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American Queen Voyages Up for Sale as Hornblower Gets New Majority Owner

February 21, 2024

(Credit: Hornblower Group)

A global alternative investment firm Strategic Value Partners has entered into agreement with Hornblower Group to acquire the majority ownership of the company in exchange for significant equity investment. As part of the agreement, Crestview Partners retained minority ownership in the business, and the decision was made to sell or wind down the company’s overnight cruises unit American Queen Voyages.

Aside from significant minority stake in the business, Crestview will become the sole owner of Journey Beyond, a stand-alone operating unit of Hornblower and the leading experiential travel provider in Australia.

The agreement also provides for Hornblower to receive $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview, and the company’s total debt will be reduced by approximately $720 million.

As part of the agreement, Hornblower’s overnight cruising business American Queen Voyages (AQV) will be sold or, if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down.

Hornblower is taking this action because of the underperformance of AQV, which has not rebounded from the pandemic, the company said.

These collective actions are expected to enable Hornblower to move ahead with a more focused portfolio, stronger balance sheet and additional financial flexibility, well-positioned to continue driving growth in its core land- and water-based experiences businesses.

Outside of AQV, Hornblower’s current services will not be impacted in any way by the transaction, the company confirmed.

To efficiently implement the agreement and ensure an orderly sale or wind-down of AQV, Hornblower and certain of its affiliates have initiated a voluntary court-supervised and pre-arranged process under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Due to the overwhelming support of its investors, Hornblower expects to move through this process on an accelerated basis and emerge from Chapter 11 in approximately four months.

In connection with this process, Hornblower has received a commitment for $300 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure to refinance the Company’s existing super priority term loan, in addition to the $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview.

Following court approval, this new financing, combined with cash generated from ongoing operations, is expected to support the business during the court-supervised process.

Separately, the company is commencing ancillary proceedings in Canada under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) seeking recognition of the U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings in Canada.

Journey Beyond is not included in the court-supervised process.

“The steps we are taking today will enable us to address AQV and strengthen our financial foundation as we continue serving our guests and commuters around the world. With the support of our financial stakeholders, we will continue to advance our business initiatives and drive growth. We thank the entire Hornblower team for their hard work and dedication, as well as our vendors and partners across our businesses for their continued support,” said Kevin Rabbitt, Chief Executive Officer, Hornblower Group.

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Hornblower group to be acquired and receive significant new equity investment.

Strategic Value Partners to Become Majority Owner of Company, with Crestview Partners Retaining Significant Ownership

Agreement with Investors Provides for $121 Million in New-Money Financing to Support Ongoing Operations and Total Debt Reduction of Approximately $720 Million

Company's Global Land- and Water-Based Experiences and Transportation Services Are Continuing as Usual and Performing Well with Strong and Growing Demand

American Queen Voyages, Hornblower's Overnight Cruise Business, Will Be Sold or Wound Down, as that Division Has Not Recovered from the Pandemic

Crestview Partners Will Become Sole Owner of Journey Beyond, the Leading Experiential Travel Group in Australia

NEW YORK , Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hornblower Group ("Hornblower" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into an agreement with its investors that will strengthen the Company's financial foundation and position Hornblower for a successful future. Under the terms of the agreement, funds managed by Strategic Value Partners, LLC and its affiliates (together, "SVP"), a global alternative investment firm, will acquire majority ownership of Hornblower and provide a significant equity investment in the business. Crestview Partners ("Crestview") will retain a significant minority position in Hornblower and become the sole owner of Journey Beyond, a stand-alone operating unit of Hornblower and the leading experiential travel provider in Australia . The agreement also provides for Hornblower to receive $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview, and the Company's total debt will be reduced by approximately $720 million .

In connection with the agreement, Hornblower's overnight cruising business American Queen Voyages ("AQV") will be sold or, if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down. Hornblower is taking this action because of the underperformance of AQV, which has not rebounded from the pandemic.

These collective actions will enable Hornblower to move ahead with a more focused portfolio, stronger balance sheet and additional financial flexibility, well-positioned to continue driving growth in its core land- and water-based experiences businesses. These core businesses are delivering excellent results and serving thousands of guests every day.

"Building on our commitment to deliver amazing experiences for our guests, Hornblower has grown to become a global leader in world-class experiences and transportation," said Kevin Rabbitt , Chief Executive Officer, Hornblower Group. "We have strong relationships with our government agency and business partners, and our core businesses are performing well with robust and growing demand."

Mr. Rabbitt added, "The steps we are taking today will enable us to address AQV and strengthen our financial foundation as we continue serving our guests and commuters around the world. With the support of our financial stakeholders, we will continue to advance our business initiatives and drive growth. We thank the entire Hornblower team for their hard work and dedication, as well as our vendors and partners across our businesses for their continued support."

