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When you travel aboard an American West Steamboat sternwheller, you not only cruise through history but you are cruising on the first overnight sternwheelers built to cruise the western waterways in more than 80 years. The Empress of the North and Queen of the West 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 and all 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 views, and most feature private verandahs.
Due to the smaller size of American West Steamboat’s ships, you can cruise up-close and personal to the lush Alaskan scenery. Unlike larger ships, their 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.
Ship info
Empress of the North
The Empress of the North is the only overnight sternwheeler cruising in Alaska and one of two elegant overnight sternwheelers on the Columbia River. Built in America, she has been designed to achieve a balance of modern refinement and faithful historical charm. The most modern passenger conveniences and spaciousness have been incorporated, blending the elegant and glamorous features and appearances of the stately night boats of the 1800’s with the behind-the-scenes, state-of-the-art technology and creature comforts demanded by today’s discerning cruisers.
The three story high paddlewheel fully propels the vessel on our leisurely cruise pace of up to 10 knots. To steer the vessel, the Empress of the North employs two Z-drive propeller pods, which rotate 360 degrees to provide unequalled maneuverability. When used with the paddlewheel, these Z-drives propel the Empress of the North at speeds of up to 14 knots, providing time to include all the major attractions of the Inside Passage.
