American Empress

Your first decision each morning: whether to relax in bed with a cheerful breakfast tray of freshly brewed coffee and piping hot beignets, linger in the elegant dining room, or enjoy the informal atmosphere of an alternate venue. Menu choices are many, including made-to-order omelette, egg strudel with spinach, tomato and feta, andouille hash with corn cakes, and decadent bananas Foster French toast.

Aboard the American Empress, you’ll savour each bite of the nightly five-course dinner in the lavish décor of the Astoria Dining Room, a glorious and elaborate homage to the Pacific Northwest with gilded columns, marble, rich upholstery, and crystal chandeliers. A sumptuous array of selections is thoughtfully prepared each evening to tempt your palate. Begin with a delightful appetiser such as fresh crimini mushrooms sautéed and wrapped in a delicate crepe, served with a Willamette Valley pinot noir reduction. For the entrée, perhaps you will indulge in our lightly seasoned Puget Sound, Weathervane scallops seared to golden perfection, served with braised fennel and artichoke ragout along with creamy polenta.

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert and you will not be disappointed with the heavenly confections that are artfully prepared each evening to satisfy your sweet tooth and offer a sweet exclamation to end another perfect day.

Offering a more casual setting with both indoor and alfresco dining, the River Grill & Bar has quickly become a favorite location for guests to dine and take in the majestic scenery. In addition to delectable buffet breakfast and luncheon spreads served daily, the River Grill & Bar transforms into a reservation-only, specialty restaurant in the evening where menu highlights include local smoked and grilled salmon, Dungeness crab, freshly cut steaks and indulgent desserts. Guests may enjoy up to two dinner reservations per cruise in this complimentary, specialty restaurant.

The Show Lounge on the American Empress boasts rich décor, enormous crystal chandeliers, comfortable seating, and an elevated ceiling which provides the perfect venue for their acclaimed entertainment.

The warm ambiance of the Show Lounge allow them to present a variety of high-caliber entertainment that is most notable. Their house band and singers are some of the best around, so rest assured that every cruise offers wonderful entertainment to keep your toes tapping.

A more intimate atmosphere can be found in the vessel’s Paddlewheel Lounge; 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, they’ll pick up the pace and play all your favourites as you dance the night away.

As history plays such a large part of your river cruise experience, the American Queen and the American Empress often feature guest historians who take the stage and transport you to another era. You’ll enjoy a diverse lineup of noted speakers who offer insights on the culture, people, and history of the destinations you’ll visit. Relive a tale from Mark Twain or enjoy a recounting of the Lewis & Clark Expedition for a spellbinding evening. Their Riverlorians are onboard for every cruise to impart the history and legends of the very stretch of river on which you are cruising.

Their signature Hop-On Hop-Off guided shore excursions are the best way to experience the freedom of choosing your own path in these great cities. You will receive a map with the Hop-On Hop-Off tour route and its numbered stops. You may visit each attraction with a gold star, show your boat ID, and your admission is included. Some of these attractions do not require an admission fee, but they would love to know that you are a guest of the American Queen or the American Empress.

With their deluxe motor coaches, you will have the freedom to board at the dock and enjoy a locally narrated tour throughout each port of call. They encourage you to hop off the motor coach whenever the urge catches you, because another one is on its way to pick you up and continue the historical narration of your river port city. Motor coaches typically stop every 15 to 20 minutes. At each stop, you will have access to many attractions and historical sites along with plenty of unique places to find that perfect souvenir.

While their complimentary Hop-On Hop-Off guided tours are a great way to get acquainted with the historically rich ports that you’ll encounter on your river cruise journey, their Premium Shore Excursions offer you the opportunity to delve even deeper into your specific interests.

Premium Shore Excursions are available for purchase and provide comprehensive, in-depth and rare experiences at an amazing value.

Boasting a vast collection of some of the finest historical artefacts and artwork of the Native Alaska, Russian, Gold Rush and sternwheeler eras, the corridors of the American Empress hold nearly as much beauty and intrigue as the dramatic scenery unfolding on the river outside. You needn't be an art enthusiast to appreciate the captivating display of Pacific Northwest heritage that this unique collection represents.

Complimentary bicycles and helmets are made available at each port on your river cruise. With so many picturesque towns along the rivers, cycling is a great way to explore the shops and sites while getting in your daily dose of cardio. The onboard staff will also provide you with local attraction maps and guides so that you may explore each port as you wish along your river journey.