David Geenberg , Co-Head of the North American Investment Team at SVP, said, "Hornblower is an outstanding company and a market leader in water-based transportation, tours and experiences, with complementary businesses and long-term contracts in attractive markets. With substantial growth potential in travel and tourism, we see significant opportunities ahead for Hornblower to further expand its leadership position. We look forward to working closely with the leadership team to help support the Company's strong operating staff, excellent service and exceptional guest experiences as we usher in Hornblower's next era of success."

Brian Cassidy , President of Crestview, added, "This transaction is an important step in ensuring Hornblower's future success, and we are enthusiastic about partnering with SVP on the Company's next growth chapter post-COVID. We are also excited about being the sole owner of Journey Beyond, which has incredible growth opportunities ahead."

Information for Guests, Commuters and Customers

Outside of AQV, Hornblower's current services will not be impacted in any way by the transaction:

All services are operating as usual and running on their normal schedules.

Booked trips, excursions, private events and charters, dining and sightseeing cruises, tours and activities and other experiences are continuing as planned.

Guests and commuters can purchase tickets, make reservations, book groups and private events, participate in excursions and utilize transportation services as usual.

Hornblower is continuing to serve its B2B partners and customers as usual:

The Anchor™ all-in-one ticketing & operating system is supporting partners and customers in their seamless digital journey as normal. Anchor Operating System, LLC is a subsidiary of Hornblower Group and an independent entity.

Journey Beyond is operating normally and continuing to serve guests as usual.

Implementing the Agreement

To efficiently implement the agreement and ensure an orderly sale or wind-down of AQV, Hornblower and certain of its affiliates have initiated a voluntary court-supervised and pre-arranged process under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Due to the overwhelming support of its investors, Hornblower expects to move through this process on an accelerated basis and emerge from Chapter 11 in approximately four months.

In connection with this process, Hornblower has received a commitment for $300 million in debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing from Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure to refinance the Company's existing superpriority term loan, in addition to the $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview. Following court approval, this new financing, combined with cash generated from ongoing operations, is expected to support the business during the court-supervised process.

Separately, the Company is commencing ancillary proceedings in Canada under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) seeking recognition of the U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings in Canada .

Journey Beyond is not included in the court-supervised process.

Additional Information

Additional information is available at www.HornblowerRestructuring.com . Court filings and other information related to the proceedings are available on a separate website administrated by the Company's claims agent, Omni Agent Solutions, at https://omniagentsolutions.com/Hornblower ; by calling Omni representatives toll-free at (888) 504-8055, or (747) 263-0163 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada ; or by emailing [email protected] .

Hornblower has ensured that appropriate information and resources are available for AQV customers. For information about AQV refunds, please visit www.AQVrefunds.com . Additional information, including FAQs, is available at www.AQVinfo.com , or by calling toll-free (888) 202-5784, or (747) 288-6437 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada .

For EPK media assets, including photos and b-roll, click here .

Guggenheim Securities, LLC is serving as investment banker to Hornblower, Alvarez & Marsal North America , LLC is serving as financial advisor, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel and Porter Hedges LLP is serving as co-counsel.

Perella Weinberg Partners LP is serving as investment banker to SVP and other Hornblower lenders, FTI Consulting, Inc. is serving as financial advisor and Milbank LLP is serving as legal advisor.

PJT Partners is serving as financial advisor to Crestview, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel and Vinson & Elkins LLP is serving as co-counsel.

About Hornblower Group

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experiences and transportation. Hornblower Group's corporate businesses are comprised of two premier experience divisions: City Experiences, its land- and water-based experiences as well as ferry and transportation services; and Journey Beyond, Australia's leading experiential travel group. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water-based experiences (dining and sightseeing cruises), land-based experiences (walking tours, food tours and excursions), overnight experiences (cruises and railways) and ferry and transportation services. Hornblower Marine, a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut . Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a subsidiary of Hornblower Group and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers 114 countries and territories, 125 U.S. cities and serves more than 30 million guests annually. Headquartered in San Francisco, California , Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in Adelaide, Australia ; Boston, Massachusetts ; Chicago, Illinois ; London, United Kingdom ; New York, New York ; Dublin, Ireland ; and across Ontario , Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com .

