American Cruise Lines Restarts
By Anne Kalosh.
Nearly half of the American Cruise Lines fleet is now operating. The company expects to have all its 13 vessels sailing by late spring.
Six of its vessels are currently cruising in eight states — three riverboats along the Mississippi and three ships on the East Coast.
American said it became the first U.S.-based cruise line to resume operations when Independence sailed from Florida on March 13. Days later, cruises embarked on the Mississippi for American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Co.
In the Pacific Northwest, American Cruise Lines has been working closely with Oregon and Washington officials to resume cruises in early May. A spokeswoman said plans are progressing well.
American Cruise Line’s Independence began sailing March 13. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
First Pacific Northwest Cruise May 2
“Our crew is arriving now to begin their quarantines aboard our ships throughout the region and the first cruise is currently set to depart May 2 aboard modern riverboat American Song,” she said.
This year, American will have five small ships on the East and West coasts, including Alaska, four riverboats on the Columbia and Snake rivers, and four on the Mississippi.
Two of the Mississippi vessels are brand new: American Melody, nearing completion at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, and American Jazz, already sailing. Both are modern-style vessels, not paddlewheelers.
The outside Sky Lounge on one of American’s modern-style riverboats. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
Record Demand
“We are proud to have been the first line back on the water in the U.S. 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,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO. “The popularity of small ship domestic cruising was stronger than ever before the pandemic and 2021 demand is already at new record levels.”
American is the only cruise line visiting 30 states, President and CEO Charles B. Robertson noted. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
COVID-19 Protocols
COVID-19 protocols include pre-embarkation testing, medical staff on all cruises, mask-wearing, distancing and reduced occupancy.
Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to have a COVID-19 test prior to traveling to their vessel. Those who are not fully vaccinated must take a molecular test within four days of the start of their cruise package.
On arrival to the ship, or pre-cruise hotel, if applicable, everyone gets a brief health evaluation by the medical staff and an antigen test.
More Space
All of American’s small vessels offer more than 350 square feet per passenger. But the line said it is voluntarily limiting occupancy to further increase space to approximately 450 square feet per passenger.
This means maximum occupancy of 75 percent through the spring.
The aft lounge with skylight on one of American’s modern-style riverboats. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
As operations resume, restrictions on time ashore and self-exploration may be necessary depending on the region and date of travel.
While American’s shore excursions always consist of small groups, the groups will be even smaller for the near future. The exact size is determined by the ability of each venue to ensure distancing and safe exploration.
Each group will have private transportation directly to and from each venue. Coaches will operate at reduced capacity and will be sanitized before every boarding.
RELATED: John Roberts Sails the Mississippi River aboard the new American Countess.
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