Get ready to celebrate a significant milestone for AQV’s American Empress as it completes 20 years in service this month. Originally known as Empress of the North, this 223-guest ship embarked on its maiden cruise on August 10, 2003, kickstarting its inaugural season in Alaska. After repositioning to the Pacific Northwest, the American Empress offered itineraries on the Columbia, Willamette, and Snake rivers. Acquired by American Queen Voyages in 2013 and renamed American Empress, the ship underwent a major refurbishment before entering service in April 2014. Now, as it gears up for 2024, the ship is set to sail on the West Coast waterways, offering a full program of one-way and roundtrip itineraries. Join the celebration and experience the luxurious journey of the American Empress.

American Empress: A Brief History

Origins and maiden cruise

The American Empress, originally named Empress of the North, began its journey in the cruise industry on August 10, 2003. Built for the American West Steamship Co., the ship embarked on its maiden cruise from Seattle, Washington. This inaugural season took the 223-guest ship on 11-night Inside Passage cruises, sailing one-way between Juneau and Seattle. The itineraries also included stops at smaller towns in the region such as Wrangell and Petersburg. The Empress of the North was off to a promising start and marked the beginning of its storied history.

Interior design and artwork

Designed as a reproduction of an 1800s-era paddlewheeler, the American Empress boasts an elegant and nostalgic interior design. Drawing inspiration from 19th-century Russia, the ship’s interior is adorned with a unique collection of artwork. Guests will find themselves surrounded by Russian-inspired décor, including Faberge eggs and nesting dolls, paintings of wildlife and western settlement, as well as Native American carved totems and masks. This attention to detail creates an immersive and captivating experience for passengers, adding to the allure of the American Empress.

Repositioning to the Pacific Northwest

After completing its first season in Alaska, the Empress of the North repositioned to the Pacific Northwest. It started offering itineraries on the Columbia, Willamette, and Snake rivers, allowing guests to explore the scenic beauty and historical sites of the region. This transition provided a new and exciting journey for passengers, showcasing the versatility of the American Empress and its ability to navigate diverse waterways.

Lay up in 2008 and acquisition by American Queen Voyages

Despite its early success, the Empress of the North faced financial struggles, leading to its lay-up in 2008. However, this setback was not the end of the ship’s story. In 2013, the American Queen Voyages (AQV) acquired the vessel with the vision of giving it a new lease on life. Renamed the American Empress, the ship underwent a major refurbishment to enhance its facilities and amenities. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment in the ship’s history, setting the stage for its future with AQV.

Construction at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard

The American Empress was constructed at the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard in Washington. The shipyard’s expertise and attention to detail played a significant role in bringing the vision of a 1800s-era paddlewheeler reproduction to life. The construction process involved meticulous craftsmanship and engineering to ensure the ship’s authenticity and functionality. Nichols Brothers Boat Builders’ contribution to the American Empress’s construction remains an essential part of its history and legacy.

Design as a reproduction of an 1800s-era paddlewheeler

One of the distinguishing features of the American Empress is its design as a reproduction of a 1800s-era paddlewheeler. This design choice allows guests to step back in time and experience the nostalgia and charm of a bygone era. The ship’s iconic paddlewheel not only serves a functional purpose in propelling the vessel but also adds to its historic aesthetic. The attention to detail in replicating the design of a paddlewheeler showcases the dedication of the creators to capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Russian-inspired interior design and artwork collection

The interior design and artwork collection of the American Empress is inspired by 19th-century Russia. Guests will find themselves immersed in a world of Russian opulence and grandeur. The collection includes a wide array of artifacts, including Faberge eggs and nesting dolls, paintings of wildlife and western settlement, as well as Native American carved totems and masks. This carefully curated collection adds a touch of authenticity and beauty to the ship’s interior, creating a unique and unforgettable ambiance for passengers.

Acquisition and rebranding

In 2013, the American Empress found a new home with American Queen Voyages (AQV) after facing financial challenges. AQV saw the potential in this historic vessel and embarked on a mission to revitalize and reintroduce it to the cruising world. With the acquisition came a rebranding effort, transforming the ship from the Empress of the North to the American Empress. This rebranding marked a fresh start for the ship and set the stage for its future under AQV’s stewardship.

Major refurbishment and redeployment

To prepare the American Empress for its new role within AQV’s fleet, the ship underwent a major refurbishment. This extensive overhaul involved upgrading its facilities and amenities to meet AQV’s high standards of luxury and comfort. The refurbishment breathed new life into the vessel and allowed it to offer an enhanced experience for its passengers. Following the refurbishment, the American Empress was redeployed to the Columbia and Snake rivers in 2014, ready to embark on new adventures.

