queen of the ocean cruise ship

• QUEEN OF THE OCEANS

Passenger (Cruise) Ship, IMO 9169550

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The current position of QUEEN OF THE OCEANS is at East Mediterranean reported 9 mins ago by AIS. The vessel QUEEN OF THE OCEANS (IMO 9169550, MMSI 310473000) is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship built in 2000 (24 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Bermuda .

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Queen of the Oceans is a Sun Class cruise ship currently operated by Seajets. The ship has been in active service for 24 years. View Queen of the Oceans' current position, recent track, speed, course, next port destination, estimated time of arrival (ETA) and more in the cruise ship tracker map below.

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Ocean Victory: How this new, small ship is a game changer for Alaska cruises

Editor's Note

Note: TPG contributor Jeri Clausing sailed on Ocean Victory on a free trip provided by American Queen Voyages. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

When it comes to cruising in Alaska, there have long been just two distinct options: the big ocean liners that cruise-averse travelers love to hate and the small ships that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure over amenities.

I've generally avoided both, being put off by the crowds and mass-market feel of traditional ocean liners and too spoiled by years of luxury travel to be tempted by the more basic adventure ships.

Enter Ocean Victory, which merges luxury and adventure for an experience that is as unique to Alaska's waterways as its pointy, submarine-looking X-bow nose. The new 186-passenger expedition ship is operated during the summer Alaska cruise season by American Queen Voyages, a company best known for its red paddle-wheelers that ply America's rivers.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Ocean Victory marks the company's first foray into Alaska and expedition cruising. The itineraries are designed to appeal to a younger demographic than AQV's more senior-oriented river, Great Lakes and coastal cruising trips.

Judging from the reactions of passengers and travel advisors on its inaugural sailing, the ship is going to be a huge hit. On its face, the blue and white polar-class vessel radiates pure adventure. It features retractable, over-the-water observation decks that offer in-your-face wildlife viewing and special lower deck doors and a fold-out platform for launching kayak and Zodiac expeditions. The ship is so hardy it will spend winters sailing Antarctica for Albatros Expeditions.

Inside, the contemporary boutique-hotel vibe says pure comfort. Balcony cabins and spacious suites come equipped with large televisions, luxury bedding and heated bathroom floors. The ship is laden with amenities, including a small spa, fitness center, infinity pool, two outdoor hot tubs, two dining areas and three bars.

I was hooked the minute I boarded the vessel for a three-day preview sailing to showcase the new ship to travel advisors and other industry VIPs as it made its way from Bellingham, Washington, to Vancouver, British Columbia. I ended up liking it so much that I cast aside other obligations to stay on board for its 10-day maiden sailing through Alaska's lesser-traveled passages, islands and remote towns.

My only regret: not being able to find an excuse to stay on even longer.

Immersive experiences ashore

Ocean Victory offers what AQV founder John Waggoner calls "encounter" travel, or "getting deeply immersive in things through experiences," with its adventure offerings and itinerary that sails into lesser-traveled areas of southeast Alaska.

Setting out from Vancouver to Sitka, Alaska, the ship spent the first two days at sea, veering off from Canada's more widely traveled Inside Passage. Instead, it sailed through the narrower Fiordland Conservancy area and past the ghost town of Butedale, British Columbia, known for its proximity to a concentration of white-furred black bears known as spirit bears.

My shipmates and I made good use of the scopes and binoculars the ship provides in guest cabins and across the ship to search for wildlife. Though we weren't lucky enough to spot one of the rare bears, over the course of our sailing we saw whales, bears, sea lions, otters, moose and bald eagles — both from the ship and from the water.

Our first stop was Ketchikan, Alaska, the only port on Ocean Victory's itinerary that's also a regular stop for the big cruise ships. We docked a few miles from the heart of town, away from the larger vessels, but Ocean Victory provided plenty of shuttles, as well as options for a free, traditional city highlights tour. Passengers could also pay extra for more culture- and culinary-focused excursions.

Related: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

After that, the itinerary alternated between expedition days and stops at lesser-visited ports, such as Alaska's Wrangell Island, population 2,500.

There, I passed on the group excursions, opting instead to wander the streets and then join AQV's culinary ambassador Regina Charbonneau for an informal "pub crawl" and a fish-and-chips lunch at what appeared to be the town's only, and very popular, diner. She was on board to start developing regionally focused menus as well as some culinary-focused excursions, which she said will include local diners and dive bars.

As a fellow writer and I wandered the main street, which was delightfully devoid of souvenir shops, we heard an odd, and quite loud, water-like sound coming from the sky.

"Oh, that's the raven," said Zak's Cafe owner Catherine George-Byrd, who had emerged to see if she could help the two startled visitors on Wrangell's otherwise empty main street. "It's imitating dripping water. Some imitate cats, others crying babies."

I didn't expect to be learning about local wildlife from a friendly diner owner, but that's just the kind of random encounter I came to expect on Ocean Victory. I likely would not have experienced this type of local interaction while wandering the souvenir and jewelry stores that dot the streets of the larger ports frequented by the big cruise lines.

