Photo via American Queen Steamboat Company

American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of luxurious paddlewheel vessels that sail along some of America’s most iconic rivers, is celebrating the success of its 2015 season with a special sale for Canadian travellers.

“The American Empress had a banner year in 2015, adding itineraries to the season in order to accommodate the large number of reservations and those interested in experiencing these cruises,” said Ted Sykes, American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO. “We look forward to continuing the success of this year into the 2016 season.”

Canadian residents who book passage on the American Empress, which sails through Oregon and Washington on the Columbia and Snake rivers, can book their cruise for a flat rate of just US$2,499 per person, double occupancy. The fare, which is good for a category C cabin, can also be reserved for US$3,749 for solo travellers.

The nine-day American Empress itineraries roughly trace the footsteps of Lewis & Clark and includes stops at Vancouver, Wash.; Astoria, Ore.: The Dalles, Ore.; Stevenson, Wash.; Richland, Wash; and Clarkston, Wash.  An included hop-on, hop-off excursion is available in each port, and admission to all local museums on the excursion are included in the cruise fare. Passengers can also select from additional premium excursions for an additional charge

American Empress Highlights for 2016

Guests booking select suite-level accommodations can take advantage of newly added Commodore Services, including a friendly River Butler.

New menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, inspired by the bounty of the Pacific Northwest and prepared by an award-winning culinary team, will be available in 2016. Menu choices include made-to-order omelets for breakfast; creative soups, salads and hearty entrees for lunch; and nightly five-course meals for dinner in the Astoria Dining Room. On the American Empress passengers can also opt to dine in the River Grill & Bar.

New premium shore excursions include a pre- or post-cruise tour of Mount St. Helen’s in Portland, a scenic jet boat experience at Hells Canyon in Lewiston, Idaho and a visit to the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in The Dalles.

All journeys include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.

The special Canadian traveller rate is only good on new bookings and must be paid in full by Jan. 15, 2016.  Departures are limited to the following dates: April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23 and April 30 on the American Empress. The offer is only open to residents of Canada and is only available while inventory lasts. The offer is not valid on group bookings or existing reservations and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.

Promotional fares and amenities are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and may be withdrawn without notice. Cruise fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include government taxes and fees, port charges, gratuities, airfare, insurance, personal expenditures, and transportation costs incurred while traveling to and from embarkation ports. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

The American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) is the owner and operator of the U.S. flagged American Queen, the largest riverboat in the world.  Longer than a football field, towering six decks in height and laced with fanciful gingerbread trim, her journeys offer a unique perspective on America’s history, culture and landscape. The American Queen departs from some of America’s most iconic river port cities including Memphis, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and St. Paul. The American Empress sails throughout the Pacific Northwest. The American Queen Steamboat Company is a proud supporter of The National Trust for Historic Preservation.  

For more information and reservations, contact the American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280 or online at www.AQSC.com.

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