SVP is a global alternative investment firm that focuses on special situations, private equity, opportunistic credit, and financing opportunities. The firm uses a combination of sourcing, financial and operational expertise to help its portfolio companies unlock value and accelerate their businesses. SVP has significant influence or control with respect to more than 15 businesses around the world, which have approximately 100,000 employees and over $12 billion in revenues. The firm invests in a broad range of sectors including significant experience in travel and transportation, with influence or control of leading global businesses including major toll roads, an aircraft manager and lessor, and an airport services company. Today, SVP manages over $18 billion in assets under management, and since inception, has invested more than $47 billion of capital. The firm has approximately 200 employees, including more than 90 investment professionals, across its main offices in Greenwich (CT) and London , and additional offices in New York and Tokyo . Learn more at www.SVPGlobal.com .

About Crestview

Founded in 2004, Crestview is a private equity firm focused on the middle market. The firm is based in New York and manages funds with approximately $10 billion of aggregate capital commitments. The firm is led by a group of partners who have complementary experience and distinguished backgrounds in private equity, finance, operations and management. Crestview has senior investment professionals focused on sourcing and managing investments in each of the specialty areas of the firm: media, industrials and financial services. For more information, please visit  www.crestview.com .

About DB PCI

Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure business is Deutsche Bank's US-based balance sheet lending platform. DB PCI provides financing to bank clients including corporates, projects and alternative investment managers using bank capital. DB PCI has a wide mandate to underwrite loan facilities including bridge, term and construction loans, as well as letters of credit, with a focus on middle market direct lending, digital and conventional infrastructure, operational real estate, venture debt and fund finance. In the last 8 years PCI has underwritten transactions in excess of $30bn and currently maintains over $18Bn in balances outstanding.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of US federal securities laws, that reflect management's current expectations or beliefs regarding future events and results of operations, including Hornblower's Chapter 11 proceedings, statements concerning the ultimate impact of the proposed restructuring on the Company and its business, and ongoing business prospects. They include statements that include words such as "expect," "intend," "believe" "anticipate" and similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Hornblower's ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions in the Chapter 11 proceedings; Hornblower's intention to continue operations during the Chapter 11 proceedings and its ability to fund its post-petition operations; statements about Hornblower's plans to sell assets of AQV pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and the extent and timing of any such sales and wind-down; Hornblower's ability to fulfil its obligations under the statute contract; and other statements regarding Hornblower's strategy and future operations, performance and prospects, among others. These statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by numerous factors. As a result, forward-looking statements should be understood to be only predictions and statements of our current beliefs and are not guarantees of performance. Hornblower undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Melissa Gunderson Senior Vice President, Global Communications and Brand Hornblower Group [email protected]

Michael Freitag / Aaron Palash / Aura Reinhard Joele Frank , Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449

Liz Bruce Managing Director, Head of Communications and Brand [email protected]

Jeffrey Taufield / Daniel Yunger Kekst CNC 212-521-4800 [email protected]  /  daniel.yunger@kekstcnc. com

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hornblower-group-to-be-acquired-and-receive-significant-new-equity-investment-302067034.html

SOURCE Hornblower Group

NYC Ferry parent company files for bankruptcy protection

Hornblower and the city insist that the company's bankruptcy filing will not impact NYC Ferry operations.

San Francisco-based cruise operator Hornblower, the company that runs the NYC Ferry system, has filed for bankruptcy.

The company said in financial filings on Wednesday that one of its businesses, overnight cruise line American Queen Voyages, has failed to rebound from the effects of Covid-19. Private equity firm Strategic Value Partners now plans to acquire majority ownership of Hornblower as part of a larger restructuring deal and will invest “significant equity” in the company, said Hornblower.

Hornblower, which has operated the NYC Ferry service since 2016, told Crain’s that the bankruptcy isn’t expected to impact the city’s ferry operations.

“This will not affect NYC Ferry service whatsoever – in fact, this deal injects new capital into the parent company, while eliminating debt unrelated to ferry operations, which will allow the system to continue its record growth across the five boroughs,” said Hornblower chief executive Kevin Rabbitt in a statement.

The agreement with SVP will enable Hornblower to receive $121 million in new financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview Partners, which is maintaining its minority stake in the company. The company currently has about $1.2 billion in debt, up from $630 million in 2019 prior to the pandemic. Hornblower says the company’s total debt will be reduced by $720 million as a result of the new arrangement.

American Queen Voyages will either be sold or its operations will be wound down to strengthen Hornblower’s financial foundation and position the company for success, said the company.

The city’s Economic Development Corp., which oversees the NYC Ferry system, said it received advance notice of Hornblower’s restructuring and is confident the bankruptcy will not impact ferry commuters.

"Hornblower Group's business decision to restructure a separate part of their organization will have no impact on NYC Ferry operations or any commitments made in the NYC Ferry contract,” said Jeff Holmes, a spokesman for the Economic Development Corp., in a statement. “There will be no disruptions to the system and NYC Ferry riders will continue to receive the same exceptional service, reliability, and convenience when riding.”