For instance, in Kake, Alaska, population 500, the town mayor greeted us on arrival. We saw the world's tallest totem pole and went to the community gym to meet residents committed to keeping their indigenous Tlingit culture alive. Their children performed traditional dances and a woodcarver taught us how totem poles are made. A bonus: A local World War II veteran was there, and he and a fellow veteran sailing on Ocean Victory sang "The Marines' Hymn" together.

In Petersburg, Alaska, we hopped aboard the 13-passenger Point Retreat jet boat operated by a father-son team, Rob and Teagen Schwartz, who promised to get us closer to the LeConte Glacier than any of the other small boats in the town, which gets regular visits from small adventure ships but not the larger ocean liners.

On the way, they took us on a detour along the coast to see whales and bears – a route that also took us past Bootleg Creek, where Rob said his great-grandfather used to buy moonshine from a man who in 1929 was found "deader than a doornail, curled up with a bottle."

Ultimately, they kept true to their word, navigating for nearly two hours through dense fields of breathtaking blue and white icebergs while regaling us with stories of life in the Last Frontier.

Sea days with extra adventure

Every other day, Ocean Victory anchored in remote passages and fjords, where we spent the day exploring from the ship's fleets of kayaks and Zodiacs. Sea days on big ships are full of trivia contests, poker games and line dance lessons; on this small ship, they offered extra adventure.

While Ocean Victory is the first adventure offering from AQV, the expedition team and onboard naturalists are seasoned experts, having collectively sailed hundreds of Alaska and polar cruises.

The naturalists taught us how sea otters carry their young, pulled glacier ice onto the Zodiacs to show off the pieces' unique formations and gave informed narratives about the flora, fauna and geology of our surroundings. They were also expert spotters, helping us find everything from starfish to moose, bears and mountain goats on the surrounding coasts and cliffs.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

The company has also teamed up with founder John Waggoner's alma mater, California Polytechnic State University, as well as whale and wildlife experts from the Sound Science Research Collective and the Sitka Sound Science Center, who will conduct whale and marine biology research from the ship.

Between the water outings on expedition days, two recent graduates of Cal Poly gave fun hands-on lessons about our surroundings. We peered through microscopes at sea algae, watched them make miniature glaciers that model ice floes and learned about everything from whale snot to regional plants and wildlife from the expedition team's naturalists. I was engaged and involved, not falling asleep in the back of a huge ship's theater.

Casual luxury on board

Where Ocean Victory really sets itself apart from traditional adventure operators is with the onboard experience. Most adventure ships in Alaska are quite basic, with few onboard amenities other than a simple dining hall and lounge and cabins featuring fixed twin or queen beds and picture windows. Ocean Victory ups the ante, offering the type of public spaces and accommodations you would expect to find on luxury river and yacht cruises.

The cabins are spacious, even by ocean liner standards, and offer all the amenities of a luxury hotel. Most have private balconies; some feature picture windows or French balconies, and a few are suites with separate living and sleeping areas. My deluxe balcony cabin featured a queen-size bed, sitting area with a small couch and a desk that offered a comfortable working space. The Wi-Fi worked well except when we anchored in the remote Gut Bay, Alaska.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

My favorite spot was Deck 8, which has a large glass-walled lounge with a bar and a variety of tables and comfortable chairs, as well as a large outdoor observation deck. It was great for reading or relaxing and taking in the sweeping views.

The deck's casual-dining area with indoor and outdoor seating will be the perfect spot for barbecues and other informal meals. Unfortunately, it was not operating on the first sailing (never mind that it was still too cold for outdoor dining). The weather was perfect for relaxing in the Deck 7 hot tubs under the stars, even if the weather didn't allow a dip in the infinity pool.

Deck 5 is the main public area, with a central lounge, private library area and a lecture hall, all surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. The lecture hall is laid out theater-style, but the seating is more lounge-style with comfortable chairs, bench seating and tables in each row.

Just behind the lectern are doors that lead to the fold-down, over-the-water observation decks. Whenever the officers or expedition leaders spotted a whale, bear or other interesting creature, announcements were made and activities halted, so passengers could grab binoculars or a scope and hit the decks to take in the views.

The main dining room has the formal feel you would expect to go along with its fine-dining options. But this is Alaska, so passengers are equally welcome in dresses and heels or jeans and sneakers. The menus change daily, with a good variety of gourmet meat, fish and vegetarian options. I was a fan of the homemade soups and the outstanding pasta options from the ship's Italian chef that changed daily.

I didn't use the spa, which looks to be more substantial than what's offered on other adventure ships in Alaska. The menu showed ample offerings from traditional massages to hot therapies, even manicures, pedicures and hair-cutting and -styling services.

Evenings were for casual socializing, listening to stories from the naturalists after dinner or simply sipping wine in the spacious lounge while the onboard pianist tickled the keys.

Oh, and did I mention the service? Whenever you turn around, there's a crew member at the ready. I barely needed a key as my cabin attendant always seemed to know when I was coming down the hall and would be there to open the door for me. As soon as I left for coffee or breakfast, he was there ready to clean up and take care of all the little extras, like filling my water bottle, without being asked.

