paddlewheeler - American Queen Steamboat Company

PADDLEWHEELER
The
PUBLISHED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS OF THE STEAMBOAT SOCIETY OF AMERICA
SUMMER 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 2
Autumn Colors - Cruising on the American Queen
the Effigy Mounds National Monument and 3) the Jefferson National
Expansion Memorial (the Gateway Arch in St. Louis).
By: Ted Sykes
President & COO
American Queen Steamboat Company
Unlike the Lower Mississippi, much of the upper river is a series of
pools created by a system of 29 locks and dams. These structures were
authorized by Congress in the 1930s and were mostly completed by
1940. A primary reason for damming the river was to facilitate barge
transportation. The dams regulate water levels for the upper river and
play a major role in regulating water levels on the Lower Mississippi.
The locks provide a collective 404 feet of lift.
We are pleased to promote the American Queen’s sailings on the Upper
Mississippi, particularly during the September to mid-October timeframe for the Autumn Colors cruises.
While most guests may be familiar with the abundance of music,
culture, antebellum plantations and Civil War historical sights on the
Lower Mississippi, many may not be aware of all the Upper Mississippi
holds in store.
The area was opened up by European explorers in the mid-1600s.
Thereafter, a bustling fur trade was developed by primarily French,
English and Dutch traders. Dubuque, Iowa has been labeled one of the
“oldest European settlements west of the Mississippi River”. La Crosse,
Wisconsin was built by fur trappers, lumberjacks and railroad barons.
At Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, French explorers Jacques Marquette
and Louis Joliet arrived by canoe in 1673 and discovered a route from
the Wisconsin River into the Mississippi River. Later, John Jacob Astor
built his large Astor Fur Warehouse there.
The upper reaches of the Mississippi River are rich with frontier tales
of fur traders and pioneers in a setting of picturesque geography and
abundant wildlife. The Upper Mississippi is essentially a gorge with
high limestone bluffs. The scenery becomes more dramatic as you
venture north of St. Louis. There are three national parks along the
upper reaches; 1) the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, 2)
In the mid-1700s the British and French exchanged control of the
territories during the French and Indian War. Following the end of
this war, the Treaty of Paris in 1783 granted the territory to the newly
formed United States of America. It didn’t become fully American
until the Revolutionary War in 1812. After the British defeat, the
Americans built Fort Crawford alongside the river. It was later pressed
into service as a troop hospital and recruiting center during the Civil
War and is now registered as a National Historic Landmark.
In addition to the area’s rich history, the upper river has an abundance
of wildlife. Deer come to the water’s edge. Falcons and ospreys soar
Continued on PAGE 4
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Still Available:
2015 Fall & Winter Themed Cruises
There are still some great cruises available
in 2015! Take a look below at a few of the
themed cruises that we have planned for
the rest of the year on the American Queen.
Big Band Swing
St. Paul to St. Louis and
St. Louis to St. Paul
Sept. 5-13 and Sept. 12-20
Back by popular demand, Big Band Swing
is returning for the first two sailings
in September. Get “in the mood” for
a sensational Big Band Voyage on the
Upper Mississippi River, when special
onboard guests and the 13-piece “The
Great American Swing Band” play the
tunes you know so well, all in the original
arrangements that made them legendary.
There will be dancing every night with dance
hosts available as well. If you are a fan of the
big bands, this is a sentimental journey you
won’t want to miss.
Special guest, Lynn Roberts will be onboard
to perform and lecture. As a big band
singer with the Dorsey Brothers, Harry
James and Doc Severinson, Lynn has
performed all over the world and is one of
the last of her era. Lynn shares stories of
her contemporaries Rosemary Clooney and
Helen Forrest as she takes you on a musical
journey unlike anything left in America at
this time.
Oktoberfest
St. Paul to St. Louis
Oct. 3-11
Kelly Lao, Assistant Director of the
German American Heritage Center, will
be onboard to educate and entertain on
several topics.
Her discussion on “Oktoberfest by The
Numbers” will feature fun facts and figures
that tell the history of Oktoberfest and
how it plays out annually in Munich.
(Audience participation is encouraged in this
discussion.) “20 Germans You Didn’t Know
You Knew” is a humorous presentation that
will inform you about several Germans/
German-Americans you don’t know who
may have impacted your life dramatically!
“Suds 101!” is a short course on critical facts
about German beer, beer in America and the
German role in the U.S. brewing industry;
definitely not a “dry” subject!
