CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

[HostDave]

How do you celebrate when you have something new to share? If we have a new shirt or pair of shoes, we don’t wear them around the house; we find a special place or event and then go out in our new duds so everyone can see. If it’s a new car, we often drive to a few friends or relatives homes to show them our shiny new wheels and offer to take them for a short ride. If we find a new recipe, we invite people over for dinner and serve them an extraordinary meal. If we buy a new house, we have a house-warming party and take guests on tours of our new digs. And if we find true love, we show everyone we care about by standing in front of an altar and getting married. Yes, as human beings, we seem to have mastered the art of how to show off something (or someone) new that we care about or love.

So, what do you do if you’re a company? If you’re the American Queen Steamboat Company and you have a new riverboat, it gets a bit more complicated…and elaborate. In April 2014, our newest addition, the American Empress, joins the fleet. She will be operating 9-day trips on the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, following in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark but with considerably more style and with modern conveniences than the intrepid explorers could never have imagined.

So, what’s the best way to celebrate the arrival of a riverboat which launches cruising in what is a whole new part of the world for the American Queen Steamboat Company? Much like wearing a new shirt or pair of shoes in public, we’re going to make certain the stunning American Empress is seen by everyone as she makes her way between Portland, OR and Clarkston, WA. Somewhat like a new car, we’re going to offer our guests the chance to sail on her, just as we would drive friends around the block in a new car. Of course, it isn’t a block or a short ride…the American Empress sails glorious 9-day trips. Like a new recipe we want to showcase, we’re spreading the word far and wide to draw in our loyal past guests, first time travelers with the American Queen Steamboat Company and even those who have never taken a cruise or river voyage in their lives. And like that new house, our staff can’t wait to show off the American Empress to her inaugural season guests. And it goes without saying, that much like marrying your sweetheart, we are utterly and completely in love with the American Empress and the Pacific Northwest.

But we’re going a step beyond because the introduction of the American Empress is a truly illustrious event. The newly refinished American Empress will deliver riverboat opulence on a grand scale and proudly serve as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River. You can see this really is a celebration the likes of which doesn’t happen every day. So what can we do to kick it up a notch? How about if we kick down the cost on the most sought-after voyages?

For a limited time, the first 9 voyages of the American Empress’ inaugural season are being offered at a special 50% OFF* rate. Don't miss your opportunity to take part in the American Queen Steamboat Company's monumental inaugural season aboard the American Empress. All you have to do is make your reservations before December 21, 2013 on one of the following voyages in 2014: April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Don’t forget that every voyage with the American Queen Steamboat Company includes a free night in a hotel in your embarkation city before your cruise departs. For departures heading from west to east, that means a complimentary in night Portland, OR. The “City of Roses” is an eclectic blend of art galleries, coffee shops, museums and farm-to-table restaurants with a spirited vibe. Marvel at the beauty of more than 8,000 roses at the International Rose Test Garden or spend the day discovering nature’s boundless power at nearby Mount St. Helens. The day is yours to check into your hotel and enjoy this wonderful city before boarding the regal American Empress the next day.

On our westbound voyages sailing from Clarkston, WA, your pre-cruise free hotel night will be in stunning Spokane, WA, a short drive away. Spokane was once a small settlement sustained by the fur trade on the Oregon Trail but today has grown into a beautiful city with the perfect combination of history, modern influences and natural beauty. Visit Riverfront Park, the site of Expo ’74, a World’s Fair event. The 145-foot spire and webbed frame of the World’s Fair US Pavilion tent remains the defining feature of the park. The Clocktower on Havermale Island is a reminder of the Great Northern Railroad Depot and the golden age of trains. The history and beauty of this urban park nestled in the heart of Spokane is the perfect reflection of this spectacular city.

No matter which direction you sail, east or west, you will enjoy the very best of the Pacific Northwest in the ports of call. In Astoria, OR, you can stroll along the shops and cafes lining the Riverwalk, visit the George Flavel House for a peek at the 19th-century life of a millionaire, discover the Native American culture of Clatsop County at the Heritage Museum or enjoy the views from the top of the Astoria Column more than 600 feet above the water. Nature’s power and beauty surround Stevenson, WA and you can learn about the geological forces that shaped this area at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Tour the Bonneville Dam and discover the unique challenges of building this power plant with a minimal impact to wildlife. At the end of the Oregon Trail in The Dalles, OR, shoppers will adore the boutiques and oenophiles will enjoy Sunshine Mills Winery, inventors of Copa Di Vino or “wine by the glass.” In 1805, Lewis and Clark and their Indian guide Sacajawea camped at what is now Sacajawea State Park, WA, another historic port of call. Be sure to venture into the County Mercantile Store, part of a working farm with agricultural demonstrations. In Clarkston, WA, Nez Perce National Historic Park tells the story of the Nez Perce Native American tribe who assisted Lewis and Clark and still reside in the area today. Or choose to uncover the past, from one-room schoolhouses to ice harvesting, at the Clarkston Heritage Museum.

Best of all, the elegant American Queen is getting in on the act. As we open up a new world of exploration with the American Empress, we’re offering those special 50% OFF* rates on several of the American Queen voyages on the Lower Mississippi River as well. Choose 9-day vacations roundtrip from New Orleans on February 21, 28 and March 7, 2014 or 9- and 10-day journeys sailing between Memphis and New Orleans on March 14, 21 and 28, 2014.

Join us in the celebration of the introduction of the American Empress in 2014. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

* Offer expires December 21, 2013 and is valid on new bookings only. Not valid on Group bookings and may not be combined with other offers. The 2-for-1 offer means first passenger in cabin pays full cruise fare and second passenger pays no cruise fare. Cruise fare does not include taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Only American Queen cabin categories of C, D, E, F, G, H, and I are available for this offer and only on these voyage dates: 2/21, 2/28, 3/07, 3/14, 3/21, and 3/28. Only American Empress cabin categories of C, D and E are available for this offer and only on these voyage dates: 4/05, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/03, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24 and 5/31. 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.