Masks Will Be Required Onboard In Public Spaces
Shore excursion sizes have been reduced, and coaches will be operated at reduced capacity to ensure distancing. Cabins on board have been kept aside for isolation if need be. Each cabin has its own HVAC system, and there is no shared air. The second departure for the line will be on its 2021 newbuild American Jazz, sailing on the Lower Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis. That trip departs Sunday. American Cruise Lines is also one of the few small ship lines that will be able to sail in Alaska this summer, given that they don’t need to stop in Canada to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Services Act. That season begins in early June.
Newest Riverboat In Usa Launched By American Cruise Lines
Sundeck on American Cruise Linesâ American Melody
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines newest riverboat, American Melody, has begun sailing 22-day cruises on the Mississippi River.
Americans domestic itineraries will appeal to cruise lovers who may be skittish about booking a European river cruise amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic. Passengers dont have to worry about booking international flights or face the daunting prospect of changing EU travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.
This is the first time a U.S. cruise line is offering such a long itinerary, too most itineraries on U.S. waters are 7-8 days long.
American Cruise Lines Dining American Style
Meals are served in a large dining room with open seating and panoramic views of the passing scenery. While each ship serves seasonal specials and recipes from the region theyre traveling, the focus is on American cuisine.
Special diets and allergy concerns are easily handled by the staff with advance notice. The Lines complimentary amenities include beer and wine with both lunch and dinner, plus complimentary full bar cocktails each night before dinner on board.
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Itinerary Of American Cruise Lines
ACL-American Cruise Lines itinerary program includes the USA’s Eastern and Western seaboards. ACL also offers Alaskan cruises during summer as well as the USA’s river cruise regions Mississippi-Ohio and Columbia-Snake .
Follows the list of all American Cruise Lines ships, in brackets
- Day 10
- Day 11
- The itinerary is operated by the new ACL ships American Constellation and American Constitution.
The itinerary route features architecturally significant traditional homes, grand plantations, wildlife, amazing coastal landscapes. Also included are locally inspired cuisine specialties prepared by the ship’s master chef.
Eligibility For Ship Color Status
The color-coding system is only applicable to foreign-flagged cruise ships operating or planning to operate in U.S. waters, including cruise ships operating outside of U.S. waters if the cruise ship operator intends for the ship to return to operating in international, interstate, or intrastate waterways subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. U.S-flagged cruise ships previously covered under the CSO may also continue to participate voluntarily. Status of ships is dependent upon daily submission of the Enhanced Data Collection during COVID-19 Pandemic form.
CDC has confirmed that the ships listed in the table below are operating under health and safety protocols that align with CDCs standards for protecting passengers, crew, port personnel, and communities by mitigating the public health risks posed by COVID-19. Gray-designated ships may have their own COVID-19 health and safety protocols, which CDC has not reviewed or confirmed.
When a cruise ship operating under the CSO notifies CDC of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on board, CDC determines whether an investigation is needed, based on a predetermined investigation threshold. This investigation threshold gives CDC and the cruise industry the ability to work closely together to protect the health and safety of those on board and in communities.
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Virtues Of Small Ship Coastal And River Cruising
In the past decade, small ship and river cruising has exploded in popularity, with guests discovering that the one-price-includes-almost-everything rate makes for a relaxing and affordable adventure. Add in seeing new destinations every day, without the stress of changing hotels or packing and unpacking, and the small ship family cruise vacation may make perfect sense. If youre ready to book a cruise, theres no need to limit yourselves to 5,000-passenger ships with skating rinks and movie theaters. American Cruise Lines currently sails 12 small 100-190 passenger ships and will have 14 ships in service by 2021.
Grandparents and parents can choose a domestic river cruise or small ship coastal cruise that stops at unusual ports of call across the country, in unique places which cannot accommodate the big vessels.
