Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 6th October 2014 to 30th September 2015.
Special Inclusions
CRUISE & STAY PACKAGE INCLUDES:
– 1 night pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay in Vancouver including breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Empress
– 7 night Eastbound cruise from Vancouver to Clarkston aboard the American Empress
– The largest and most elegant riverboat in the Pacific Northwest
– Complimentary shore excursions in every port
– Complimentary wine and beer with dinner
– Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage
– Regional pacific northwest cuisine utilizing fresh ingredients creatively combined with a contemporary flair
– Gracious service from a friendly, All-American staff
– Country club-casual ambiance, no formal wear required
– Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard history and culture expert
– All staterooms feature a balcony or picture window with dramatic scenery unfolding before your eyes 24 hours a day
– Our own dedicated fleet of luxury coaches
– Port Charges
Spokane 2 night post-cruise package available from US$399 per guest including:
– Two nights accommodation at the Historic Davenport Hotel
– Two full American breakfasts
– Spokane `Near Perfect Near Nature` City Tour
– Morning walking tour of Spokane
– Included ride on the Looff Carousel and the Spokane Falls Chair Ride
– Transfer from the American Empress to the hotel
– Local American Queen Steamboat Company Representative to answer your questions
– Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Special Conditions
*Conditions Apply: Please note that the prices shown are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the live prices in our booking system. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, per person twin share and do not include air or land transportation. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Our crew works very hard to make sure that every aspect of your voyage meets the highest standards. This includes those crewmembers who serve you directly, such as wait staff, beverage servers and the stewards who service your stateroom each day. There are also many others who support their efforts whom you may never meet, such as galley and laundry staff. To ensure that the efforts of all our crewmembers are recognized and rewarded, gratuities of US$16.50 per guest will be automatically added to your onboard account on a daily basis. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. In addition, a 15% Beverage Service Charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases. These charges are paid entirely to American Queen Steamboat Company crewmembers, and represent an important part of their compensation. In ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary local practices. All prices are based on cash or cheque payment – credit card fees may apply. Some cruise lines reserve the right to impose a fuel levy if the NMEX price reaches a certain level – please check with your consultant at time of booking. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply – please ask for full details at time of enquiry. Provided by Seven Oceans Cruising. Agents only reservations: 1300 137 330.
Cruise Description
7 Night Cruise sailing from Vancouver to Clarkston aboard American Empress. 1 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Vancouver.
“OCIAN IN VIEW! O! THE JOY!” – These are the original words, and spelling of “ocean,” William Clark scrawled in his journal on November 7, 1805. One could hardly blame him for forgetting his spelling lessons in all the excitement. Experience the same sense of excitement and wonder as your journey begins in Portland near the Pacific Ocean, the objective of Lewis and Clark’s expeditionary party, the Corps of Discovery. You will visit many historic, scenic and enjoyable sites along your Columbia and Snake River voyage to Clarkston.
Day 1: Hotel Stay – Vancouver, WA
Your journey begins with a deluxe hotel stay in Vancouver, Washington.
Day 2: Vancouver, WA
Explore Vancouver at your leisure.
Departure 6:00 PM Vancouver, WA
Day 3: Astoria, OR
Included Hop-on Hop-off Tour:
Explore this historic pioneer city situated near the mouth of the Columbia River; Named after John Jacob Astor, an American Investor and owner of the American Fur Company. This tour begins with a stop at the Riverwalk; a four-mile paved walkway overlooking the beautiful Columbia River. In addition to the remarkable views, guests can explore the statues, shops, cafes, docks and historic canneries dotting the path. Guest who wish to can choose to board the riverfront trolley that runs along the banks for an extra fee.
Next stop, the Flavel House and Carriage House Museum. The Flavel House stands proudly as a monument of national significance. As a perfectly preserved example of Queen Anne architecture, this historic abode was once the home of Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria’s most influential citizens in the late 1800s. Guests can tour this 11,000 square foot elegant mansion as well as the detached Carriage House Museum and Visitor’s Center.
If you’re seeking the perfect vantage point to view the majestic valley and the mouth of the Columbia River, the next stop will end your search. The peak of the Astoria Column sits 600 feet above sea level and boasts an incredible 365-degree view. Guests who are up to the challenge can climb the 164-step spiral staircase to the top of this spire for a majestic observation point, or remain on the ground to examine the ornate murals depicting 14 significant events from Oregon’s history.
Last stop on our tour is the Heritage Museum. Learn the history and culture of Oregon through their permanent and alternating exhibit galleries that beautifully capsulate the exciting history and culture of Oregon and the Columbia River. Located within Astoria’s Old City Hall building, this neoclassical structure pays tribute to the hunters, loggers and fishermen that forged this new territory and depicts the history of this frontier town.
Before returning to the boat, guests can visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a reduced fee when showing their American Queen Identification Card. Here, guests can experience interactive displays, galleries and collections representing the history of the mighty Columbia River throughout time.
