Though AmaWaterways president and co-founder Rudi Schreiner has concerns about Europe's rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, the river cruise line still plans to begin sailing in May in Germany if restrictions allow.
"My concern right now is that Europe is a little behind on the vaccination process," Schreiner told John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group, during a virtual fireside chat Tuesday. "I think that they really had a hard time managing it between all the countries. The U.K. is far ahead on the process."
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Efforts to negotiate better pricing, during which time vaccines were committed to other buyers, is one factor in the European rollout, Schreiner said. The AstraZeneca vaccine situation, in which a number of countries halted its rollout due to possible blood clot issues, also hindered the process. Schreiner also pointed out spikes in cases in some European countries.
A chief concern is also when European countries will open borders to one another, he said.
AmaWaterways still plans to resume cruising in Germany if permitted in May. Other sailings have been suspended until the end of May because of travel restrictions, but Schreiner believes July or August sailings are "a possibility" and that there will "definitely" be some months of river cruising in 2021.
2022, he said, is proving to be an "incredibly strong" year, with bookings up some 60% to 62% over 2019 levels. Demand for 2023 is also strong.
Asked by Lovell if AmaWaterways will mandate passengers show proof of a Covid-19 vaccine before traveling, Schreiner said, "So far, we will keep things open," relying instead on governmental and airline restrictions to ensure travelers are safe to board.
AmaWaterways will also arrange for whatever reentry requirements travelers need to meet in their home countries -- like taking specific types of tests within a certain time frame -- after sailing with the line, he said.
When AmaWaterways does welcome guests again, they will find a changed breakfast and lunch situation. Instead of larger buffets, they will be given full menus, though two stations (for example, an egg station at breakfast) will remain in the dining room. Dinner will largely be unchanged, according to Schreiner, and the cruise line will put more of an emphasis on outdoor dining in general.
This report was updated to correct that John Lovell is president of Travel Leaders Group.