USA American Empress USA Cruise Reviews

4.5 / 5.0
98 reviews
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Red Mountain Vinyards
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Hells Canyon on the Snake River
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The Column (you can climb to the top!) in Astoria
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Cruiser Rating
4.6
Very Good
36 reviews
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Featured Review
Loved learning about Corps of Discovery Expedition and the river locks
"I just wanted to mention the two stars of the staff.All of the staff were good, I just wanted to mention that these two went above and beyond...."Read More
water kid avatar

water kid

6-10 Cruises

Age 60s

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1-10 of 36 USA American Empress USA Cruise Reviews


Empress not up to standard of American Queen

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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Ann from Alabama
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

This company has gone down hill. This was our second cruise with American Queen. We took the Queen from New Orleans to Memphis in Nov 2019. It was amazing; great food; great service; great tours. We were so excited to go on another cruise after the success of our first one. We were so disappointed with the Empress. Between the cruise and airfare, we (my husband and I) paid almost $10,000. ...
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Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages

Thank you for your feedback! We are pleased to hear that the scenery was amazing; however, we are disappointed to hear about the dining experience and the cancelled tour on Monday that...

Sail Date: November 2023


Loved learning about Corps of Discovery Expedition and the river locks

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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water kid
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

The boat was period décor throughout. Having a little balcony was relaxing. I was on a Road Scholar booked trip so excursions were included and well arranged. Learning about the hardships of the Discovery Expedition, it was surprising that the trip was completed. The food in the main dining room was sumptuous with a variety of choices. I personally opted for the River Grill. It was more ...
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Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages

Hello water kid! We appreciate your kind words and are thrilled you had an excellent time on American Empress. We hope to welcome you back aboard in the future!...

Sail Date: May 2022


pleasant, easy going cruise

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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roamgeorgia
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Staff worked very hard to please the guests. The crew continually displayed great enthusiasm and many wore more than one hat--and wore them well. Cabin was comfortable. Dining room food was very good for the most part with enough variety for a week on board. Excursions were somewhat limited due to inclement weather and location. Talented musical entertainers. Our first river cruise after ...
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Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages

Hello roamgeorgia! We are thrilled to hear you had an excellent time sailing with us, despite the sporadic T.V. reception. We will make sure to pass your feedback along to our crew....

Sail Date: April 2022


History, geology and geography abound!

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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Salish Sailor
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

We live in the Pacific Northwest, so we are familiar with much of the territory that we visited, but we wanted to see it from the rivers. Our special interests were the history and geology. Since we know the area, we did not take many of the special (extra charge) excursions, but the one that we did take...the jetboat into Hells Canyon...was a highlight of the trip for us! We highly recommend ...
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Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages

Hi Salish Sailor! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are glad you enjoyed the trip! We will be sure to send the feedback to our crew. We hope to have you sail with us again!...

Sail Date: April 2022


Fabulous cruise

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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aimeelevinweiner
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

My mom and I got back two weeks ago from the Columbia river cruise through the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington) with the American Queen Voyages Company. We were initially booked on this tour in April 2020 just before the world shut down. We have been dreaming of rebooking since then, and although we were somewhat nervous about cruising at this time, were reassured by the Co-Vid ...
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Sail Date: October 2021


Trailing Lewis and Clark

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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bob brown
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

(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 ...
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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...

Sail Date: July 2021


Safe and Secure During the Pandemic

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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digcruising2
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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, ...
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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...

Sail Date: June 2021


Bumpy start, but the staff onboard and the scenery along the rivers made the cruise special.

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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Julie04005
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

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 ...
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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...

Sail Date: June 2021


Exciting Trip, Less spectacular dining

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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pdtravelers
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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 ...
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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...

Sail Date: June 2021


Pacific Northwest Grandeur

Review for a U.S.A. Cruise on American Empress

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cbt5
2-5 Cruises • Age 30s

Absolutely had a fantastic cruise aboard the American Empress! We sailed from Clarkston, Washington to Vancouver, Washington. Flew into Spokane and spent the night at the grand Historic Davenport downtown. Beautiful hotel inside and out. The next day, we took a “pre-cruise” excursion that explored Spokane. We could have explored on our own, but I loved the convenience of having it already arranged ...
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Response from BriannaH, Guest Relations @American Queen Voyages

Hi cbt5! It sounds like you were able to take advantage of everything we're able to offer! It's wonderful to see such a nice review from a guest who's done it all from beginning to end. We...

Sail Date: June 2019


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