More cruise jobs are coming to South Florida.| JOCK FISTICK

By Julian Quintana , South Florida Business Journal

American Queen Voyages, a new company formed from the merger between Miami-based Victory Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Co., will anchor its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale.

The cruise line will lease over 23,000 square feet on the top floor of Coastal Tower at 2400 E. Commercial Blvd., where it will station 100 employees in marketing, sales and ship operations. Some of its workers will relocate from New Albany, Indiana, American Queen Steamboat Co.'s previous base of operations.

"South Florida is the heart of the cruise industry, and Fort Lauderdale is undeniably the epicenter of that region," said Shawn Bierdz, president of American Queen Voyages. "Having a presence in Fort Lauderdale allows us to tap into a talented workforce across the tri-county area, as well as offer an attractive home base for those looking to relocate here."

American Queen Voyages commands seven vessels for river, lake and ocean expeditions in North America. Its fleet will grow to eight ships in 2023.

Its new office is less than five miles from Interstate 95 and about two miles from the beach. The company is working closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance on its job creation goal.

“A worldwide marine industry and hospitality destination, Broward County is a perfect fit and proud that American Queen will take its place among other national headquarters ranging from providers of travel packages to rental cars and cruise lines,” said Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.

South Florida is home to thousands of cruise jobs from Miami-area industry giants including Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line. The region also serves as the base of operations for Virgin Voyages, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and the U.S. headquarters of MSC Cruises. Windstar Cruises in Seattle also announced it will move its headquarters to the region.