Bottom line

While a few smaller luxury ships sail Alaska, Ocean Victory stands apart with its hybrid mix of intimacy and adventure.

"We're right in the sweet spot," Waggoner said.

I couldn't agree more. It's a sweet spot that I predict will be a huge hit with cruisers and non-cruisers alike who are seeking a truly immersive Alaska vacation.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Start with these stories:

• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north
• Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore
• Complete guide to visiting Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• Caribbean vs. Alaska cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship

American Queen to Refocus, Selling Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager

• June 20, 2023

In what it called a strategic decision to refocus its business, American Queen Voyages, part of Hornblower Group, has announced a series of deployment changes and updates set to start in early 2024 and extend into 2025.

The company also confirmed it would sell the Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager and will not return to the Great Lakes in 2024.

“Our primary commitment is to deliver a best-in-class cruise vacation with a focus on immersive culinary and destination experiences,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages.

“Our customers consistently tell us our U.S. River itineraries are exceptional and demonstrate this by returning again and again,” she continued.

“All of our focus is being put into updating and enhancing our popular river product with strategic partnerships and an elevated culinary program, which we know have been very well received,” added D’Aoust.

Revised 2024 Itineraries Include:

Lower Mississippi: AQV will begin the season with its Lower Mississippi voyages through the cities and historic port towns of the South on the 417-guest American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built. Based on guest requests, we will offer new three- and four-day cruises for time-pressed travelers.

Upper Mississippi: Back by popular demand, the company will be sailing the Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The 16-day journey combines wildlife and intricate locks and dams, with Southern charms and the birthplaces of jazz and country music.

America’s Heartland: The 245-guest, paddle wheeler American Countess cruises the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. New Experiential Voyages include a bourbon-themed voyage with noted food and spirits experts, including Dickie Brennan, chef-owner of the legendary Bourbon House in New Orleans.

Snake & Columbia Rivers: Travelers can discover the unspoiled treasures of the Pacific Northwest aboard the 221-guest American Empress, including new wine-themed cruises. Depending on the voyage, guests can join a salmon excursion and bring their freshly caught and cleaned catch back to enjoy on the boat.

Alaska & British Columbia: AQV will return to Alaska for its third season. Aboard the environmentally friendly, 186-guest Ocean Victory, guests enjoy expeditions via Zodiac exploration boats and kayak excursions led by a team of naturalists and field guides in cooperation with California Polytechnic State University.

All current published voyages will continue to operate as planned through November 2023.

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Ocean Navigator

Former names: ms victory ii, sea discoverer, cape cod light.

Cruise line American Queen Voyages

• Chicago (Navy Pier, Illinois)
• Cozumel (Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya)
• Toronto (Ontario Canada, Niagara Falls)
• Cancun ( Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya)

Ocean Navigator current position

Ocean Navigator current location is at US East Coast (coordinates 43.64055 N / -70.26629 W) cruising en route to Portland ME. The AIS position was reported 3 hours ago.

Current itinerary of Ocean Navigator

Ocean Navigator current cruise is 15 days, one-way from Savannah GA to Halifax . The itinerary starts on 04 May, 2024 and ends on 19 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Ocean Navigator

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Ocean Navigator Itineraries

Ocean navigator review, review of ocean navigator.

The 2004-built Ocean Navigator cruise ship (fka "MS Victory II") was launched as "Cape Cod Light" and previously operated also under the name "Sea Discoverer". In 2017, the boat was acquired and upgraded by VCL-Victory Cruise Lines ( AQSC ) and scheduled to enter service/start operations for VCL in early summer 2018.

After resuming service in 2022 (following the 2-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus crisis) the boat was renamed from "Victory 2" to "Ocean Navigator".

From the same series (sistership) is the fleetmate Ocean Voyager (formerly Victory 1, Cape May Light, Sea Voyager, Saint Laurent). Both ships were built in resemblance to the traditional US coastal steamboats of the late 19th century. They both started operations on itineraries on the Great Lakes , Canadian Maritime, East Coast USA and Southern USA.

The vessel (IMO number 9213131) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311050300) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

The 220-passenger ship Ocean Navigator was built in 2004 (launched as "Cape Cod Light") by Atlantic Marine (shipyard Jacksonville Florida / now BAE Systems Southeast Florida). The vessel was originally built for Great Lakes Cruises (US company) and designated for expedition voyages with itineraries in Central and South America.

The cruise ship was acquired in July 2017 from Clipper Group (Bahamas-based international company specializing in dry-bulk shipping). The vessel's current owner is the Copenhagen -based Albatros Travel company specializing in polar expedition cruises and tours. The company Cruise Management International Inc provides the ship's deck and engine management, while the sister-company CMI Leisure Management Inc handles the onboard hotel operations.

In November 2018, American Queen Voyages (fka AQSC) signed an agreement to purchase the brand "Victory Cruise Line", as well as its chartered (from Sunstone Ships) vessels. Victory Cruise Line has a separate fleet and management and operates as a subsidiary company of AQSC.

Victory Cruise Line/AQV fares are inclusive of all daily-scheduled tours (excursions ashore). Deals are also inclusive of alcohol (beer and wine) at lunch and dinner. The company's closest competitor in both USA and Cuba is Pearl Seas Cruises.

