American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) and Victory Cruise Lines (VCL) are announcing new enhancements and offerings for 2021. The upgraded offerings and operations will include increased measures made to health and safety protocols, the 2021 Wave Offer, elevated suite amenities and fresh culinary experiences.
AQSC and VCL will also kick-off the 2021 sailing season debuting two vessels to their fleets. The American Countess, which was lengthened by 60 ft. and underwent a total renovation, will sail 6- to 15-day itineraries along the Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland and Mississippi rivers. Debuting in spring 2021, the paddlewheeler will feature a portside bar, which will delight guests with an 80-ft. panoramic view, four decks and 123 staterooms in four categories. The 93-suite Ocean Victory, meanwhile, will feature two restaurants, in addition to an open-deck dining area, piano bar, library, gym, heated outdoor pool, spa services and jacuzzi, plus observation and lecture lounges and a dedicated expedition and outdoor adventure launch platform. After her christening and inaugural sailing in the late spring of 2021, Ocean Victory is scheduled for immersive 12- or 13-day itineraries from Vancouver, B.C. to Sitka, Alaska (or reverse), offering stunning views of Firodland Conservancy’s dramatic waterfalls dropping into deep fjords, Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers and expansive ice fields at LeConte. The vessel will also sail the Pacific Paradise journey from San Diego to San Jose, as well as an exclusive one-time itinerary from Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle, W.A.
“We have been hard at work to make the upcoming 2021 season the greatest, thus far, for our guests with new special edition themed voyages, expanded inclusive offerings, suite upgrades and 100 percent rapid testing for guests and crew,” said John Waggoner, CEO and founder of American Queen Steamboat Company, in a press release statement. “Coming off the heels of an unprecedented year, we are looking forward to the future and being able to welcome aboard our loyal guests once again as we continue to offer amazing experiences. We have a great deal to be excited about and have focused on every detail so that we can provide the safest cruising experiences possible.”
Wave Season Offers
Starting Jan. 1, 2021, passengers can maximize savings on 2021 and 2022 cruises with AQSC and VCL’s Wave Offers. Guests can save up to $3,000 per stateroom for 2021 voyages and up to $1,200 when booking a cruise for 2022. The offer is accompanied by a Risk-Free Booking policy that allows guests to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund up to 121 days prior to embarkation or reschedule their reservation for another date in 2021 up to 61 days with no penalty prior to embarkation. The Wave Offer expires Feb. 28, 2021.
New Enhancements
Over the past year both operators have revamped their onboard offerings across culinary programming, suite amenities and overall hospitality experience. Highlights include culinary upgrades such as unlimited beverages including world-class wine lists, top-shelf spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees from open bars and lounges throughout the vessel; complimentary smoothie and juice bar offered on board every morning; and fresh lobster and USDA prime beef available with every dinner. Amenity enhancements, meanwhile, include choice of Clarins, The White Company or royally appointed Floris cleansers and moisturizers; signature in-room culinary treats; $25 shipping credit for suite guests; and optional sleep masks and ear plugs. Other perks for guests include pre-cruise gift featuring AQSC/VCL logo; handwarmers for cold weather itineraries; cool cloths for hot weather itineraries; heated towels on the American Queen pool deck; special treats passed out on cruising days; and complimentary hiking sticks for inclusive itineraries, among others.
Health & Safety Protocols
All vessels will be operating with newly enhanced health and safety protocols including, but not limited to: 100 percent COVID-19 testing for all guests and crew prior to embarkation on every voyage; mandatory masks in all venues and in situations where recommended social distancing is not possible including entertainment venues, elevators, shoreside and shore excursion motorcoaches; pre-boarding health screenings for guests and crew members; contactless facial recognition and temperature check at the gangway; reduced vessel capacity; mandatory social distancing protocols in all public spaces; and standardized measures throughout the vessels to prioritize regular cleaning and disinfecting of guest corridors and public spaces with medical-grade EPA-approved solutions as well as twice daily anti-viral electrostatic fogging.
For more information on AQSC and VCL health and safety protocols, visit victorycruiselines.com/health-and-safety and americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/health-and-safety. For more cruise updates, click here.
