American Empress
Former name: Empress of the North (Majestic America Line)
Cruise line
American Queen Steamboat Company
American Empress current position
American Empress current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 45.56507 N / -122.41499 W) cruising en route to COLUMBIA/SNAKE RIVER. The AIS position was reported 43 minutes ago.
All Itineraries Current PositionCurrent itinerary of American Empress
American Empress current cruise is 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA. Prices start from USD 3597 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 10 May, 2021 and ends on 16 May, 2021.
| Date / Time | Port |
|---|---|
| 10 May | Departing from Vancouver WA, Washington hotels |
| 11 May | Astoria OR, Oregon |
| 13 May | Stevenson WA, Washington |
| 14 May | The Dalles OR, Oregon |
| 15 May | Richland WA, Washington |
| 16 May | Arriving in Clarkston WA, Washington hotels |
Specifications of American Empress
| Year built | 2003 / Age: 18 |
| Flag state | USA |
| Builder | Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Washington) |
| Class | paddle-wheel steamboat |
| Building cost | USD 50 million |
| Owner | American Queen Steamboat Company |
| Length (LOA) | 110 m / 361 ft |
| Beam (width) | 18 m / 59 ft |
| Gross Tonnage | 5975 gt |
| Passengers | 223 |
| Crew | 83 |
| Decks | 4 |
| Cabins | 112 |
| Decks with cabins | 4 |
| Last Refurbishment | 2019 |
| Former names | Empress of the North (Majestic America Line) |
| Christened by | Claudette Waggoner |
American Empress Itineraries
| Date | Itinerary | Departure Port | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 May 04 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3594 |
| 2021 May 10 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3597 |
| 2021 May 18 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3607 |
| 2021 May 24 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3589 |
| 2021 Jun 01 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3601 |
| 2021 Jun 07 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4096 |
| 2021 Jun 15 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4094 |
| 2021 Jun 21 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4096 |
| 2021 Jun 29 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4092 |
| 2021 Jul 05 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4089 |
| 2021 Jul 13 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4097 |
| 2021 Jul 19 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4107 |
| 2021 Jul 27 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4108 |
| 2021 Aug 02 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4105 |
| 2021 Aug 10 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4094 |
| 2021 Aug 16 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4102 |
| 2021 Aug 24 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4109 |
| 2021 Aug 30 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4096 |
| 2021 Sep 07 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4091 |
| 2021 Sep 13 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4108 |
| 2021 Sep 21 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4104 |
| 2021 Sep 27 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4105 |
| 2021 Oct 05 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3602 |
| 2021 Oct 11 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3592 |
| 2021 Oct 19 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3604 |
| 2021 Oct 25 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3305 |
| 2021 Nov 02 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $2906 |
| 2021 Nov 08 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $2694 |
| 2021 Nov 16 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $2705 |
| 2021 Nov 22 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $1404 |
| 2021 Nov 27 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $1300 |
| 2021 Dec 02 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $1299 |
| 2021 Dec 07 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | |
| 2022 Mar 14 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $2892 |
| 2022 Mar 22 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $2906 |
| 2022 Mar 28 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $2896 |
| 2022 Apr 05 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $2892 |
| 2022 Apr 11 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $2889 |
| 2022 Apr 19 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $2894 |
| 2022 Apr 25 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $2904 |
| 2022 May 03 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3389 |
| 2022 May 09 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3396 |
| 2022 May 17 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3399 |
| 2022 May 23 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3394 |
| 2022 May 31 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3796 |
| 2022 Jun 06 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3792 |
| 2022 Jun 14 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3794 |
| 2022 Jun 20 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3802 |
| 2022 Jun 28 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4209 |
| 2022 Jul 04 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4193 |
| 2022 Jul 12 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4194 |
| 2022 Jul 18 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4194 |
| 2022 Jul 26 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4207 |
| 2022 Aug 01 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4203 |
| 2022 Aug 09 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4204 |
| 2022 Aug 15 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4193 |
| 2022 Aug 23 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4191 |
| 2022 Aug 29 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4193 |
| 2022 Sep 06 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4198 |
| 2022 Sep 12 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4201 |
| 2022 Sep 20 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4202 |
| 2022 Sep 26 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4202 |
| 2022 Oct 04 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4198 |
| 2022 Oct 10 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4205 |
| 2022 Oct 18 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4201 |
| 2022 Oct 24 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3802 |
| 2022 Nov 01 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3796 |
| 2022 Nov 07 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3801 |
