PREPARING FOR THE BIG DAY

[HostDave]

In just 16 days, one of the biggest events in the history of the American Queen Steamboat Company will take place in Portland, Oregon. On that date, our newest addition, the 223-guest riverboat American Empress, enters service on 9-day Pacific Northwest cruises voyages on the Columbia and Snake rivers between Portland and Clarkston, Washington. From the moment we reintroduced the grand 436-guest American Queen to Mississippi River cruising two years ago it was always our intent to add another vessel and to sail in other areas of the United States. In two and a half weeks, that dream becomes reality and everyone here at the American Queen Steamboat Company couldn’t be more excited.

As most of you probably know, placing a riverboat in service isn’t the same as a shipping company taking delivery of a new truck. There’s a lot more fanfare and each vessel has a godmother who accepts the honorary role of breaking a bottle of spirits across the bow and wishing the boat a long, happy life. In the case of the American Queen in 2012, we were delighted that Priscilla Presley did the honors in Memphis, our headquarters.

For the American Empress, it was critical that we choose a woman who not only is a tremendous human being in her own right, but who also has a deep connection to the American Queen Steamboat Company. We quickly decided that person should already be a member of our river cruising family. It seemed natural to extend the godmother invitation of Claudette Waggoner, wife of American Queen Steamboat Company’s Chairman and CEO John Waggoner. The resurgence of American river cruising has been John’s vision for many years and his laser-focused dedication and inspiration has made it all possible. It’s not an easy task and no one knows the long hours, frustrations and triumphs of what John and the American Queen Steamboat Company team have achieved better than Claudette Waggoner.

When asked how it felt to be named godmother of the American Empress, Claudette Waggoner pointed toward the future. “It is a true honor serving as the American Empress godmother and I look forward to sharing this majestic vessel with the world for the first time on April 5, 2014,” she said. “As I have listened to guests share their many discoveries aboard the American Queen sailing the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, I can’t help but be excited for them to now explore the Pacific Northwest in American Queen Steamboat Company style.”

In maritime tradition, Ms. Waggoner will break a bottle of local Pacific Northwest wine on the bow to christen the vessel “American Empress.” The festivities will also be highlighted by performances from local musicians and a blessing of the boat by Chinook Tribal elders. Other notable dignitaries in attendance will include the 13th Coast Guard District Commander Rear Admiral Richard T. Gromlich and Acting Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen.

Former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will serve as the keynote speaker at the christening ceremonies. Secretary LaHood is expected to discuss the importance of river cruising and its impact on local economies.

April 5 will be a day of pomp, circumstance and great pride not just for the American Queen Steamboat Company but for everyone who loves river cruising and everyone, from wineries in the Pacific Northwest to boutiques in small river towns along the Columbia and Snake rivers, who will benefit from the arrival of this majestic vessel with her white wedding cake superstructure, fluted smokestacks and bright red paddlewheel. Both the American Queen and American Empress are flagged in the United States and the American Queen is the largest riverboat ever built. The American Empress, at 360 feet long, is also one of the biggest and certainly one of the most elegant, boats ever to take to the river. She has just started her second decade, having been built in 2003 and removed from service in 2008. She was lovingly maintained these past six years and we’re proud to be able to purchase her and return her to her rightful place on the river. By the end of this month, she will have completed her sea trials and be ready for her inaugural season.

As exciting as April 5 will be in Portland as the American Empress is named, our special offers which expire in just 11 days are equally exciting. Just make your reservations and pay-in-full before March 31, 2014 and choose to save up to $400 per stateroom* on any American Empress voyage from June through October, 2014 or instead select a two-category upgrade** on any 2014 departure of the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest or the American Queen on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers in 2014.

* Book by March 31, 2014, pay-in-full and Save $400 per stateroom ($200 per person) on any 2014 June-October American Empress voyage. Full payment is required at time of booking to redeem this offer. Offer expires on March 31, 2014. This offer cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts; not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations. Savings are only on the price of the cruise, not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Promotional fares and amenities are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and category of accommodations and may be withdrawn without notice. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include air or land transportation. Port Charges of $69 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare. Additional terms and conditions may apply – call for details.