AQSC April 3-11 American Countess Southern Sampler cruise

[Floriduh]

We haven't even left the house yet and we already have something to report. After reading two online reviews we discovered that the Hop on/Hop off bus tours are NOT being offered at this time. I contacted our AQSC Reservation Agent, Robert, and, as usual, he replied immediately.

 

The tour schedule HAS changed. The HOHO bus has been replaced by free excursions that you would normally have to pay for. It appears that a "city tour" portion has also been added to the existing premium tour.

 

This does put a little cramp in our plans as we love to sit in an air conditioned bus and learn about the town. My wife has Multiple Sclerosis and not all tours are well suited for a scooter. But we will enjoy the free tour that is offered and just be happy to be cruising again.

 

Will try to attach the new tour schedule.

 

Keep checking back here as we plan on documenting as much of this cruise as possible.

 

Tim and Sandra

NEW Tours.pdf

Edited March 25, 2021 by Floriduh

[NavyVeteran]

I expected this, and I would miss the HOHO buses. They were excellent for my wife with walking difficulties, and you could spend as much - or as little - time as you wanted at each site.

 

However, there is no way they can keep everyone within a "bubble" with the HOHO buses. These revised tours minimize the exposure of the passengers to the public and vice versa. I appreciate that they are doing everything they can to keep everyone safe.

 

We really enjoyed the Vicksburg battlefield premium tour on our cruise. It was worth the money - and it's even better at no charge. I would not hesitate to go back with this selection of tours.

 

I do see one disadvantage. We did a B2B from Memphis to New Orleans and then from New Orleans back to Memphis. With the HOHO buses and a very few premium excursions, we had plenty to do stopping at each port twice. With the revised tours, I don't think I would want to do the B2B. There would not be that much to do on a second visit to the same port.

[LDVinNC]

I sure hope they will change back to the HOHO system by the time of our October trip.  I hate long bus tours and enjoyed the ability to stop where we wanted or continue on.  

[graveytrain]

20 hours ago, Floriduh said:

We haven't even left the house yet and we already have something to report. After reading two online reviews we discovered that the Hop on/Hop off bus tours are NOT being offered at this time. I contacted our AQSC Reservation Agent, Robert, and, as usual, he replied immediately.

 

The tour schedule HAS changed. The HOHO bus has been replaced by free excursions that you would normally have to pay for. It appears that a "city tour" portion has also been added to the existing premium tour.

 

This does put a little cramp in our plans as we love to sit in an air conditioned bus and learn about the town. My wife has Multiple Sclerosis and not all tours are well suited for a scooter. But we will enjoy the free tour that is offered and just be happy to be cruising again.

 

Will try to attach the new tour schedule.

 

Keep checking back here as we plan on documenting as much of this cruise as possible.

 

Tim and Sandra

NEW Tours.pdf 670.57 kB · 12 downloads

Thank you so much for the update! Keep them coming!

[TinCan782]

I just book several (paid) excursions for August; hopefully the HoHo are re-instated by then. 

Perhaps the July 1 vaccination requirement will be a factor for that.

[cindihoward]

This is our first time on a river cruise. Are there Roll Calls for river cruises?  How about an organized cabin crawl?  We are on this same Countess Cruise April 3-11. So happy to be on the water!!

[40yearcruiser]

Floriduh and Cindi, have a great time on your cruise! Be sure to report back here. We're anxious to hear all about your experiences on the cruise. We don't cruise until August on the Duchess, but it will also be our first Mississippi cruise so any information you can share will be helpful. Bon Voyage!

[DaveinCharlotte]

20 hours ago, cindihoward said:

Are there Roll Calls for river cruises?

Sure!  If you don't see a direct link to River Cruise Roll Calls in the upper-left, then just go back to the main page (the same page where you clicked "American Queen Steamboat Company" to get here), scroll down to Roll Calls, and look for the last item in the list, right side, "All Other River Cruise Roll Calls."

[Floriduh]

By the way, my name is Tim. We are in Mobile, AL tonight and will be in NOLA in the morning. Cindi you can’t miss me. I’m 6’5” 330 lbs. will be with my wife and mom. See you there. 

 

[denamo]

Tim,

We will be on the Countess starting April 17.  Thank you for posting the tour information.  Although our cruise will be a slightly different itinerary, we well be at some of the same spots.  We've never done a river cruise, so we are looking forward to your posts.

 

I'm concerned about having to take a covid test the day before.  Our flight will not get into NOLA until 9:30 P.M.  Any information you have regarding that will be appreciated.

[Floriduh]

The Hilton Riverside is huge and a bit complicated to navigate. But it is nice. Will be heading out on a city tour now. 

[Floriduh]

Our view. The service here at the hotel is great. 

[graveytrain]

Have a great time! I can’t wait to hear more.

[Floriduh]

We checked in with American Queen and took our COVID tests. Easy process. Just go from table to table and tell them your information. 
Breakfast starts at 6:30 AM.

Planning on eating breakfast, hang out till checkout and hit the casino across the street. 
We board at 3:45.

So far everything has been smooth and easy. 

[graveytrain]

I assume the covid test was a rapid response test. Did you receive your results within 15 minutes? 

[Floriduh]

1 hour ago, graveytrain said:

I assume the covid test was a rapid response test. Did you receive your results within 15 minutes? 

No. It is a PCR test and we get the results in the morning. Your email saying you are negative is your ticket to breakfast. 

[Floriduh]

Results came by email at about 2:45 AM. We all tested negative and are able to cruise. 

[Floriduh]

Same breakfast for everyone. You just sit down and they bring it to you. 

[graveytrain]

Thanks for the photos! Since you do not board until 3:45, could you have kept your room in the Hilton until later? Did you send your luggage earlier? 

[cindihoward]

Hi Floriduh Tim!  This is what I look like today. Depends on what wig I’m wearing. Lol. Hope you all were negative and we will see you on board or sooner!  Our transfer is at 3:45!

[Floriduh]

3 hours ago, graveytrain said:

Thanks for the photos! Since you do not board until 3:45, could you have kept your room in the Hilton until later? Did you send your luggage earlier? 

No. Check out was at 11. They do offer a WWII museum tour to kill the time but we like casinos. 
They took our luggage at 8 AM from our rooms. It should be waiting for us on the boat. 

[Floriduh]

Big News!!! Muster drill is done in your stateroom doorway. Very easy. 

[Floriduh]

Goodbye New Orleans 

[denamo]

9 hours ago, Floriduh said:

No. Check out was at 11. They do offer a WWII museum tour to kill the time but we like casinos. 
They took our luggage at 8 AM from our rooms. It should be waiting for us on the boat. 

Did you keep a carry on or were you required to give that also?

Edited April 5, 2021 by denamo

[Floriduh]

7 hours ago, denamo said:

Did you keep a carry on or were you required to give that also?

You could keep it carry on.