The CDC has forced American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) to cancel its planned inaugural sailing Sunday of its new paddlewheeler, the American Countess.
In a statement, AQSC said the cancellation was due to the CDC's "review of our Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection and the date on which this certificate was issued." AQSC insists it has a valid permit.
The CDC's current Conditional Sailing Order forbids the operation of any cruise ships carrying more than 250 people. The American Countess can hold up to 245 passengers and 110 crew. So if full, it would not be allowed to sail. But AQSC planned to launch the ship at reduced capacity.
"To be clear, we have a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection in place that authorizes us to carry up to 249 passengers and crew," AQSC said. "We have been transparent with the CDC regarding our intentions to operate the American Countess with a reduced onboard capacity.
"Although we are disappointed with the CDC's actions, we are optimistic this latest challenge is short-term, and we are diligently working with the CDC so we can begin the inaugural season on board the beautiful American Countess and once again create amazing experiences for our guests."
AQSC launched its first sailing in more than a year on Monday, with two charter sailings of the American Duchess on the Mississippi between New Orleans and Memphis. The American Duchess holds just 166 passengers and up 70 crew. Those sailings continue, the company said.
The American Countess was scheduled to be christened Sunday in New Orleans, followed by a preview cruise to Memphis.
The first regular sailing of the new ship is scheduled March 28. AQSC said it hopes to have the permitting issue resolved by then.
Also last weekend, American Cruise Lines launched its first sailings since the pandemic with the departure of one of its coastal cruisers, the 100-passenger Independence on the company's Historic South & Golden Isles itinerary from Amelia Island, Fla., to Charleston, S.C.
American Cruise Lines said it would begin limited river sailings on the lower Mississippi on March 21 aboard its new American Jazz, part of its series of modern riverboats. All of its ships fall below the 250 person limit.