WHY IT RATES:American Queen Steamboat Company has a plethora of new itineraries for 2018. - Eric Bowman, TravelPulse Senior Editor
American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of America's most luxurious riverboat fleet, is pleased to announce the release of its 2018 deluxe brochure. This full-color 100 page brochure presents a full overview of itineraries and river cruise offerings for the seventh season of the U.S.-flagged cruise line and its iconic American Queen, American Empress and new American Duchess riverboats.
Inspired by the great steamboats of the 19th century, traveling aboard the American Queen, American Empress and American Duchess allows guests to relive the experience of a previous generation but with all of the modern amenities that today's travelers expect. Combining the best of the old with the new, personal touches and attention to detail abound in the itineraries and on the boats themselves.
"We are thrilled to share this new brochure highlighting our authentically American experience that has no equal in terms of cuisine, hospitality, extraordinary entertainment, and unique experiences ashore," shares American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. "We look forward to welcoming more families and larger groups in 2018 thanks to the newly renovated suites aboard the American Queen and the loft suites aboard the American Duchess."
The brochure highlights American Queen Steamboat Company's trademark level of quality dining, friendly all-American crew and interesting, content-filled itineraries. Guests can begin planning their 2018 holiday on the American Queen, the American Empress or the American Duchess, scheduled to debut in June 2017, exploring the waters and towns throughout the heartland of America and the Pacific Northwest.
Highlights of the 2018 season include:
- Family Suites onboard the American Queen offer the perfect respite from a busy day on the river. With an open veranda and private sitting area, guests can peacefully watch the river banks of America's heartland drift by from the comfort of their own suite. The amenities of these spacious, single-room suites accommodate a variety of travel needs and are the ideal choice for families and friends vacationing together.
- New American Duchess itineraries on the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers as well as on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River including a nine-day Kentucky Derby-focused itinerary from Louisville to Cincinnati. Other new itineraries include Cincinnati to Memphis, Louisville to Pittsburgh and vice versa, and Nashville to Chattanooga and vice versa.
- Pacific Northwest Adventuretheme cruises on the American Empress offer soft-adventure activities that appeal to guests of all ages, making it the ideal choice for a phenomenal summer family vacation. Enticing shore excursions, such as a tandem ride on a kayak or zip-lining through towering trees, highlight the beautiful terrain and one-of-a-kind experiences that nature has to offer in this captivating corner of America.
American Duchess Itinerary Overview
The first all-suite paddlewheeler on the U.S. rivers, the American Duchess is a floating, intimate masterpiece that can carry up to 166 guests through America's heartland. The paddlewheeler, whose superstructure was completely built out new in 2017, is being launched as an all-suite vessel, one of the most luxurious in the country, featuring some loft suites, single-seating dining and entertainment venues, soaring ceilings, and all of the other features that guests have come to expect on American Queen Steamboat Company cruises. With 49 sailings in 2018, the American Duchess will mirror the route of the American Queen, showcasing the history and beauty of America's heartland along the Mississippi River with new stops and overnights in vibrant ports including Nashville and Chicago.
American Empress Itinerary Overview
The largest and most elegant riverboat west of the Mississippi, the 223-guest American Empress, embarks on her fifth season sailing the Pacific Northwest beginning March 17, 2018. Embarking on compelling stops along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, such as Multnomah Falls, Mt. St. Helens and the Walla Walla Wine Trail, the riverboat features 39 departure dates sailing between Portland/Vancouver, Wash. and Clarkston, Wash. Highlights include five-day roundtrip Portland sailings which bookend the 2018 season as well as the newly added Pacific Northwest Adventure Theme cruises taking place in July.
American Queen Itinerary Overview
From carefree New Orleans to vibrant Memphis, the historic American Queen steamboat explores the diverse and unique destinations along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. Embarking on her seventh season on February 19, 2018, the American Queen transports guests back in time to relive the full grandeur of bygone eras such as the Antebellum South, Music of the 50s and 60s, and the Civil War. With 42 total itineraries in 2018, each voyage is steeped in history and culture from pre-cruise hotel stays in New Orleans to tracing the steps of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Mo.
Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, nine-day sailings on the American Queen begin at $1,999, American Empress fares begin at $2,399 and American Duchess fares begin at $2,699. All nine-day journeys include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.
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