The American Queen Steamboat Company has released for sale a special river cruise in 2023 that will enable guests to join one of the world’s great steamboat races as part of the excitement surrounding the world-renowned Kentucky Derby horserace.
American Queen Steamboat Company’s latest paddlewheeler, the newly launched, 245-guest American Countess, will take guests on a seven-night cruise along the legend-steeped Ohio River, with the thrilling opportunity to become contestants in one of the Kentucky Derby’s beloved traditions itself – the 22km Great Steamboat Race, with guests ‘jockeys’ aboard the ship as it races other steamboats for the prized Silver Antlers trophy.
Guests fortunate to sail on the American Countess during the Derby Cruise can sip Kentucky bourbon and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the action from the ship’s decks as thousands of people line the riverbanks to watch the magnificent spectacle which starts and ends at the Clark Memorial Bridge in Louisville.
The American Queen Steamboat Company’s river vessel, American Duchess, came a close second to rival, Belle of Louisville, in this year’s steamboat race which was held in Louisville on April 29, 2021.
The Great Steamboat Race is just one of the events in the Kentucky Derby Festival with other events including firework displays, parades, running races, a hot air balloon event, fashion shows, bed races and concerts.
Often called ‘the most exciting two minutes in sport’, the iconic Kentucky Derby race itself will be held on May 6, 2023, a colourful event held annually on the first Saturday of May since 1875. The Derby is the longest continually held sporting event in America and is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
Guests on the American Queen Steamboat Company cruise will be able to purchase a VIP race package that includes deluxe transfers, fast pass access to the Churchill Downs racecourse, premium seating plus lounge food and open bar. At the races, witness the sights, sounds, colours and tradition of the Derby such as singing along to ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ and trying a mint julep – the famous bourbon-based cocktail associated with the race.
Starting on May 1, 2023, the Kentucky Derby cruise begins with a hotel stay in Louisville, Ohio, before guests board the American Countess for a seven-night cruise from Louisville to Cincinnati taking in the colourful events of the Kentucky Derby Festival and storied river towns such as Madison, Brandenburg and Augusta.
During the river cruise, guests can enjoy gourmet, locally-inspired cuisine, complimentary, unlimited beverages onboard, complimentary hop-on, hop-off shore excursions, live jazz and blues music as well as a panoramic lounge, fitness centre and free onboard internet.
Including a one-night hotel stay, onboard beverages and shore excursions, the eight-night Kentucky Derby cruise is available from US$3335 per person, twin share – a fare US$400 a person lower than the 2022 cruise fare.
* To book, consumers or travel agents can call the Australian representative for the American Queen Steamboat Company, Cruise Traveller, on 1300 680 374 or visit www.aqsc.com.au/kentucky-derby
American Queen Steamboat Company is an award-winning, authentic and opulent river cruise line in North America, offering the most inclusive cruises with guided shore excursions, nightly Broadway-calibre entertainment and regionally inspired fine dining included in the fare. The 2023 season will include AQSC’s latest river ship, the 245-passenger paddlewheeler, American Countess, which joins the American Queen, American Duchess and American Empress to offers guest classic, elegant and modern American river cruise experiences. www.aqsc.com.au
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