Day 4: The Dalles, OR
Included Hop-on Hop-off Tour:
Welcome to The Dalles, Oregon; known as the end of the Oregon Trail! Hop on our industry leading Hop on-Hop off Motorcoach and set off to experience everything that The Dalles has to offer. First stop, the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. The center is a breathtaking display of local history, the Columbia River and Gorge. Winner of the Honor Award for its appealing design, this stop should not be missed. The Original Courthouse Museum is the next stop on our tour. This historic building was built in 1859 and is known as the first courthouse of the Rocky Mountains. Here guests can experience exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the local region and explore the courthouse. Next stop, The Dalles Visitor’s Center where guests can learn more about this Pioneer river town followed by a stop at the Fort Dalles Museum and Interpretive Center; an original military base built in the 1800’s. Guest can experience unique collections of military and pioneer artifacts as well as the historic wagons that brought early settlers to the Oregon Trail’s last stop. Before exploring the shops of the Downtown Shopping area guests can stop at the Sunshine Mills Winery. Originally a 130-year-old abandoned wheat mill and now a state of the art Quenett boutique winery and home of Copa Di Vino-a unique invention by entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, James Martin. Featured on ABC’s The Shark Tank, guests can stop in at the one-of-a-kind wine tasting room to try a sample of the new wine trend that’s sweeping the nation, one glass at a time.
Day 5: Stevenson, WA
Included Hop-on Hop-off Tour:
This included tour begins with a stop in Downtown Stevenson, Washington. Guests can hop off here and enjoy the various local specialty shops and boutiques lining the streets.
The next stop brings us to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, the Interpretive Center brings life to human stories of natural history in our nation’s most compelling landscape. Here, guests can learn the local story of the geography and culture of the region and catch an under-water glimpse of spawning Salmon passing through the Fish Ladders. Exhibits celebrate 15,000 years of history.
Finally, experience an incredible man-made engineering feat at the Bonneville Dam. The Bonneville Dam, completed in 1938, is an electrical power generator for the local area using Hydro power. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour of this powerhouse as they learn about its progression and improvements over time, the exhausting build project that encountered numerous obstacles due to the unique geology of the area and the unique way the dam assists spawning Salmon pass through the dam. Witness the ingenious apparatus that allows the Salmon population to thrive in the Salmon Ladder viewing area and learn about the importance of this invention.
Day 6: Tri-Cities (Richland), WA
Included Tour:
Today’s included tour takes you to The Reach; An interpretive center whose goal is centered around becoming a reflection of the people of the region as well as of the elements and geology of the Hanford Reach National Monument. Learn about the local Native American culture, Lewis and Clark, the history of the area including the Northern Pacific Railroad and more!
Day 7: Tri-Cities (Richland), WA
Included Hop-on Hop-off Tour (Richland, WA)
Explore Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center. Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, Sacajawea State Park marks a significant period in American History. Guests can explore the Interpretive Center on the Park grounds which feature the history of Lewis and Clark. The on-site exhibits and a knowledgeable presentation at 10:00 AM will highlight the history on this site and focuses on the Corps of Discovery’s voyage from modern-day Illinois to these grounds with the helpful guidance of their Native American interpreter, Sacajawea. Also included at this port is the Country Mercantile Store. This country store is a working farm and unique store filled with gourmet foods, jams, local items, homemade ice cream, hand dipped chocolates and one-of-a-kind gifts for guests to explore and take home as a special memento of their time in Washington. Enjoy a guided tour of the facility and the candy factory at this sweet location before continuing on to The Reach. The Reach is an interpretive center whose goal is centered around becoming a reflection of the people of the region as well as of the elements and geology of the Hanford Reach National Monument. Stop here to learn about the Native American culture, Lewis and Clark, the history of the area including the Northen Pacific Railroad and more!
Day 8: Clarkston, WA
Included Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Experience the history and indigenous culture of the Nez Perce Tribe as we travel to the Nez Perce National Historical Park for a guided tour of their reservation. Learn about the historic and present-day way of life of these migratory Native Americans whose name is derived from the French “Pierced Nose.” The Nez Perce people are well known for their involvement and assistance with the Lewis and Clark Expedition and guests can learn first-hand how they were trusted by the Corps of Discovery through an exclusive presentation by a Nez Perce Native.
A stop in downtown Lewiston, Idaho brings guests to the Nez Perce Country Historical Society and Museum, an instituition which strives to perserve and interpret the history of local region and culture. Guests can delve deepter into the unique history of Nez Perce County and the Nez Perce Tribe. Gather information about the pioneers, geology, founding of Lewiston, Prairie Railroad and so much more.
Day 9: Clarkston, WA
Arrival 8:00 AM Clarkston, WA
Disembark the American Empress and make your way home from your authentic Pacific Northwest experience.
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/04 | Vancouver, Washington, USA | Hotel | |
| 05/04 | Vancouver, Washington, USA | Embark | |
| 05/04 | Astoria, Oregon, USA | ||
| 06/04 | The Dalles | ||
| 07/04 | Stevenson, WA | ||
| 08/04 | Richland, Washington, USA | ||
| 09/04 | Sacajawea State Park, WA | ||
| 10/04 | Clarkston, Washington, USA | ||
| 11/04 | Clarkston, Washington, USA | Disembark |
Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise lines discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.