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Hornblower’s SOS call: Sunk by the pandemic, Alcatraz cruise operator files for bankruptcy

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The San Francisco company responsible for ferrying about 1.7 million visitors annually to Alcatraz Island has filed for bankruptcy.

Hornblower Group—best known locally as the official tour operator for the prison island-turned-museum —filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday in a Texas court due to a substantial debt load related to financial challenges worsened by the pandemic. 

Hornblower said in legal filings that it has around $1 billion in assets against $1.2 billion in liabilities.  

Hornblower Group CEO Kevin Rabbitt said that the bankruptcy filing will not impact the company’s services in the Bay Area and that operations are running normally and without interruption. 

“We look forward to welcoming guests on Alcatraz City Cruises and our City Cruises SF dining operations well into the future,” Rabbitt said in a statement. 

The National Park Service, which manages Alcatraz, awarded a Hornblower Cruises subsidiary a 15-year contract to operate the route to the island that started in 2019. 

Hornblower Group was founded in 1980 and has grown to employ around 6,000 people and encompass a fleet of more than 250 boats operating dozens of routes globally, including at major tourist destinations like Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty and the River Thames in London. 

The company’s headquarters is a former ferryboat moored at Pier 3 on San Francisco’s waterfront.

One particularly troubled business line for the cruise operator was American Queen Voyages, which operated overnight cruises along the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake rivers. Although most of Hornblower’s business lines have recovered to pre-Covid levels of profitability, the challenges at American Queen Voyages have continued to drain the company’s cash reserves.

A notice on American Queen Voyages’ website said the company has been shut down. Hornblower plans to put the business up for sale and, if unsuccessful, will wind down its operations. 

According to a declaration from Jonathan Hickman, the company’s chief restructuring officer, the bankruptcy filing was related to a dramatic drop in cash supply due to the pandemic’s impact on Hornblower’s business. Company revenues peaked in 2019 at $690 million before dropping by more than 70% in 2020 to $175 million due to Covid shutdowns and restrictions.

Subsequently, Hornblower was forced to borrow funds, which, coupled with high inflation and interest rate hikes, left the company overleveraged. Hornblower’s debt load essentially doubled from $630 million in 2019 to $1.2 billion in 2023. Over the same period, annual interest expenses grew from $38 million to $115 million.

As part of a rescue and restructuring plan for Hornblower, investment firm Strategic Value Partners is acquiring a majority ownership stake in the company, while private equity firm Crestview Partners will retain a “significant minority position” in the cruise operator. 

The deal will inject $121 million in new capital into Hornblower and reduce its debt by around $720 million. Deutsche Bank will also contribute $300 million to help refinance an existing loan. The company expects to emerge from bankruptcy in about four months. 

Kevin Truong can be reached at [email protected]

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History Redefined: The Transition of Hornblower Cruises & Events to City Cruises

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Every great story has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and when it comes to the story of City Cruises, formerly known as Hornblower Cruises & Events, that story is still being written. But, while we are in the middle of writing it, let’s take a look back at the beginning, and see how Hornblower became what it is today!

When it comes to maritime adventures, few names evoke the sense of luxury, innovation, and impeccable service quite like Hornblower Cruises & Events. As a prominent figure in the cruise industry for decades, Hornblower made its name by offering passengers unforgettable experiences against the backdrop of some of the world’s most iconic waterways and cities. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and embark on a journey through the history of Hornblower Cruises & Events, exploring the origins, milestones, and other chapters of the company that give light to the enduring legacy that has made Hornblower a symbol of nautical excellence.

Hornblower Cruises & Events Sets Sail

Hornblower’s story begins in 1980, when environmental engineer and visionary Terry MacRae founded the company in Berkeley, California. At his previous company, MacRae was looking for interesting venues to entertain clients when he came across Hornblower Tours. He liked what he saw so much, that when the company hit the market, he and a partner bought it, and set sail in a new career direction. Initially starting with a small fleet of two ships, Hornblower Cruises & Events set out to redefine the cruising experience, emphasizing top-notch service and a commitment to creating unforgettable memories for passengers. MacCrae eventually bought his partner out, and boat by boat, built Hornblower into the largest dining and charter cruise company in North America.

Company Growth and Expansion

City Cruises San Francisco (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of San Francisco)

Hornblower Cruises & Events has long been a staple in the San Francisco Bay, offering all types of memorable experiences on the water, and as the company embraces its new identity as City Cruises San Francisco , their commitment to providing top-notch cruises and events remains unwavering. Sail past iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island or enjoy a gourmet dining experience while floating by the San Francisco skyline. No matter the option, City Cruises San Francisco continues to be your gateway to exceptional maritime adventures in this vibrant city.

