A CLOSER LOOK AT THE AMERICAN EMPRESS

[HostDave]

It seems hard to believe, but it’s been almost five months since we announced that we would be adding a second riverboat and new destinations to our fleet next year. On May 21, we proudly told the world that we were purchasing the Empress of the North from the U.S. Maritime Administration. To be renamed the American Empress, the vessel is scheduled to resume sailings on the great rivers of the Pacific Northwest beginning in April 2014 from her homeport of Portland, OR. The American Empress will deliver riverboat opulence on a grand scale, following in the pedigree of the line’s namesake American Queen, and proudly serve as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River.

At the time, our President and COO pointed out that “The American Queen ushered in a rebirth of U.S. river cruising, welcoming thousands to discover the heartland of the United States and its iconic port cities. Now the American Empress will continue that tradition as an ambassador to the Pacific Northwest, a region equally rich in American and natural history.”

A U.S.-flagged riverboat, the American Empress measures 360 feet long with five towering decks and accommodates 223 guests in seven stateroom categories. The American Empress will sail the Columbia River and Snake River, offering seven-day voyages between Portland, OR and Clarkston, WA. Ports of call include Astoria, OR; Stevenson, WA; The Dalles, OR; and Sacajawea State Park, WA.

The American Empress is the largest and most majestic riverboat in the Pacific Northwest. Much like her sister, the American Queen, the American Empress is a modern vessel designed to have the charm and appearance of a 19th century riverboat. Originally built in 2003, she features every possible modern navigational and safety aid as well as all the amenities that one has come to expect of the American Queen Steamboat Company. Just 10 years ago, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, WA assembled the American Empress for the American West Steamboat Company. That company went on to become part of Majestic America Line which also briefly operated the American Queen as well until the parent company decided to exit the river cruise business. In a sense, the American Queen Steamboat Company is once again reuniting these two stunning sisters under the same house flag.

The American Empress has been specially designed to offer maximum flexibility for future itineraries. The American Queen is designed solely to sail the rivers of the Heartland whereas the American Empress is at home on the Columbia Snake Rivers but also has a hull shape that allows it to explore other areas of the Pacific Northwest in the future which, coupled with a speed of 14 knots, give it a wonderful range. With up to 90 crew serving just over 200 guests, she will offer some of the finest service afloat.

Her décor is just as stunning as the Victorian-inspired décor of the American Queen but adds a frontier twist. On the Vista View Deck, several balconied suites and staterooms behind the pilot house give way to the Calliope Bar & Grill, a delightful space with red and white-striped awnings, white furniture and a light ambiance reminiscent of a 19th century sidewalk café. On the deck below, Discovery Deck, there is an array of staterooms with verandas, including a luxury suite on the starboard side facing the bow. The same luxury suite lay-out is found on the Frontier Deck below, along with a number of deluxe veranda staterooms. At the stern of Frontier Deck and overlooking the bright red paddlewheel is the aptly-named Paddlewheel Lounge with its windows overlooking the churning paddlewheel, rich woods on the walls and a long bar with black granite and brass accents. This is the spot for late-night entertainment as well as a relaxing oasis to read a book during the day or enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

Though there are several outside staterooms in the center of the next deck down, the Explorer Deck, most of the deck is given over to public rooms, including the dining room, showroom, gift shop and Purser’s Desk. The dining room, which bore the name Baranof Dining Room when the boat was originally built, is a glorious and elaborate homage to the Russian influence in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. With gilded columns, mirrors, marble, rich jewel-toned upholstery and crystal chandeliers, the American Empress’ dining room looks like something out of a czar’s summer palace. And the cuisine, inspired by the bounty of the Pacific Northwest but prepared with a contemporary flair, is sure to be equally impressive.

The showroom looks as if it is a lumber baron’s estate home that was picked up and dropped in the middle of the river. Intricate paneling, period wallpaper, enormous crystal chandeliers, comfortable seating, turn-of-the-century patterned carpet replicas and the elevated ceiling provide the perfect venue for the American Queen Steamboat Company’s acclaimed entertainment. Here in the showroom, guests will enjoy talented cabaret shows, dancing to big band music, one-man historical shows, enlightening lectures by historians, and tales of the rivers and the frontier told by our very own Riverlorians.

Best of all, the American Empress boasts the same amenities and special features that have become hallmarks of the American Queen Steamboat Company’s vacations. For example, guests will enjoy complimentary shore excursions in every port; an included deluxe hotel stay before every voyage with breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Empress included; complimentary wine and beer with dinner; complimentary cappuccino, espresso, bottled water and soft drinks throughout the voyage; daily lectures by the Riverlorian, the onboard history and culture expert; a dedicated fleet of luxury motorcoaches for exploration ashore; a country club-casual ambiance with no formal wear required; and, of course, the gracious service our guests have come to expect of our friendly, all-American staff.