ACL-American Cruise Lines announced it restarts riverboat cruising operations in late-June 2020. The ship American Song starts Snake and Columbia river cruises (USA's Pacific Northwest) on June 20. The sistership American Harmony starts Mississippi River cruises on June 28.
Additionally, the company revealed it hoped to resume sailings to Alaska with American Constellation in the summer (exact date not revealed).
Both ships are from ACL's newbuilds (Modern Riverboat series), each with max passenger capacity 195 (plus 60 staff-crew) but the capacity will be reduced to 75% and new safety protocols will be implemented.
In addition to enhanced cleaning measures and health screenings upon boarding, ACL opens infirmaries (onboard medical facilities) served by a nurse or emergency medical technician (medical lab scientist). The riverboats will also carry COVID tests and have staterooms reserved for isolation purposes.
Fleetwide, ACL's staterooms have now upgraded air-conditioning systems without no shared ductwork. All cabins also feature private balconies. The dining and public areas across the vessel each have their own HVAC systems.
On all shore excursions, ACL will provide private transportation (to/from the ship) for all passengers. Dining and ashore activities will be in smaller groups than usual.