American Cruise Lines will acquire four river cruise vessels, including the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built, from American Queen Voyages which has ceased operations.Â
To mark the 50th anniversary of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, the luxury line will launch a new super ship, SS Emilie to sail on European rivers in 2026.
The $6.75 million Australian Star which is currently being built will be the largest, wood-fired, luxury paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere when it launches on the iconic Murray River in Victoria.
One-third of sailings or 16 seven-night sailings from June 2025 have already sold out.
The American Queen Voyages admitted “unforeseen circumstances and the inability to obtain sufficient capital at a commercially reasonable rate to continue operations,’’ the company said in a statement and notice to employees at its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale.
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.
