HANNIBAL (WGEM) – Hannibal’s tourism officials said they are ready to welcome dozens of river cruises back to the new Hannibal riverside over the next year.

It’s something local businesses look forward to as well, as big events keep returning to Hannibal.

Tourism officials said the docks are ready to welcome over 30 river cruise dockings over the next year, each bringing hundreds to downtown Hannibal as major events return after many have taken a year off due to COVID-19

“We are very excited to welcome the big river boats back,” said Megan Rapp, deputy director of the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau.

City officials said there are now three contracts with the American Queen Steamboat Company, American Cruise Lines and Viking Cruises; under contract for 5 to 10 years with extensions.

Rapp said they can handle even more ships than before.

“Our new revitalized river bank looks beautiful. We now have a location where two large river boats can moor at the same time before we did the revitalization as a city. We only had room for one,” said Rapp.

She said it was all just in time for the return of many great events that draw thousands to Hannibal.

“So there are a lot of events that you know we had a great auto show just last week. We have Twain on Main to look forward to. We have Fiesta Del Sol in June. Music Under the Stars is going every day be back.” Thursday, “said rap.

Organizers of these events, like Linda Studer, Twain on Main chairwoman and downtown business owner, said it was exciting to have the Memorial Day weekend back.

“We have a lot of entertainment and there are a lot of providers coming back this year. We weren’t sure about COVID. You know how receptive people will be, but it seems the response has been really wonderful,” he told Studer.

Studer said they even had more providers than in the past.

She says with events and river boats all coming back, it’s an exciting moment for downtown.

“We are very happy to welcome people back. We are gradually returning to our new normal,” said Studer.

The first cruise ship expected is the American Duchess on July 13th.

The American Queen Steamboat Company has a 5-year renewal contract for USD 5,000.

The American Cruise Lines contract has a term of 5 years with an extension option.

Viking Cruises is for 10 years with the option of 5 year extensions.

American Cruise Lines and Viking Cruises both have priority contracts, meaning they can dock at any time and have priority when planned.

Hannibal City officials said the funds would be used to relieve taxpayers of some of the responsibility for maintaining the riverbank.