FINDING A HOME

[HostDave]

If you’ve ever moved to a new city to begin a new job, you know the challenges of finding just the right home. In many cases you might want to rent for a few months to get the lay of the land and to understand where you and your family best fit. Where are the most interesting stores? The arts district? The best restaurants? A good school district? So many things factor into making the right choice that sometimes it can seem overwhelming.

If you’ve ever been through this experience, then you can only imagine how the American Queen Steamboat Company approached our search for the right home for our newest addition, the elegant 223-guest American Empress. She begins 9-day Pacific Northwest cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers on April 5 and she will operate those voyages between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington. These two cities create the perfect anchor points for an enticing river adventure that provides a dose of history thanks to the explorations of Lewis and Clark, a healthy portion of refinement and luxury in the wine country in and around Walla Walla, Washington, and the hospitality of the people of the Pacific Northwest all along the river.

Within the Greater Portland area, however, we had not yet identified precisely where we would place our Pacific Northwest office or selected the exact pier from which the American Empress would sail. Therefore, we were thrilled last week to announce the selection of Vancouver, Washington as her home port and that our regional office would be located there as well. For those of you that are familiar with the area, you know that Vancouver, Washington is directly across the Columbia River from downtown Portland.

We’re also pleased to say that the folks in Vancouver were just as excited about the announcement as we were. Vancouver USA’s Rosemary Aruda Cooke, Director of Sales and Destination Services, said, “We are delighted to welcome the American Empress to Vancouver U.S.A. and our unique Northwest paradise on the banks of the mighty Columbia River. The style and service for which the American Queen Steamboat Company is known comes as a welcome addition to the region and we are thrilled for her to call our community home.”

Why did we choose Vancouver? The Visit Vancouver USA website says it best: “Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, on the north bank of the Columbia River, Vancouver is as naturally beautiful as it is diverse. No other city in the Pacific Northwest offers such a combination of colorful history, recreational activities, charming shops, extraordinary eateries, a burgeoning wine region, affordable attractions, and charming hospitality.

“Fort Vancouver was established in 1825 by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a fur trading post and provisional center. It became the center of political, cultural and commercial activities in the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver, just like the city of the same name farther north in British Columbia, was named after British explorer Captain George Vancouver. The American version was incorporated in 1857, a full three decades prior to the Canadian city. Clark County was named in honor of the great explorer William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.”

To celebrate the beginning of service by the American Empress, we have also announced the opportunity to save 50% on June 2014 Pacific Northwest River Cruises* on the stunning 223-guest American Empress. The offer expires June 20, 2014 and is valid on new, paid-in-full bookings only for cruises departing on June 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2014.

The American Empress’ voyages feature stops at some of the region’s most celebrated ports including Astoria, Oregon; Stevenson, Washington; The Dalles, Oregon; Sacajawea State Park, Washington and finally Clarkston. Complimentary shore excursions will be available in every port 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 a journey to the volcanic crater of Mount St. Helens. Daily lectures will also be provided by the Riverlorian, an onboard history and culture expert.

* Offer expires June 20, 2014 and is valid on new, paid-in-full bookings only. Space cannot be held - full payment is required at time of booking to redeem this offer. This offer is based on cabin availability and only while inventory lasts. Offer of 50% savings applies to regular cruise fare only, regardless of cabin category, and is only valid on these 2014 American Empress voyage dates: 6/07, 6/14, 6/21 and 6/28. Offer is not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations and cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts. Cruise fare does not include taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Additional terms and conditions may apply - call for details.