It’s cruise season in the Quad Cities.
The national riverboat season started on Sunday, June 25, when the American Symphony docked at River Heritage Park at 615 E. River Drive on the Davenport riverfront. The American Symphony is one of the vessels that is part of the American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) fleet stopping in the region this season.
ACL is just one of the river cruise companies visiting the local riverfront this summer and fall. Others include: American Queen Voyages (AQV), Viking Cruise Line, Celebration River Cruises, Riverboat Twilight, and Channel Cat Water taxis.
Viking will be the next cruise line to stop in the region 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 Hotel Bettendorf.
Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination management and marketing organization, will welcome thousands of passengers during more than 50 stops this year showcasing the regional destination’s global asset — the Mississippi River. Cruise lines have scheduled visits in the QC through late October.
“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 it’s incredibly fun to see our guests emotionally connect with all we have to offer in our regional destination.”
The river cruise schedule is subject to change at any time, according to Visit QC.