On Dec. 14, instead of a Christmas Market
at Nottoway, we will include an evening
experience like no other — a Holiday Ball.
Nottoway will be festooned in complete
Christmas lighting and décor throughout
the grounds, public spaces and the mansion.
Costumed carolers will stroll the grounds and
dancers in antebellum attire will demonstrate
vintage dances inside the candlelit mansion.
A pianist will serenade guests as they enjoy
a sumptuous private dinner at the mansion
followed by dancing. This romantic evening
is capped off with the lighting of traditional
bonfires along the levees.
Also, we will have special entertainers
onboard. Brian Brueggen’s Mississippi Valley
Dutchmen will perform shows on October 6.
Dance sets and Polka lessons will be offered
that same evening. Don’t miss it!
There is great local participation in each of
our ports throughout the holidays, as citizens
extend the hospitality of the season and create
marvelous experiences for our guests. Other
features to our Holiday Cruises include:
• The Bonfire at Nottoway, a Cajun
tradition to light the way for Papa Noel
• St. Francisville strolling carolers
• Choirs/bands serenading guests,
performing from the levees at Vicksburg
and Natchez as the American Queen
departs the port.
• Holiday entertainment from the talented
American Queen ensemble cast and
Steamboat Syncopators.
• Onboard, seasonally themed movies and
activities which include dramatic reading
of a Cajun Night Before Christmas, door
decorating contests and more
Old-Fashioned Holidays
New Orleans to Memphis and
Memphis to New Orleans
Dec. 12-20 and Dec. 19-27
Join us in America’s most charming Southern
cities, for holiday festivities including
caroling, live musical performances and
European-style Christmas Markets with a
Southern flair. The American Queen will be all
decked out in its holiday finery.
New this year and exclusive to the American
Queen are Christmas Markets along the
river with music as well as seasonal and
locally produced crafts/goods at Greenville,
Mississippi and at Nottoway Plantation.
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We’d love to have you onboard to share in this
unique holiday experience!
American Empress Adds Two
Additional Cruises in November
Our guests have informed us that they love the American Empress and the beautiful Pacific
Northwest. We have received great reviews in many areas and guests have shared their
experiences with other potential guests. As a result, the American Empress has been sold
out from July through mid-October, in only our second year of service. Due to this high
demand, we have added two additional cruises in November on the Columbia River to the
sailing schedule for the vessel. These 8-day journeys are round-trip to and from Portland,
OR (Vancouver, WA) November 15-22 and November 22-29, 2015.
The Columbia River holds the largest population of White Sturgeon in
North America. Our Premium Shore Excursion “Catch of the Day Fishing
Excursion” is offered in Stevenson, WA.
Other companies and the prior owners of the American Empress previously ran cruises
from March to the end of November, so we will be moving to a cruising schedule that will
include these dates as well. The American Empress is a SOLAS class vessel that previously
traveled to and was built to visit Alaska, so the vessel can handle the weather.
The change in the seasons and river is a beautiful sight to see. Guests that have traveled
in the spring or summer can now experience the fall months as well.
More information about these unique itineraries for the American Empress is available
at www.aqsc.com.
Our award-winning culinary teams take full advantage of the region’s diverse
bounty of fresh ingredients to prepare uniquely equisite dishes.
Master of the vessel Captain Andrea Mickelson (left) and Staff Captain
Michael Bennett (right) of the American Empress.
One of the many awe-inspiring sunsets you may experience aboard the American Empress.
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Meet fellow passenger, Mike Ryan
To continue building the community within
the Steamboat Society of America, we
have decided to add a new section to The
Paddlewheeler, introducing some of the
members who have traveled with us.
everything about it.” Mike especially loves
the Front Porch of America on the American
Queen, which is always available for
spectacular views, hot coffee and reading a
good book – even in the middle of the night.
For our first introduction, meet Mike
Ryan, a retired physics and astronomy
teacher from Florida who, along with his
wife, Patricia Ann, travels with American
Queen Steamboat Company often. Mike
and Patricia Ann have cruised on the
American Empress once, and on the
American Queen several times. When asked
why they continue to return to American
Queen Steamboat Company for a traveling
experience, Mike replied that the crew and
people have “become more than friends,”
they have become family. He commented
that boarding the American Queen “is like
returning to our second home. We love
Mike doesn’t have a favorite itinerary, as
he loves them all, but is looking forward to
cruising the Tennessee River in October. His
favorite excursion has been the “Pitcher”
– Perfect Americana tour, featuring a visit
to the original baseball diamond from the
1989 Academy Award winning film, “Field
of Dreams” out of the Dubuque, Iowa port
of call.