City Cruises Berkeley (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of Berkeley)

Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, Berkeley’s Hornblower Cruises & Events has transitioned to City Cruises. Known for its picturesque waterfront views and unique sailing experiences, City Cruises Berkeley is dedicated to providing unforgettable moments on the water. After all, Berkeley is Hornblower’s original location. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely daytime cruise or a sophisticated evening event, cruises around the Berkeley Marina and beyond offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

City Cruises Sacramento (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of Sacramento)

In the historic and scenic city of Sacramento, Hornblower Cruises & Events is now City Cruises. Experience the unique charm of Sacramento from the water, enjoy sightseeing tours, dining cruises, and special events. City Cruises Sacramento combines the allure of the city’s rich history with the beauty of its waterways, offering an unrivaled experience for both locals and visitors.

City Cruises Marina del Rey (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of Marina del Rey)

City Cruises Newport Beach (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of Newport Beach)

The vibrant and charming coastal scene of Newport Beach has served as a perfect backdrop for Hornblower Cruises & Events, and now, as City Cruises Newport Beach , it continues to offer unparalleled dining cruise experiences. Explore the stunning Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean with our range of cruises, each promising spectacular views, exceptional service, and an ambiance that’s both relaxing and exhilarating.

City Cruises Long Beach (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of Long Beach)

Long Beach, with its stunning coastline and vibrant harbor, has been a proud home to Hornblower Cruises & Events. As they transition to City Cruises Long Beach , you can continue to expect exceptional sea adventures. Whether it’s exploring the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, enjoying themed cruises, or hosting special events, City Cruises Long Beach promises an unforgettable experience with each voyage.

City Cruises San Diego (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of San Diego)

City Cruises New York City (Formerly Hornblower Cruises & Events of New York City)

I’m in a New York state of mind! In the iconic city of New York, Hornblower Cruises & Events has rebranded to City Cruises, offering a fresh perspective on its world-famous skyline. Embark on a journey around Manhattan, witness the Statue of Liberty up close, and experience the sights like never before. City Cruises New York City continues to set the standard for exceptional cruising experiences, whether it’s sightseeing, dining, or celebrating special occasions.

Sailing Towards Environmentally Friendly Initiatives

More Than Excursions and Tours

While the company’s portfolio is filled with daily excursions and sightseeing tours, Hornblower has aligned itself as a go-to choice for hosting special events. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a wedding celebration, or a milestone birthday, Hornblower’s fleet of luxurious vessels and the locations they sail, provide an exquisite backdrop for creating cherished memories and starting new traditions. The company’s commitment to service, hospitality, attention to detail, and event planning expertise ensures that every occasion becomes a memorable maritime masterpiece.

Hornblower Today

Today, the Hornblower Group is known as a global leader in world-class experiences and transportation and is made up of three divisions – American Queen Voyages ™, City Experiences ™, and Journey Beyond. Their footprint spans 111 countries and territories, and 125 U.S. cities, with offerings including water-based experiences, land-based experiences, overnight cruise experiences, and ferry and transportation services, and marine consulting & services.

While the story officially began in 1980 when Hornblower Tours was purchased by Terry MacRae, the history of brands in their portfolio dates back nearly 100 years! Here’s a list of major milestones and acquisitions that can also be seen on the company’s About page:

1926 – Boston Harbor Cruises is founded in Boston, Massachusetts

1951 – Gananoque Boat Lines is founded in Gananoque, Ontario, Canada

1974 – Potomac Riverboat Cruises is founded in Alexandria, Virginia

1978 – Spirit Cruises is founded in Norfolk, Virginia

1980 – Hornblower Tours purchased by Terry MacRae in Berkeley, California

1980 – 1987 – The company is known as Hornblower Party Yachts

1984 – The company moves its headquarters to San Francisco, California

1986 – City Cruises is founded in London, England

1987 – 1993 – The company is known as Hornblower Dining Yachts

1987 – Mariposa Cruises is founded in Toronto, Canada

1991 – Odyssey Cruises is founded in Chicago, Illinois

1993 – 2020 – The company is known as Hornblower Cruises & Events

1993 – The company spins off Hornblower Marine Services (HMS), a marine management company focused on the operation of casino boats and ferries. HMS Ferries, Inc. expands to government contracting work and the development of high-speed ferry systems.

