A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE

[HostDave]

Shakespeare has had an influence on our everyday lives and the phrases we often use. Sometimes it is more obvious, such as the countless interpretations on stage and screen of the basic Romeo and Juliet love story, but also in many more subtle ways. It was Shakespeare who once stated that “a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet” in his famed play, Romeo and Juliet. He was telling the world that it is not the name of something that matters, but its essence. Gertrude Stein took Shakespeare’s advice to heart when she penned the poem Sacred Emily in 1913 (although it wasn’t published until nine years later) when she coined the phrase “Rose is a rose is a rose.”

The rose itself is far more than just a flower; it has captivated poets with its beauty and has become a universal symbol for love and affection. A rose, above all other such flowers, has a special place in our society. That is why a city like Portland, OR is so proud to be known as the “City of Roses.” While it could have taken on the moniker “City of Petunias” or “City of Snap Dragons,” clearly the association with the rose is far more interesting, enchanting and, quite frankly, marketable.

Why does the American Queen Steamboat Company have an interest in the nickname for a city in the Pacific Northwest, far from our traditional cruising grounds in America’s Heartland and South? The answer is quite simple.

Beginning this spring, the American Queen Steamboat Company is adding a second vessel to the fleet along with an entirely new cruising region. The 223-guest American Empress begins cruises along the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest on April 5, 2014 with a 9-day voyage from Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA. Ports of call include Astoria, OR; Stevenson, WA; The Dalles, OR and Sacajawea State Park, WA. Throughout 2014, the American Empress will offer these eastbound voyages from Portland alternating with 9-day westbound voyages from Clarkston, WA to Portland, OR.

For a limited time, guests who book early and pay-in-full at time of booking can save up to $400 per stateroom* on any June through October sailing. Just select the voyage of your choice and book your stateroom before March 31, 2014 to take advantage of this generous offer. Or, if you book early and pay in full at time of booking, you could instead choose to receive a two-category upgrade** on not just any American Empress sailing in 2014 but any departure of the American Queen on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers as well. Now that’s a great way to start off the New Year, don’t you think?

It should now be clear why we are fascinated by Portland’s designation as the City of Roses but the reasons extend simply beyond the metropolis being the embarkation or debarkation point for our newest cruises. As we do on all our voyages, we include a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay in the embarkation city which means that for guests on the American Empress’ eastbound sailings, there is an entire day to explore the City of Roses. For those traveling westbound, optional post-cruise packages create the opportunity to spend additional time in Portland as well.

Supposedly, the origins of the City of Roses name go back to the 19th century. The wet, temperate climate is perfect for the cultivation of roses and to enhance attendance at an 1888 Episcopal Church convention, the city’s roses were featured prominently. By 1905, the city’s mayor put forth the idea of a rose festival and the first one was held in 1907 and has been going strong ever since. Our favorite story of the City of Roses name’s origins involves the founder of the Oregon Life Insurance Company, Leo Samuel, who purportedly had an impressive and beautiful collection of rose bushes around his home. As a gesture of turn-of-the-century hospitality, he allowed neighbors and passersby to snip a rose off a bush for themselves. He even went so far as to leave his own pair of shears outside for that purpose. As a lover of roses, he wanted people throughout the city to embrace his horticultural and gardening fervor and plant their own roses.

He was certainly successful, as Portland is now home to the International Rose Test Garden and, in 2003, the city officially adopted the nickname City of Roses. The garden, which is sure to become a popular spot for the American Empress’ guests, covers 4.5 terraced acres that overlook the city and the river. More than 7,000 plants bloom from April to October, showcasing well over 500 varieties of roses. Dating to 1917, the rose garden is broken into several different sections. The Gold Medal Garden features roses that have won awards, while the Miniature Rose Garden features the smaller varieties. There is also an amphitheater, numerous brick walkways and lawns where it’s not uncommon to find Portlanders enjoying the outdoors with a picnic or tossing around a ball or flying a kite.

Perhaps most appropriately, the complex houses the Shakespeare Garden which is dedicated to honoring the roses and other flowers that Shakespeare highlighted in his many works, some of which are actually named after the indelible characters he created.

It seems reassuringly appropriate that Portland honors Shakespeare’s contribution to the rise of roses as a prominent city symbol. Guests of the American Empress are certain to be equally enchanted with Portland's perfumed legacy on our new 9-day Pacific Northwest cruises. And while a rose is timeless, the special early booking offers are not so we urge you take advantage of these opportunities soon to avoid disappointment.

* Book by March 31, 2014, pay-in-full and Save $400 per stateroom ($200 per person) on any 2014 June-October American Empress voyage. Full payment is required at time of booking to redeem this offer. Offer expires on March 31, 2014. This offer cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts; not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations. Savings are only on the price of the cruise, not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. 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 (1-888-749-5280).

** Offer expires March 31, 2014 and is valid on new, paid-in-full bookings only. Full payment at time of booking is required to redeem this offer. Estimated savings of up to $3200 ($1600 per person) is based on double occupancy for a standard American Queen 9 day voyage. Offer is not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations and cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts. The free 2 cabin category upgrade means that guests will be placed in cabin(s) that are 2 sequential categories above initial cabin(s) requested at time of reservation. This offer is not valid on cabin upgrades into American Queen categories LS, AAA, SO and SI; and American Empress categories LS and AA. This offer is based on cabin availability and only while inventory lasts. Cruise fare does not include taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Additional terms and conditions may apply - call for details (1-888-749-5280).