Continued from PAGE 1
overhead along the rolling hills
and limestone bluffs that cradle
the river. Our guests can view an
impressive population of bald
eagles on an eco-cruise from
Red Wing, Minnesota or at the
National Eagle Center in nearby
Wabasha. They often comment
they see more wildlife along the
scenic stretches of the Upper
Mississippi River than on an
Alaskan cruise.
NEW
We love having guests such as Mike and
Patricia Ann, who help exhibit the values
and culture we hope to build within this
community. Their friendship to our crew,
our executives and other passengers make
From late August through midOctober, the fiery reds, autumnal
oranges and electric yellows of
the trees celebrate the coming
of fall. The American Queen
provides the perfect setting from
which to view this splendor on
cool, crisp mornings.
them well-deserving of this feature. We
appreciate your loyalty and hope to see you
onboard again soon! Bon voyage!
to delve deeper into areas of
specific interest. These include
behind-the-scenes tours of the
John Deere Family Home and
Pavilion. In St. Louis, we visit
the Clydesdale Stables and
Paddock, the Anheuser Busch
Brewery and the Cathedral
Basilica – home to over 83,000
square feet of hand-laid mosaics,
one of the largest collections in
the world. In Grafton, Illinois
you are invited to walk in the
footsteps of President Abraham
Along with the included tours
of the historically rich ports
that you’ll encounter on an
American Queen voyage, we also
offer Premium Shore Excursions
Lincoln as you explore the
Franklin House where he
prepared for his famous debates
with Senator Douglas. All guests
can brush up on their knowledge
of Mark Twain in his hometown
of Hannibal, Missouri. There is
no better way to experience the
Upper Mississippi River than an
Autumn Colors cruise on the
American Queen.
River Butler Service Offers Exclusive Accommodations
By: Anthony Defelippis
Hotel Manager, American Queen
The sun sets over the picturesque Mississippi as the River
Butler silently prepares your Bananas Foster dessert on the
private balcony — it is the epitome of a relaxing evening
and, aboard the American Queen, just one of the many
Commodore Services® introduced that are already receiving
the lauds and praises of both the industry and our guests.
The River Butler is only one part of our evolution, as we have
also recently introduced the Chef ’s Table, a gastronomic
event featuring a special menu prepared by the Executive
Chef and Sommelier selected wines for each course. The
Chef ’s Table is further defining the award-winning cuisine
and service of the world’s largest steamboat.
The River Butler is an exclusive, premier service provided to
guests in our LS suites. Whether a private dinner in your suite
or being served champagne while watching performances from
your exclusive theater box is your pace, there is no question that
the River Butler is defining the American Queen experience. So
the decision that needs to be made is not whether to cruise, but
simply when?
From Commodore Services featuring private checkin, exclusive reserved seating in the Grand Saloon and
our renowned River Butler program, to new culinary
introductions such as the Chef ’s Table, the American Queen
continues to write new chapters in the storied history of
America’s rivers.
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American Queen’s 20th Anniversary Cruise
The American Queen Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The American Queen
celebrates her history
with warm greetings
and special events
throughout a
commemorative cruise
Twenty years after being built,
the American Queen still sails
as the largest and most opulent
steamboat ever constructed.
To honor such a rich history,
a special cruise celebrating the
anniversary was organized, which
included special presentations,
entertainment and activities. The
American Queen traveled from
New Orleans to Memphis June
6 through June 13, 2015 with
guests from all over the world
onboard to celebrate.
The vessel was first christened
in New Orleans on June 2, 1995
by Angel Harvey, wife of ABC
broadcaster, Paul Harvey. As
a nod to its connection to the
state of Louisiana, Delta Queen
Steamboat Company used a four
AM
Special recognition was given to passengers Barbara and Kent Meyers and Suzanne Martinez at this
event. They were on the 1995 inaugural cruises and again on this historic 20th anniversary cruise. John
and Claudette presented them with special certificates and an American flag that once flew onboard the
historic vessel.
5
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some photos from the cruise.