Decks and Cabins

Ocean Navigator features a beautifully appointed interior with only 110 staterooms . Its stylish staterooms offer high thread-count bedding, premium mattresses, pillow menus and L'Occitane bath amenities. Passengers enjoy free WiFi Internet access and 24-hour room service, as well as nightly turndown service. The stateroom entertainment systems feature LCD-TVs with satellite programming and radio/alarm clocks with iPod Docking Station. Outside staterooms include armoires and picture windows for panoramic views.

The boat has 5 passenger decks , of which 4 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Ocean Navigator ship's dining options include the Shearwater Dining Room, Tavern and Outdoor Grill. Guests can enjoy fine a la carte dining in the main restaurant or the outdoor Cliff Rock Grill & Bar. they can treat themselves to fresh "hot rock" cooking at Cliff Rock, savor regionally inspired cuisine and western classics at Shearwater Dining Room, indulge in delightful afternoon tea service, complete with cakes and cookies, mingle with old and new friends in ship's English-style Seascape Tavern.

The boat has an Observation Lounge, Sun Deck, Terrace and Boutique. Expertly led shore excursions are included. Listen & Learn Aboard program is hosted by experts in culture, history and natural wonders of the places visited.

Itineraries

Ocean Navigator's/MV Victory 2's itinerary program started with the "Inaugural Cruise" from Detroit Michigan on July 27, 2018. The ship's cruise calendar has regularly scheduled 7-night Canada and New England cruises between Massachusetts USA (departures from Boston and Gloucester ) and Nova Scotia Canada ( Halifax ). Other itineraries include St Lawrence Seaway , Lake Michigan and the Canadian Maritimes, plus the company's first cruises on Lake Superior (bordering Ontario Canada and Minnesota USA).

The ship's itineraries are themed "New England Splendour" (between Halifax NS and Boston MS), "St Lawrence Seaway and French Canadian Maritimes" (between Halifax NS and Detroit MI ) and "Western Lake Superior" ((Wisconsin and Michigan, between Milwaukee WI , Thunder Bay MI and Detroit MI).

After summer 2018 season, the boat started Victory Cruise Line's new Mexico cruise itinerary program with roundtrips from homeport Miami.

• For 2019, Victory Cruise Lines planned an inaugural 9-night Yucatan Mexico cruise itinerary leaving roundtrip from Miami Florida . The voyage visits 3 of the most popular Mayan ruin sites in the Mexican states Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo.
• During company's Inaugural Mexican season (January through May 2019), the offered travel packages include all-inclusive 3-day pre- and post-cruise hotel stay in Campeche or 12-day all-inclusive "land and cruise" package.
• Passengers booking by May 31 (2018) received USD 1,000 pp discount. "Grand Mayan Experience" itinerary was scheduled for departure from PortMiami on January 4, 2019.
• The inaugural "Grand Mayan Experience" season 2019 (Florida to Mexico) was divided into 2 parts - January-May, and November 2019 through May 2020.

For season 2019 (May through October), Victory Cruise Line scheduled 10-day Great Lakes cruises operated with all-inclusive deals. Victory 2 ship was homeported in Montreal and Detroit , with route ports Quebec City , Kingston, Toronto (crossing Welland Canal between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie), Port Colborne / Port Weller (gateways to Niagara Falls) and Cleveland . This "French Canada and Great Lakes" itinerary on MS Victory 2 in 2019 was offered on (departures) May 28, June 6, July 12-21-30, August 8-17-26, October 10. Unique was the scenic cruising on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, St Lawrence River, Thousand Islands archipelago (Canada-USA border). Prices started at USD 6390 per person (double occupancy fares).

For season 2021 (November through December), for the Victory 2 ship was scheduled a new 11-day itinerary themed "Yucatan's Mayan Cruise Tour" roundtrip from Cancun (Cozumel, Mexico) . Land trips are led by bilingual tour guides and on premium motorcoaches transporting tourists to the Mayan city Chichen Itza.

The Yucatan's Mayan Cruise Tour includes an optional flight to Cancun (overnight hotel stay), excursion to Tulum and embarkation in Cozumel (Day 2), Costa Maya (Day 3), Gulf of Mexico cruising (Day 4), Progreso (Day 5), Campeche (Days 6-7 / overnight), Gulf of Mexico cruising (Day 8), Progreso/Valladolid (Day 9), Valladolid/Cancun (Days 10-11 / overnight hotel stay). First departure was planned for Nov 17th (2021). Prices started from USD 3300 pp (with double occupancy).

Ocean Navigator's "maiden season" (inaugural cruise under the new ship name) was scheduled to start on April 10, 2022. The program was based on Great Lakes itineraries.

