Jeri Clausing
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.
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The Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), Victory Cruises and a number of day cruise and excursion companies, is partnering with Puerto Rico s maritime authority to operate the islands ferry system.
Hornblower Group CEO Kevin Rabbitt said the goal in taking over operations of the system that includes service between Catano and San Juan and between Ceiba and the islands of Vieques and Culebra is to create a world-class service that will be the jewel of the Caribbean.
Additionally, John Waggoner, president and CEO of Hornblower Marine Services and founder and CEO of AQSC, said in an interview this week that the company hopes to use the new partnership to expand excursion options to the many cruise ships that stop in Puerto Rico.