The American Queen Steamboat Company (AQCS) is the ‘ultimate immersive’ way to learn about American history in luxury and is a must for UK customers, the river cruise line’s president has said.
Ted Sykes, president and chief executive, said as European river cruises continue to grow in popularity with the British market, it was time for them to go stateside.
Sykes said: “We have a large domestic audience of customers but 10% is international, mainly from English speaking countries such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
“I don’t see why this 10% can’t grow with our fleet. Our UK customers truly love being on board as it is the ultimate immersive experience into American history.
“The theatre on board our American Queen ship is a scale replica of the Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was shot.
“It is that kind of detail that sets us apart, the clients love it.”
Director of AQCS’s UK office in Cambridge, Rupert Thomson said they were working with agents to educate them on what the company has to offer.
Thomson said: “It’s the historic way that Americans used to travel in style along the great rivers of America.
“We want to increase our presence with the trade and we are offering various webinars and training session for them.
“We’re also excited about the new direct flights from London to New Orleans as it will mean UK customers can now fly direct to southern state itineraries.
“We also have a new itinerary which comes close to Chicago offering more direct flight options.”
The new AQSC ship the Duchess will launch in June 2017 with flights, pre-cruise hotel and seven night stay on board starting at £3,195.