In 2023, AQV's Ocean Navigator introduced the 9-day "Immersive Yucatan Exploration Cruise Tour" (from Cozumel to Cancun/first departure Feb 3rd). The voyage included an overnight hotel in Cozumel (included ferry travel to Playa del Carmen and bus travel to Tulum Mayan Site and back to Cozumel), departure from Cozumel (Day 2), an overnight port stay in Campeche (Days 4-5), an overnight port stay in Progreso (Days 6-7, including bus travel to Merida and back to Progreso), followed bus travel/tours to Valladolid and Chichen Itza (Days 8-9), and the cruisetour ended in Cancun. Prices started from USD 3800 pp (with double occupancy).

Victory Cruise Lines deals

Follows the list of onboard amenities and services offered complimentary to all passengers (cruise price inclusive) regardless of cabin grades:

• accommodation: sleeping area (2 twin beds or 1 queen bed / excepting Owners Suites and Category E (with 1 fixed queen bed, 100% Egyptian cotton bedding sets, premium mattresses), en-suite bathroom (robes, slippers, make-up mirror, hairdryer), electronic safe (in the closet), individual climate control, flat LCD TV (satellite programming), direct dial phone (outside line), radio (alarm, docking station)
• daily housekeeping, nightly turndown service
• daily tour (1 excursion in each cruise port)
• complimentary drinks (coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, house brand beers and wine by the glass with all lunches and dinners)
• all onboard meals
• brunch time Consume and Afternoon Tea service

Not included in the cruise deals are:

• flights (domestic or international airfare to and from the port destination)
• Other beverages (not mentioned above)
• gratuities (onboard and onshore excursions), port charges, cruise insurance.

Victory Cruise Line's closest competitor (in both USA and Cuba) is Pearl Seas Cruises.

Ocean Navigator - user reviews and comments

Photos of ocean navigator.

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Other American Queen Voyages cruise ships

• American Countess
• American Duchess
• American Empress
• American Queen
• Ocean Discoverer
• Ocean Victory
• Ocean Voyager

Ocean Navigator Wiki

Due to extended drydock refurbishment in Europe, boat's Maiden Voyage (pre-scheduled for May 20 from Boston MA) was re-scheduled for July 27 leaving from Montreal (Quebec Canada) . The 9-night "Great Lakes Cruise" includes overnights in Montreal, Quebec City, St Lawrence Seaway, Thousand Islands, Toronto , Kingston, Niagara Falls, Cleveland. The inaugural cruise ended in Detroit MI on August 5. Cruise-only fares started from GBP 3,320 pp. Ship's 2018 summer program had scheduled voyages between Detroit-Halifax and along Atlantic Canada-New England.

In mid-November 2018, the shipowner AQSC (now American Queen Voyages) announced an agreement to acquire the brand "Victory Cruise Line", that includes purchasing its two chartered (Sunstone Ships-owned) vessels Victory I (2001-built/now Ocean Voyager) and Victory II (2004-built). To AQSC fleet was also added the newbuild Ocean Victory (2021) - Sunstone-owned vessel operated under a charter. All the 3 ships stay in a separate fleet - under the "Victory Cruise Line" brand. Transaction terms (and price) were not disclosed. The acquisition deal was closed in mid-January 2019.

Bangor Daily News

Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries

The era of large cruise ship visits to Bar Harbor might soon end

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Unless another court ruling overturns Bar Harbor’s new cruise ship limits, 2025 is expected to be the last year that large passenger ships drop anchor in Frenchman Bay.

But it could be sooner than that — or may have already passed — if a judge decides that the town must enforce the new limits this year.

“Large” can be a relative term when the smallest cruise ships that visit Bar Harbor are more than 200 feet long and can accommodate 100 paid passengers. Most of the ships that visit Bar Harbor, Maine’s busiest cruise ship port, are closer to 1,000 feet long and carry between 1,800 and 4,000 passengers per voyage.

It is these larger ships that effectively will be banned from visiting the tourist destination when the town’s new daily limit of 1,000 passengers per day  starts being enforced. Of Bar Harbor’s current 104 cruise ship visits scheduled for this year, 70 would be prohibited if the daily limit was to go into effect before May 2, when the first large ship of the year, carrying nearly 2,400 passengers, is expected to arrive.

Of the ships that will still be allowed, most carry approximately 100 to 200 passengers and rarely do two of them appear in Bar Harbor on the same day. As a result, the town most likely will get only a couple hundred passengers ashore on cruise ship days — below the daily 1,000-passenger limit and far below the 2,000 to 5,000 passengers that have sometimes come ashore when multiple ships are in town at the same time.

But when the new limit will be fully enforced is a heated subject of debate  in Bar Harbor, where the council says it will honor reservations made by large ships before voters approved the new limits on Nov. 8, 2022. Charles Sidman , a local resident who spearheaded the referendum vote, is taking the town to court to try to legally compel it to enforce the cap now.

In addition, a coalition of local businesses is challenging the new daily limit in federal court, arguing that it runs counter to federal maritime law and is unfairly onerous. A federal judge upheld the new daily limit  in February, but the business group has said it intends to appeal the decision.

Regardless of which entity prevails in court, the number of annual cruise ship visits to Bar Harbor, which gets millions of visitors each year who arrive each year by car or bus, already is declining and likely will never regain the volume of recent years.

