PUTTING PEN TO PAPER

[HostDave]

One of the hardest things in the world to do is to create something from nothing. Who among us hasn’t stared blankly at an empty sheet of paper hours before a presentation, school project, budget or newsletter was due. At times, it can seem like an impossible hill to climb, can’t it? The team here at the American Queen Steamboat Company knows that feeling. When we first hatched the idea of returning the grandest riverboat ever built to her rightful place on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, it seemed like it was an impossible task. But we’re proud to say we overcame all odds and in 2012, the elegant American Queen sailed her first voyage and has developed a passionately loyal following.

Having an idea, creating a plan and then executing that plan are entirely different beasts. Many dreamers have never gotten beyond the fanciful stage. Many planners have never been able to actually apply those plans in the world and create something. But when it all comes together, it is a beautiful, rewarding and incredibly exciting feeling. Just ask the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks who have risen to the top of the National Football League this year and in less than two weeks will be playing one another in the Super Bowl.

It’s also exciting for us to announce that our idea of offering cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers on a second riverboat is much more than an idea. It’s even more than just a plan. In fact, we are in the process of executing that plan as we head toward the April 5, 2014 maiden voyage.

Just five days ago, on January 16, we announced the closing on financing and full ownership of our second vessel, the American Empress. The American Queen Steamboat Company entered into a purchase agreement of the 223-guest riverboat with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) in May 2013 and has had a team onboard preparing for her April 2014 launch. All documents were signed by MARAD and the American Queen Steamboat Company executives making the handover official.

At the signing, John Waggoner, Chairman and CEO of the American Queen Steamboat Company said “Over 30 skilled craftsmen and engineers have been hard at work preparing the American Empress for service over the last eight months focusing on the exterior, engine room and now the hotel portion of the vessel. It is exciting to officially sign on the dotted line taking full ownership of the vessel and begin writing a new chapter in U.S. river cruising history.”

American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes added “We are pleased with the robust level of sales already taken for the inaugural season of the American Empress and look forward to a very successful year.”

Formerly the Empress of the North, the American Empress will deliver 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. A U.S.-flagged vessel, the American Empress measures 360 feet long with five towering decks.

She will begin service April 5 after a christening ceremony in Portland, Ore. Her maiden voyage will be a nine-day journey immersing guests in the splendor of the Columbia and Snake Rivers featuring stops to some of the region’s most celebrated ports including Astoria, Ore.; Stevenson, Wash.; The Dalles, Ore.; Sacajawea State Park, Wash. and finally Clarkston, Wash.

Complimentary shore excursions will be available in every port of call and include the cultural and historical landmarks that signify the living legacy of the region’s first settlers. Travelers with specific interests are encouraged to enjoy the variety of Premium Experience Excursions such as the Walla Walla Wine Trail or the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum. Daily lectures will also be provided by the Riverlorian, an onboard history and culture expert.

The American Empress was built in 2003 and operated by Majestic America Line from 2003 to 2008, sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage and the Pacific Northwest. Just as the American Queen brought luxury and grandeur to river cruising America’s heartland, the American Empress will do the same for the Pacific Northwest.

Limited space remains on the American Empress inaugural voyage and will offer an unforgettable experience for even the most seasoned of travelers. For the next two months, the American Queen Steamboat Company is offering a choice of two great savings opportunities. 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 any American Empress sailing in 2014 and any departure of the American Queen on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers as well.

We invite you to join us in the celebration and travel with the American Empress in 2014 in the Pacific Northwest. Our creative juices are flowing as we take a blank canvas and paint a stunning portrait of the Columbia and Snake rivers on the incomparable American Empress. We think you’ll be quite pleased with the results.

* 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 888-749-5280 for details.

**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, A and CS. 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 888-749-5280 for details.