BB Riverboats Resumes Scenic Cruises
BB Riverboats, operator of the Belle of Cincinnati and River Queen, resumed service from its Newport, Ky., dock on May 25, with precautions to protect passengers from the novel coronavirus in place.
The company had planned on reopening its weekend sightseeing cruises May 23, but high river levels prevented it.
Cruises are operating in accordance with policies and procedures set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Northern Kentucky Health Department, the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Coast Guard, along with guidance from the Passenger Vessel Association.
Employees will wear facial masks. Guests are asked to consider doing so when not eating. Employees will also have their temperature checked and use frequent hand washing and sanitizing practices. Each employee was required to attend safe food handling and a special COVID-19 class before returning to work.
Hand sanitizer stations will be available for guests both on the vessel and dock. Guests are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines by staying six feet away from other guests. Guests were also asked to stay home if they feel ill. BB Riverboats is allowing passengers to transfer reservations to other dates, if needed.
Cruises will offer reserved seating only, with guests seated at interior tables and some tables removed to allow social distancing. Sanitized deck chairs will be available in stacks on outdoor decks for guests who would like to take their own chair and place it where they would like.
The company also notified guests of changes to food service, including that an employee will serve guests their selections from the buffet, while salad, water and dessert will be placed at the table for guests. Additional drink choices will be available at the bar. Linen tablecloths and napkins will not be available, with disposable products offered instead. BB Riverboats noted that although it will make efforts to offer its regular menu, the executive chef will make substitutions as necessary as any food shortages occur. They asked guests with food allergies to inform employees when making their booking to make sure they are accommodated.
