American Queen Steamboat Company 2017 Brochure Showcases Sixth Season

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 5, 2016 – American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of America’s most luxurious riverboat fleet, is pleased to announce the release of its 2017 deluxe brochure. This full-color, 76-page brochure presents a full overview of itineraries and river cruise offerings for the sixth season of the U.S.-flagged cruise line and its iconic American Queen and American Empress riverboats.

Inspired by the great steamboats of the 19th century, traveling aboard the American Queen and American Empress 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, from the itineraries to the boats themselves.

“Our goal is to make river cruise vacations more enticing than ever,” shares American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. “We celebrate an authentically American experience that has no equal in terms of cuisine, hospitality, extraordinary entertainment, and unique experiences ashore.”

The brochure captures this authentically American experience by highlighting American Queen’s trademark level of quality dining, friendly all-American crew and interesting, content-filled itineraries. Guests can begin planning their 2017 holiday on the American Queen and American Empress exploring the waters and towns throughout the Heartland of America and Pacific Northwest.

Highlights in the 2017 season include:

  • The American Empress season will open and close with a new themed voyage “Vintages, Vineyards, and Varietals.” Traveling roundtrip to and from Portland, Ore., guests are invited to inspire their palates with wines, coffees, and craft beers of the Northwest while cruising amidst the natural beauty of the Columbia River.
  • Ports of call added to several American Queen itineraries include vibrant Nashville, Tenn., and historic Chattanooga, Tenn.
  • Commodore Services have been extended to both vessels this year, offering an exclusive level of hospitality and amenities to guests staying in suite-level accommodations onboard the American Queen and the American Empress. Commodore Services featurespecial access to the pre-voyage hotel’s club lounge, access to private voyage check-in and pre-boarding privileges, a bottle of wine from the region or fruit basket upon arrival, preferred dining arrangements, reserved balcony seating in the Grand Saloon theater or the Show Lounge theater, a private reception with Senior Officers of the ship and River Butler services for those staying in Luxury Suites.
  • The popular “Mighty Mississippi Voyage” will sail once in the 2017 season—traveling the entire length of the river with a southbound itinerary spanning three fabulous weeks cruising amidst the antebellum charms and gracious style of the American Queen.
  • “Holiday – Christmas Markets” cruises are back with an exclusive lineup of markets offering a little something for everyone including music, seasonal goods and locally produced crafts. Booking for these magical itineraries starts in early May.
  • The inaugural season of the “Chairman’s Cruise” where guests can join American Queen Steamboat Company Chairman and CEO John Waggoner and his wife Claudette onboard the American Queen for a round-trip cruise from their hometown of Louisville, Ky.

American Empress Itinerary Overview
The largest and most elegant riverboat west of the Mississippi, the 223-guest American Empress, embarks on her third season sailing the Pacific Northwest beginning March 5, 2017.  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 38 departure dates sailing between Portland/Vancouver, Wash. and Clarkston, Wash. The season begins and ends with two roundtrip Portland itineraries highlighting the extraordinary wines of the Washington and Oregon regions.

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 sixth season on Feb. 19, 2017, 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 44 total itineraries in 2017, 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 $1,799 and American Empress fares begin at $2,699 per person based on double occupancy. All 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. For additional information and reservations, please contact the American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280, visit www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com or call a professional travel agent.

American Queen Steamboat Company
The American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) is the owner and operator of the U.S. flagged American Queen, the largest, most opulent riverboat in the world.  Longer than a football field, towering six decks in height and laced with fanciful gingerbread trim, she is a marvel of modern engineering. Her journeys through the heartland offer a unique perspective on America’s history, culture and landscape with convenient departures from some of America’s most iconic river port cities including Memphis, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis and St. Paul. In April 2014, AQSC began serving the Pacific Northwest with opulence and grandeur on the American Empress. For additional information and reservations, contact the American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280, visit us online at www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com or call a professional travel agent.

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Contacts: Mike Hicks/Arden Hare
LOU HAMMOND & ASSOCIATES
561-655-3836 / 843-628-3426
michaelh@louhammond.com
ardenh@louhammond.com