GO ANYWHERE

[HostDave]

Where would you go if you could go anywhere? It’s an intriguing question that lets our imagination run wild. It’s also a question we rarely take the time to ask ourselves. You can only imagine how excited our itinerary planners were when we didn’t just let them ask that question, but answer it as well!

In 2014, we’re adding our second riverboat, the majestic American Empress. She joins the grand American Queen and in so doing helps us open up the entire Pacific Northwest along the Columbia and Snake rivers to traveling American Queen Steamboat Company-style. In addition, our planners took a fresh look at the routes followed by the American Queen in the South and Heartland and added some new rivers and ports as well.

Since the chance to sail to new horizons is a rare one indeed, we had to come up with an appropriate celebration. Given how excited our past guests were to hear of our new itineraries and the enthusiastic response by those who have yet to sail with us, it seemed appropriate to reward such enthusiasm with an Early Booking Discount on 2014 voyages of seven days or more which saves up to $600 per stateroom for bookings made and paid in full by December 21, 2013. Now is the time to look ahead and make your 2014 vacation plans with the American Queen Steamboat Company.

The biggest news is our move into the Pacific Northwest with the American Empress. Nowhere is the timelessness of rivers more apparent than here in the pristine Pacific Northwest where the Columbia and Snake rivers wind through gentle hills, impressive mountains, vertical canyons and fertile fields. The land appears in 2014 just as it did to Lewis and Clark in 1805 – majestic, unspoiled and unimaginably glorious. Sacajawea, Lewis and Clark’s faithful Native American guide, knew how to read these lands and soon you will too thanks to the legacy of the expedition that opened the West to settlement. Pioneering reminders range from Fort Clatsop outside Astoria, Oregon where they survived the harsh winter, to the sister cities of Clarkston, Washington and Lewiston, Idaho 400 miles to the east. The explorers overcame the formidable Celilo Falls and currents near The Dalles, Oregon, a struggle brought to light at Rock Fort Campsite. The role of Sacajawea in the expedition’s success is interpreted at the state park in Washington’s Tri-Cities Region. But there’s so much variety in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll have trouble deciding just what will enchant you for the day. For example, with the American Empress serving as a floating boutique hotel for your journey, travel into the heart of Washington’s wine country. The acclaimed Maryhill Winery overlooking the Columbia River has made its mark among wine connoisseurs while the celebrated Walla Walla Wine Trail in the “Napa of the North” offers the tastes of Canoe Ridge, Cayuse, Leonetti and Five Star Cellars, among others.

The Wilderness rivers are known as the region where mountain men roamed, fur traders pursued pelts and some of America’s greatest legends were born. On the elegant American Queen, journey through Bluegrass country, conjuring up tales of Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and raids by Cherokee and Chickamauga tribes. From small towns crowned by church steeples to big city thrills like the Grand Ole Opry® and Churchill Downs, delights are found along every bend of the river. Best of all, we’ll not only be returning to charming Chattanooga in 2014 but also adding Nashville, the gem of the Cumberland River. Guests marvel at the tight maneuvering in downtown Nashville as the American Queen ties up just steps from the best that the Music City has to offer. As she sails, the American Queen’s steam-powered calliope adds to the serenades that are a part of life in this creative and intoxicating city.

Of course, our commitment to featuring the best of the Mississippi River, the granddaddy of all American waterways, is as strong as ever in 2014. On voyages between New Orleans and Memphis, our hometown, we’ll offer a glimpse into the plantation era at Oak Alley and Houmas House and the elegant antebellum lifestyle in places such as celebrated Natchez. Baton Rouge, St. Francisville and Vicksburg all have stories to tell of Civil War battles, cotillions, and a world long since lost to history.

The rolling hills, steep bluffs, multitude of lakes and friendly spirit of the Upper Mississippi are on display between St. Louis and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Winona, Minnesota is nestled between 500-foot limestone bluffs while La Crosse, Wisconsin embraces its location with an inviting Riverwalk and the Riverside International Friendship Garden. Dubuque, Iowa boasts of the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and Davenport, Iowa chronicles art from the 16th century to the present in the impressive Figge Art Museum. Fort Madison, Iowa harks back to the first permanent U.S. military fortification on the Upper Mississippi and Black Hawk’s first battle against U.S. troops, the only real battle fought west of the Mississippi during the War of 1812. Mark Twain’s characters come alive in his boyhood home of Hannibal, Missouri where you’ll swear you saw Tom, Becky and Huck whitewashing a picket fence.

With new ports and entirely new rivers and regions to explore in 2014, you can ask yourself that time-honored question: “Where would I go if I could go anywhere?” And no matter which destination you choose, you can save up to $600 per stateroom on voyages of seven days or more. Just pay-in-full at the time of booking if you make your reservations prior to December 21, 2013. So what are you waiting for? Make your 2014 plans today and reap the rewards!