PRE-BOARDING

• Guests will check-in at the pre-cruise hotel on the day prior to embarkation and complete a health questionnaire. At this time, all guests must participate in a free COVID-19 test (Antigen).
• Guests may also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test by an accredited third-party with results from within two days of embarkation

VACCINATIONS 

• COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests and crew for all sailings.
• Vaccination documentation will be requested and must be provided prior to boarding.
• Vaccination with Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca

EMBARKATION & DISEMBARKATION

• Luggage will be disinfected before it is brought on board and when it is removed from the vessel.
• When guests arrive at the gangway, they will be temperature screened.
• When the gangway is in use, sanitation will occur every half-hour.

GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

• Prior to guest arrival, staterooms and suites will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with hospital-grade EPA-approved solutions.
• Guest corridors will be cleaned and disinfected with electrostatic fogging twice-daily.
• Multi-purpose disinfecting wipes will be made available for all guests to carry and will be placed in all guest accommodations.
• Guest staterooms will be cleaned and disinfected with electrostatic fogging twice-daily.

PUBLIC SPACES

• Every space undergoes enhanced anti-microbial disinfection with medical-grade EPA-approved solutions.
• Twice daily anti-viral electrostatic fogging will occur in all public and crew spaces along with supplemental overnight deep fogging.
• Additional hand sanitizing stations with an alcohol-based sanitizer will be placed strategically throughout the ship.

FRESH-AIR VENTILATION SYSTEMS

• UV-C light has been added to all main air handlers and all guest and crew stateroom fan coil units to facilitate the effective disinfecting and sanitizing against microorganisms that may be present in the air supply.

MASKS & FACE COVERINGS

• Masks are optional for guests and crew onboard including the embarkation process and while riding our shore excursion motor coaches.
• Mask are required for those symptomatic guests and crew awaiting COVID-19 test results.
• State and local municipalities may implement mask requirements.

CREWMEMBER STANDARDS & PRACTICES

• Crew will undergo weekly temperature checks and regular health monitoring.
• Crew will follow proper hand washing techniques.
• Crew are trained on all health and safety preventive measures.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• Hand washing stations are available outside each dining area.
• Crew will sanitize all frequently touched surfaces in restaurant areas hourly.
• Crew will sanitize all back-of-house areas such as pantries and office areas.
• Sanitizing Logs will be accurately maintained, and records kept on file.
• All tables, chairs and counter tops will be sanitized on the hour — or when vacated by the guest,
whichever comes first.
• All table items will be removed each time a table is vacated. All crockery, glassware and cutlery will be washed even if unused.
• Menus will now be single-use paper printed and be discarded after each use.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

• All bus seats, windows and handrails will be sanitized with an EPA-approved solution each day before the first guests arrive.
• Stepwell handrails, seat handrails and seats will be cleaned after each service and sanitized every hour.
• The bus restrooms will be sanitized with an EPA-approved solution after each use and several times per day beyond that.
• Liquid hand sanitizer dispensers will be available at the motorcoach doors for all guests.
• Masks will be required on shore excursion motorcoaches.

MEDICAL RESOURCES

• A licensed medical officer will be on board and available throughout the voyage.
• We have PCR Testing capabilities on board for ongoing monitoring of guests and crew.
• We have formed partnerships with professional medical facilities in every port we visit so that you will be cared for wherever and whenever it is needed.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap is not available.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and be sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow if a tissue is unavailable.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid personal contact with others such as handshaking or sharing cups, glasses or utensils.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines Announce Vaccination Requirement for all Guests and Crew Members

1. Why have you issued mandatory vaccines for guests and overnighting employees?

The health and safety of our guests, crew members and partners is our priority. While we are confident in the measures we have taken for itineraries operating from April through June, the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate will further ensure the wellbeing of the individuals who overnight on our vessels. Additionally, protecting the communities we visit on each itinerary is also a priority as the vaccine requirement will help provide an additional safety measure that we are mandating to safeguard these communities.

2. Will guests and crew members need to have received both doses of the vaccine prior to boarding?

Yes. If the vaccine that guests and/or crew members are administered requires two doses, they will need to have received both doses before embarking.

3. How will you know if guests and crew members have been vaccinated?

While boarding, all guests will be required to present verified documentation of vaccination. Crew members will also be required to present vaccination documentation, either at the time of hiring or boarding a vessel.

4. When will the requirement take place?

The mandatory vaccination requirement will begin on all itineraries starting July 1, 2021 and onward.

5. The timing for the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility varies from state to state. Will guests have access to vaccinations before they cruise?

The majority of our guests represent the 65+ population, who are eligible now or will soon be eligible to receive the vaccination. If a guest is not able to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine prior to their scheduled trip, we will rebook them for a future sailing at no charge.

6. Will remaining health and safety protocols remain after the July 1, 2021 vaccination mandate?

Yes. Protocols will remain in place until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends otherwise. These protocols include, but are not limited to:

• 100% testing of guests and crew prior to boarding
• Pre-boarding health questionnaire
• Temperature scanning
• Reduced ship capacity
• Mask requirement in all public spaces where social distancing is not possible
• Public spaces undergo continuous anti-microbial disinfection with medical-grade EPA-approved solutions and anti-viral electrostatic fogging
• Re-invented food & beverage concept to replace self-service buffets
• Quarantine rooms
• UVC light added to HVAC
• Crew training on all health and safety preventive measures
• Shore protocols (driver/hotel/concierge)
• On-board licensed nurse
• Reporting (FDA/CDC/local ports)
• COVID-19 insurance

7. Does the vaccination requirement apply to anyone boarding the vessels?

No. The current requirement applies only to those remaining overnight on the vessel. Although those that may be boarding the vessels and not staying overnight will undergo our mandated health and safety protocols. In addition, all drivers for shoreside excursions will also be vaccinated.

8. How can you be sure that every crew member will be vaccinated before July 1?

Per the CDC recommendations, Phase 1c vaccination rollout includes maritime transportation workers. We have no reason to believe that they will not have access to both doses of the vaccine by that time.

9. With vaccine mandate in place July 1, why sail prior? Isn’t this an added risk?

The health and safety of our guests, crew members and partners is our top priority. While we are confident in the measures we have taken for itineraries operating from April through June, the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate will further ensure the wellbeing of the individuals who overnight on our vessels.

To date, we have received strong interest for our April through June itineraries from guests who are confident in our current measures. Additionally, a good number of these guests will have had access to the vaccine prior. This, combined with our belief that crew will be vaccinated per the CDC recommendation Phase 1c vaccination rollout includes maritime transportation workers, further ensures our confidence to cruise safely.

10. What is the oversight of the boat by the CDC, FDA, Coast Guard and etc.?

We are working with the CDC, FDA and Coast Guard to ensure ongoing communication and compliance in order to safely resume operations.

11. For guests that have booked a cruise departing from July 1 forward, but do not plan on receiving the vaccine, will their deposit be refunded?

Guests who have booked a cruise for a sailing departing from July 1 forward who have no intention of receiving the vaccine will be fully refunded.