National Cruise Lines Begin their Season in the QC
June 23, 2023
Quad Cities (June 23, 2023) – This weekend marks the beginning of the national river cruise season for the Quad Cities when the American Symphony docks at River Heritage Park in Davenport on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The American Symphony is one of the vessels that is part of the American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) fleet stopping here this season. The ACL is just one of the river cruises directly activating our riverfront. Others include American Queen Voyages (AQV), Viking Cruise Line, Celebration River Cruises, Riverboat Twilight, and Channel Cat Water Taxis.
Visit Quad Cities, the region's official destination management and marketing organization (DMMO), will welcome thousands of passengers during more than 50 stops this year showcasing our regional destination's global asset—the Mississippi River. Cruise lines have scheduled visits in the QC until late October.
Visits from national cruise line companies are an excellent opportunity for people to experience the Quad Cities first-hand as they visit attractions and go on tours. It’s a way to share the remarkable story of the Quad Cities while they gain authentic experiences.
“We always look forward to welcoming our river cruise guests to the QC,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “The river cruise season and industry programs our region, positively impacts tourism, and activates our world-renowned Mississippi River. We are grateful to the many partners we work with annually in this space and the number one priority that we all need to deliver is an unparalleled visitor experience for these customers. There is a busy schedule in 2023 and its incredibly fun to see our guests emotionally connect with all we have to offer in our regional destination.”
Viking will be the next cruise line to stop in the QC on Wednesday, July 5 at River Heritage Park. The Viking Mississippi made its first stop in the Quad Cities last September. The AQV will make its first stop in the Quad Cities on Friday, July 7, when the American Countess docks at the Isle Casino in Bettendorf.
The river cruise schedule is subject to change at any time. Please note: There are no public tours given of any of the vessels.
QC River Cruising History
The Gordon C. Greene was the first tourist boat that made shore stops in the Quad Cities from the 1940s to 1951. The Delta Queen began her Mississippi River system cruises in 1948. Rock Island was a regular shore stop starting in 1955, and the shore stops moved to Davenport's Oneida St. in 1973. The Delta Queen continued to make shore stops in Davenport until her final season in 2008. In June 1979, the Mississippi Queen began to make Davenport shore stops until her last season in 2006. In 1996, the American Queen started her shore stops in the Quad Cities and continues to cruise to this day. The American Cruise Lines began cruising in 2000.
About Visit Quad Cities
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the official Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for the region. Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine charged with driving economic opportunity through tourism, building our authentic brand, telling & selling the Quad Cities story, and enhancing Quad Citizens' quality of life and quality of place.
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Media Contact: Charlotte Doehler-Morrison, VP Marketing & Communications, Visit Quad Cities, 309-781-4235 cell