| 2022 Nov 15 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3803 |
| 2022 Nov 21 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $1593 |
| 2022 Dec 01 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $1609 |
| 2022 Dec 06 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $1608 |
| 2023 Mar 13 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $2898 |
| 2023 Mar 20 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $2889 |
| 2023 Mar 28 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $2893 |
| 2023 Apr 03 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3405 |
| 2023 Apr 11 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3395 |
| 2023 Apr 17 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3389 |
| 2023 Apr 25 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3392 |
| 2023 May 01 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3794 |
| 2023 May 09 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3804 |
| 2023 May 15 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3799 |
| 2023 May 23 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3790 |
| 2023 May 29 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3789 |
| 2023 Jun 06 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4195 |
| 2023 Jun 12 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4203 |
| 2023 Jun 20 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4194 |
| 2023 Jun 26 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4200 |
| 2023 Jul 04 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4200 |
| 2023 Jul 10 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4205 |
| 2023 Jul 18 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4204 |
| 2023 Jul 24 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4194 |
| 2023 Aug 01 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4200 |
| 2023 Aug 07 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4204 |
| 2023 Aug 15 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4195 |
| 2023 Aug 21 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4206 |
| 2023 Aug 29 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4195 |
| 2023 Sep 04 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4205 |
| 2023 Sep 12 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4197 |
| 2023 Sep 18 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4201 |
| 2023 Sep 26 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4209 |
| 2023 Oct 10 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4006 |
| 2023 Oct 16 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4007 |
| 2023 Oct 24 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3989 |
| 2023 Oct 30 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $4007 |
| 2023 Nov 07 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3095 |
| 2023 Nov 13 | 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA | Vancouver WA | $3101 |
| 2023 Nov 21 | 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3096 |
| 2023 Nov 27 | 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland OR Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour | Vancouver WA | $2199 |
American Empress Review
Review of American Empress
American Queen Steamboat Company bought American Empress (former Empress of the North owned by Majestic America Line) in 2013 and completely renovated the vessel, launching it officially in spring 2014. This paddlewheel boat is the biggest sailing the rivers of the Pacific Northwest. The ship is similar to fleetmate American Queen, and also to American Cruise Lines vessels Queen of the Mississippi and Queen of the West.
The refurbishment of American Empress (IMO 9263538) was a dramatic overhaul; all cabins and public spaces got new carpet, wallpaper, paint, lighting and general updating. The minute you step onboard, you're transported to a time when the regular sight on America's rivers were steamboats.
Ship's surroundings feature contemporary influences. Astoria Dining Room is light-filled with plenty of 2-tops and the newly added venue River Grill features a bistro-like experience. American Empress is often described as "a steamboat without steam", but there is no missing the iconic paddlewheel painted in red.
Cabins
American Empress staterooms are decorated and furnished with Victorian-style antiques and reproductions. All accommodations as decoration feature polished wood, Victorian-era wallpaper patterns, framed paintings. Beds are comfortable, with ample underbed storrage space, luxury bedding sets. Handicap / wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are only 3. The ship has no connecting or family cabins. The number of all cabin categories is 7. Most staterooms are with private balconies. Each cabin balcony is equipped with 2 wicker chairs and 1 cocktail table.
Next are listed the standard (complimentary) amenities, furniture and services offered in each of the riverboat's cabins.
- All staterooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat TV (satellite reception)), darkwood wardrobe, dressers with ample drawer space, mini-bar /fridge, personal safe, phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular, luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hairdryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.
- Smoking inside the cabin and on the balcony is forbidden. The only smoking-allowed area on the ship is the sun deck.
- Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water are offered throughout the cruise.
- Complimentary wines and beers are offered at dinner only.
- Complimentary 24-hour available room service (menu has standard for breakfasts fare, plus sandwiches, burgers, macaroni & cheese, fresh salmon, desserts).
- Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet.
SUITES (categories LS and A) and SUPERIOR STATEROOMS (category B) are with either queen bed or 2 twin beds, private bathroom (WC, tub, shower), separate seating area with couch/sofa bed, cocktail table and chairs, wet bar, Bose sound system, iHome speakers, standard floor-ceiling glass doors opening onto private balcony. Suite balconies are furnished with padded chairs.
VERANDA CABINS (category E) are with semi-private balcony. Each of the OUTSIDE CABINS (category D) has a large non-opening window. SINGLE OUTSIDE BALCONY ROOMS (category CS) have the same features as the Deluxe Verandas (cat C), but are smaller in size and offered with single occupancy rates (cheaper for solo travellers).
Riverboat's deck plan shows a total of 112 staterooms (for 223 passengers) served by 83 crew/staff (all-American), 4 passenger decks (all with cabins, interconnected via 2 lifts/elevators), 3 lounges, 2 restaurants, plenty of open deck (promenade) areas.
