The Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), Victory Cruises and a number of day cruise and excursion companies, is partnering with Puerto Rico's maritime authority to operate the islands' ferry system.
Hornblower Group CEO Kevin Rabbitt said the goal in taking over operations of the system that includes service between Catano and San Juan and between Ceiba and the islands of Vieques and Culebra is to create a "world-class service that will be the jewel of the Caribbean."
Additionally, John Waggoner, president and CEO of Hornblower Marine Services and founder and CEO of AQSC, said in an interview this week that the company hopes to use the new partnership to expand excursion options to the many cruise ships that stop in Puerto Rico.
Waggoner said the company expects to also announce several acquisitions in the coming months.
Earlier this year, Hornblower Group acquired its day-tour partner, Shore Excursions of America.
"I think you'll slowly start to see us spread from the marine inland a little bit to other shore excursion providers," he said. "And in the grand plan, you might even see us acquire a tour and travel group that will help expand our reach."