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| Photo by Freeimages.com/Emma Payne |
American Queen Steamboat Company has released its 2017 brochure showcasing the river cruise line’s sixth season. The full-color, 76-page brochure provides a full overview of the line’s 2017 itineraries onboard the American Queen and American Empress.
New for 2017 is a new themed voyage, “Vintages, Vineyards and Varietals,” that will open and close American Empress’ season. Traveling roundtrip to and from Portland, OR, guests are invited to inspire their palates with wines, coffees, and craft beers of the Northwest while cruising amidst the natural beauty of the Columbia River.
American Queen has added several new ports of call this year, including Nashville, TN, and Chattanooga, TN.
Commodore Services have been extended to both vessels this year, offering exclusive amenities to guests staying in suite-level accommodations onboard the American Queen and the American Empress. Commodore Services include access to the pre-voyage hotel’s club lounge, access to private voyage check-in and pre-boarding privileges, a bottle of wine from the region or fruit basket upon arrival, preferred dining arrangements, reserved balcony seating in the Grand Saloon theater or the Show Lounge theater, a private reception with senior officers of the ship and River Butler services for those staying in Luxury Suites.
The line’s popular “Mighty Mississippi Voyage” will sail once in the 2017 season—traveling the entire length of the river with a southbound itinerary spanning three weeks cruising on the American Queen. “Holiday – Christmas Markets” cruises are back with an exclusive lineup of markets offering music, seasonal goods and locally produced crafts. Booking for these itineraries starts in early May.
Finally, 2017 will mark the inaugural season of the “Chairman’s Cruise,” where guests can join American Queen Steamboat Company Chairman and CEO John Waggoner and his wife Claudette onboard the American Queen for a round-trip cruise from their hometown of Louisville, KY.
American Empress Itinerary Overview
The 223-guest American Empress embarks on its third season sailing the Pacific Northwest beginning March 5, 2017. Embarking on stops along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, such as Multnomah Falls, Mt. St. Helens and the Walla Walla Wine Trail, the riverboat has 38 departure dates sailing between Portland/Vancouver, WA and Clarkston, WA. The season begins and ends with two roundtrip Portland itineraries highlighting the wines of the Washington and Oregon regions.
American Queen Itinerary Overview
From New Orleans to Memphis, the American Queen steamboat explores destinations along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. Embarking on its sixth season on February 19, 2017, the American Queen will offer voyages themed around topics such as the Antebellum South, Music of the 50s and 60s, and the Civil War. With 44 total itineraries in 2017, each voyage is steeped in history and culture from pre-cruise hotel stays in New Orleans to tracing the steps of Mark Twain in Hannibal, MO.
Nine-day sailings on the American Queen begin at $1,799 and American Empress fares begin at $2,699 per person based on double occupancy. 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.