American Queen Steamboat Company's 2016 Season Adds Two New Full Mississippi Itineraries

The American Queen Steamboat Company has announced its 2016 sailing schedule. The two-vessel fleet will explore the heartland of the United States and Pacific Northwest with a combined 82 sailings. For the first time, the American Queen will sail the length of the Mississippi River from St. Paul, Minn. to New Orleans on two epic itineraries available to book in their entirety or as individual segments. The American Empress season includes 36 sailings between Vancouver, Wash. to Clarkston, Wash. showcasing the landscapes along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

American Queen

The American Queen will begin her 2016 season Feb. 21 with a New Orleans round-trip followed by the first of 28 voyages between her homeport of Memphis and the “Crescent City” throughout the year. The American Queen will sail 31 total voyages on this stretch between the two cities or New Orleans round-trip. The full-length Mississippi River voyage will begin in St. Paul on Aug. 7 and conclude in New Orleans on Sept. 5 followed by the same itinerary up river. The American Queen will have eight Upper Mississippi River voyage between St. Louis and St. Paul as well as a return to the Cumberland River with two cruises including Nashville, Tenn. The Ohio River and sailings including Cincinnati will put the Ohio River on center stage with itineraries between the queen city and St. Louis with a stop it the favorite river city of Paducah, Ky.

American Empress

The third season of the American Empress sails through the Columbia and Snake rivers, serving as a floating boutique hotel. Beginning March 19 through Nov. 27, the 223-guest riverboat features nine-day journeys immersing guests in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The 223-guest American Empress sails between Vancouver and Clarkston. Stops include ports such as Astoria, Ore.; Stevenson, Wash.; The Dalles, Ore.; and Sacajawea State Park, Wash. 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.

Fares on the American Queen begin at $2,799 per person based on double occupancy and $3,999 on the American Empress. 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.

For more information, visit www.AQSC.com.