The American Queen Voyages cruise company, which previously traveled the rivers, lakes and oceans of North America from Canada to Mexico — including stops in St Paul, has ceased operation and canceled all scheduled cruises as its parent company, the Hornblower Group, files for bankruptcy.

The cruise company had an on-again, off-again romance with the river city, disappearing for four years before resuming visits in 2012. American Queen last deboarded in St. Paul in 2019, according to St. Paul Parks and Recreation officials.

“Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, American Queen Voyages (AQV) unfortunately has been unable to rebound from the effects of the pandemic,” reads a notice on the company’s website. “The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable.”

Some cruise and travel industry publications called its closure little surprise after years of reported turmoil, including service and payment issues.

The Signature Travel Network stopped selling tickets for the cruise line in March 2023, then resumed once commissions had been paid, according to Travel Weekly.

Viking River Cruises debuted Mississippi River trips from St. Paul to New Orleans in the fall of 2022, and multiple cruise companies service Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes. American Cruise Lines also sails the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Minnesota.

Related Articles

Man with mental illness acquitted in the killing of his mother at St. Paul home

Metro Transit rolls out civilian light rail investment agents

Letters: Here’s one reason for front license plates

The life and times of Roy Wilkins, a St. Paul native who was a civil rights champion

Protesters disrupt St. Paul City Council meeting, demanding cease-fire in Gaza