Outside the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 — when the global cruise ship industry ground to a halt and no ships came to Bar Harbor  — the town recently has averaged roughly 150 visits each year, all between late April and early November, and received an annual total between 200,000 and 250,000 passengers. This year, even if large ships are allowed, the town will get fewer than 200,000 passengers for the first time — apart from 2020 and 2021 — since 2016.

After cruise ships first started showing up sporadically off Bar Harbor in the 1980s, their numbers jumped above 50 per year in 2001 and then above 100 per year in 2008. The town’s first year with more than 100,000 cruise ship passengers was in 2004, when it welcomed 87 ships into Frenchman Bay.

Along the way, the town has worked with local cruise industry officials to find ways to manage the flow of passengers to and from the downtown waterfront. It moved anchorage points in the bay behind the Porcupine Islands to make the ships less visually imposing from downtown, and tried making adjustments to how tour buses come and go from West Street to relieve traffic congestion, even as the number of visits consistently increased over time.

But as complaints continued to come in, the town decided in 2021 — when annual visits to Acadia National Park soared to more than 4 million  — to conduct a survey to ask local people what they thought about local cruise ship traffic. More than half  of the survey’s respondents said the volume of cruise ship visits was hurting the town.

With the writing on the wall, both town officials and local cruise industry officials began discussing how to reduce the number  of large ships that visit each year.

Together, they came up with a plan to impose a daily passenger cap of 3,800 passengers for May, June, September and October, and a daily cap of 3,500 for July and August. They also agreed on monthly caps of 30,000 passengers in May and June, 40,000 in July and August, and 65,000 in September and October.

But Sidman’s 2022 citizens’ petition effort, which led to the November referendum that year, derailed that plan.

For now, with Bar Harbor officials saying they plan to honor large cruise ship reservations made prior to the November 8, 2022 vote, the number of visits scheduled for 2025 stands at 18, all of which are large ships that together would bring nearly 57,000 ship passengers to town between late August and early October. The Regal Princess, which carries 3,560 passengers, would be the final large ship to visit Bar Harbor, on Oct. 28, 2025.

All large ship reservation requests that have come in since residents approved the daily 1,000-passenger cap have been denied, according to town officials.

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Bill trotter.

A news reporter in coastal Maine for more than 20 years, Bill Trotter writes about how the Atlantic Ocean and the state's iconic coastline help to shape the lives of coastal Maine residents and visitors.... More by Bill Trotter

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Cruise line buys up the mississippi river ships from defunct american queen voyages.

American Cruise Lines has solidified its status as the Mississippi River's — and the country's — busiest river cruise provider with its purchase of all four classic paddlewheeler ships from the now-defunct American Queen Voyages.

Travel Weekly reported that the acquisitions include the 417-passenger mothership American Queen, along with smaller ships American Duchess, American Countess and American Empress. Most of these ships, inspired by 19th-century riverboats, have regularly sailed Mississippi River itineraries, including summer and fall stops in Red Wing and Winona, Minn., and La Crosse, Wis.

American Queen Voyages operated leisure cruises since 2011 on the Mississippi and its tributaries, as well as the Snake and Columbia rivers out West, but owner Hornblower Holdings abruptly shut it down on Feb. 20.

American Cruise Lines did not immediately have details on how the American Queen ships would integrate into its existing fleet of 21 cruise ships in six classes — including four paddlewheelers of its own.

"American Cruise Lines is pleased to be the successful bidder for AQV's river vessels," the company said in a brief statement. "We look forward to announcing additional details after this portion of the Hornblower Holdings bankruptcy process concludes."

We compared and contrasted the ships of American Cruise Lines, American Queen Voyages and a third line on the Mississippi, Viking River Cruises, last summer.

Simon Peter Groebner is Travel editor for the Star Tribune.

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The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

The luxury ships and historic tours are nice, yes. But the real star of Mississippi River cruises has always been the river. There’s nothing quite so Americana as getting to know the many personalities of this 2,350-mile stretch, flowing from northern Minnesota’s Lake Itasca through 10 states until it reaches Louisiana , where the Mississippi River Delta gives way to the Gulf of Mexico.

The slow, meandering journeys of Mississippi River cruises have long proven an ideal way to discover the distinct stories of America’s heartland. In the words of Mark Twain (which no Mississippi River story would be complete without), the towns and cities located on the mighty river's shores are “cheering to the spirit” and “reposeful as a dreamland,” with “nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon.”

The challenge modern travelers now face is when, where, and how to go about this iconic American voyage . Below, see our answers to these frequently asked questions, plus our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024.

Which cruise lines do Mississippi River cruises?

After American Queen Voyages shut down in February, only two Mississippi River cruise lines currently remain in operation.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, American Cruise Lines (ACL) has a fleet of more than 20 American-built ships sailing across the country and remains family-owned and American-crewed. ACL offers a Mississippi River fleet of three luxurious 180-passenger modern riverboats– American Melody , American Symphony , and American Serenade —plus two classic paddlewheel ships, the 180-passenger American Splendor and the 150-passenger American Heritage.

The new kid on the Mississippi is the Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger, five-deck vessel that first set sail in September 2022. The cutting-edge cruise is Viking’s first foray in the US, adding to their fleet of more than 90 ocean, river, and expedition vessels navigating the world’s seven continents.

