HANNIBAL â Fans of the riverboat cruise ships that dock in Hannibal during the summer months and early fall will have a new boat to see in 2021. The American Queen Steamboat Company has announced the addition of the American Countess to its fleet.
The American Countess was built using the existing hull of a former gaming vessel, the Kanesville Queen. The American Countess was lengthened by 60 feet and underwent a total renovation in the Gulf Island Shipyard located in Houma, La.
The American Countess features an 80-foot panoramic view, four decks and 123 state rooms.
Following its formal christening and inaugural VIP cruise in the spring of 2021, the paddlewheeler will be utilized during six- and 15-day cruises along not only the Mississippi River, but the Tennessee, Ohio and Cumberland rivers.
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With the rollout last week of Covid-19 vaccinations in the U.S. and ongoing advancements in testing, domestic river and small-ship operators are increasingly optimistic about the year ahead. River cruise editor Jeri Clausing spoke with American Queen Steamboat Co. CEO John Waggoner about his company s newest timeline as well as the expansion plans of its parent company, the Hornblower Group.
John Waggoner
Q: 2020 was a chaotic year for domestic travel companies, with a lot of almost-restarts. How are things looking for a return to sailing in 2021?
A: We were going to operate in November and we had to cancel that. And then we were shooting for Jan. 18. Now we ve moved everything to March. We are planning a March 15 start for the American Duchess. Shortly after that we ll have the March 21 christening for the American Countess. And April 5 is the American Empress. We re still looking at the American Queen. But because she carries 420 passengers, we ve got to follow the CDC guidel
Jeri Clausing
The rollout of Covid-19 vaccine programs and advancements in testing are fueling renewed optimism about a return to river cruising in 2021.
While a weak appetite for long-haul travel and ongoing travel restrictions could push the start of European river cruising for Americans into the summer, domestic operators say they are currently moving ahead with plans to sail again in March. Things are changing so quickly, said John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. We have rapid testing, the vaccine, so we do see a light at the end of the tunnel. We know it s not a train. I really can t tell you whether its March, April, May or June. But we know it s in that timeline.