American Empress
Former name: Empress of the North (Majestic America Line)
Cruise line
American Cruise Lines
American Empress current position
American Empress current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 46.19997 N / -123.75972 W) cruising en route to ASTORIA,OR. The AIS position was reported 11 minutes ago.
All Itineraries Current PositionCurrent itinerary of American Empress
American Empress current cruise is 6 days, one-way from Portland OR to Clarkston WA. Prices start from USD 4919 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 14 Oct, 2024 and ends on 20 Oct, 2024.
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
14 Oct | Departing from Portland OR, Oregon hotels |
14 Oct | Vancouver WA, Washington |
15 Oct | Astoria OR, Oregon |
16 Oct | Camas-Washougal WA, Washington |
16 Oct - 17 Oct | Stevenson WA, Washington |
17 Oct - 18 Oct | The Dalles OR, Oregon |
19 Oct | Richland WA, Washington |
20 Oct | Arriving in Clarkston WA, Washington hotels |
Specifications of American Empress
Year of build | 2003 / Age: 21 |
Flag state | USA |
Builder | Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Washington) |
Class | paddle-wheel steamboat |
Building cost | USD 50 million |
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 (AQSC) |
Owner | American Cruise Lines Inc |
Operator | American Cruise Lines |
American Empress Itineraries
Date | Itinerary | Departure Port | Price from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 Sep 30 | 6 days, one-way from Portland OR to Clarkston WA | Portland OR | $5139 |
2024 Oct 07 | 7 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4919 |
2024 Oct 14 | 6 days, one-way from Portland OR to Clarkston WA | Portland OR | $4919 |
2024 Oct 21 | 7 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $4919 |
2024 Oct 28 | 6 days, one-way from Portland OR to Clarkston WA | Portland OR | $4919 |
2024 Nov 04 | 7 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3929 |
2024 Nov 11 | 6 days, one-way from Portland OR to Clarkston WA | Portland OR | $3929 |
2024 Nov 18 | 7 days, one-way from Clarkston WA to Vancouver WA | Clarkston WA | $3929 |
2024 Nov 25 | 7 days, one-way from Portland OR to Vancouver WA | Portland OR | $3929 |
American Empress Review
Review of American Empress
The 2003-built (as Empress of the North) American Empress cruise ship was bought by AQSC/American Queen Steamboat Company (now AQV/American Queen Voyages) in 2013, completely renovated and re-launched in April 2014 (as American Empress).
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.
The 223-passenger Empress of the North was owned by American West Steamship Company and operated by Majestic America Line.
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.
The 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.
The previous shipowner was Hornblower Group Inc (via Hornblower Cruises and Events).
Following the bankruptcy of Hornblower Group in 2024 (February), American Queen Voyages was placed for sale. Hornblower was sold to Strategic Value Partners and announced reorganization plans, focusing on its other subsidiaries.
In a Texas-held auction in March 2024, ACL/American Cruise Lines became the highest bidder and purchased four riverboats (American Empress, American Duchess, American Queen, American Countess) plus other AQV assets.
Cabins
American Empress staterooms (112 total) 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).
The riverboat has 4 decks and 112 passenger staterooms (for 223 guests) served by 83 crew/staff (all-American). All decks are passenger-accessible and with cabins, being interconnected via 2 lifts/elevators.
The boat has 3 lounges, 2 restaurants, and 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 breakfast 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 ship related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
American Countess and American Duchess to be scrapped by ACL-American Cruise Lines
The future of 4 out of 6 former AQV-American Queen Voyages ships has been decided. Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will return to sailing the...
May 27, 2024 - Cruise Industry
ACL-American Cruise Lines acquires 4 paddlewheelers/riverboats from AQV-American Queen Voyages
ACL-American Cruise Lines has completed the acquisition of all four paddlewheelers previously belonging to the AQV-American Queen Voyages fleet...
April 3, 2024 - Accidents
American Queen Steamboat Company (American Queen Voyages/AQV) ceased operations
On February 20, 2024, (at 5 pm Indiana time/12:00 UTC) American Queen Steamboat Company LLC (which operates under the travel brand American...
February 21, 2024 - Accidents
AQV-American Queen Voyages cancels February sailings due to operational concerns
AQV-American Queen Voyages has announced the cancellation of several sailings scheduled for February. The decision stems from an unforeseen...
February 6, 2024 - Cruise Industry
AQV-American Queen Voyages cancels Great Lakes cruises, sells Ocean Navigator and Voyager ships
American Queen Voyages (AQV) has unveiled its plans to shift its focus to river cruises, implementing a series of changes and updates that will...
June 21, 2023 - Cruise Industry
The only fully COVID-vaccinated US river cruise line is AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company
AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced that its passengers will no longer be required to wear masks onboard or receive pre-cruise COVID...
July 4, 2021 - 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 pandemic continues to create challenges for the tourism and hospitality industry, which also includes the USA's riverboat cruise ships...
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 - show more news
Other American Cruise Lines cruise ships
American Empress Wiki
The vessel (IMO 9263538) was constructed in Freeland (Washington) by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. The paddlewheeler was inaugurated on August 10, 2003, in Seattle WA, from where started the maiden voyage to Alaska. The season was based on 11-night/12-day Inside Passage itineraries (between Seattle and Juneau AK) visiting ports like Wrangell AK/Wrangell Island and Petersburg AK/Mitkof Island. In fall 2023, the boat was deployed to the Pacific Northwest USA for itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers. During the second Alaskan season (2004) were offered voyages out of Sitka AK/Baranof Island.
Due to financial problems of the shipowner, Empress of the North was laid up between 2008 and 2013 when was acquired by American Queen Steamboat Company.
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.
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.