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American Cruise Line Debuts Longest River Cruise In Us Waters Caters To Demand For Local Travel
â American Cruise Line debuted its longest U.S. river cruise itinerary last week: a 22-day journey along the famed Mississippi River.
Passengers embarked in Natchez, Mississippi on Friday, which served as a replacement starting point for New Orleans because of the impact from Hurricane Ida, for American Cruise Lineâs 22-day âComplete Mississippi River Cruiseâ.
Those sailing aboard the 175-passenger ship are being treated to to a variety of inaugural events and special surprises, along with Mississippi-inspired meals and beverages onboard. Itâs a massive itinerary on a scale not typically seen on U.S. rivers, which tend to be overshadowed by the likes of Europeâs Danube, Rhine and Main â the blockbuster players on the river cruising circuit.
But in launching this extended Mississippi River cruise itinerary, American Cruise Line is betting that more Americans will want to travel closer to home, with COVID-19 still complicating travel for Americans looking to go to Europe and looming uncertainty and, of course, the emergence and spread of .
âLonger itineraries have become increasingly popular, so we plan to offer more of them in different U.S. regions,â American Cruise Line President and CEO Charles B. Robertson told Cruise Critic in an email. âThis extended itinerary gives our guests a rare, unique opportunity to explore the Mississippi and over 10 states in a single journey.â
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Complimentary Gratuities Drinks Wi
- Complimentary wine and beer included with lunch and dinner
- Complimentary cocktail hour each evening before dinner
- Onboard gratuities are not required nor expected
- Pre-cruise hotel stays
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access all across the ship!
- Onboard enrichment from local experts, guest speakers, authors, historians and entertainers
American Cruise Line Highlights
Unique Destinations American Cruise Lines are one of the few to offer a cruise experience on many of America’s rivers and waterways. River boat cruises allow guests to explore the legendary rivers that many that helped shape the birth of the United States.
Wildlife and Local Beauty A cruise on American Cruise Lines brings nature and wildlife to the forefront. The wildlife is as diverse as the rivers that you cruise on. Cruises on the Chesapeake Bay, the inland waterways of the south, the Mississippi River delta, the Hudson River and New England, the Columbia River and Alaska all boast a different variety of landscapes and wildlife that are sure to amaze adventurers young and old.
Small Ship Cruise Experience American Cruise Lines river ships accommodate a maximum of 140 guests. The small size of these ships allows the crew to provide exemplary, personalized service in an intimate, relaxed and casual atmosphere. Onboard many friendships are formed as guests and crew mingle and share their adventures.
American History and Culture Rivers were once the highways of historic America. A journey on an American Cruise Line ship allows guests to experience all of the cities and towns that were built as the country expanded and to learn about the history and culture that makes the United States what it is today.
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Impact Of Omicron Variant
Separately, a Princess Cruise line ship docked in San Francisco on Thursday after tests of a quarter of the passengers showed 12 positive results on board. A spokesperson for the cruise line told The Associated Press the vaccination rate on the ship was “approaching 100 percent.”
The Omicron variant has triggered alarm in the industry as it appears to spread more easily among those who are vaccinated than previous variants.
In December, the world’s largest cruise liner, Symphony of the Seas, was discovered to have 48 COVID infections when it docked in Miami.
Newsweek has approached the CDC for an update.
Update 01/10/22 at 3:25 a.m. ET This article was updated to include comments from Stewart Chiron at The Cruise Guy.
Passenger Shipping Pause 2020
Due to the Coronavirus crisis, ACL suspended its entire fleet’s passenger shipping operations canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through May 2021.
Fleet’s operations resumed on the following dates in 2021.
- MS Independence
- MS America
- Queen of the Mississippi
- Queen of the West
- American Star
- American Song
- American Pride
- American Constellation
- American Constitution
- American Spirit
- American Harmony
- American Jazz
- American Melody
Note: Under CERTS , in August 2021 the company received USD 42,7 million grant from the USA’s government. The CERTS provides grants to eligible passenger transportation companies that have experienced 25% or more annual revenue losses due to the COVID crisis.