Introduction of West Coast waterways program

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing unique and immersive experiences, the American Empress introduced a West Coast waterways program. This program showcases the diverse and stunning landscapes along the West Coast, inviting guests to explore Spokane, Portland, and an array of captivating destinations in between. The introduction of the West Coast waterways program expands the ship’s itineraries and offers passengers a new perspective on the beauty and history of the region.

Initial Inside Passage cruises

During its maiden season, the American Empress embarked on a series of Inside Passage cruises. These 11-night itineraries offered a one-way journey between Juneau and Seattle, allowing guests to marvel at the majestic scenery and wildlife of Alaska. The cruises also included stops at lesser-known towns such as Wrangell and Petersburg, providing an opportunity for passengers to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. The Inside Passage cruises set the stage for the ship’s future adventures and captivated passengers with their natural beauty.

Transition to Columbia, Willamette, and Snake rivers

After its initial success in Alaska, the American Empress transitioned to exploring the Columbia, Willamette, and Snake rivers. These iconic waterways allowed guests to discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. From the vibrant city of Portland to the magnificent beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, passengers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s unique charm and culture. The transition to these rivers expanded the American Empress’s range of destinations and showcased its versatility as a cruising vessel.

Return to Alaska

Following its rebranding and refurbishment, the American Empress returned to Alaska for a second season in 2014. Building on the success of its inaugural season, the ship once again set sail in the picturesque waters of the Inside Passage. Passengers had the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska’s glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The return to Alaska reaffirmed the American Empress’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences and cemented its place as a premier cruise option in the region.

Current West Coast waterways program

The American Empress continues to offer its West Coast waterways program, which provides passengers with an exceptional journey along the rivers and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. From Spokane to Portland, guests can explore an array of destinations and immerse themselves in the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The current program showcases the American Empress’s commitment to providing unique and captivating itineraries that cater to the diverse interests of its passengers.

Contributions to the growth of paddlewheel tourism

The American Empress has played a significant role in the growth of paddlewheel tourism in the United States. As one of the few remaining traditional paddlewheelers in operation, the ship has preserved a rich maritime tradition while introducing it to a new generation of travelers. The American Empress’s success and popularity have spurred interest in paddlewheel cruising, leading to the expansion and revitalization of this unique segment of the cruise industry.

Role in expanding AQV’s fleet

The acquisition of the American Empress marked a pivotal moment in American Queen Voyages’ growth and expansion. As the second traditional paddlewheeler in AQV’s fleet, the American Empress added a new dimension to the company’s offerings. The ship’s unique design, captivating artwork, and rich history complemented AQV’s commitment to providing luxurious and immersive experiences for its passengers. The American Empress’s role within AQV’s fleet has helped solidify the company’s position as a leader in the river cruise industry.

Maintaining relevance in the modern cruise market

With over 20 years of service, the American Empress has successfully maintained its relevance and appeal in the modern cruise market. The ship’s commitment to preserving traditional paddlewheel cruising while incorporating modern amenities and comforts has garnered praise from passengers. The American Empress’s ability to adapt to changing market trends and meet the evolving needs of its guests has allowed it to remain a popular choice for travelers seeking a unique and memorable cruising experience.

Financial struggles of the original owner

Despite its early success, the original owner of the American Empress, the American West Steamship Co., faced significant financial challenges. These struggles ultimately led to the ship’s lay-up in 2008. The financial difficulties encountered by the original owner highlight the complexities of the cruise industry and the challenges faced by individual companies. However, the ship’s acquisition by American Queen Voyages provided a fresh start and a new chapter in its history.

Transition period after acquisition

After its acquisition by American Queen Voyages, the American Empress entered a transition period to prepare for its reintroduction to the cruising world. The ship underwent a major refurbishment to align its facilities and amenities with AQV’s standards of luxury and comfort. This transition period allowed for a seamless integration of the American Empress into AQV’s fleet and laid the foundation for its successful future. The careful planning and attention to detail during this period ensured that the ship was ready to provide an exceptional experience for its guests.

Managing changes in cruise market trends

The cruise industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, with changing market trends and passenger expectations. The American Empress and its operators, American Queen Voyages, have navigated these changes by adapting their offerings and staying attuned to the needs of their guests. By introducing new itineraries, revamping facilities, and incorporating modern amenities, the American Empress has successfully remained relevant in an ever-changing cruise market. The ship’s ability to adapt to trends while maintaining its unique identity has been instrumental in its continued success.

