Light Blue Travel, which administered AQGSA Ltd and acted as general sales agent (GSA), said it was saddened to hear of AQV’s demise, and stressed it would be contacting all trade partners with clients holding AQV bookings shortly.

AQV, which operates a fleet of traditional paddlewheel steamboats on the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers, cited Covid-19 for its collapse on Tuesday (20 February).

“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," it said in a statement.

Light Blue Travel acted as GSA for both trade and direct bookings with AQV. Managing director Rupert Thomson told TTG all those with bookings made through the UK business would be offered the choice of switching onto a similar voyage with another supplier, or a full refund.

"We were saddened to hear that American Queen Voyages ceased trading yesterday [Tuesday]," said Thomson.

"We understand this news may cause concern to those with bookings and will be very disappointing, but if they choose to reschedule an alternative cruise, they can rest assured we will do our utmost to find the most suitable solution.

"Nobody need worry about their money, it is held by AQGSA Ltd in the UK in designated bank accounts. We can only apologise for the disruption, which is totally beyond our control."

Thomson continued: “We will contact all trade partners who hold bookings shortly, and anyone with a direct booking should contact their travel provider."

He added: "We have worked with American Queen Voyages since the early days, nearly ten years, and are very sad the company has ceased trading.

"We hope the iconic paddlewheel steamboats will be rescued in the future and can re-commence their unique North American river cruises on the Mississippi."

American Cruise Lines confusion

Meanwhile, the UK representative for American Cruise Lines, Fred Holidays, said it had received a number of calls and messages from concerned agents, and wished to stress the line – which offers a similar product – operates completely independently of AQV.

"Fred Holidays is saddened to hear the news that American Queen Voyages has ceased trading, and the team’s thoughts are with all those who have been affected," it said in a statement.

"Following a number of calls from agents, Fred Holidays would like to reassure them that, while American Cruise Lines offers a similar product, it has no connection with American Queen Voyages and it continues to operate successfully.

"Fred Holidays is aware the UK trade has a number of guests booked on American Queen Voyages cruises and would like to offer support if required.

"Whether they want help with existing bookings, would like to rebook clients on similar product, need help with packaging up a cruise or just want some advice, Fred Holidays has a team of river cruise specialists who will be able to assist."