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American Empress

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

American Empress cruise ship
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American Queen Steamboat Company

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American Empress Review and Specifications

Specifications of American Empress

Year built2003  /  Age : 17
Flag state USA
BuilderNichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Washington)
Classpaddle-wheel steamboat
Building costUSD 50 million
OwnerAmerican Queen Steamboat Company
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

Current position of American Empress

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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.

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)), 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 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 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).

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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 and Queen of the West. 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.

American Empress Itineraries

The below listed American Empress cruise prices on itineraries are only indicative and Per Person (in US dollars, based on double occupancy). These are the cheapest American Queen Steamboat Company fares on the ship’s lowest category cabins available for booking. Cruise fares typically change with departure dates approaching, last minute deals, discounts, promotions, independent travel agency offers.

DateCruise NameDeparture PortPrice from
2020 Apr 21 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3105
2020 May 05 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3491
2020 May 19 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2020 May 25 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3503
2020 Jun 02 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3495
2020 Jun 08 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3896
2020 Jun 16 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2020 Jun 22 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3890
2020 Jun 30 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2020 Jul 06 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3898
2020 Jul 14 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3889
2020 Jul 20 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3894
2020 Jul 28 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3905
2020 Aug 03 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3896
2020 Aug 11 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3908
2020 Aug 17 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3889
2020 Aug 25 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3892
2020 Aug 31 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3892
2020 Sep 08 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3890
2020 Sep 14 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3896
2020 Sep 22 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2020 Sep 28 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3896
2020 Oct 06 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3504
2020 Oct 12 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3491
2020 Oct 20 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3509
2020 Oct 26 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver
2020 Nov 03 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $2700
2020 Nov 09 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $2398
2020 Nov 17 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2020 Nov 23 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Roundtrip Portland (Vancouver WA) Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver $1301
2020 Nov 28 4 days, round-trip 5 Night Roundtrip Portland (Vancouver WA) Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver $1196
2020 Dec 02 4 days, round-trip 5 Night Roundtrip Portland (Vancouver WA) Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver
2020 Dec 06 4 days, round-trip 5 Night Roundtrip Portland (Vancouver WA) Cruise and Land Tour Vancouver $1208
2021 Mar 15 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $2701
2021 Mar 23 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $2696
2021 Mar 29 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $2801
2021 Apr 06 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $2801
2021 Apr 12 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $2808
2021 Apr 20 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2021 Apr 26 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3296
2021 May 04 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3602
2021 May 10 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver
2021 May 18 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3601
2021 May 24 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3597
2021 Jun 01 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2021 Jun 07 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $4107
2021 Jun 15 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $4095
2021 Jun 21 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $4094
2021 Jun 29 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2021 Jul 05 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $4109
2021 Jul 13 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $4093
2021 Jul 19 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $4094
2021 Jul 27 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $4090
2021 Aug 02 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $4097
2021 Aug 10 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $4107
2021 Aug 16 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver
2021 Aug 24 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $4097
2021 Aug 30 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver
2021 Sep 07 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $4093
2021 Sep 21 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $4106
2021 Sep 27 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver
2021 Oct 05 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA $3609
2021 Oct 11 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3609
2021 Oct 19 6 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Astoria OR Clarkston WA
2021 Oct 25 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver $3289
2021 Nov 08 6 days, one-way from Astoria OR to Clarkston WA Vancouver

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