American Queen Steamboat Company announced a new timeline for the suspension and resumption of operations across all vessels. AQSC’s new timeline was prepared in response to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the continued wide-spread governmental restrictions across ports, cities and public institutions. The decision to update the 2020 season itinerary dates follows AQSC’s recent partnership announcement with Ochsner Health and its new company-wide health and safety protocols.
“We are excited to get back on the rivers and deliver the high-quality experience we are known for. As we look to our new relaunch dates, the wellbeing of our guests, crew and partners remains our top concern,” shares John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Our recent partnership with Ochsner Health in addition to our enhanced health and safety protocols and easy access to U.S. healthcare facilities, allows us to responsibly and safely resume operations in our two key markets, the Pacific Northwest and the Lower and Upper Mississippi River.”
Below, please find a full breakdown on each vessel and its planned timeline for resuming its 2020 operation.
American Empress
The American Empress, which sails the Columbia and Snake rivers, will extend its suspension through July 5, 2020 and intends to resume operating the July 6-13 Pacific Northwest Splendors sailing from Portland (Vancouver, WA) to Spokane (Clarkston, WA). This itinerary begins July 5 with the pre-cruise stay in Vancouver, WA.
American Duchess
The American Duchess, which sails on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers,will extend its suspension through July 19, 2020 and intends to resume its operations with the July 20-27 Mark Twain’s Mississippi sailing from St. Louis, MO (Alton) to Minneapolis, MN (Red Wing). This itinerary begins July 19 with the pre-cruise stay in St. Louis, MO.
American Countess and American Queen
The American Countess, the latest paddlewheeler to join the AQSC fleet on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and the iconic American Queen will extend its suspension through July 15, 2020. AQSC is reviewing specific restart dates and will announce both vessels’ debut itineraries in the coming weeks.
For those impacted by the extended suspensions, AQSC is contacting all guests and travel agents regarding their upcoming cruises and available options. For guests that are booked during this time, the company will be providing a future cruise credit for 125 percent of the cruise fare or a full refund. Any future cruise credits issued may be returned at any time for a refund of the original payment amount. All full refunds will be processed within 90 days.
Have questions about taking a cruise from La Crosse WI. What do you have to offer for a day cruise or a short cruise on the Mississippi?
Paula Dugan
Hey Paula,
we as stemboats.org do not offer cruises as all. And as far as I know no cruise line is offering cruises departing from La Crosse.
The closest embarkation port for a Mississippi River cruise would be St. Paul. Please check the websites of American Cruise liens and American Queen Steamboat Company, they both offer cruises from St. Paul/Minneapolis.
Kind regards
Franz Neumeier