American Queen Voyages Launches Lakelorian Program
American Queen Voyages is partnering with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to create a new Lakelorian program for the Lakes & Oceans fleet.
Kicking off the 2023 Great Lakes season in Toronto in May, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will each include a permanent lecturer on each sailing, holding the title of Lakelorian, similar to the Riverlorian onboard each American Queen Voyages paddlewheeler.
The Lakelorian will lead lectures, host discussions and answer questions throughout the journey across these mighty bodies of freshwater. With equal parts knowledge and passion for the Great Lakes, Lakelorians will be selected and provide exclusive programming in collaboration with the renowned National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, OH.
Kate Fineske, senior director of institutional advancement, National Museum of the Great Lakes, said: “Our partnership with American Queen Voyages began taking shape in 2020 with their extraordinary support of Great Lakes history through an 11-day Great Lakes cruise donation which we used as the grand prize for our Luck of the Lakes Raffle.”
Fineske continued: “Since then, we have come to recognize American Queen Voyages Lakes & Oceans ships as floating ambassadors of the Great Lakes, bringing thousands of visitors from around the world to deeply discover our region’s rich history. We look forward to Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator becoming an extension of the National Museum of the Great Lakes through this innovative Lakelorian program, and welcoming guests to discover our museum and all we have to offer.”
Bill Annand, vice president of Vessel Operations Lakes & Oceans for American Queen Voyages and a proud lifelong Michigander himself, noted that: “The 2022 Lakes & Oceans season has been an incredible success showcasing what makes exploring the Great Lakes onboard Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator such an extraordinary experience.”
Annand continued: “From exclusively docking in downtown Chicago at Navy Pier to maiden arrivals in smaller ports like Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, guests aboard these vessels witness what makes the Great Lakes so special. The National Museum of the Great Lakes has been an invaluable resource. We are excited to support the museum in Toledo on Sept. 24 at their H2Oh! Gala providing this year’s winner of another Great Lakes Cruise and to continue to grow our partnership through our Lakelorian program. The National Museum of the Great Lakes reveals the varied and fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes, which make up 84% of all of the freshwater in North America. Guests can join these sailings to explore the history of the world’s greatest natural resource—from canoes and schooners to early steamers and freighters—some of which ply the mighty Maumee River right next to the Museum.”
Sail on over to www.AQVoyages.com for more.
