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AUTUMN 2019 | Volume 5, Issue 4 American Queen® 25th Anniversary in 2020 he largest, most opulent steamboat in Global Maritime, took on the herculean task updates with a focus on the preservation of the world was born from a vision to of purchasing the paddlewheeler, restoring the integrity, sentiment and vision of her designT a grand paddlewheeler that would the boat to her original grandeur and putting original builders and guests. rival any other on the river. From each her back in service on the Mississippi, Ohio, A lady so grand should have a celebration to thoughtful detail to modern upgrades, the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. match. We invite you to join us throughout American Queen is an authentic icon of the 2020 for an anniversary year rivers on which she travels. that is sure to provide memorable She is a true engineering marvel experiences for all who sail that combines steam and upon her. There are no greater diesel power to create a unique gifts than those of travel and river cruising experience. Her memories, and we can think of construction began in 1994 no better way to celebrate both at McDermott Shipyard in than on the grandest steamboat Louisiana. Years of planning ever built. culminated in the christening of this elegant steamboat on June 2, 1995. After shifting through several owners, the American Queen found herself On April 26, 2012, she was re-christened in in the hands of the United States Maritime Memphis, Tennessee, by her new godmother, Administration (MARAD) in Beaumont, Priscilla Presley. A modern era of modern Texas. Knowing that this American marvel steamboating and river cruising had should be enjoyed by the entire world, John begun. Since that time, American Queen Waggoner, president and CEO of HMS Steamboat Company® has made innovative
IN THIS ISSUE:
H 25th Anniversary of the American Queen H Sailing with Serendipity H Meet Our New President H Banana Pudding Recipe H Science Sails With the American Queen H Pie-Eating Contest What’s on the horizon for our sister brand? Big things. Really big things. n 2021, we’ll invite a new breed of traveler to discover Journey from Sitka, Alaska, to Vancouver, British our latest frontier and take an expedition adventure Columbia, or reverse. Along the way, each port is alive Icruise on the innovative, world-class M/V Ocean with sights, sounds and sensations off limits to most Victory.™ This state-of-the-art ship, now in production, travelers. Each experience is enhanced by the presence is the latest build for SunStone, which launched the of an unequaled onboard team of marine biologists, splendid Greg Mortimer earlier this year. naturalists, scientists and expedition guides, including a unique “Learn by Doing” program in conjunction with California Polytechnic State University. The ship’s design is a technological goldmine, from the revolutionary X-bow hull offering a smoother, more comfortable ride, Rolls-Royce zero-speed stabilizers to make stationary time a breeze, dynamic positioning to keep coral reefs and other wildlife safe and two of the lowest-pollution, most fuel-efficient engines in the world. It’s easy to lose count of the M/V Ocean Victory’s spectacular features: eight decks and eight cabin Victory Cruise Lines® will charter the grand vessel six categories, observation and lecture lounges, a reference library, two restaurants and open-deck dining, a months per year for phenomenal, interactive voyages heated infinity pool, Jacuzzis, a gym/spa, a piano bar, throughout the Alaskan wilderness. Boasting a bevy of a shop, observation wings, spotting scopes, a high- kayaks and Zodiacs, this ship was engineered specifically definition camera for live-streaming into cabins from to offer close encounters with breathtaking scenery, the superstructure and loading areas complete with a wildlife, natural history and culture. mudrooms and lockers. 2 ALSO ON THE WAY... n 2020, the M/V Victory I ™ and M/V Victory II ™ will forge new ground on some sublimely crafted fresh Iitineraries. Who’s up for a trip to the tropics? On these enticing new routes, you can explore ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, discover the wonders of lush Costa Rican rainforests and experience one of the world’s coolest shortcuts – the Panama Canal – among many other fabulous adventures. Grand Bahama, Puerto Morelos, Panama City and other tropical havens will be calling your name, so plan next year’s exotic getaway now.