ACL boats initially operated with reduced passenger capacity. All affected bookings were fully refunded . With rebooking is offered 125% FCC based on the fares paid for the canceled cruises. The FCC must be used before December 31, 2021.
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What Does Each Color Status Mean
One or more cases reported among the crew also puts a ship in the yellow status.
Orange status means the ship has reported cases of COVID-19, but is below the threshold for CDC investigation.
Just 16 ships the CDC tracks nationwide had a “green” status indication the ship has no reports of cases of COVID-19 or COVID-19-like illness. Fifteen of those are ships that are not currently sailing with passengers, and have only crews onboard. ResidenSea’s The World is the only cruise ship operating with passengers on the green list.
“Red” status means that a ship has sustained transmission of COVID-19 or that has the potential for COVID-19 cases to overwhelm onboard medical facilities. No ships are on red status at this time.
The CDC does not publicly disclose the specific number of cases on a ship, and Port Canaveral officials said they do not get the such details from the cruise lines, either.
The Port Canaveral lineup now includes Carnival’s Elation, Magic and Mardi Gras Disney’s Dream and Fantasy MSC’s Meraviglia Norwegian’s Escape and Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Additionally, Carnival’s Liberty is scheduled to join the lineup on Jan. 24.
Accommodations On American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises
Most of American’s staterooms are more than 220 square feet in size, and feature private balconies and hotel-like private bathrooms. All rooms have a large, open, picture window, so guests can always feel close to nature and the beautiful landscapes passing by. Solo travelers are welcome onboard, and each ship has several single occupancy staterooms available for their use. Each tastefully decorated room includes the following amenities:
- Twin or king-sized bed
- Individual climate control system
- Spacious bathrooms and spa toiletries
Cruise fare includes much more than your passage: dining service, snacks, evening cocktail parties, onboard Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment are factored in, too.
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Carnival Cruise Ship Arrives In New Orleans As City Recovers After Hurricane Ida
Carnival Glory arrives in New Orleans ahead of delayed restart and as the city recovers after Hurricane Ida.
Carnival Glory has finally arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, after staying away and canceling the first September 5th departure due to the impact of Hurricane Ida. With the Port of New Orleans reopening, the Carnival cruise ship was allowed to enter ahead of the ships delayed restart.
Eligibility For Voyage Status For Ships Following The Cso
Voyage status is determined by the cruise ship operators current CDC approved voyage request or application:
- Request for Approval to Conduct a Simulated Voyage Prior to Issuance of COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate
- Application for a CDC COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate
See table below for current voyage type.
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What Is The Current Situation
CDC has temporarily extended the CSO through January 15, 2022, with minor modifications. The CSO, as modified, applies to foreign-flagged cruise ships operating or seeking to operate in U.S. waters. U.S.-flagged cruise ships previously covered by the CSO may continue to participate voluntarily. Passenger operations have now resumed on cruise ships. As modified, the CSO aligns with current public health considerations and other factors onboard cruise ships. Information about the COVID-19 status of ships sailing under the CSO is available on CDC’s website.
As of July 23, 2021, the CSO and accompanying measures, such as technical instructions, are nonbinding recommendations for cruise ships arriving in, located within, or departing from a port in Florida. CDC is continuing to operate the CSO as a voluntary program for such ships that choose to follow the CSO measures voluntarily.
Aqsc Itineraries 2022 Victory Cruise Line
In mid-December 2020, AQSC announced its 2021 itinerary program that includes both brands AQSC and Victory Cruise Lines. For both companies are offered Early Booking discounts with up to USD 1200 pp on any 2022 itinerary booked by April 30, 2021.
New offers include the following itineraries: 12-13-day Scenic Gorges in Autumn and 9-day Roundtrip Cincinnati .