American Queen Steamboat Company cruise deals
Operated with all-inclusive cruise packages, American Empress cruisetour deals are inclusive of:
- all shore excursions (“Steamcoach Tours” by luxury motorcoaches)
- 1-night pre-cruise hotel package
- soft drinks and bottled water (offered throughout the voyage)
- wines and beers (offered at dinner only)
- 24-hour room service (menu has standard for breakfasts fare, plus sandwiches, burgers, macaroni & cheese, fresh salmon, desserts)
- Wi-Fi Internet
- Pilot House tour (of the ship's Navigation Bridge).
- Smoking inside the cabin and on the balcony is forbidden. The only smoking-allowed area on the ship is the sun deck.
"Commodore Services" are the company's set of exclusive services reserved for American Countess cruise passengers booking categories LFS-Loft and OS-Owner suites. The list of bonus perks (price-inclusive / complimentary privileges) includes:
- gifts (upon arrival) - fruit basket and a bottle of wine
- suite tour (upon arrival)
- priority boarding and dining arrangements
- reserved balcony seating in "The Auditorium" (boat's theater / show lounge), with personal escort to the reserved seats
- private reception party with the ship's Captain and Senior Officers
- personal River Butler
- unpacking, hanging the clothes in the closet, packing, laundry, pressing service, shoeshine (conditioning)
- in-cabin dining - Afternoon Tea service, Breakfast and Dinner service (on the suite's balcony, upon request), pre-dinner canapes, post-dinner sweets).
American Empress - user reviews and comments
American Empress ship related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company restarts on June 14 aboard American Empress
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced that its American Empress ship, sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers, would restart operations on...
May 10, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines announce Spring Sale for 2022
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines announced a Spring Sale for 2022 where passengers can save up to US$2,000 per...
May 8, 2021 - Cruise Industry
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company may lay off 250 employees
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis continues to create challenges for the tourism and hospitality industry, which also includes the USA's riverboat...
August 1, 2020 - Cruise Industry
US river lines push back plans to resume cruises
USA's river cruise companies continue to push back plans to resume sailings. On Tuesday, June 30, AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company said its...
July 2, 2020 - Cruise Industry
American Queen Steamboat Company resumes sailings on July 20
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced its new timeline for restarting domestic river sailings. While the line's American Duchess is due to...
June 19, 2020 - Cruise Industry
American Queen Steamboat Company Announces New Spring Itineraries
American Queen Steamboat Company announced its new spring itineraries inviting guests to enjoy the springtime aboard one of its 3 paddle-wheelers...
March 22, 2019 - Cruise Industry
American Queen Announces Repairs and Updates
American Queen Steamboat Company recently acquired Victory Cruise Lines, and are now making improvements, updates and repairs to its 4 riverboats and...
February 8, 2019 - Cruise Industry
American Queen Steamboat Company Unveils 2019 Cruise Season
American Queen Steamboat Company invites travelers to enjoy dramatic landscapes that have long inspired writers, artists and steamboat guests on one...
December 16, 2018 - show more news
Other American Queen Steamboat Company cruise ships
American Empress Wiki
American Empress riverboat was built in the US and christened in Portland Oregon on April 5, 2014. The ship's godmother was ms Claudette Waggoner - wife of John Waggoner (Chairman and CEO of the American Steamboat Company). As flagstate, the USA flag requires all officers, crew and hotel staff on the boat to be American (US citizens).
By design, this big river cruise ship is in the "paddlewheeler" class (a classic stern paddle-wheel boat). The vessel is similar to the fleetmate American Queen, and also to the American Cruise Lines ships Queen of the Mississippi and Queen of the West. These unique riverboats feature a stern-mounted paddlewheel.
The vessel is the largest overnight river cruise boat west of Mississippi. The ship's home port is in the US - Vancouver WA (Portland metro area). American Empress steamboat was initially built as "Empress of the North" for Majestic America Line. Following a 5-year long period out of service, the vessel was acquired in 2013 by "American Steamboat Co". The next year Empress of the North was renamed to "American Empress".
This cruise ship is famous for being powered by a genuine steam engine (professionally called steam plant). However, the riverboat also has a marine diesel engine as an alternative propulsion system, which is used only for better maneuverability in tight river areas or in special/emergency cases.
Just like all the onboard public rooms, all passenger staterooms are furnished with Victorian-style reproductions and antiques. All cruise cabins also feature Victorian-era wallpaper patterns, polished wood, traditional paintings.
Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.
American Empress User Reviews
There are no user reviews for this ship. Be first, share your experience!
Write a Review