What might one encounter on an expedition adventure cruise? There’s almost no limit to the possibilities. Perhaps wolves, deer, eagles and humpback whales at the Fiordland ALSO SAILING INTO Conservancy. Maybe an immersive cultural experience VIEW SOON: with the Tsimshian people near the lush rainforest at Metlakatla. Marvel at granite cliffs and cascading he highly anticipated launch of our waterfalls crowned by gossamer mist at the Misty Fjords newest paddlewheeler – the American National Monument. Those are but a small sample of the CountessT .™ She’ll join the American Queen® intimate rendezvous with untamed wilderness that await and American Duchess™ on the waters of – with plenty of surprises in store. Booking for voyages on America’s heartland, distinctly elegant and offering the stellar service guests have come to expect from any American Queen Steamboat Company river cruise.
this magnificent vessel will begin in mid-October, but you can start dreaming about your bucket-list journey today, and soon, encounter Alaska like never before. To learn more about this unique opportunity, call (833) 944-0730 or contact your travel professional today. 3 (MARAD) and other Science Sails With the government leaders. The USGS maintains thousands American Queen to Benefit of stationary sensors throughout the country. This is the first to the Environment be a privately carried mobile he health and sustainability of marine environments the world unit. Guests on board the over represent a top priority for American Queen Steamboat American Queen may visit a CompanyT and Victory Cruise Lines – not only because they are our special kiosk in her Chart Room lifeblood, but because Earth is a gift to be cherished and nurtured. to see collected information in That’s why we are thrilled to have our iconic flagship paddlewheeler, real time as it is uploaded to the the American Queen, host the first mobile nutrient sensor for the USGS database. It will also be U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). As the American Queen plies the shared with USGS scientists The first privately carried mobile unit helps monitor the health of the river. waters of the Mississippi River, the sensor – called a super gage – and local, state and federal lawmakers in the impacted communities, transmitting via satellite and the Internet. The data will help communities monitor and care for their waterways. “The economy of my city is powered by the river’s ability to water and move agriculture, as well as draw tourists,” said Mayor Marco McLendon, of West Memphis, Arkansas. “No one wants to hunt, fish, paddle or recreate in dirty water filled with algae due to nutrient surges. What isn’t monitored isn’t managed.” “We as mayors along the Mississippi River see nutrient-loading as the greatest threat to our water security. But in order to manage U.S. Geological Survey and Army Corps of Engineers officials, a group of the threat, we must be able to measure it,” added Davenport, Iowa, Mississippi River city mayors and the operators of the American Queen Mayor Frank Klipsch. gathered to show off the new equipment on the steam-driven vessel. American Queen Steamboat Company founder and CEO, John will continuously draw samples along the route for the purpose of Waggoner, spoke at the conference as well. “As the long-standing providing real-time water-quality data. leader in Mississippi River cruising, we are dedicated to the We unveiled this exciting project and partnership at a news sustainable health of not just the river, but the communities that conference on board the American Queen on September 16, in the rely on it,” he said. “Along with our partners, we are thrilled to company of mayors representing the Mississippi River Cities and introduce the USGS mobile super gage on our flagship vessel, and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), representatives of the USGS, agents of look forward to keeping the waters in which we travel clean for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Marine Administration many future generations to come.”
ARES MICHAELIDES
Meet Our New President American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines are pleased to welcome our new president, Ares Michaelides. Born in New York and most recently a Florida resident, Ares describes himself with a grin as “an experienced cruise guy,” having worked in the maritime and cruising industries for 25 years. His background includes time at Starboard Cruise Services – the world’s largest cruise retailer – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and MSC Cruises USA. He holds two master’s degrees from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree from Drew University. Ares is eager to put his well-rounded knowledge – from economics to retail to port logistics – in service for our sister brands, expanding both our authentic collection of paddlewheelers and our coastal-cruising small ships. Each brand plans to launch vessels in the near future: the American Countess, joining the American Queen and American Duchess in America’s heartland in 2020, and Ocean Victory, our custom expedition adventure ship, serving some of the most gorgeous passages around Alaska, in 2021. “I look forward to the challenge of transferring my large-cruise-ship experience to unique brands in growth mode,” he said, noting that he’s especially charmed by the opportunity to transition some of his attention to riverboats. Outside work, Ares enjoys soccer and baseball – as a player more than a spectator – and traveling with family.
4 REUNITED ON THE AMERICAN DUCHESS
Sailing With Serendipity alt and Joyce Hendrix will never forget their first cruise “Even after that, we didn’t entirely recognize one another,” Joyce with American Queen Steamboat Company. We’d like to said. “We’ve all gone gray by now.” But memories soon flooded takeW full credit for that, but we have to tip a hat to fate this time, back, and Barri even recalled that the Hendrixes’ daughter Lisa as well. had babysat for their daughter, also named Lisa. It was early July, and the 16-day American Duchess Racing on the The foursome spent the rest of the cruise enjoying one another’s River voyage had just gotten underway. The Hendrixes embarked, company and making new friends. The Boudreauxs have been unpacked and headed to the stern to take in on several American Queen Steamboat the view before dinner. They thought they were Company cruises, and hadn’t booked that alone, but soon noticed another couple across Even after that, fortune-filled American Duchess voyage until the deck. “ exactly a week before.
