Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Our Response to COVID-19

To our valued guests:

We are closely monitoring government both locally and nationally on policy changes, CDC guidelines, government mandates, and public health advancements. We will continue to make changes as necessary or appropriate to our policies and procedures but want to ensure you that we care deeply about our guests, employees, and family of employees and want to guarantee the highest level of safety for everyone. Our guidelines have been developed in consultation with the Passenger Vessel Association, US Coast Guard, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and local health care recommendations.

Moving forward, along with our already stringent cleaning protocols here are some of the other things we are doing to ensure your safety:

  • Pre-shift temperature checks will be conducted for all staff members.
  • All employees will be required to wear face masks, and gloves when handling food.
  • Adhering to strict and more frequent sanitizing measures and cleaning prior, during, and after each cruise, along with providing sanitation stations on board the boat and office. All areas will be taken into consideration including boarding ramps.
  • Frequent hand washing; more cautious handling of foods, beverages, utensils, etc.; and paying close attention to any new standards as directed by state and local agencies are all additional measures the staff will take for every cruise.
  • Tables and seating areas will be rearranged to adhere to the three foot social distancing guidelines.
  • We will remind guests to adhere to the CDC’s guidelines on safe social distancing including maintaining three feet from other parties and remind you to wash your hands often, use provided hand sanitizer stations, avoid handshakes, and most importantly have fun while cruising with us.

Guests may have the following questions:

  • Are we running at full capacity? No. For the safety of our guests, employees, and families, we are running a reduced capacity of about 75% of our usual capacity. Keep in mind we are a 149 passenger vessel.
  • Is there socially distanced seating? We have strongly aimed to socially distance on our vessel by allowing extra space in between guests with special consideration for food cruises.
  • Is the food served buffet style? The food is served buffet style, but is still plated by staff members. As you approach the buffet, to let a staff know the entrees you prefer, masks are required to be worn. If you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, please let a staff member know and we will happily plate the meal as you request and return your plate to your reserved seat.
  • Are masks required? In the lower level, giftshop, enclosed areas, while retrieving food on meal cruises, masks are required in the state of Wisconsin due to the Governor’s order and the Federal Coast Guard’s Vessel Mask Mandate.
  • Are masks required if we’re on the upper deck or outside? In the open areas, masks are optional. We do urge guests to wear them for safety purposes, but they are not required in open areas.
  • Are masks required if we’re drinking or eating? Masks can be removed while drinking or eating.
  • Is there sanitizer on the boat? Yes! There are several sanitation stations about the boat.

We look forward to safely welcoming you aboard!

Mississippi River Cruises