(First, actual embarkation was in Clarkston, WA, but that port wasn't listed)
I wanted to take my first 'post-pandemic' cruise close to home, and always wanted to try a riverboat cruise. My wife had already been on most of their other itineraries, and always wanted a Snake/Columbia River cruise. She had 'Ruby' status on AQSC, so we chose this one, and in our preferred westbound, downriver ...
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
Dear Bob Brown, We’re thrilled you chose us to take your, “first 'post-pandemic' cruise close to home” aboard one of our authentic paddlewheelers! We love that you noticed we say “boat” and...
July 8-11: Pre-Cruise
First: my wife (“The Missus”) and I had a taste of river cruising almost a decade ago, sailing up the Danube on Ama Waterways. We had a fabulous time. But it’s a PITA to get from the West Coast to Europe. We’ve been on over forty ocean cruises on various cruise lines. We had never sailed the byways of North America. This was our reason to try American Queen. Not so ...
This was the third actual cruise for the American Empress after the reopening. We started from Clarkston WA and sailed down the Snake and Columbia Rivers. The cruise was fairly full and the crew was slightly short handed. But the officers and assigned people filled in marvelously well. The cabins are small and compact on the Empress but most have private verandas. Food was American style, ...
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
Dear digcruising2,
We want to thank you for the special recognition of Chelsea and Lawrence! You are right – we are so very lucky to have them both on board. Your 5 Star review means a lot...
This was was my first river cruise, but I traveled with three others who had traveled with AQSC before and love river cruising, especially the HO-HO opportunities offered by AQSC. They agreed, this cruise was a letdown.
We sailed from Clarkston to Portland and I’d recommend that sailing, especially if you are a Lewis & Clark fan. You get to experience the changing scenery and follow their ...
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
Hi Julie04005,
This is incredible feedback. You painted a picture that allowed us to really see and understand your experience. Your insights are tremendously helpful to us. While we missed...
Given the restrictions of Covid-19, we were very pleased to be seeing the Pacific Northwest.
We were confused when the initial embarkation staff did not seek our vaccination status, we had to insist to show it. The American Queen Steamboat Company did their best to maximize safety and minimize disruptions. The Columbia/Snake River experience has been educational and reaffirming of the ...
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
Dear pdtravelers,
We’re happy to see the trip was exciting but sorry that you did not have a great dining experience. Our culinary team has reviewed your feedback and is making the necessary...
In November I traveled with a small group of 10 on the American Empress steamboat-style Cruise. The group absolutely LOVED the trip and the ship!
The food was incredible- truly top notch! We even had lobster tail! The meals were always artfully prepared and served by the kindest, warmest staff I’ve encountered on a cruise ship. Every meal was an event. During our scenic rides cruising the ...
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
Dear Amble Along,
It's so exciting to picture the appetizers and Hot Toddies while watching sea lions and eagles! Just perfect. The scenery on that cruise is spectacular. Multnomah Falls is...
We had been wanting to try a river cruise, especially after watching the size of ocean-going cruise ships balloon until some can carry more than 6,000 passengers. The American Empress beautifully accommodates just over 221, with an attentive crew of 88. Our Category C cabin--212--was cozy, but well laid out so that we had plenty of closet space and storage, even in the bathroom. Yes, the shower is ...
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
RealJewell - you live up to your name! What a gem you are for sharing such a thoughtful review.
To say that our "staff was unfailingly cordial, professional, and attentive," just knocks it...
Embarking from the port of Clarkston, Washington and disembarking in Portland, Washington aboard the American Queen Steamboat Company Empress.
The staff went out of their way to assure that passengers had an enjoyable & smooth experience.
The food was spectacular, tasty and service in high fashion! The lunch buffet was equally delicious....daily ethnic options were a pleasant experience ...
Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages
Hello Safsimcowz!
We are so thrilled that you enjoyed the voyage. I love how you chose to take in the views at night. We appreciate the constructive comment about things to do in port and...
What a wonderful week we had as we sailed down the Snake and Columbia Rivers aboard the American Empress! This was our first cruise with the American Steamboat Company and there was so much about the cruise that didn’t disappoint. We have sailed many larger cruise ships but never a riverboat. The crew was the most friendly crew we have experienced. The Captain was visible and friendly too. The ...
We wanted to experience the pacific northwest and travel with some good friends. The literature advertised this as upscale, all inclusive. We've taken many ocean cruises (15+) but never a river cruise anywhere.
I'm not sure I'd say this is upscale, and I'm not convinced its worth the additional monies versus what you'd pay for a large vessel cruise. The Hop On/Hop Off bus is a nice feature, as ...
Dear Nona Gal,
Thank you for the kind review. A river cruise is definitely different than an ocean cruiser and most do find it to be quite relaxing . We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed...
Sail Date: July 2019
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