After an initial denial to sail this weekend by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) will again be able to operate its christening sailing for its new American Countess starting March 21.
On Wednesday, the cruise line said in a statement that the CDC has denied its ability to conduct the christening cruise out of the Port of New Orleans. On Thursday, however, AQSC said in a media statement that the CDC reviewed the vessel’s authorized passenger capacity and ultimately cleared it to sail.
“We applaud the CDC’s swift review and reconsideration of our authorized passenger capacity for American Countess’ christening sailing,” a spokesperson for AQSC said. “We are thrilled to share that we are cleared to set sail as scheduled with friends and family, travel and local officials Sunday, March 21 out of the Port of New Orleans. The American Countess will join the American Duchess on the Mississippi River as scheduled with her first revenue sailing at reduced guest capacity on March 27, 2021. We want to thank the CDC for working alongside us to resolve this issue so quickly and efficiently. We look forward to beginning our inaugural season onboard the beautiful American Countess and welcoming back our guests to join us on the water once again.”
In its previous statement, AQSC said: "We are disappointed to share that the CDC has notified us that they are denying our ability to conduct the christening cruise on the American Countess this weekend out of the Port of New Orleans. This decision is based on their review of our Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection and the date on which this certificate was issued. To be clear, we have a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection in place that authorizes us to carry up 249 passengers and crew. 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.”
Travel Agent will be onboard the American Countess for this “Charms of the South” sailing the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis. Stay tuned for our upcoming report.
Visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.
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