1996 – City Cruises develops the first new purpose-built sightseeing boat on the River Thames in London

1996 – Seadog is founded in Chicago, Illinois

1997 – The company acquires Lake Tahoe Cruises, Inc. and adds ferry services across Lake Tahoe

1998 – Mystic Blue Cruises is founded in Chicago, Illinois

2004 – Hornblower Group acquires Adventures at Sea and becomes the largest private yacht fleet in Southern California

2006 – Alcatraz Cruises, a Hornblower subsidiary, is awarded National Park Commission contract for Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

2007 – Entertainment Cruises acquires Baltimore Harbor Cruises

2008 – Hornblower Group awarded National Park Service contract for Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

2009 – Seaward Services is founded in New Albany, Indiana

2009 – Alcatraz Cruises designed and built the first hybrid ferry in the United States which reduces fuel consumption by 75%

2011 – Cruising Excursions is founded in London, England

2012 – HMS establishes the American Queen Steamboat Company

2012 – Hornblower Group awarded Niagara Parks Commission contract for boat tours in Niagara Gorge

2014 – Niagara Cruises begins tours in Niagara Gorge with two state-of-the-art catamarans

2015 – Hornblower Group awarded the NYC Ferry contract by the New York City Economic Development Corporation

2015 – Shore Excursions of America is founded in Easton, Pennsylvania

2016 – Victory Cruise Lines is founded in New Albany, Indiana

2016 – Entertainment Cruises is formed with the merger of Odyssey Cruises and Spirit Cruises

2016 – Entertainment Cruises acquires Potomac Riverboat Company

2017 – NYC Ferry by Hornblower begins operations on May 1, 2017

2018 – Entertainment Cruises acquires Mariposa Cruises

2019 – The Gee’s Bend Ferry operates the first zero-emission, all-electric passenger/vehicle ferry in the U.S.

2019 – Hornblower Group acquires Entertainment Cruises, Boston Harbor Cruises, Gananoque Boat Lines, and UK-based City Cruises under the Cruises & Events division

2020 – The company is known as Hornblower Group, with Cruises & Events becoming one of the company’s four divisions

2020 – Overnight Cruise division added Shore Excursions of America to its portfolio

2020 – HMS Ferries Inc. named operator of Puerto Rico Ferry Service

2021 – Cruising Excursions is added to the company’s portfolio of businesses in January, expanding our footprint globally to 70 countries

2021 – Shore Trips is added to the company’s portfolio of businesses in February, expanding our global footprint to more than 110 countries and territories

2021 – In April 2021, Hornblower Cruises & Events, City Cruises, and HMS Ferries, Inc. rebrand as one master company, City Experiences. City Cruises and City Ferry are named sub-brands of the division

2021 – In September 2021, American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines rebrand as one master company, American Queen Voyages. American Queen Voyages River, American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean, and American Queen Voyages Expedition are named sub-brands of the division

2021 – As part of the expansion of land-based activities Walks was brought on board in Q1 along with Devour Food Tours in Q4. The Walks platform brought in not only Guides from around the world but also a technology platform to elevate the Hornblower Group.

2022 – In February, Hornblower welcomes Australia’s leading experiential travel company, Journey Beyond, into its growing company portfolio of world-class travel experiences

2022 – Venture Ashore launches as the newest addition to the City Experiences portfolio of brands in February, becoming the largest independent cruise excursions provider in the world

What’s on the Horizon for Hornblower?

As Hornblower sails into the future, the company remains committed to its core values of hospitality, innovation, and sustainability. While the cruise industry, like many others, has faced challenges over the years, Hornblower has shown resilience and adaptability. By staying attuned to the needs of passengers and evolving with the times, Hornblower has continued to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. With a portfolio that spans diverse destinations and a fleet that features everything from luxury yachts to trains, Hornblower continues to shape the cruising experience and beyond for generations to come.

In conclusion, the history of Hornblower Cruises is a tale of passion. From its humble beginnings in the Bay Area to becoming a global maritime force, Hornblower’s journey is a testament to the enduring allure of the sea and the company’s vision of providing out-of-this-world experiences on the water. It’s safe to say this story is still writing itself and is nowhere near the conclusion.

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Hornblower Group to Be Acquired, New Equity Investment

• February 21, 2024

Hornblower Group today announced that it has entered into an agreement with its investors that will strengthen the company’s financial foundation and position Hornblower for a successful future, according to a statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, funds managed by Strategic Value Partners, LLC and its affiliates, a global alternative investment firm, will acquire majority ownership of Hornblower and provide a significant equity investment in the business.

Crestview Partners will retain a significant minority position in Hornblower and become the sole owner of Journey Beyond, a stand-alone operating unit of Hornblower and the leading experiential travel provider in Australia.

The agreement also provides for Hornblower to receive $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview, and the Company’s total debt will be reduced by approximately $720 million.

