A TALE OF TWO CITIES

[HostDave]

With the April 2014 introduction of the American Empress to our fleet and new voyages in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers, a world of new shore excursion opportunities becomes available. We also promised that we would reveal details of additional American Empress shore excursions and in today’s blog we’re featuring two cities: Stevenson, WA and The Dalles, OR.

Stevenson is known for its natural beauty and engineering marvels. Our inclusive complimentary Hop-on/Hop-off tour visits the Bonneville Dam and Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. The Bonneville Dam, completed in 1938, is an electrical power generator for the local area using hydropower. Guests can enjoy a self-guided or ranger-assisted tour of this powerhouse as they learn about its development and enhancements. The dam is named after Army Captain Benjamin Bonneville who ranks up there with Lewis and Clark for the impact he had on westward expansion. In fact, he explored the area and identified the easiest route for pioneers which became known as the Oregon Trail. The dam is equally historic and in 1987 the area became a National Historic Landmark District.

Stevenson is a jumping-off point for exploration of several natural wonders, including a majestic dormant volcano. Our Premium Experience excursion, Mt. Hood Up-Close, also includes “The Fruit Loop” and Multnomah Falls. The tour begins at the picturesque Multnomah Falls in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Guests will traverse the 45-foot long footbridge that crosses 105 feet above the pounding water of the falls. As the footbridge spans from cliff to cliff, guests can cross the bridge amidst the mist and fog of the beautiful cascade below. Motorcoach travel includes a beautiful 35-mile tour by the base of Mt. Hood and stops at Parkdale Grange Hall, Whitehouse Winery and Timberline Lodge.

The Multnomah Falls and Crown Point Premium Experience excursion captures the awe-inspiring beauty of one of America’s most scenic landscapes. Upon departing the grand American Empress, guests will board a motorcoach to travel down a stretch of highway regarded as one of America’s most scenic, built in 1913 and custom-crafted to enhance but not interrupt the perfection of the surrounding natural wonders. Stops include adventures to Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls and Crown Point.

While the area around Stevenson focuses on natural beauty, the draw in The Dalles is man’s innovation in exploration, wine-making and transportation. The complimentary Hop-on/Hop-off tour reveals The Dalles as a special place marking the end of the Oregon Trail. This tour offers a visit to the Original Courthouse Museum, built in 1859 and known as the first courthouse west of the Rocky Mountains. Guests can experience exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the local region and explore the courthouse. Additional stops include The Dalles Visitor’s Center, Fort Dalles Museum and Interpretive Center and Sunshine Mills Winery.

One of the more unique Premium Experience excursions is the Western Antique Airplane & Automobile Museum tour. Travel back to a time when flight was a novelty rather than a daily mode of transportation, when the automobile required a crank and the development of power steering was almost a century away. Guests receive an exclusive guided tour of the Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum, also known as WAAM. This facility offers an extensive collection of over 130 antique cars and several hangers full of meticulously restored airplanes from as far back as 1917.

For those guests whose fancy runs to art and wine, the Maryhill Art Museum & Winery Premium Experience excursion is the perfect match. Explore the highlights of the region and the fruits of Washington’s fertile soil alongside international works of art featured at the Maryhill Complex and Maryhill Museum of Art. Guests can experience exhibits detailing artifacts ranging from the Queen of Romania’s Royal Crown to an International Chess Set collection boasting 100 sets of ornately carved pieces from around the globe. Marvel at a century-old Art Nouveau Glass exhibit, American Indian artifacts and beadworks, and an expansive Auguste Rodin collection featuring The Thinker and the Hand of God. The tour concludes with a visit to the Maryhill Winery to sample award-winning vintages while overlooking the Columbia River.

Variety is the spice of life on an American Empress voyage on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Nature reigns in Stevenson while man’s contributions take center stage in The Dalles. It’s no accident that our shore excursions feature something for everyone. After all, that’s the appeal of the stunning Pacific Northwest, our newest cruising grounds. We hope you’ll join us.