Inaugural season in Alaska

The American Empress made its debut in the cruise industry with an inaugural season in Alaska. Passengers were treated to breathtaking views of Alaska’s glaciers, mountains, and wildlife as they embarked on one-way Inside Passage cruises. This inaugural season set the standard for the ship’s future adventures, captivating passengers with its natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. The success of the Empress of the North’s inaugural season in Alaska paved the way for the ship’s long and storied history.

20th-anniversary celebrations

In recent years, the American Empress has celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of providing exceptional cruises and creating lasting memories for its passengers. This milestone is a testament to the ship’s enduring popularity and the dedication of its operators to delivering a top-notch cruising experience. The 20th-anniversary celebrations serve as a reminder of the ship’s journey and the impact it has had on the cruise industry.

Expanding West Coast waterways program

Looking ahead to the future, the American Empress plans to expand its West Coast waterways program. This expansion will offer passengers even more opportunities to explore the stunning landscapes and historic sites along the Pacific Northwest waterways. With an extended schedule and new itineraries, the American Empress aims to provide a diverse range of experiences for its guests. The expansion of the West Coast waterways program showcases the ship’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Possible redeployments

As the cruise industry evolves and market trends change, the American Empress may explore new redeployment opportunities. With its unique design and capabilities, the ship has the flexibility to navigate various waterways and offer distinctive itineraries. Possible redeployments could include exploring new regions or expanding into different markets, catering to the evolving preferences of cruise passengers. The American Empress’s potential for redeployment ensures its continued relevance and adaptability in the dynamic cruise industry.

Potential refurbishments and upgrades

To ensure the American Empress remains at the forefront of cruise industry standards, potential refurbishments and upgrades may be considered. These enhancements could range from updating onboard technologies and amenities to refreshing the ship’s interior design and artwork collection. By investing in refurbishments and upgrades, the American Empress can continue to exceed guest expectations and provide an enhanced cruising experience. The ship’s commitment to continuous improvement underscores its dedication to passenger satisfaction and its drive to maintain a competitive edge.

Feedback on maiden cruise

Passenger feedback on the American Empress’s maiden cruise was overwhelmingly positive. Guests raved about the ship’s elegant interior design, friendly staff, and immersive itineraries. The breathtaking scenery of the Inside Passage left a lasting impression on passengers, who praised the ship’s ability to navigate such awe-inspiring waters. The maiden cruise on the American Empress set the stage for future voyages, leaving passengers eager to return and explore more of what the ship and its itineraries have to offer.

Reviews from recent guests

Recent guests of the American Empress have continued to praise the ship’s exceptional service and captivating itineraries. Passengers often mention the outstanding attention to detail, delicious cuisine, and knowledgeable staff. Many guests find the ship’s Russian-inspired interior design and artwork collection to be both unique and beautiful, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their onboard experience. The American Empress consistently receives positive reviews from its guests, reaffirming its status as a premier cruise option.

Unique experiences offered onboard

The American Empress prides itself on providing unique experiences for its passengers. From onboard lectures and demonstrations to curated shore excursions, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s culture and history. The ship’s spacious staterooms, elegant dining venues, and luxurious amenities contribute to a comfortable and unforgettable cruise experience. The American Empress’s commitment to offering unique experiences sets it apart from other cruise options and ensures that guests leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Comparison with other AQV ships

As part of American Queen Voyages’ fleet, the American Empress holds a distinct place alongside other ships in the company’s lineup. While each ship offers a unique cruising experience, the American Empress stands out for its design as a 1800s-era paddlewheeler reproduction and its Russian-inspired interior design. This distinctive combination sets the American Empress apart from other AQV ships and allows it to offer a truly one-of-a-kind cruise experience for its passengers.

Contribution to AQV’s growth and success

The American Empress has made significant contributions to the growth and success of American Queen Voyages. With its unique design and captivating itineraries, the ship has attracted a loyal following of passengers who appreciate the authenticity and luxury it offers. The American Empress’s addition to the AQV fleet has expanded the company’s reach and allowed it to cater to a broader audience. The ship’s contributions to AQV’s growth and success have solidified its place as a valuable asset within the company.

Future role within the fleet

Looking to the future, the American Empress will continue to play an important role within American Queen Voyages’ fleet. With its distinctive design and ability to navigate diverse waterways, the ship offers a unique perspective on river cruising. The American Empress’s continued success and popularity ensure its place as a core asset within the fleet. As the company evolves and grows, the ship’s role may expand, allowing it to further showcase its versatility and capture the hearts of more passengers.