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

When you travel aboard an American West Steamboat sternwheeler, you not only cruise through history –you cruise through the Columbia River Gorge and Alaska’s Inside Passage to witness the natural beauty of the Northwest. Our American built ships – Queen of the West and Empress of the North – are the only overnight sternwheelers cruising the Columbia River and Alaska. They are the first overnight sternwheelers built to cruise the western waterways in more than 80 years, and are two of the newest ships in the U.S.-flagged, small-ship category.

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.
 

Ships In Service

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