Being people-lovers, they struck up a chat. No we didn’t entirely Walt and Joyce have taken dozens of cruises, but names were disclosed at first, but the obligatory recognize one “ deem that voyage in at least the Top 2, second “Where are you from?” yielded an interesting only to their earlier journey from Chicago to exchange. The Boudreauxs – Paul and Barbara another. We’ve all Toronto on Victory Cruise Lines’ M/V Victory I. “Barri” – were living in Sarasota, Florida. The But it’s really more of a tie. Hendrixes were from Silver Spring, Maryland. gone gray by now. “We used to live in Silver Spring,” one of the “We fell in love with the band on the American Boudreauxs said, “years ago – on Dennis Street.” Duchess, and saw their show every night,” said Joyce. They had never been to some of the popular Ohio River Joyce and Walt stood, stunned. “Where on Dennis Street?” they ports on that cruise, and especially enjoyed the National Quilt asked. “At 309,” came the reply. Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, where one lucky employee even A sense of awe filled the deck in the next few seconds as the scored Joyce’s recipe for Kahluá Trifle Cake. Hendrixes revealed that they had lived at 311 Dennis Street – 41 Stories such as these warm our hearts, because they show that years ago as the Boudreauxs’ neighbors. travel brings people together – even after 41 years.
Long-lost neighbors Walt and Joyce Hendrix (left) and Paul and Barri Boudreaux (right) reunited as passengers on the American Duchess after 41 years.
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5 PADDLEWHEELER AUTUMN RECIPE Cutting Custard Banana Pudding American Queen Tastes Victory Adapted from GroupRecipes.com hen both the American Queen and the American DuchessW ended up in the beautiful port of Madison, Ind., on July 28, the meeting was as sweet as pie...until a case of sibling rivalry erupted on the riverbanks. Representatives from both The crew was down for the count. paddlewheelers took to the shore in protective robes, hungry for victory – Photo courtesy of myfoodandfamily.com and pie – in a contest of consumption. They were there to gobble up the competition...and the official pie Director of Culinary Operations Paul Wayland-Smith likes this recipe of Indiana – sugar pie. because he says it’s foolproof. Serving it parfait-style elevates the elegance. 3 cups half-and-half Guests and locals gathered ’round for lemonade, cookies and a spectacle as ¾ cup sugar, divided Mark Twain (or someone who looked and ¼ teaspoon salt dressed suspiciously like him) presided 4 large egg yolks over the mostly friendly match in front of a robust horde of guests and locals. 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled, cut into 3 pieces In the end, the American Queen claimed the win, but all agree that the fun little The American Queen crew 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract slice of riverboat life topped off this celebrates their win over the American Duchess crew. 24 vanilla wafers, plus 4 for garnish sisterly reunion sweetly. 2 large, ripe bananas, cut into ¼-inch slices 1 cup whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks Add half-and-half, ½ cup sugar and salt into a heavy-bottomed Top 5 Reasons to Take a medium saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a simmer, stirring to completely dissolve sugar. Mississippi River Cruise Whisk egg yolks in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. 1 WARM HOSPITALITY FROM A FRIENDLY CREW Whisk in remaining ¼ cup sugar, and continue whisking until sugar We often receive notes from guests about how they has begun to dissolve and the mixture is creamy, about 15 seconds. were treated like family, being called by name and Whisk in cornstarch until mixture is pale-yellow and thick, about leaving with many friends. Our special employees bring 30 seconds. guests back to our river cruises again and again. Gradually whisk ½ cup of simmering half-and-half mixture into yolk 2 BICYCLES AND HELMETS FOR USE WHILE IN PORT mixture to temper. Return egg mixture to saucepan, scraping sides With so many picturesque towns along the Mississippi with a spatula. Return to a simmer over medium heat, stirring gently River, bicycling is a great way to explore the shops and but constantly with a wooden spoon until 3 or 4 bubbles rise to the sites while getting in your daily dose of cardio. surface and mixture is thickened and glossy, 2 to 3 minutes. 3 RIVERLORIANS – OUR RESIDENT HISTORY AND Pass pudding through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl, CULTURE EXPERTS pressing with a spatula. Whisk in butter and vanilla. Set aside. Our Riverlorians imparts the rich history and lore of the Mississippi River. We often feature diverse guest Place vanilla wafers in a sealed plastic bag, and break them into historians as well. large pieces. 4 UNIQUE AND ENGAGING THEMED CRUISES Gently stir pudding and spoon a ¼ cup into each of four 8-ounce Our uniquely themed cruises feature special parfait or wine glasses. (Pudding will seem too thin; it sets up when entertainment and events surrounding the topic, from refrigerated.) Top with several banana slices. Sprinkle with a thin the Civil War and bourbon to regional barbeque. layer of wafer pieces. Repeat, ending with a layer of pudding. Press 5 LOFT SUITES a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of each pudding, and The American Duchess features the only loft suites on refrigerate until well-chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight. American rivers – 550 square feet of pure luxury. Top each pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with a whole vanilla wafer. Serve immediately.
