid-19 testing at the pre-cruise hotel prior to embarkation, beginning from 19 March.

Founder and chairman John Waggoner said: “Throughout our 10-year history, American Queen Voyages has understood the importance of the pre-cruise experience, which begins long before our guests step on the boat.

“Including a free Covid-19 testing option at the pre-cruise hotel allows our guests to plan their shore excursions and on-board activities instead of the added stress of locating a testing site at home.”

Chief operating officer Shawn Bierdz added: “The resounding feedback from guests and our travel advisor partners over the past two weeks is that people want to cruise now, without complications and uncertainty and our experience checks those boxes.

“As we roll out the spring savings event, adding free pre-cruise testing will make the experience even more seamless.”

American Queen Voyages milestones

In September 2021, American Queen Voyages was unveiled following the merger of American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines.

Since then, it has resumed operations for its Lakes & Oceans itineraries and started its Mississippi river cruise season.

It has also renamed the Victory I and Victory II ships as Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, respectively, and welcomed a new expedition cruise director in preparation for Ocean Victory’s inaugural Alaska season, beginning in May 2022.