As the 2014 season nears for the American Queen Steamboat Company, a new 58-page brochure debuted showcasing the perfectly American experience of the world’s largest and most opulent riverboat: the American Queen. The line’s entry into the Pacific Northwest with the American Empress sailing in April 2014 is also a brochure highlight.
The brochure has new photography from the American Queen’s second season, capturing the ship's refurbishment, expanded dining venues, enhanced public spaces and refreshed Antebellum décor. The 436-guest river boat’s itineraries for 2014 include an expanded season on the Lower Mississippi with 25 itineraries operating between her homeport of Memphis to New Orleans or New Orleans roundtrip.
The treasures of summer and colors of fall are celebrated on 11 Upper Mississippi voyages calling on favorite ports, including Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Mo., and Red Wing, Min., as the American Queen sails between St. Louis and St. Paul. Seven itineraries on the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers will explore locales between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, highlighting the region’s big cities and small towns.
A Riverboat Rally sailing embarking from Louisville (Jeffersonville, Ind.), will celebrate the 100th birthday of the Belle of Louisville and conclude with the American Queen debut in Nashville, Tenn., as the largest riverboat in the world sails the Cumberland River. A collection of 18-themed cruises will be available on the American Queen including two new Bourbon & Bluegrass journeys exploring hand-picked distilleries, Mardi Gras in New Orleans and a Fourth of July celebration docking in downtown Pittsburgh at the confluence of the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers.
Re-tracing the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, the American Empress sails her inaugural voyage between Portland, Ore., and Clarkston, Wash., on April 5, 2014. A total of 32 nine-day voyages will sail through Nov. 16 with ports of call including Astoria, Wash.; Stevenson, Wash.; The Dalles, Ore.; Sacajawea State Park, Wash.; and Richland, Wash. The 223-guest American Empress serves as a floating boutique hotel exploring the heart of Washington’s vineyards and celebrating the Walla Walla Wine Trail.
Fares on the American Queen begin at $1,049 per person based on double occupancy and $3,795 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.