American Queen Steamboat Company has announced that the American Empress has embarked on the first sailing of the 2021 Pacific Northwest season.
This sailing is the first overnight river cruise with 100% COVID-19 vaccinated guests and crew in the US. It also marks a return to cruising on the Columbia and Snake rivers for American Queen Steamboat Company, which is almost sold out for the 2021 season. Sailing from Portland, Ore. (Vancouver, Wash.) to Spokane, Wash. (Clarkston, Wash.) or reverse, the Pacific Northwest Splendor itinerary showcases the natural beauty and historic sites of the region.
American Queen Steamboat Company was the first U.S.-based cruise company to announce a 100% vaccination policy for guests and crew in February, which will go into effect fleetwide, including Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland river departures, after July 1, 2021.
To adhere to 100% vaccination policy, all guests on board American Empress will have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at check-in by providing a valid vaccination card or an image of a valid vaccination card. Guests who fail to provide proof of vaccination at check-in will be denied boarding and subject to full cancellation penalties.
SafeCruise health and safety protocols continue on the American Empress including pre-cruise COVID-19 testing of all guests and crew; however, masks are no longer required on board for guests after embarkation. Adhering to the current CDC federal transportation mandate which includes buses, guests must continue wearing face masks on shore excursion motor-coaches.
The UK representative is river cruise specialist Light Blue Travel.