Together, John and Claudette
cut a cake that was shared with
guests and took part in special
presentations and discussions
The American Queen was retired
onboard. Commemorative 20th
and preserved in November 2008 Anniversary cruise glasses, as
after the operating company that
well as American flags that had
owned her went out of business.
flown on the American Queen,
were presented to guests who
American Queen Steamboat
were present on the vessel’s
Company purchased the
inaugural cruise in 1995 and
vessel in April 2011
to significant city figures.
AN Q
and debuted her
IC
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once again to the
In return, John
Mississippi River
and American
TH
with a christening
Queen Steamboat
ceremony in April
Company were
anniversary
2012, performed
presented with
by Godmother,
several traditional
2 015
Prescilla Presley.
and iconic tokens of
appreciation by cities and
Chairman and CEO, John
towns that the American Queen
Waggonner, with his wife,
frequently docks in.
Claudette, cruised the recent
20th Anniversary cruise and
The 20th Anniversary cruise
hosted a number of special guests was a wonderful celebration of
including Jimmy Ogle, Dennis
the history and tradition that
Brown and Lewis Hankins,
accompanies the American
riverlorian on the American
Queen. Thank you to those who
Queen’s inaugural cruises in
have sailed on her, continuing to
1995. The following page shows
build upon that tradition.
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The American Queen was
originally designed and built for
Delta Queen Steamboat Company,
as the third sister vessel to the
Mississippi Queen and Delta
Queen. She was built 90 miles
west of New Orleans, in Morgan
City, Louisiana by McDermott
Shipyard. Because of her size, she
had an unexpected route change
through the rough waters of the
foot tall, 21.3 gallon container
of Tabasco sauce instead of the
traditional champagne bottle in
the ceremony.
Gulf of Mexico but despite the
detour, the American Queen was
delivered on-time in June 1995,
almost exactly two years after
construction officially began.
American Queen’s 20th Anniversary Cruise
Pictured here, John presents Kim Priez, Vice-President, Tourism for New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau with an American flag that was previously flown on the American Queen and 20th anniversary
commemorative glasses.
In Natchez, MS, John was presented with honorary citizenship and key to the city by Mayor Larry
“Butch” Brown. On behalf of American Queen Steamboat Company, John also presented the Mayor
with an American flag that was previously flown on the American Queen and commemorative glasses.
John, along with his wife Claudette, cut a cake onboard the American Queen to celebrate her 20th
anniversary. The cake and champagne was shared with guests after a brief presentation by John
and others.
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American Queen’s 20th Anniversary Cruise
Above: The Honorable Rucker Leake, Mayor Pro Tem, St. Francisville is presenting John with a
Proclamation from Town of St. Francisville congratulating the owners, operators, and crew of the
American Queen on the occasion of the vessel’s 20th anniversary.
Above Left: Pictured left to right is Claudette Waggoner; Maryanne Freeman; Neil Castaldi, Managing
Partner, Nottoway Plantation; Bobby Freeman, former Lt. Governor for State of Louisiana; and John
Waggoner at Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, LA.
Left: John and Claudette also presented Neil Castaldi, Managing Partner of Nottoway Plantation located
in White Castle, LA, with an American flag that was previously flown on the American Queen and 20th
anniversary commemorative glasses.
Vicksburg, MS Mayor George Flaggs Jr. presents John with a plaque congratulating the American Queen on 20 years of service in the Grand Saloon.
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Exclusive Paddlewheeler Recipe
Bread Pudding with Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Sauce
as served on the American Queen’s Bourbon Cruise
Chef Paul Wayland-Smith is the Executive Chef for
American Queen Steamboat Company and oversees
entire galley staffs onboard the American Queen
and American Empress. Chef Paul has been creating
culinary masterpieces onboard the American Queen
since she first sailed the rivers in 1995. Many of his
creations have received rave reviews and have been
recognized in travel publications and websites. These
recipes were prepared as part of an onboard cooking
demonstration, sponsored by Maker’s Mark®, during
our recent Bourbon Cruise.
Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
6 cups day-old French bread cubes, sub brioche
6 whole eggs, lightly beaten
3 egg yolks
2 cups heavy cream, sub ½ & ½
1 cup whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped pecans, optional
½ cup raisins, (preferably golden)
½ stick unsalted butter, softened
*You will need a loaf pan or 8x8 casserole dish and a
larger pan that will hold the smaller pan to create a
water bath.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread and air dry
— one 18 inch loaf should provide 6 cups of cubes.
