FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Info, Karron Alford
Director of Marketing & Technology
karron@visitbatonrouge.com


After a year of cancellations, Louisiana’s capital city prepares to welcome passengers this week
 

Baton Rouge (March 22, 2021)—Mississippi River Cruises have set sail as current CDC provisions are allowing U.S. based river cruises to return to the waterways. On Tuesday, March 23, Baton Rouge is set to welcome passengers aboard one of American Cruise Lines modern riverboats. This will be followed by the arrival of American Queen Steamboat Company’s arrival on March 27.

American Jazz, the first riverboat to arrive, is scheduled to dock around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23 with an estimated departure time of 5 p.m. Visit Baton Rouge staff members will be there to welcome the passengers that morning. American Duchess, a paddlewheel riverboat with the American Queen Steamboat Company will arrive early on Saturday, March 27. As with all incoming river cruises, times of arrival and departure are subject to change.

Just over a year ago, downtown Baton Rouge’s City Dock saw less traffic as river cruises came to a sudden halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two companies, American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company welcomed their last pre-pandemic riverboats on March 10 and March 11, 2020. In total, Baton Rouge saw a total of 145 riverboat docking cancellations due to the pandemic.

Paul Arrigo, Visit Baton Rouge’s President and CEO says, “The return of the riverboats to our city falls in line with was the data shows us at it relates to the willingness people have to travel. We feel that now with the COVID-19 vaccine being administered we’re in a better position to safely welcome our visitors.”

Between the two companies, American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines, there are a total of seven riverboats scheduled to dock in downtown Baton Rouge throughout the year with an estimated 100 riverboat arrivals this year. The companies are following strict guidelines that may include limited capacity on the riverboats and changes to the passenger’s schedules and tours while docked in Baton Rouge.

Alexa Paolella, American Cruise Lines Manager of Public Relations adds, “American Cruise Lines is delighted to begin operating again on the Mississippi River. American Jazz, our brand new modern riverboat, departed on Sunday, March 21, from New Orleans on a 7 night cruise to Memphis. This follows our resumption of cruises in the Southeastern U.S. on March 13. We appreciate the support of the communities we visit and are proud to be back to work with our local business partners in each port of call. We look forward to visiting and supporting the wonderful towns along the Mississippi River.”

Among those looking forward to the riverboats returning are local business owners and while they’ve been waiting for their arrival; they’ve expressed that timing had to be right to make sure that this is for the long term.

Gabe Vicknair, Assistant Executive Director of the Downtown Development District says, “We are extremely excited to hear the news of the return of the riverboats and are eager to welcome them back. This will be a long awaited and a welcomed boost for downtown businesses.”

Included in through use of this link are images of American Cruise Lines modern riverboats, two of which are debuting this 2021 on the Mississippi for the first time, American Jazz on 3/21/21, and American Melody later this year. Assistance with securing additional images and video are available upon request by contacting, Karron Alford, karron@visitbatonrouge.com.

 

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About Visit Baton Rouge

The mission of Visit Baton Rouge is to increase visitation to and awareness of the Baton Rouge Area, therefore enhancing economic impact. For more information, log onto www.VisitBatonRouge.com to access all Baton Rouge press releases, log onto VisitBatonRouge.com/media/press-releases.