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American Empress

Former name: Empress of the North (Majestic America Line)

American Empress cruise ship
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Cruise line
American Queen Voyages

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PositionDeck plansCabinsNewsAccidents

American Empress current position

American Empress current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 45.83014 N / -119.89327 W) cruising en route to RICHLAND^2CWA. The AIS position was reported 51 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of American Empress

American Empress current cruise is 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA. Prices start from USD 3396 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 23 May, 2022 and ends on 29 May, 2022.

Date / TimePort
23 May    Departing from Vancouver WA, Washington hotels
24 May    Astoria OR, Oregon
26 May    Stevenson WA, Washington
27 May    The Dalles OR, Oregon
28 May    Richland WA, Washington
29 May    Arriving in Clarkston WA, Washington hotels

Specifications of American Empress

Year built2003  /  Age: 19
Flag state USA
BuilderNichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Washington)
Classpaddle-wheel steamboat
Building costUSD 50 million
Length (LOA)110 m / 361 ft
Beam (width)18 m / 59 ft
Gross Tonnage5975 gt
Passengers223
Crew83
Decks4
Cabins112
Decks with cabins4
Last Refurbishment2019
Former namesEmpress of the North (Majestic America Line)
Christened byClaudette Waggoner
OwnerHornblower Group Inc (via Hornblower Cruises and Events)
OperatorAmerican Queen Voyages

American Empress Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2022 Apr 25 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $2909
2022 May 03 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3396
2022 May 09 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3400
2022 May 17 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3396
2022 May 23 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3396
2022 May 31 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3799
2022 Jun 06 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3806
2022 Jun 14 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3807
2022 Jun 20 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3803
2022 Jun 28 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4201
2022 Jul 04 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4194
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 $4203
2022 Jul 26 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4209
2022 Aug 01 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4196
2022 Aug 09 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4199
2022 Aug 15 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4192
2022 Aug 23 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4200
2022 Aug 29 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4195
2022 Sep 06 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4209
2022 Sep 12 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4205
2022 Sep 20 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4198
2022 Sep 26 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4195
2022 Oct 04 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4197
2022 Oct 10 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4192
2022 Oct 18 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4208
2022 Oct 24 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3794
2022 Nov 01 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3798
2022 Nov 07 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3803
2022 Nov 15 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3809
2022 Nov 21 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver WA $1600
2022 Dec 01 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver WA $1601
2022 Dec 06 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver WA $1590
2023 Mar 13 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver WA $2909
2023 Mar 20 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $2891
2023 Mar 28 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $2905
2023 Apr 03 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3406
2023 Apr 11 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3406
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 $3390
2023 May 01 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3791
2023 May 09 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3796
2023 May 15 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3796
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 $3793
2023 Jun 06 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4189
2023 Jun 12 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4193
2023 Jun 20 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4192
2023 Jun 26 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4197
2023 Jul 04 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4190
2023 Jul 10 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4190
2023 Jul 18 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4189
2023 Jul 24 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4191
2023 Aug 01 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4205
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 $4204
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 $4202
2023 Sep 04 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4204
2023 Sep 12 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4204
2023 Sep 18 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $4204
2023 Sep 26 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4196
2023 Oct 10 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $4008
2023 Oct 16 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3998
2023 Oct 24 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3992
2023 Oct 30 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3995
2023 Nov 07 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3098
2023 Nov 13 6 days, one-way from Vancouver WA to Clarkston WA Vancouver WA $3089
2023 Nov 21 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA Clarkston WA $3102
2023 Nov 27 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland Vancouver WA Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver WA $2192

American Empress Review

Review of American Empress

AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company (now American Queen Voyages) bought American Empress (former "Empress of the North" boat owned by Majestic America Line) in 2013. The completely renovated vessel was re-launched in 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/now American Heritage and Queen of the West/now American West.

riverboat American Empress cruise ship

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)), dark wood 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 breakfast 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 travelers).

riverboat American Empress cruise ship

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 a 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

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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/American Heritage, Queen of the West/American West and America/American Splendor. These unique riverboats feature a stern-mounted paddlewheel.

riverboat American Empress cruise ship

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.

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