(It is important to use a light airy bread, however,
denser buttery brioche will work well with different
results in texture.) In a mixing bowl, combine eggs
with yolks and mix well. Add sugar, cinnamon,
vanilla, cream and milk. Mix well. Add nuts and
raisins. Pour custard over bread cubes and allow
liquid to soak into the bread. (Avoid the temptation
to mix or break the bread apart. The bread should
soak up the liquid in about an hour.) Butter the loaf
pan or casserole dish and reserve remaining butter to
dot the surface. Fold pudding gently and transfer to
baking dish. Dot the surface with remaining butter
and cover with foil. Set pan inside larger dish and
add warm water to create a bath. Bake at 350 degrees
for 45-50 minutes or until just a bit “jiggly” in the
center. Remove foil and continue to bake 10-15
minutes longer or until the surface is golden brown.
Pudding can be served cold, but I prefer to let it
cool for 15 minutes and then serve with a generous
portion of bourbon sauce and vanilla or butter pecan
ice cream. Makes six servings.
Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Sauce
Ingredients:
1 & ½ sticks of unsalted butter
2 cups of dark or light brown
sugar
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
½ teaspoon orange zest, optional
½ cup heavy cream
3-4 ounces Maker’s Mark®
Bourbon, sub as desired.
Directions:
In a sauce pan over low-medium heat, melt butter
together with brown sugar, stirring until smooth.
Add cinnamon and orange zest, then the cream and
bring to a simmer, cook for 1-2 minutes. Carefully
add bourbon and mix well. Simmer for about
another minute and remove from heat. Serve as
desired.
*Note: Use caution when adding the bourbon to sauce.
Bourbon-Green Peppercorn Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons whole black
peppercorns, crushed
2 teaspoons canola or
olive oil
2 tablespoons finely
diced shallot or red
onion
2 tablespoons green
peppercorns, drained
from brine
3 ounces Maker’s Mark®
Bourbon
1 & ½ cups prepared
demi-glace (Most stores
carry Knor brand mix,
which works fine.)
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
Salt to taste if needed,
any pan drippings from
the cooked steak are a
welcome addition.
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Directions:
Crush black pepper. (I find the bottom of a heavy pot
works well on a cutting board.) In a heavy bottomed
sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add pepper
and sauté for one minute. Add shallot and cook until
soft. Add green
peppercorns and
sauté 30 seconds.
Add bourbon
and flambé if
desired. (Be
cautious!)
Reduce bourbon
by half and
add demiglace. Bring
to a simmer
and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add cream and cook 3-4
minutes longer, or until desired thickness. Fold in
butter and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. If
you have any pan drippings from the steak, add as
well. Strain if you don’t like the peppercorns. Serve as
desired. Makes two cups of sauce.
Now Available
2016 Sailing Schedule
Thinking about your next vacation? American Queen Steamboat
Company has released the sailing schedule for 2016, showcasing
cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Columbia and Snake
Rivers. We’re always trying to introduce new themes, entertainment
and excursions to create the best experiences for our guests. Below are
the available cruising dates for 2016 listed by destination. For more
information on an itinerary, please visit www.aqsc.com. We hope to
see you onboard again soon!
September 18, 2016 – September 26, 2016
September 25, 2016 – October 03, 2016
October 02, 2016 – October 10, 2016
October 09, 2016 – October 17, 2016
the sense of wonder that caused early pioneers
to call the heartland home.
Upper Mississippi River Cruises
Early explorers and native tribes left their
legacy behind in town names here: Joliet. Red
Wing. Dubuque. Rolling farmland stretches
out to the horizon; barges are measured in
acres; man-made lakes and locks channel the
river’s flow. What to do on a river day? Grab
your binoculars and study a pair of American
bald eagles. Wave to the motorboat captains
locking through the dam beside you. Study red
in ten different shades of fall foliage. Tap into
River cruise destinations handpicked to pique
the interest of nature lovers, history buffs and
culture enthusiasts let you delve into beauty
and adventure on an epic scale. After all,
this is America’s Heartland, envisioned by
Washington and Jefferson, celebrated by Mark
Twain and stitched into the very fabric of a
nation. From Chippewa country in the north
to the confluence of the Missouri near St. Louis
and Ohio Rivers at Cairo, the Upper Mississippi
flows through the pages of U.S. history.