Starting February 2022, AQSCs Special Edition Voyages include the themed itineraries Exploring Haunted History, Quilting the Fabric of America and Celebrate the 70s.
Starting April 2022, Victory Cruise Line offers 3 new itineraries 17-days Savannah to Halifax , 11-days Montreal to Detroit and 16-days Boston to Nassau .
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American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises
Sailing through America’s waterways since 1991, American Cruise Lines offers unique, small ship cruises to Alaska, the Mississippi, and the East Coast geared toward inquisitive yet laid-back travelers. There are no fussy dress codes or required daily itineraries onboard an American Cruise Lines just comfortable, spacious ships sailing to some of the country’s most beautiful towns and cities. The line’s all-American crew is attentive and gracious, and welcomes traveler’s onboard with open arms each guest can expect personalized attention and hospitality. With a focus on history, culture, and the great outdoors, an American Cruise Line cruise to Alaska is both engaging and revitalizing.
2 American Cruise Lines Ships
Mississippi River Cruising Perfected
Cruise the legendary Mississippi River aboard the newest riverboats in the region and enjoy perfect comfort and modern amenities as you travel to each historical destination. The fabric of the region is brought to life through our delicious regional cuisine, live onboard music, and customized excursions. Choose from nine amazing Mississippi River itineraries including the Lower Mississippi River Cruise traveling from festive New Orleans to soulful Memphis, the Upper Mississippi River Cruise which explores from fascinating St. Louis to welcoming St. Paul, MN, or the Complete Mississippi River Cruise which traverses the entire length of this amazing and historic river.
New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA
- Pre-CruisePackage and Complimentary Hotel Stay
- Day 1New Orleans, LA
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Criteria For Ship Color Status For Ships In Us Waters
The following table lists cruise ships operating or planning to operate in U.S. waters.
Ship color status is determined using surveillance data from the previous 7 daysregardless of voyage dates and CDC investigation findings.
The following persons are not included when determining a ships color status:
- Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 on the day of embarkation who do not board the ship, or
- Newly embarking crew members who test positive during their embarkation quarantine period.
Where Does American Cruise Lines Go
Proposed sailing date: 1st July 2021
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines new ships, Bolette and Borealis, along with Braemar were set to sail again in March and April 2021, however these sailings have now been postponed until April at the earliest.
In a Q& A on their website, the company also explained their proposed plan to return: We are working closely with the Government and relevant health bodies and taking advice on what is safest to do next.
As this is a fast-moving situation, we want to ensure we are giving you the best advice at the time. We have committed that, if your ocean cruise is affected, you will hear from us no later than 30 days before we are due to set sail.
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Review Of American Cruise Lines
ACL-American Cruise Lines Inc is a USA-based cruise travel company founded in 1991 and headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut. Currently ranked USA’s largest river cruise company, ACL operates traditional stern-paddlewheel riverboats and also several small-sized oceangoing ships. ACL ships cruise mainly in the USA, including Alaska, West and East Coast, the USA’s biggest rivers , also in Florida .
The company’s current President and CEO is Charles B. Robertson who succeeded Charles A. Robertson .
- In August 2021, ACL announced a major refurbishment project for its entire paddlewheeler fleet. The redesigned boats will be renamed “American Splendor” , “American Heritage” and “American West” , with only American Pride retaining its name.
- The refurb project is via partnership with the Miami-based Studio DADO which was commissioned for the American Melody’s interior spaces.
- The first vessel from the new “Modern Riverboat” series was launched in 2018 . Followed the sisterships American Harmony , American Jazz , American Melody , American Symphony , American Serenade .
- In mid-June 2021 ACL signed with Chesapeake Shipbuilding the contract for constructing two more units of the “modern riverboat” series. Both vessels are planned for inauguration in 2022 growing the company’s fleet to 15 .
ACL also plans to continue building small ships designed for USA coastal itineraries.
Next video reviews the best features of ACL’s 2021-2022-built Modern Riverboats .