In connection with the agreement, according to a press release, Hornblower’s overnight cruising business American Queen Voyages will be sold or , if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down. Hornblower is taking this action because of the underperformance of AQV, which has not rebounded from the pandemic, the company said in a statement.

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Hornblower in Chapter 11: American Queen Shuts Down, More Tourism Icons at Risk

By Jason Cochran

02/21/2024, 3:45 PM

The United States lost one of its only overnight cruise companies today.

On Feb. 12, Frommer's reported that many of the most powerful travel sellers in the U.S. had suspended sales of trips with American Queen Voyages because of reported irregularities in the company's dealings with agents and customers. 

"We are working to address the situation as quickly as possible," a representative told Frommer's at the time. 

On Feb. 21, news broke that American Queen had suspended all operations while its parent company, Hornblower Group, received a new majority partner, Strategic Value Partners.

With equity partner Crestview Partners, Strategic Value Partners will inject new funding into Hornblower, adding to other emergency financing  in an effort to right the metaphorical ship. But as part of the deal, American Queen Voyages will get the chop.

The cruise line began operations as American Queen Steamboat Company in 2011 and was best known for its luxury excursions on the Mississippi River.

No American Queen Voyage ships were sailing at the time of the shutdown, and all passengers with future reservations are expected to receive full refunds. Instructions for obtaining them can be found at the special websites  aqvrefunds.com  and  aqvinfo.com .

"It is most unfortunate that, despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, AQV has been unable to fully rebound from the effects of the pandemic," Hornblower Group president Adam Peakes said in a statement provided to Frommer's.

Hornblower will attempt to sell the unit ; if that effort doesn't succeed American Queen Voyages will be closed forever, the statement said.

The cruise line is just a small portion of Hornblower Group's considerable operations in North America and Europe. The company's holdings have expanded over the years through  acquisition upon  acquisition  upon acquisition .

Just look at all the crucial tourist institutions that Hornblower, which is now operating under Chapter 11 rules, has amassed:

• in New York City: the NYC Ferry system and the National Park Service's official ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island • in San Francisco: Alcatraz City Cruises , the National Park Service's official ferry service to Alcatraz Island • in London: City Cruises sightseeing ferries on the Thames

• in Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Ferry  service between Cataño and San Juan and between Ceiba, Vieques, and Culebra

• in Niagara Falls: Niagara City Cruises , a major operator of tours below the falls

Hornblower's City Experiences lists tours in 46 destinations globally, including the fast ferry between Boston and Provincetown , Chicago's Seadog Speedboat and the long-running Spirit of Chicago dinner cruises on Lake Michigan; and a long list of day tours in cities ranging from Italy to France to Washington, D.C. Hornblower also owns Devour Tours , a foodie walking tour brand that operates in 17 cities around the world, and Journey Beyond , an Australia-based tour company.

That's a whole lot of vital tourism services that have been accrued by a single company that now finds itself in a court-supervised restructuring. 

In fact, Hornblower Group controls a list of vital tourism infrastructure  far too lengthy to publish here—and far too important to lose.

If Hornblower were to fail despite offloading American Queen Voyages, the transportation chaos that would ensue at many of the world's most popular destinations would be considerable and truly messy.

According to  HornblowerRestructuring.com , an official website set up to inform consumers about the bankruptcy, apart from American Queen "all of our transportation services are running on their normal schedules" and "all tickets and passes are working as usual."

The company says that its other holdings "are operating normally and continuing as planned"—and, in fact, the cash flow generated from continued operations will be crucial in getting Hornblower back on its feet.

Some published reports predict that if all goes well, Hornblower may emerge from Chapter 11 in about 4 months. But that's only if all goes well.

There's a lot at stake.

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Hornblower Group’s American Queen Voyages Ceases Operations

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American Queen Voyages, a leading U.S. river cruise company, is shutting down operations as parent Hornblower Group announces a deal to reduce debt.

Hornblower Group has announced a significant investment agreement with Strategic Value Partners, LLC, a global alternative investment firm. The deal will see Strategic Value Partners (SVP) acquire majority ownership of Hornblower and provide a substantial equity investment to help strengthening the company’s financials.

Crestview Partners will maintain a considerable minority stake in Hornblower and become the sole owner of Journey Beyond, a leading experiential travel provider in Australia under Hornblower’s umbrella.

The agreement, which also includes $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview, will reduce the company’s total debt by roughly $720 million.

As part of the agreement, Hornblower’s underperforming overnight cruising business, American Queen Voyages (AQV), will either be sold or its operations wound down. A statement posted to the AQV website said the company has ceased operations and is issuing refunds on passenger deposits.

