American Queen Steamboat Co. and Victory Cruise Lines announced Tuesday that a Covid-19 vaccination mandate for all guests will go into effect for all sailings beginning July 1, 2021.
The vaccination requirement will also apply to shipboard crewmembers and non-shipboard employees across all seven vessels in the AQSC and VCL fleets. This latest protective measure expands upon the enhanced health and safety measures announced in 2020. This includes pre-cruise Covid-19 testing of all guests and crew and a mask mandate in all public areas where social distancing is not possible. Additionally, American Queen and Victory are continuing to work with leading health advisors, including a partnership with Vikand Medical Solutions and under the discretion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on evolving guidelines to protect guests, crew and the communities the boats visit.
“The health and safety of our guests, crewmembers and partners continues to remain our top priority. Vaccination requirement for both our guests and crew is the most prudent next step to ensure that we are providing the safest cruising experience possible,” said John Waggoner, CEO and founder of American Queen. “Our new vaccination requirement, coupled with comprehensive health and safety protocols and risk-free booking policy, will give our loyal guests another added level of assurance to join us as we return to sailing.”
The mandatory vaccination requirement will be in effect for all itineraries beginning July 1, 2021. Based on current CDC recommendation that Phase 1c of the vaccination allocation includes essential workers engaged in transportation, vaccinations should be readily be available and able to be administered to crewmembers before the July 1 target date.
All existing health and safety protocols will continue to remain in place following July 1 and until the CDC recommends otherwise. Guests who are unable to receive both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine prior to their scheduled trip, or who have no intention of receiving the vaccine, should contact the reservations department.
For additional questions, please visit the website for ongoing health and safety protocols.
American Queen and Victory Cruise Lines are part of the Hornblower Group.
