Tracking down the perfect travel gift for loved ones is always a challenge during the holiday season, especially for those who love cruising. Are they going to enjoy the destinations? How about the vessel? Luckily, American Queen Voyages™ has more than 400 departures and more than 50 itineraries combined for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Finding the perfect travel gift for the special people in your life is a breeze, even more so with numerous regions and vessels to choose between.
If you have found yourself here and need a little help deciding on the perfect cruise for your loved one, look no further! We dive into what you need to know about some of our voyages, vessels, and regions to help you narrow down the options and decide on the perfect gift
Cruises for the Adventurous
If you have loved ones who are always up for an adventure, a cruise to Alaska and British Columbia is the perfect gift. On this once-in-a-lifetime voyage, travelers get to embark from Sitka, Alaska, or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and sail through the inside passage. On the journey, adventure and exploration are guaranteed, with visits to spectacular ports, including Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet), Ketchikan & Metlakatla, Misty Fjords, Wrangell, Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Petersburg, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm, and Kake and Frederick Sound. Each destination tells its own stories; however, your loved one can discover even deeper with hand-picked excursions.
In Sitka, the pre-cruise excursion Sitka Sound Science Center & Fortress of the Bear takes guests as close as 25 feet from Alaska brown bears. Here, your adventurous friends and family members will also witness immersive marine life exhibits that replicate the feeling of exploring the depths of the vast ocean. Naturalists will lead the way and share their expansive knowledge of the local ecosystem and wildlife habitats. For those who are after an adventure on the water, the Glacier Discovery by Jet Boat excursion will take them into the Alaskan wilderness and close to the icy blue glaciers. Discover the ever-changing conditions of the bay as you ride through the LeConte Wilderness area.
Cruises with a Hint of Luxury
If your loved one is after a luxurious cruising experience, look no further than a travel gift on our riverboat American Duchess®. Debuting in March 2023, this contemporary and lavish boat will offer the ultimate pampering experience with Concierge Class. With this new experience, the pampering begins before leaving the pier with a premium hotel stay and a shoreside dining experience. Onboard, the luxury continues with American Queen Voyages’ signature all-inclusive experience taken up a notch.
Entertainment and enrichment now include an elite lineup. The dining experience is enhanced with regionally inspired and locally sourced products and topped off with exclusive dining events. All premium shore excursion adventures are also included. To add to the luxe amenities and premium ambiance, VIP touches, such as personal butler service in Deluxe Suites and above and pre-cruise concierge service access, are a part of the experience. Your loved ones can enjoy this new era of the American Duchess on the Lower Mississippi.
Cruises for the History Buff
If tracing history is one of your loved one’s favorite pastimes, we have plenty of voyages that make the perfect holiday gift. From walking the steps of soldiers in the Civil War and learning the story of the Star-Spangled Banner to following the Freedom Trail and exploring museums, the opportunities to travel back in time are endless. On a roundtrip Jacksonville voyage, history is at the center of many included and premium excursions. Dive into the Southeast U.S.A. as you explore the North American Lakes & Oceans, and ports that inhabit the waterways.
For a historical experience on and off the vessel, an American Queen® voyage is a great gift for your history buff. With countless artifacts on the boat and a Riverlorian that has a story for all of them, the history lessons never end. Onshore, the hop-on-hop-off tour takes history lovers to an array of significant locations. On a New Orleans to Memphis cruise, visit the site of the Siege of Vicksburg, then dive into musical history with a visit to Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland.
Cruises for Wine Lovers
All of your wine connoisseur friends and family members will be overjoyed to unwrap a wine cruise. Wine cruises are the ultimate travel gift for wine lovers as it takes them into wine country where vineyards are everywhere, and the flavors are absolutely delightful. Give the gift of a Portland to Spokane or Spokane to Portland voyage, where destinations include Astoria and The Dalles, Oregon, and Stevenson and Richland, Washington. On American Empress®, your loved one will indulge in wine tastings, attend wine education seminars and meet other oenophiles.
In each city, your wine lover will enjoy tantalizing wines from the most fruitful and fragrant vineyards. In Richland, home of Washington’s Red Mountain viticulture area, travelers will explore the vineyard, indulge in the local wine, and hear the stories of those who have grown, harvested, and established the landscape. In The Dalles, the flavorful adventure continues with a visit to the Maryhill Museum and the stunning Jacob Williams Winery. Here, guests will walk through the spectacular exhibits before sampling the award-winning locally-made wines.
Cruises for the Culinary Aficionado
Culinary enthusiasts will love our culinary-themed voyages. A culinary cruise as a holiday gift will take your loved one’s tastebuds on an adventure from savory to sweet. Guests will travel on American Countess® or American Queen and sail on itineraries such as Louisville to Pittsburgh or Memphis to St. Louis. As they visit iconic destinations along the rivers, they will dine on signature dishes and attend culinary demonstrations hosted by our Culinary Ambassador, Chef Regina Charboneau.
To add to the culinary festivities, there will be a chef’s degustation dinner menu that will excite even the most traveled palettes. Every meal is an adventure in and of itself. But that’s not all; the fun continues off the riverboat with hand-crafted culinary excursions that are all about diving into the local eateries and flavors. While in each river town, discover the spices, meals, and zest that are unique to the region.
Give the Perfect Travel Gift!
Surprise your friends, family members, co-workers, or neighbors–whoever is special to you, with the gift of a cruise. Whether they are passionate about wine, food, history, culture, or adventure, there’s an American Queen Voyages cruise that will make the perfect holiday present. Reach out to our concierge services today at (866) 522-1166 to secure the perfect holiday gift! Or prepare for the holidays by booking on our website or contacting your preferred travel advisor.
New Orleans