What is the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise?

For an 8- or 9-day cruise, the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise is around $4,000 per person in a stateroom. Although prices might seem high initially, many of these cruises include extras that aren’t always complimentary on ocean cruises such as free WiFi, at least one free shore excursion in every port, paid port taxes and fees, and a pre-cruise hotel stay. Viking offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Gratuities are also included in American Cruise Lines fares.

What is the best time of year to go on a river cruise?

Spring (late March through mid-June) and autumn (September through November) are the best times of year to go on a river cruise in the US. Spring blossoms add a colorful touch to the shoreline, and you can never go wrong with autumn foliage. The temperatures are mild, if not pleasantly cool, and passengers are eager to welcome a new spring travel season—or to enjoy one last autumn river adventure before winter arrives.

What month is best for a Mississippi River cruise?

If we had to pick just one, September is the best month for a Mississippi River cruise. The weather is usually mild with less likelihood of rain, and autumn colors are beginning to paint the shoreline. Keep in mind, however, that the Mississippi is the fourth largest river in the world—so temperatures any time of year are not going to be the same in warmer Louisiana as they are in cooler Minnesota.

Below, see our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024, featuring stops in iconic American cities like Nashville , Memphis , and New Orleans .

22-day Mississippi River Odyssey: New Orleans to Red Wing, Minnesota

Enjoy the charms of America’s great river on a journey aboard the Viking Mississippi from New Orleans to Red Wing, departing September 20. Custom built to sail American waters, the vessel features river-facing staterooms with either French or step-out balconies.

Stops include Baton Rouge and St. Francisville in Louisiana; Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Rosedale in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; Paducah in Kentucky; Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, and Hannibal in Missouri; Burlington, Quad Cities, and Dubuque in Iowa; La Crosse in Wisconsin; and ending in Red Wing, Minnesota.

With so many fascinating shore excursions to choose from, it’s well worth taking time to tour the St. Louis Arch . Opened in 1965, the monument to America’s westward expansion is far more than just a stunning photo by the riverside. Venture underground between the arch legs for a museum. Climb aboard a tram to be transported 630 feet up to the top of America’s tallest monument for some stunning views.

12-day Heart of the Delta: Memphis to New Orleans

The 386-guest Viking Mississippi spans five decks, making it one of the largest passenger vessels on the Mississippi. Inaugurated in 2022, the ship features a modern Scandinavian design with an infinity pool and a two-story Explorers’ Lounge observation area similar to its ocean ships. Directly in front of the Explorer’s Lounge is an expanded outdoor seating area known as The Bow. Three restaurants serve both Southern regional cuisine and international favorites.

The cruise starts in Memphis on November 14 and includes stops in Rosedale, Greenville, Vicksburg, and Natchez in Mississippi as well as St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow in Louisiana, ending in New Orleans. The “Mississippi Sings the Blues” shore excursion visits iconic sites along the Mississippi Blues Trail such as historic Dockery Farms, considered the “birthplace of the blues.”

The tour stops in Clarksdale, the fabled “Crossroads” where legend says blues great Robert Johnson reputedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar prowess. Stops at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and the Delta Blues Museum completes this perfect trip for music lovers.

9-day Music Cities Cruise: Nashville to Memphis

Music is the main focus of this cruise offered by American Cruise Lines, which begins in Nashville on July 9 with an unforgettable visit to the legendary Grand Ole Opry and ends in Memphis, where passengers will enjoy live music on Beale Street and a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland . On board the American Splendor, passengers will enjoy spacious cabins and popular rocking chairs. First inaugurated in 2016 and fully redecorated in 2022, this ship offers the nostalgia of a classic paddlewheeler along with the comfort of modern amenities.

While in Nashville, explore the Johnny Cash Museum, then walk upstairs to The Patsy Cline Museum. Nightly entertainment spotlights the musical heritage of this region as the world’s newest paddlewheeler journeys along the river. The itinerary also includes Clarksville and Dover in Tennessee plus Paducah in Kentucky. In Paducah, stroll along the riverfront with more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting Paducah’s past. Stop by Paducah’s National Quilt Museum, the world’s largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

23-day Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Sail 1,393 miles through 10 states on a comprehensive exploration of the mighty Mississippi on the new American Serenade . Inaugurated in 2023, the 91-cabin American Serenade won Best New River Cruise Ship of the Year 2023 by Cruise Critic , the first time an American ship has received this prestigious award.

“With extra-large all-balcony staterooms and suites, trendy interior décor, an innovative hydraulic bow and retractable ramp, and one of the most gorgeous sun decks we’ve seen on a river-going ship, American Serenade sets the bar for domestic US river cruising high,” the award notes.

The epic itinerary beginning July 18, 2024 includes 22 ports of call including Oak Alley, Houmas House, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville in Louisiana; Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Tunica in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, and Hannibal in Missouri; Muscatine and Dubuque in Iowa; and Winona, Red Wing, and Saint Paul in Minnesota.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

12-day Mississippi River Gateway Cruise: New Orleans to St. Louis

From the French Quarter in New Orleans to the towering Gateway Arch in St. Louis , this American Heritage cruise lives up to its name. Inaugurated in 2015 and totally redecorated in 2022, the 84-cabin American Heritage is the perfect vessel for this interesting itinerary, its design reminiscent of the days when steamboat paddlewheelers plied the Mississippi in the 1800s.