“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. The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable,” American Queen Voyages said. “We are therefore shutting down the business, and all future AQV cruises have been cancelled.”

Hornblower Group CEO, Kevin Rabbitt, states that the sale will allow the company to focus on its core land-based and water-based experiences businesses, which are yielding excellent results. “The steps we are taking today will enable us to address AQV and strengthen our financial foundation as we continue serving our guests and commuters around the world,” Rabbitt said.

Hornblower has assured that outside of American Queen Voyages, its current services will not be affected by the transaction. All services, booked trips, excursions, and other offerings are set to continue as planned.

To facilitate the agreement and the sale or winding down of American Queen Voyages, Hornblower and some of its affiliates have initiated a voluntary court-supervised process under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

This is expected to last about four months, backed by a $300 million commitment from Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure to refinance the Company’s existing superpriority term loan, in addition to the $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview.

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Hornblower pulls plug on US cruise arm as American Queen Voyages put under Chapter 11

Expedition and river cruise company to liquidate under voluntary bankruptcy filing

San Francisco-headquartered Hornblower Group has shut down its US river and expedition cruise arm, American Queen Voyages, putting the company under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection ahead of the liquidation of its assets.

American Queen Voyages, which operates four river cruise ships and four expedition cruise vessels sent all its ships to the wall on Thursday, cancelling all future cruises.

The company also informed all staff and crew that their employment was terminated with immediate effect.

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This U.S. River Cruise Line Just Shut Down — What to Know If You Have a Trip Booked

“American Queen Voyages unfortunately has been unable to rebound from the effects of the pandemic.”

River cruise line American Queen Voyages has shut down, canceling all future cruises and instructing future guests to apply for refunds.

The cruise line posted the news to an official website created to provide information in the aftermath of the shut down. Travelers who were set to go on a now-canceled voyage with the company were instructed to request a refund online by filling out a claim form. 

“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,” the company shared with Travel + Leisure on Wednesday. “The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable.”

The company added: “We sincerely regret any inconvenience this decision causes. Our goal is to ensure a smooth process for all AQV stakeholders.”

Before the shutdown, American Queen Voyages operated the overnight cruise division of the Hornblower Group, which will be acquired, according to a press release shared with T+L.

The cruise line first adopted the name American Queen Voyages in 2021 after changing it from the American Queen Steamboat Company. Under the new name, the company sailed river cruises, lake, and ocean cruises, along with expedition voyages to destinations like Alaska. In fact, the company was known for having some of the best river cruises in the United States , journeying along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers on board classic paddle wheelers.

Now, American Queen Voyages has declared bankruptcy. Travelers who request a refund are warned they will first receive a denial notice since “AQV has filed for Chapter 11 to conduct its business shutdown and is not making reimbursement payments directly.” Customers must then submit the refund request to Argo Surety, which has insured the cruise line.

“You should expect to be fully refunded for deposits you have paid on cancelled AQV cruises,” the company wrote.

American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels future cruises amid reported service issues

American Queen Voyages has shut down.

An automated voice message on its customer information hotline said the cruise line "has made the difficult decision" to suspend operations, and all future cruises have been scrapped. “Guests and customers should expect to be fully refunded for canceled cruises,” the message said.

The message directed listeners to www.aqvrefunds.com “to begin the refund process,” and said they could find more information at www.aqvinfo.com .

"Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable," a guest FAQ section on the second website reads. "We thank you for your support and deeply regret any inconvenience this causes you."

No ships were sailing at the time of the closure. Adam Peakes, president of the line's owner Hornblower Group, said it plans to "sell the company, or, if a sale cannot be achieved, its operations will be wound down."

"Please know this decision was not made lightly," he said in an emailed statement shared with USA TODAY. "We are deeply proud of our employees and crew for the outstanding services they have provided our guests over the years. As the backbone of the AQV experience we extend our deepest appreciation to our team for their unwavering commitment, passion and hard work, which has been exceptional. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our guests, partners, agents and the local communities where we call who have each been integral to our journey."

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

The news comes after the line reportedly canceled three season-opening sailings set to take place on the Mississippi River later this month, attributing the changes to an extended layup schedule. Multiple industry groups previously suspended sales of American Queen Voyages cruises because of service issues, including delayed commission payments, Travel Weekly reported in January.

The line began sailing as American Queen Steamboat Company in 2011 and was rebranded as American Queen Voyages in 2021 after merging with Victory Cruise Lines.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Michael DeiCas / [email protected] Josh Knoller / [email protected]

Release Summary

The new brand name for the company’s growing portfolio of world-class water- and land-based offerings.

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• City Experiences

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River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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