Proudly serving as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River, the 221-passenger American Empress cruises the Columbia and Snake Rivers delivering a rich sense of history in modern comfort. Step aboard, and you will quickly discover that there is far more to this riverboat than her welcoming appearance and signature red paddlewheel.
Because the American Empress is easily navigated, guests can expect to become well acquainted with her. Unlike on large cruise ships, each space on our paddle wheeler can be easily found – and returned to. Boasting a vast collection of some of the most intricate artifacts and artwork of Native Alaska, Russia, the Gold Rush and the sternwheeler era in and around Portland, Oregon, the corridors of the American Empress hold nearly as much beauty and intrigue as the dramatic scenery unfolding on the river outside. Tones of mahogany act as accents, and spectacles of artistry capture the cultures and history of the surrounding regions. You needn’t be an art enthusiast to appreciate the captivating display of Pacific Northwest heritage that our riverboat’s unique collection represents.
A river cruise aboard the American Empress incites moments of sheer perfection, with a seamless blend of stunning backdrops, exceptional dining venues, inviting public spaces and rich décor. Indulge in delicious, onboard dining choices, enjoy a welcoming staff and a country club ambiance and witness breathtaking natural beauty as you cruise rivers of legend. The American Empress welcomes you with the amenities you want and the style and comfort you deserve.
Lounges
American Empress boasts a country club ambiance, with public spaces that allow passengers to witness breathtaking natural beauty as you cruise rivers of legend. The Paddlewheel Lounge is a popular, alternate venue featuring smooth solo performances and soft piano music in the afternoon. Take pleasure in this intimate atmosphere which is ideal for sharing pre-dinner cocktails. For your late-night entertainment, we’ll pick up the pace and play all your favorites as you dance the night away.
Night after night, top entertainers take center stage and deliver high-caliber performances worthy of Broadway. Boasting a rich décor accentuated with sparkling crystal chandeliers, elevated ceiling and comfortable seating, the warm ambiance of The Show Lounge provides the perfect setting in which to enjoy rousing musical revues and high-energy cabaret from our exceptional cast.
Dining
Eateries on the first and fourth decks boast masterful culinary creations. The creative culinary staff of the American Empress prepares each meal with local ingredients and the region’s delicious offerings, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, sustainable fish and free-range chicken. Each morning, afternoon and evening you’ll savor each bite of the delectable dishes fashioned by our creative culinary staff. Staying true to her Pacific Northwest surroundings, the culinary team takes full advantage of the region’s diverse bounty of fresh ingredients including sustainable fish, free-range chicken and artisan cheeses along with seasonal fruits and vegetables. In addition to the sumptuous array of selections thoughtfully prepared each day, guests have the opportunity to taste top local beers, wines and liquors of the region as the vessel cruises through the majestic scenery of the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
American Empress Details
Welcome to your home on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Each American Empress accommodation features a custom-built hardwood entertainment center and a spacious, illuminated armoire. Fine linens and plush bedding will ensure that you are well-rested to fully enjoy all-included shore excursions, historical lectures, and nightly entertainment. A flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker and safe are provided, for your comfort and convenience.
Commodore Services
Guests holding reservations for suite-level accommodations will receive American Queen Steamboat Company’s exclusive Commodore Services. This elite-level of service includes pre-boarding privileges, a fruit basket and bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival, preferred dining arrangements, reserved balcony seating in The Show Lounge, and a private reception with Senior Officers of the American Empress.
Guests of Luxury Suites will also receive the services of a friendly River Butler. River Butler services include a warm welcome with a tour of your suite, unpacking of luggage and hanging of clothes, preparation and packing of luggage, laundry and pressing service, shoe shine and conditioning, afternoon tea served in your suite, breakfast and dinner served on your private veranda upon request, in-suite pre-dinner canapés and in-suite post-dinner sweets and a personal escort to reserved balcony seating in The Show Lounge.
| Category | Description | Photos |
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| LS | Feel as if you own the American Empress in this expansive Luxury Suite with Veranda. You are treated to sweeping river views through large windows facing forward and starboard. Step out onto your private veranda, and scan the riverbanks for wildlife. Converse in your spacious sitting room complete with a large flat-screen TV, premium sound, cocktail table and wet bar. As a guest of our Luxury Suite, you will be treated to exclusive suite-level Commodore Services and amenities, as well as River Butler service.
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| A | Enjoy this large Suite with Veranda with a comfortable sitting area and a premium sound system. Your semi-private veranda provides splendid river views from four stories above the river, and direct access to the wraparound Vista View Deck, perfect for sharing a view and socializing with fellow guests.
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| B | Enjoy your spacious Superior Veranda stateroom, with a cozy sitting area or a panoramic view through the large forward-facing windows. Your private veranda provides a quiet place to watch the ever-changing scenery.
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| C | Deluxe Veranda Staterooms are a popular choice for many couples. Share a toast on your private veranda as you glide through the fresh air of Pacific Northwest.
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| E | Enjoy a great value with this efficient yet spacious Veranda staterooms. Your semi-private veranda provides a quiet place to watch the ever-changing scenery.
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| D | These large Outside staterooms with windows provide a cozy atmosphere and spectacular river views through a generously sized window.
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| SO | The single Outside stateroom with veranda is slightly scaled down for the single traveler but allows you to take full advantage of the splendid features of the Deluxe Veranda Staterooms.
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| Passengers | 223 |
| Cabins | 112 |
| Crew | 90 |
| Built | 2003 at Nichols Bros. Boat Builders - Freeland WA, USA |
| Former Name(s) | Empress of the North |
| Last Refurbished | 2014 |
| Tonnage | 5,975 |
| Length (ft) | 380 |
| Width (Beam) (ft) | 95 |
| Draft (Depth) (ft) | 12 |
| Speed (knots) | 14 |
| Registered | United States |
| Accessibility | 2 elevators; 2 wheelchair-accessible staterooms with roll-in showers. |
