Chicago welcomes American Queen Voyages to Navy Pier

Thanks to an exclusive partnership with sister company City Experiences, AQV is the only overnight cruise line to dock at the downtown Chicago destination. Ocean Navigator sister Ocean Voyager will  also call for the first time on June 8, as the two coastal vessels offer cruises through the locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway and all five Great Lakes.

City officials' welcome

City and state leaders including Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond, Navy Pier President & CEO Marilynn Gardner, and The Magnificent Mile Association President & CEO Kimberly Bares welcomed American Queen Voyages executives and Capt. Gary Kerr.

'Today, we celebrate the arrival of American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Navigator and Chicago as a cruise destination,' Osmond said. 'Chicago’s tourism industry plays a large role contributing to the vibrancy of the city, and we are thrilled to have partners like American Queen Voyages who offer extraordinary experiences for our locals and tourists alike.'

Ocean Navigator carries 202 passengers to North American destinations including the Great Lakes, Canada, New England, the Southeast US and Yucatán, Mexico. The arriving cruise originated in Toronto while the embarking voyage is an 11-day itinerary touching all five Great Lakes and visiting Mackinac Island, Soo Locks, Sault Ste Marie, Little Current, Detroit, Cleveland, Port Colborne (for Niagara Falls) and disembarking at Toronto.

Travelers ready to make up for lost time

'Travelers are ready to make up for lost time and are eager to deeply discover North America now, and Chicago is a stunning backdrop to embark on that journey' said Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages. 'Ocean Navigator’s arrival at Navy Pier is a fitting way to celebrate tourism in Chicago, exploring the city’s bounty of culture and history. We look forward to an exciting season showcasing the many treasures across the Great Lakes.'

All Great Lakes/St. Lawrence cruises include a pre-cruise hotel night. In addition, passengers on the fall itineraries will get overnight excursions in several city ports for the first time including Toronto and Mackinac Island.