July 03, 2016 – July 11, 2016
July 24, 2016 – August 01, 2016
July 31, 2016 – August 08, 2016
August 07, 2016 – August 15, 2016
August 14, 2016 – August 22, 2016
August 14, 2016 – September 05, 2016
August 21, 2016 – August 29, 2016
September 11, 2016 – September 19, 2016
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Lower Mississippi River Cruises
Memory flows deep and sentiment eddies
and swirls along the Lower Mississippi River
on these river cruises. Once divided by these
very waters, when cotton was king and the
plantation lifestyle was at its zenith, the North
and South were at war, each armed with
conflicting visions of what was worth dying
for. Look back as each battlefield and grave
marker has a story to tell. Then celebrate the
living, breathing places where southern culture
continues to enjoy a modern-day renaissance.
February 21, 2016 – February 29, 2016
February 28, 2016 – March 07, 2016
March 06, 2016 – March 14, 2016
March 13, 2016 – March 21, 2016
Continued on PAGE 10
Continued from PAGE 9
March 20, 2016 – March 28, 2016
March 27, 2016 – April 04, 2016
April 03, 2016 – April 11, 2016
April 10, 2016 – April 18, 2016
April 17, 2016 – April 25, 2016
April 24, 2016 – May 02, 2016
May 01, 2016 – May 09, 2016
May 08, 2016 – May 16, 2016
May 15, 2016 – May 23, 2016
May 22, 2016 – May 30, 2016
May 29, 2016 – June 06, 2016
June 05, 2016 – June 13, 2016
June 12, 2016 – June 20, 2016
June 19, 2016 – June 27, 2016
June 26, 2016 – July 04, 2016
August 28, 2016 – September 05, 2016
September 04, 2016 – September 12, 2016
September 04, 2016 – September 26, 2016
October 30, 2016 – November 07, 2016
November 06, 2016 – November 14, 2016
November 13, 2016 – November 21, 2016
November 20, 2016 – November 28, 2016
November 27, 2016 – December 05, 2016
December 04, 2016 – December 12, 2016
December 11, 2016 – December 19, 2016
December 18, 2016 – December 26, 2016
December 25, 2016 – January 02, 2017
Ohio and Tennessee River Cruises
By any measure, the Ohio River is no mere
tributary to the Mississippi, but a mighty
river itself. Coursing nearly 1,000 miles with
a watershed encompassing 14 states, the Ohio
opened up America’s movement West. Here
too are the great Wilderness Rivers coursing
through Bluegrass country, conjuring up tales
of Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and raids by
Cherokee and Chickamauga tribes. From small
towns crowned by church steeples to big city
thrills like the Grand Ole Opry® and Churchill
Downs, on these river cruises, adventure awaits
by the mile.
July 10, 2016 – July 18, 2016
July 17, 2016 – July 25, 2016
October 16, 2016 – October 24, 2016
October 23, 2016 – October 31, 2016
Columbia and Snake Rivers
Nowhere is the timelessness of rivers more
apparent than here in the pristine Pacific
Northwest, a captivating corner of America
which displays an abundance of awe-inspiring,
natural beauty that will leave you breathless.
Our voyages on the Columbia and Snake
Rivers are specifically tailored to maximize
daytime river cruising for optimal viewing of
spectacular scenery and iconic highlights such
as the Columbia River Gorge. As you cruise
past the fertile fields, impressive mountains
and vertical canyons, you will bear witness to
the precious land just as it appeared to Lewis
and Clark in 1805 – majestic, unspoiled and
unimaginably glorious.
Sacajawea, Lewis and Clark’s faithful Native
American guide, knew how to read these lands
and soon you will also, thanks to the legacy
of the expedition that opened the West to
settlement. As you relive the daring exploits of
frontiersmen and adventurers, you are treated
to the very same natural wonders. Columbia
Gorge cuts through the Cascade Mountains
thanks to the Missoula Floods of the last Ice
Age. At Multnomah Falls, snowmelt streams
plunge over 600 feet in two tiered cascades
down a sheer cliff face. Deeper than the Grand
Canyon, Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon is a dramatic
crack in the earth with raging waters best
explored on an exciting jet boat ride. Near
Portland, understand the raw power of nature
in the collapsed volcanic crater of Mount St.
Helens. Along the Columbia River, fish ladders
help salmon swim upstream while bison, deer
and elk graze freely.
