American Queen Voyages announces new Fort Lauderdale headquarters

This comes in tandem with the company's rebranding — encompassing American Queen Steamboat Co. and Victory Cruise Lines —announced today at Seatrade Cruise Global.

Home to marketing, sales, vessel operations

The new office location will serve as the center of the cruise line’s marketing, sales and vessel operations with more than 100 jobs. American Queen Voyages and those working from its new headquarters will work closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s official partnership for economic development.

'South Florida is the heart of the cruise industry, and Fort Lauderdale is undeniably the epicenter of that region,' said Shawn Bierdz, president, American Queen Voyages. 'Having a presence in Fort Lauderdale allows us to tap into a talented workforce across the tri-county area, as well as offer an attractive home base for those looking to relocate here.'

2400 East Commercial Boulevard

American Queen Voyages will be leasing more than 23,000 square feet of the top floor of the landmark Coastal Tower at 2400 East Commercial Boulevard. The area offers unobstructed water views and convenient access to I-95 and downtown, including the Brightline train station at Broward Boulevard.

'The city of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County have embraced American Queen Voyages since we began considering relocating our award-winning overnight cruise division headquarters to Florida,' Hornblower CEO Kevin Rabbitt said. He thanked Bob Swindell of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (Broward County’s official partnership for economic development) for 'creating such a welcoming environment for business as so many of our industry partners call Broward County home. We look forward to being part of this growing community.'

'A perfect fit'

For his part, Swindell welcomed the company, calling Broward County a 'perfect fit.' He said American Queen Voyages will take its place among other national headquarters ranging from providers of travel packages to rental cars and cruise lines.

'American Queens’s decision to relocate its headquarters from Indiana to Fort Lauderdale and add high-value jobs here is another example of how Broward County’s outstanding business climate provides a perfect fit for iconic hospitality brands and headquarters in the marine industry,' County Mayor Steven Geller said. 'We look forward to the company’s continued success.'