NEW FRONTIERS

[HostDave]

When we first created the American Queen Steamboat Company, we knew that we were working with a truly unique vessel. Making certain we created a product that delivered service, entertainment and cuisine at the same level was a challenge with a very rewarding result. But we know that the entire vacation experience doesn’t take place only aboard the American Queen, which is why we not only crafted a number of unique shore excursions in each port of call, we also decided to offer a complimentary Hop-on, Hop-off option in every destination. To explore on your own, the complimentary excursion is a great way to see a new city or town. For more in-depth exploration, one of our Premium Experience shore excursions always fits the bill.

When we recently announced that we would be acquiring a new riverboat, which we are naming American Empress and beginning voyages along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest in April 2014, we had a number of people ask if our Hop-on, Hop-off excursions would be available free of charge on the new itineraries. The answer is: of course! Complimentary shore tours are part of who we are. We also were asked about the sights and experiences of our Premium Experience tours and we can assure you they will be every bit as intriguing as those offered in the Heartland by the American Queen.

From wine-tasting to zip-lining, a variety of shore excursions will provide an unforgettable experience for guests. The American Empress experience will mirror the American Queen’s by offering a grand, cultural journey with opportunities to explore the Pacific Northwest. Our new shore excursions provide an opportunity for guests to soak in the natural beauty and rich history that surrounds each river. In today’s blog, we wanted to highlight what guests can expect in Astoria, OR.

To put things in perspective in Astoria, it’s important to know that the city was named in honor of millionaire John Jacob Astor who starting earning his fortune as a fur trader in the Pacific Northwest. Located near the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is a treasure trove of things to do. The Hop-on/Hop-off complimentary tour begins with a stop at the Riverwalk, a four-mile paved walkway overlooking the river and the bustling barges and cargo ships that call it home. The tour also includes stop at the famed Flavel House, the Astoria Column for a panoramic view on a hill overlooking the city, and the Heritage Museum where Astoria’s wild and wooly past comes to life.

Guests wanting to explore the land of Lewis & Clark in greater depth will love our Lewis & Clark Experience excursion. You can trace the history of America’s most famous frontiersmen. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center features the last stage of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and Cape Disappointment, a promitory overlooking the confluence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. It was at this site that the American explorers’ two-year dream of reaching the Pacific Ocean finally came to fruition. Fort Clatsop and Dismal Nitch State Park (it’s much more fun than its name!) are additional highlights.

Not every port of call has to be all about history, although each is filled with legends and historical sites. The Lewis & Clark Experience as well as our Hop-on/Hop-off tour cover Astoria’s proud beginnings and importance in the expansion of the United States from Atlantic to Pacific. For something with a bit more adrenaline, we’re offering our Zip-Line Adventure. Oregon is a beautiful state and the area around Astoria is perfectly lovely. We think that the best vantage point to enjoy the natural beauty is while securely tethered and soaring above the ground through trees and over streams. There are eight different courses that zip through forests and down mountains. As exciting as it sounds, zip-lining can be enjoyed by all ages; all you have to do is sit in a harness and let the professional guides latch you in and send you down the zip-line where you just enjoy the view.

As you can see from this brief preview of what to expect ashore when sailing with the elegant American Empress next year, there are no ordinary experiences. You’ll find the same commitment to offering unique, exciting and enjoyable shore excursions (both our complimentary Hop-on/Hop-off tours and our in-depth Premium Experience adventures) in the Pacific Northwest as you find aboard the grand American Queen on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. We can’t wait to share American Queen Steamboat Company’s new frontier with you in 2014.