As big-ship cruise lines flagged overseas are still waiting to restart voyages from the U.S., regional operators American Cruise Lines (ACL) and American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) have already begun sailing and continue to increase their offerings.
American Cruise Lines
Over the last two months, American Cruise Lines has gotten nearly half its fleet up and running in eight states, including sailing its Independence vessel from the coast of Florida and along the Mississippi River. The plan is to have all 13 of the brand’s ships carrying guests by later this spring.
“We are proud to have been the first line back on the water in the U.S.,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, in a press release. “As the only cruise line visiting 30 states, we have taken great care to resume cruises safely in each region by working closely with state and local partners. The popularity of small-ship domestic cruising was stronger than ever before the pandemic, and 2021 demand is already at new record levels.”
The popularity of small-ship domestic cruising was stronger than ever before the pandemic, and 2021 demand is already at new record levels.
ACL also plans to operate a full summer season from June to September as scheduled, with eight-day Southeast Alaska routes traveling roundtrip from Juneau and a new 11-day Alaskan Explorer itinerary, both aboard American Constellation. The longer sailing will depart roundtrip from Juneau, as well as from Ketchikan to Juneau, exploring the Inside Passage, Clarence Straight, Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay.
“We have a strong operating history in Alaska and have been glad to work with our many local partners to make this season a reality,” said Robertson. “Our COVID-19 operating protocols are tailored to each state and designed to mitigate risk while still enabling a meaningful contribution to each local economy.”
American Cruise Lines will continue to set sail with increased safety precautions, including capacity reductions and viral testing and mitigation practices — as well as recommended but not required vaccines — as detailed under its COVID-19 Operating Protocol.
American Queen Steamboat Company
Meanwhile, American Queen Steamboat Company will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all crew and guests as outlined in its SafeCruise health and safety protocols.
Several of the line’s trips are already running, including on its American Duchess and new-to-the-fleet American Countess, sailing along the Mississippi River. Next to come back online will be American Empress in the Pacific Northwest starting on June 14, 2021, along the Columbia and Snake rivers. Overall, AQSC’s 2021 season is almost entirely sold out.
“Following our successful March restart with the American Countess and American Duchess on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, the added capacity of the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest will help meet the unprecedented guest demand to travel again,” said Shawn Bierdz, president of American Queen Steamboat Company, in a press release. “Our domestic, close-to-home itineraries continue to resonate with travelers, many new to cruising altogether, along with seasoned ocean cruisers and our most loyal paddlewheel guests.”
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American Cruise Lines
American Queen Steamboat Company