End of the River for Majestic America Line

 Majestic America Line will conclude its final river cruise on Monday, Nov. 16. The company, which was pieced together by Ambassadors International Inc. in 2006, is on the market but hasn’t been sold. No itineraries are scheduled for 2009. On Nov. 15, the American Queen will finish its season and will dock in New Orleans for the winter. The following day, Queen of the West ends its final cruise and will winter in Portland, Ore. Two other vessels -- Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen -- are also in New Orleans, while Columbia Queen will remain in Portland for the winter. Empress of the North completed her last cruise on Aug. 9 and was transferred to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) due to unpaid debt.

Ambassadors International announced plans to sell Majestic America on April 29, saying the venture was unprofitable and a drag on its other businesses, including Windstar Cruises, which remains operating successfully. Today, Ambassadors says “several credible parties have expressed an interest in acquiring some and/or all the assets of Majestic America Line.” However, no sales have been finalized. The company continues its efforts to get a congressional exemption for Delta Queen, so the vessel can continue to operate overnight cruise voyages on the river. Currently, there are bills in the Senate and the House.

Majestic America Line will still have a dedicated team available for any guest, travel partner or vendor inquiries that arise after the 2008 cruise season is completed. For more information, visit www.majesticamericaline.com.