With the American Empress serving as a
floating boutique hotel for your journey,
travel into the heart of Washington’s wine
country where many acclaimed wineries
of the Pacific Northwest have made their
mark among wine connoisseurs. Take time
to explore the Red Mountain region and
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sample some of the finest vintages in the
midst of breathtaking scenery. Whether you
choose to take in the scenery from Mt. Hood’s
Timberline Lodge nestled among the pines
or climb the Astoria Column to view the
expansive Pacific, a voyage on the Columbia
and Snake Rivers will show you the world
from a new perspective.
March 19, 2016 – March 27, 2016
March 26, 2016 – April 03, 2016
April 02, 2016 – April 10, 2016
April 09, 2016 – April 17, 2016
April 16, 2016 – April 24, 2016
April 23, 2016 – May 01, 2016
April 30, 2016 – May 08, 2016
May 07, 2016 – May 15, 2016
May 14, 2016 – May 22, 2016
May 21, 2016 – May 29, 2016
May 28, 2016 – June 05, 2016
June 04, 2016 – June 12, 2016
June 11, 2016 – June 19, 2016
June 18, 2016 – June 26, 2016
June 25, 2016 – July 03, 2016
July 02, 2016 – July 10, 2016
July 09, 2016 – July 17, 2016
July 16, 2016 – July 24, 2016
July 23, 2016 – July 31, 2016
July 30, 2016 – August 07, 2016
August 06, 2016 – August 14, 2016
August 13, 2016 – August 21, 2016
August 20, 2016 – August 28, 2016
August 27, 2016 – September 04, 2016
September 03, 2016 – September 11, 2016
September 10, 2016 – September 18, 2016
September 17, 2016 – September 25, 2016
September 24, 2016 – October 02, 2016
October 01, 2016 – October 09, 2016
October 08, 2016 – October 16, 2016
October 15, 2016 – October 23, 2016
October 22, 2016 – October 30, 2016
October 29, 2016 – November 06, 2016
November 05, 2016 – November 13, 2016
November 12, 2016 – November 20, 2016
November 19, 2016 – November 27, 2016
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
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As a member of Steamboat Society of America, you will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive benefits and incentives for cruising
frequently with us. We offer five levels of membership: Basic, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond. Each level has an increased
number of benefits and is reached after cruising a designated number of times. Learn more about incentives and the different levels
of membership below.
All Steamboat Society of America members will receive the following after one cruise:
The Paddlewheeler quarterly newsletter
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Advance information on new itineraries
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Exclusive invitations to cruises, select pre-cruise events, and promotions
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Designation pin for American Queen Steamboat Company™ Steamboat Society of America™
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Friends and family access to tour and come aboard for breakfast or lunch aboard American Queen or American Empress in port
when member is a cruise guest
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Private cocktail party hosted by the Captain and vessel officers onboard
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Member access for breakfast or lunch when American Queen or American Empress are in port near hometown
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RUBY
SAPPHIRE
EMERALD
DIAMOND
(After 5 cruises)
(After 10 cruises)
(After 20 cruises)
(After 30 cruises)
“Members only” luggage tags
All the Ruby benefits, plus:
All the Sapphire benefits, plus:
All the Emerald benefits, plus:
Membership status name badge
Preferred reserved dining
room seating
One cabin category upgrade
at time of booking
Additional $50 onboard
credit per member ($150 total)
Additional $50 onboard
credit per member ($100 total)
10% discount in onboard
gift shop
Two cabin category upgrade
at time of booking
Dedicated reservations line
providing special service for
members
Receive a $50 onboard credit
per member
Priority check-in and
vessel boarding
Complimentary laundry
service
Welcome back signed card
from the Captain plus a box of
American Queen or American
Empress notecards
Members on their 10th, 20th and 30th cruises will receive a deluxe official wall certificate
and onboard Captain’s presentation of framed painting signed by Michael Blazer.
For more information and reservations, contact your professional travel agent
or American Queen Steamboat Company at (888) 749-5280 or www.AQSC.com.
*Membership benefits are non-transferable, combinable with other applicable promotional offers and must be applied to future cruise travel. Additional rules and conditions apply.
Vessel access and onboard visits by members: capacity controlled on a daily basis; not available in “turnover port” cities; reservations and government guest security information is
required; guests must be accompanied by members. AQSC reserves the right to change SSOA program rules, benefits, terms and/or conditions at any time without notice.
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