Travel
back to a time you will never forget.
A time when ships were small and service was grand.
When “How
are you?” was a sincere question. When people ate well,
and often. When courtesy was actually common. And, a time when
the journey was as memorable as the destination. A journey on
the Queen of the West
or Empress of the North
is what cruising used to be. A voyage of discovery that takes
you back to an era of enduring elegance and refined style.
Cruise
Into History
Each
sternwheeler reflects an incomparable attention to detail,
blending the timeless elegance of the 1800s paddlewheelers with
state-of-the-art technology. They include all of the modern
amenities you would enjoy on a large ship: comfortable public
spaces, gracefully appointed staterooms, spacious bathrooms,
televisions with VCRs or DVD players and an elevator that
reaches all four decks. All staterooms offer sweeping river
views, and most feature private verandahs.
 |
Up-Close
and Personal
Due
to the smaller size of American West Steamboat’s
ships, you can cruise up-close and personal to the lush Pacific
Northwest scenery. Unlike many larger ships, our sternwheelers
offer a friendly, informal atmosphere. No tuxedos or
ball gowns here; the onboard ambiance is always
comfortable and casual, making it easy to get acquainted
with fellow passengers and make new friends.
|
What’s
more, you never have to worry about long lines for embarkation
or sightseeing tours. Also, with American West Steamboat’s
open seating for meals and entertainment, you are free to sit
with anyone you choose.
Package
Pricing
You’ll
find we’ve designed our journeys with the seasoned traveler in
mind. Unique included excursions. On-board historians. Casually
elegant dining. Our package pricing means that shore excursions,
fine dining, live entertainment, even airport transfers are all
included in your cruise fare. You won’t find any hidden
charges or surprises at the end of your cruise. Even the little
extras are included, like soft drinks, fresh baked cookies and
appetizers during the pre-dinner cocktail hour. Little wonder,
then, why American West Steamboat Company has won numerous
awards and accolades, including being named to the prestigious
“Gold List” by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
Columbia
& Snake River Cruise
| Unlike
cruising for days at sea or along industrialized rivers,
with low lying river banks, our elegant cruises are
enhanced by the scenic grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. Cruise nearly 1,000 miles round-trip from
Portland and observe the incredible scenery and variety of the
great rivers of the West – from the lush coastal
forests to the high desert of the Inland Empire. Discover for yourself the rich history and legends of
the American West. |
 |
Tred
the paths of early explorers, fur traders and intrepid pioneers
and continue the legacy of exploration along these great rivers.
 |
Alaska’s Inside Passage
Cruise
in the wake of Native Alaskans, Russian explorers and
Gold Rush prospectors along Alaska’s pristine Inside Passage. Witness the untouched grandeur of this last great
frontier, with its endless forests, calving glaciers and
abundant wildlife complete with whale watching. Call in
charming ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Wrangell and
Petersburg.
|
Visit
fabled Gold Rush towns, delve into the history of indigenous
peoples and early Russian explorers, and discover the unspoiled
beauty and unparalleled wildlife of America’s last frontier. Explore remote areas that are inaccessible
to large cruise ships and see sights that most visitors miss.
Cruise through Wrangell Narrows, Sergius Narrows, Peril Strait, Le Conte Bay to see
Alaska’s southernmost tidewater glacier, and fully explore Misty
Fjords.
Vessels
| Empress of the North |
2003 |
295 tons |
| Queen of the West |
1995 |
95 tons |
