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.
"So we're going to shoot for March 15," he said. "I think we have a really good shot at that."
While demand for early sailings at this point is low, Waggoner said that since the ships will operate at reduced capacity, he expects to be able to fill any spring cruise.
"We're very optimistic," he said. "We believe there is pent up demand, and we are looking forward to a very exciting 2021."
American Cruise Lines says it is also planning a full season beginning in March on both the Mississippi and the Columbia and Snake rivers. Its plans include the launch of its newest modern river boat, the American Jazz. A fourth, the American Melody, is scheduled to set sail in August.
American Queen, too, has new tonnage coming. It plans to start the season with the relaunch the American Duchess on March 15 on the Mississippi River, followed by the March 21 christening of its fourth paddlewheeler, the American Countess. The American Empress is scheduled to resume sailing in the Pacific Northwest April 4.
Waggoner said it's still unclear when it can begin using its largest paddlewheeler, the 436-passenger American Queen. Because of its size more than 250 passengers -- it must follow CDC rules that require more oversight and test sailings before it are granted permission to operate.
While American Cruise Line's four paddlewheelers and three modern river boats, like American Queen's three smaller vessels, are exempt from the CDC rules, both companies say that at this point that they are planning to require preboarding Covid testing for all of their passengers.
Internationally, most operators still have sailings open for March and April but expect those could be pushed back.
"Opening of the borders remains our biggest obstacle to resuming operations in Europe, so we are hopeful for some positive news with vaccines rolling out as well as new testing, etc.," said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways.
"We continue to monitor the situation in Egypt, Peru, Ecuador, Vietnam and Cambodia, which are the other countries where we operate," she added. "Borders have opened to a few of these destinations; so yes, there is a chance that we could be operating there before Europe. At this time we have chosen to cancel these programs through the end of February based on the epidemiological situation here in the U.S. and in those countries."
AmaWaterways president and co-founder Rudi Schreiner said it is currently looking at April sailings. But, realistically, he thinks it could be summer before Ama can operate in Europe for Americans again.
International operators say it's also too soon to know how testing and vaccines will fit into their health and safety protocols.
"As we are able to see what happens with the vaccine rollout, plus requirements of counties, we can finalize our plans accordingly," Hoffee said. "We anticipate a mix of proof of vaccination [and] routine testing to be part of our final program."
UPDATED: This Insight was updated Dec. 18 to clarify which of American Queen Steamboat Co.'s ships will be new for 2021. It is launching one ship, the American Countess.