By
Alex Smith |
American Cruise Lines is to resume cruise operations in June, becoming the first cruise line in the USA to do so after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The cruise line plans to begin cruises onboard American Song along the Columbia and Snake rivers on 20 June, followed by American Harmony along the Mississippi on 28 June. The line also anticipates that its new coastal ship, American Constellation, will be able to sail in Alaska this summer.
All of the cruise lines ships will be voluntarily sailing at 75% capacity, despite being under the 250 passenger and crew limit specified by the USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ships returning to cruising will allow for 450 square feet of space per passenger and will be equipped with independent HVAC air systems that do not have shared ducts in cabins and lounges.
New protocols will also be adopted onboard the ships to ensure the safety of guests during their cruise. Among the measures will be sanitation rounds conducted on an hourly basis by housekeepers wearing personal protective equipment, which will also be available for guests and crew. Medical screening will be available as needed, including testing for Covid-19.
American Cruise Lines will continue to offer its ‘Cruise with Comfort’ plan on cruises until 31 October, which allows guests to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours in advance.