The 12-day voyage departs from New Orleans on July 2. Ports of call along the way include Baton Rouge in Louisiana; Natchez and Vicksburg in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; and Paducah in Kentucky . An onboard expert shares tales of the importance of steam-driven paddlewheels in establishing riverfront communities along the great Mississippi River.

Step ashore in Natchez and enjoy a cold drink at the Under-the-Hill-Saloon, once one of the rowdiest establishments on the Mississippi River in the 1800s. Legend says that Mark Twain stopped here when he was just another riverman named Samuel Clemens.

9-day Lower Mississippi River Cruise: Memphis to New Orleans

This nine-day American Melody cruise departs Memphis on September 8 and features eight ports of call including Vicksburg and Natchez in Mississippi, and St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Houmas House in Louisiana. At Vicksburg Military Park, learn how the 101st Airborne Division got its “Screaming Eagles” nickname, plus the tale of its famous soldier, a young guitar player named Jimi Hendrix. At Houmas House, see the bedroom where Bette Davis stayed to film the 1964 movie Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte . Joan Crawford was the intended co-star but Bette and Joan feuded so Joan quit and Olivia de Havilland replaced her.

Launched in 2021, the five-deck American Melody has 91 staterooms, all with private balconies and full-length sliding glass doors. The ship has several spacious lounges, a fitness center, large dining room, café for casual dining, sun deck, library, and an impressive four-story glass atrium in the center of the ship. The ship’s unusual bow opens and lowers a platform for passengers to easily walk ashore.

9-day Upper Mississippi River Cruise: St. Louis to St. Paul

Board the American Symphony cruise ship to visit Mark Twain’s hometown and experience the real-life inspiration behind Life on the Mississippi, the classic memoir chronicling the author's days on the river as a steamboat pilot.

The 91-cabin American Symphony, recently inaugurated in 2022, has 100% private balcony accommodations and a unique bow that opens with a retractable gangway that can be extended for landings virtually anywhere. The ship also features lounges soaring 40 feet above the water with triple the glass of other riverboats for spectacular views. Comfy deck chairs welcome passengers to enjoy the undeveloped countryside, picturesque islands, and fascinating dams and navigation locks.

Departing September 27, this itinerary features seven ports of call including Muscatine and Dubuque in Iowa, and Winona and Red Wing in Minnesota. In Hannibal, visit the actual home—with a whitewashed Tom Sawyer fence—where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) grew up. In Dubuque, see the 1989 “Field of Dreams” movie site known for the famous quote, “If you build it, they will come.”

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Heavy traffic congestion alert as cruise ships arrive in Cape Town

City of cape town officials warn commuters to expect delays.

The City of Cape Town has warned there will be heavy traffic congestion over the next three days due to incoming cruise ships, including one of the world’s largest ocean liners.

“While traffic congestion is a headache at the best of times, it is important to keep in mind that events such as these are a sign of economic prosperity that ultimately enhance quality of life for all our residents,” the city said.

“We are going to try to manage the traffic congestion, but if you are heading into town ... please choose your route wisely to avoid being stuck in traffic,” cautioned safety and security MMC JP Smith.

“A lot of passengers will be boarding. It is also bringing a lot of tourists. But what we need the most, it also brings a lot of jobs,” he added.

The Queen Victoria is due to dock on Thursday morning and depart on Friday evening. Its sister ship the Queen Mary 2 is due on Friday morning and departs on Saturday evening. The scheduled times are dependent on the weather.

Traffic officials plan to use CCTV cameras “to pinpoint the location and extent of vehicle queues throughout the day and activate appropriate signal timing plans to best manage the queues,” said the city’s head of urban mobility Rob Quintas.

Cruise liner collides with cargo carrier in Cape Town harbour

“Operators will be in constant contact with Cape Town traffic services and operations personnel at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Where appropriate, variable message signs of the Cape Town freeway management system will be used to alert motorists to areas of congestion on roadways.”

South African ports have seen a welcome increase in visiting ships due partly to security problems in the Red Sea that have forced some shipping companies to divert vessels around the Cape, rather than risk the shorter route through the Suez Canal.

The increase in marine traffic coincides with growth in the cruise sector, with 67 cruise ships counted in Cape Town so far this summer season — up from the average of 35-40 ships counted between 2016 and 2019.

“This is a sector of tourism that is deeply valuable for us, with research by Wesgro (travel and investment promotion agency) revealing that cruise tourism injected R1.2bn into the Western Cape economy between November 2022 and May 2023,” said the city’s head of economic growth James Vos.

“In addition, for every 30 arriving cruise passengers, the Western Cape cruise industry created one full-time job. This is worth bearing in mind when considering the thousands of passengers on board the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. The city will continue working closely with its partners to make Cape Town stand out on the global cruise travel map.”

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

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Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

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