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American Cruise Lines is suspending dockings at Natchez for the week of March 16-20, a tourism official said Saturday morning.

“We’ve had an update from American Cruise Lines to let us know there will be no dockings of American Cruise Lines’ vessels here this coming week March 16-20,” said Jennifer Ogden Combs, executive director of Visit Natchez and the Natchez Convention and Promotion Commission. “According to … their PR representative, they have not had any cases but their reservations for this week have declined so they won’t sail.”

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours Director Eugenie Cates said that ticket sales are still on par with previous seasons for Spring Pilgrimage even without boats at the docks.

“(The boat tours) only go to Longwood and Frogmore so not so much,” Cates said of whether their sales have been impacted. “We’ve had incredible ticket sales at the visitor’s center and online. We’ve had approximately $8,600 worth of sales today. … It’s is on par with what we normally do.”

Cates said approximately $30,000 worth of tickets had been pre-sold and are non-refundable. However, those purchases can be credited to another visit within a 12-month time period, she said.

“The houses today were busy a and the museum houses were busy, the Carriage House Restaurant today was full. … The pageant (Friday) at the auditorium had a good turn out. I’d say that we’re doing well. People don’t want to just sit at home and want something to go out and do.”

Cates said the only event cancellation thus far has been “Steel Magnolias” at the Natchez Little Theatre.

Theatre President Chris Borum said the theatre is following the recommendations of the Natchez COVID-19 task force would re-evaluate whether to host later shows weekend by weekend.