American Queen drops two cruises for paddlewheel fixes

[HostDave]

American Queen’s Feb. 7 and 15 voyages are being canceled for a shipyard repair entailing the building of a new and more durable paddlewheel drive shaft, while the paddlewheel itself will be rebuilt and reinforced.

‘The safety and reliability of the American Queen is our top priority and her drive shaft must be completely rebuilt,’ said Ted Sykes, president and coo of American Queen Steamboat Co. ‘This additional time in lay-up is needed to custom-build a much stronger drive shaft with a 40- to 50-year lifespan, as well as reinstall the iconic paddlewheel.’

These repairs will take place in addition to the vessel’s annual refurbishments that include such work as painting and wallpapering public spaces and staterooms, the addition of a new Front Porch Café and décor updates to the J.M. White Dining Room and Engine Room Bar, to name a few.

American Queen is now scheduled to sail its first voyage of the season on Feb. 23, round-trip from New Orleans.

Passengers booked on the affected cruises may cancel for a full refund and reimbursement for reasonable travel-related expenses.

The company is also offering considerations and incentives for rebooking on one of 11 Lower Mississippi voyages, with dates spanning from Feb. 23 to June 23, or any July or August voyage on the Upper Mississippi or Ohio River.

They will receive a $250 per person/$500 per stateroom credit (refund) to offset change fees related to travel arrangements and an upgrade to the best available stateroom at the time of rebooking.

Travel agent commissions are protected.