Open Jaw's Ship Tour as American Queen Sails From Toronto; Companions Sail Free Offer Launched

American Queen Voyages’ CCO Isis Ruiz with Captain Wojtek Ziockowski and Michael Hicks, Senior Director of Marketing Communications
American Queen Voyages’ CCO Isis Ruiz with Captain Wojtek Ziockowski and Michael Hicks, Senior Director of Marketing Communications

The blazing sun Friday, 17JUN put Toronto's spectacular skyline on full display during a lunch for a small group of travel writers and Toronto City representatives on board American Queen’s Ocean Voyager while the ship was in port opposite the famous view.

The view of the Toronto skyline from the Ocean Voyager
The view of the Toronto skyline from the Ocean Voyager

The vessel was on a “turnover” day, preparing for its next group of two hundred guests on the cruise line’s 11-day itinerary, which includes calls at, or included shore excursions to Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Manitoulin Island, Sault Ste. Marie and more. Typical American Queen passengers are 60+, very engaged in enrichment and learning, and pleased to be taking an exotic-feeling vacation – right here in North America.

The lounge features live entertainment, dancing and port lectures
The lounge features live entertainment, dancing and port lectures

For all sailings, the company includes a pre-departure night at a hotel, which in Toronto’s case is the Marriott Downtown at the Eaton Centre. Most of the clientele are American, with some Canadians, but there’s also a smattering of guests coming from overseas: Australians, Brits, and Germans.

The Ocean Voyager’s dockside location in Toronto
The Ocean Voyager docked in Toronto

The 286’ ship features a multi-national crew of 84, a lounge for talks and entertainment, a main restaurant as well as casual grill for buffet meals. All beverages (except “top shelf” wines and liquors) are included. Many shore excursions are included as well.

Return to Sailing Offers

When clients book a sailing before 31DEC this year, they can switch, if they wish, to any 2023 voyage penalty-free. The company has also introduced a “Companion Sails Free” offer valid on bookings made by 30JUN this year.

American Queen also has 4 paddle wheel ships plying the Mississippi and the Pacific Northwest; and a new expedition ship sailing in Alaska.

“COVID gave us the chance to learn more about our own backyard,” said Isis Ruiz, American Queen Voyages’ Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re excited to be back – and our destinations are telling us they are thrilled to see us again too.”

Cruise Strategies Ltd. represents American Queen Voyages in Canada and can assist with all sales and marketing activities including trainings, groups, trade and consumer events and more.

The ship accommodates 202 pax served by 84 crew
The ship accommodates 202 pax served by 84 crew

Martha Chapman

Columnist

A contributor to Open Jaw since 2006 - and known to all in the business - Martha has worked in the travel industry all of her career and covers events, destinations, personalities and issues in the travel world.

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