6 MEMBERSHIPEXCITING NEW PROGRAM COMING IN 2020 –BENEFITS LOOK FOR DETAILS SOON.
ACTIVATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY
Take advantage of all the benefits that await you by registering for our loyalty program. There are three ways to register: 1: ONLINE: www.AQSC.com/SSOA 2: ONBOARD 3: CALL: (888) 749-5280
Steamboat Society of America RUBY (35-69 cruise nights) he Steamboat Society of America, our guest loyalty program, was All Classic benefits, plus: created to recognize our past guests and offer the opportunity to “Members only” luggage tags; a membership T status name badge; a dedicated reservations enjoy exclusive benefits and incentives for cruising frequently with us. line; a $50 onboard credit per member; In addition to our Classic membership, earned after completion of pre-boarding privileges* your first cruise on any of our vessels, we offerfour levels of elite membership – Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond. Each level SAPPHIRE (70-139 cruise nights) brings additional benefits, and is reached after cruising the designated All Ruby benefits, plus: number of qualifying nights with us. Preferred reserved dining room seating; an additional $50 onboard credit ($100 After membership activation, all Classic members will receive: per member); complimentary laundry service**; H a “welcome back” signed card from the The Paddlewheeler quarterly newsletter captain, plus a set of exclusive notecards H Advance information on new itineraries H EMERALD Exclusive invitations and promotions (140-209 cruise nights) H A designation pin mailed after activation and upon All Sapphire benefits, plus: A one-cabin-category upgrade at time reaching each level milestone of booking (subject to availability); a 10% H A cocktail party hosted by the captain and senior discount in the onboard gift shop officers onboard H DIAMOND Friends and family may come aboard for a tour and breakfast (210+ cruise nights) or lunch aboard the American Queen,® American Empress,® American All Emerald benefits, plus: An additional $50 onboard credit ($150 Duchess™ or American Countess™ while in port when member is a per member); a two cabin-category upgrade cruise guest. Reservations required at least 14 days in advance. at time of booking (subject to availability) H Access for breakfast or lunch when the American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess or American Countess After reaching Sapphire, Emerald or Diamond status, members are in port near member’s hometown. Reservations required will be honored during an onboard Captain’s Presentation that at least 14 days in advance. includes gifts of a deluxe official wall certificate and a framed, signed painting by maritime artist Michael Blaser.
For questions or more information about the Steamboat Society of America, please visit our website at www.aqsc.com/ssoa, email [email protected] or call us at (888) 749-5280.
*Benefit not available on American Empress voyages. **Complimentary laundry service is limited to one in-room laundry bag per 7-day cruise.; no dry cleaning services available. Only sailings operated by American Queen Steamboat Company® (as of April 2012) and Victory Cruise Lines® (as of May 2019) count toward membership level. Membership benefits are non-transferable, combinable with other applicable promotional offers and must be applied to future cruise travel; hotel nights do not count toward membership; cruise nights are calculated after completion of a cruise. Additional rules and conditions apply. Cabin-category upgrades are subject to availability, and available only up to category AAA on the American Queen, category A on the American Empress and category DS on the American Duchess. Vessel access and onboard visits by members: capacity-controlled on a daily basis, not available in ports of embarkation/disembarkation, reservations and government guest security information is required, guests must be accompanied by member and visits are limited to four per calendar year. Onboard Captain’s Presentations are held on the cruise subsequent to a member reaching Sapphire, Emerald or Diamond status. American Queen Steamboat Company reserves the right to change Steamboat Society of America program rules, benefits, terms and/or conditions at any time without notice. ©2019 American Queen Steamboat Operating Company, LLC 082619
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