TinCan782

Delving into AQSC's vaccination mandate, the Canada ban and sailing in March

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/environmental-health/delving-aqscs-vaccination-mandate-canada-ban-and-sailing-march

29 minutes ago, paul929207 said:

We got the same card.

In the past, we have had an international card. It was yellow and commonly referred too as the Yellow Card. We needed it for a cruise that stopped at Devil's Island which is over run with yellow fever. We could not board the ship without the card since Brazil would not let us into their country without it.

Yea, I've got the yellow shot booklet also...from prior travel and my Navy days as well.

My only proof of vaccination is the "COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC) given to me at the time of vaccination. As far as validating it ...I don't know.

Looks pretty easy to counterfeit.

EBay sellers selling proof of vaccination card...I wouldn't touch that!

This is what my card looks like...

AQSC is implementing a COVID-19 vaccination policy beginning July1. Not only for crew but all passengers as well.

American Queen Steamboat Company, Victory Cruise Lines to Require COVID-19 Vaccines

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/5858/

American Queen's John Waggoner Calls Vaccines 'The New Norm' in Travel

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/5860/

1 hour ago, LDVinNC said:

We have booked an extra night or two before almost all of our AQSC cruises.  The first few times I asked the AQSC agent about the cost of an extra night (not the package) and it was always well above what I could get by directly booking with the hotel.  The pre- and post-cruise packages always seemed very much overpriced.

When we added an extra pre-cruise hotel night, we booked it on our own at the same hotel. We then called AQSC who made sure our reservation was linked with the AQSC reservation so we did not have to change rooms. Did that a few years ago at the Davenport in Spokane and will be doing it again at the Radisson Blu in Bloomington (Minneapolis), MN.

1 hour ago, LDVinNC said:

Actually there is a new CDC order that is specific to cruise ships.

 

 

Thanks. The continued wearing of masks is being recommended in general after getting the vaccine, not just cruise ships. 

12 hours ago, Lazz said:

My bet is you will still have to wear a mask and socially distance.

 

Of course. That has already been stated in reports about the vaccines.

That recommendation is not specific to cruise ships.

Not surprised and I think its a good idea.

Coincidently, my wife and I just got our first dose of Moderna this morning.

AQSC website alerts says:

"The American Empress, which sails the Columbia and Snake rivers, will extend its suspension through April 11, 2021."

I wouldn't be surprised if it (and other cruises get pushed back (again).

8 hours ago, LDVinNC said:

Agreed, Dave.  Seems to me if vaccinations are required, that eliminates the rationale for testing.

Can't one still be a carrier (asymptomatic) even if successfully vaccinated? Don't know how this plays out with regard to testing.

Wearing of a mask is still recommended for those who have been vaccinated.

Yes, suspensions have been posted on their website recently. Besides the AQ, other boats are listed as well.

"The iconic American Queen, which sails on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, will extend its suspension through May 16, 2021." 

https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/alerts/

Yep, got my refund last night for last June/July's Duchess Mighty Mississippi. I requested the refund in September (opting out of the FCC). Interesting there are a total of 7 transactions of differing amounts to credit the refund back to my credit card.

AQSC called me yesterday and said the card wouldn't take the last $1000!!! Weird, anyway, she verified my mailing address and AQSC is sending a check for that amount.

I'm booked (paid port fees) for next year and have plenty of time before paying in full.

You need to provide contact info and they will send an email with a download link for the PDF.

https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/brochures/

I think that procedure was outlined a while back...perhaps some minor changes.

I'm "onboard" for a vaccination requirement!

1 hour ago, LDVinNC said:

We are tired of changing travel plans, too.  We hope that AQSC will require proof of vaccination for their cruises in 2021 otherwise we will be reluctant to take our Mighty Mississippi trip next July for which final payment is due in March.

 

Anyone else of the same mind?

Yep, same here. We have paid port fees for next August Duchess Mighty Mississippi. Waiting for refund from last summer's Mighty Mississippi. (We opted out of the 125% FCC).

When we requested a refund (early September), we were told not to expect it until December. When it shows up on my credit card I'll turn part of it back around to pay next summer's cruise for which we are already booked.

The email we received was for refund of port fees (which we received). Our fare refund is still "pending".

13 hours ago, diplomats said:

For what its worth, I had a long talk with my TA this afternoon.  She told me that she has had a number of clients requesting refunds in lieu of FCC from AQSC and that her experience thus far is that AQSC has come through with the refunds.  It seems the 90 day delay is pretty much the rule, but in the end the refund is made for the full amount of the original payment.  When I mentioned "chargeback" (the remedy for non performance under the Fair Credit Act) she was quick to advise against that course of action as it would "inevitably delay" the refund. Guess those of us seeking refunds will just twiddle our thumbs until November.

 

Also of note, she said bookings for second quarter 2021 and into 2022 are very active, noting that Viking is sold out for its initial sailings on the Mississippi in 2022. 

Twiddling my thumbs...waiting for mine!

It is part of the email we received stating the amount, date, etc. of the FCC.

Excursions are normally charged to your onboard account at the time you take them, not part of the cruise fare.

Also, port fees are refunded separately .

3 hours ago, diplomats said:

 

Apropos this topic, does anyone have an explanation for AQSC disappearing from the Alianz covered vendors list?

 

While I was on the phone with my AQSC agent this morning, I asked her about that. She said that was an error and they are actually still on the list. I've worked with her enough over the past year that I have a high confidence in her statement. Cancelled last summer's cruise and I'm re-booking another for 2021.Take it as you will.

BTW, Victory Cruise Lines (which AQSC owns) remained on the list.

John

That scenario has certainly crossed my mind and not overly concerned at this time. 

Last summer's cruise was cancelled and I'm re-booking for next summer. Hoping this plays out ok.

On 8/29/2020 at 5:41 AM, Haysiedaze said:

Just found out that American Queen Steamboat has just been removed from the Allianz Covered Suppliers list as of 8/28/20.  Allianz won't cover if they default. Also removed were Crystal and WIndstar.

 

Sure makes one wonder about their financial health.

Looking at the "Covered Supplier List" I see that AQSC's partner Victory Cruise Lines is on the list.

Both entities are under the HMS Global Maritime umbrella (along with Hornblower and others).  

Allianz also currently covers Covid-19 as an illness ... 

 However, until further notice, although not covered under most plans, we are currently accommodating claims for:

• Under Emergency Medical Care Benefit: Emergency medical care for a customer who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip.
• Under Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption Benefits: Trip cancellation and trip interruption if a customer becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during their trip.

These accommodations are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available for customers whose plan includes the applicable benefit.  

https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/coverage-alerts/2019-novel-coronavirus.htm

Lewis and Clark Cruise? Sounds like a Snake/Columbia River cruise on the American Empress.

"The American Queen Steamboat Company said in a Kentucky WARN notice that it will permanently lay off approximately 250 workers for two of its vessels, American Queen and American Empress. The first layoffs are slated to start by or near Sept. 24, according to the WARN notice."

Try this link:

https://www.wlky.com/article/louisville-area-steamboat-company-laying-off-250-workers/33437155