Columbia River 2024
Dear Cycling Enthusiasts,
The American Empress is a knockout. Slightly smaller than the American Countess (the paddlewheeler we chartered for our Mississippi River 2022 & 2024 charters), the rooms are actually a bit larger. Better yet, all staterooms on this newer and more luxurious vessel have true picture windows. Most have PRIVATE BALCONIES furnished with a table and chairs.
Following Santana’s successful charters of the newly-introduced American Empress in 2016 and 2017, she attracted too large of a following among travel agents to allow Santana to arrange a prime-season repeat. Following 2020's first day sell-out of an April 2022 charter on the Mississippi River, however, we were able to convince American Queen Steamboat Company to reward us with a rare and coveted Columbia River charter for Summer 2023. After the immediate sell-out of next year's charter, we immediately contacted American Queen for this follow-up charter in August 2024.
A cruise on the American Empress includes never ending food: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 24-hour treats and snacks. Also included are unlimited free soft drinks, tea, and coffee; plus beer and wine with dinners. The Empress has two dining venues, and complimentary room service.
During Santana's earlier charters the American Queen Steamboat Company’s culinary staff appreciated our appetites as much as we appreciated their multi-course gourmet meals. The Executive Chef is happy to accommodate all dietary preferences and requirements.
The menu choices change daily, and will always include a surprising selection of local fruits and produce, the freshest-possible seafood, vegetarian options, and grilled-to-order meats. A changing assortment of desserts and pastries are produced aboard each day.
Before dawn, the chef is preparing another irresistible meal. Because the boat is ours, proper breakfast attire is cycling clothes. Ready to ride? Great, the Captain has found a parking spot along the river. Line up for a photo; 210 cyclists with the Empress as a backdrop.
As we begin our morning rides, the Empress unties, sounds her whistle, and uses her giant stern wheel to back into the channel. As we meander through forests and vineyards, the Empress takes the lead. On the horizon, we spot a huge bridge spanning the river. Who’ll get there first?
Dates & Pricing Tomorrow!
Your personal invitation to Reserve a Stateroom will arrive on Thursday at 10am Pacific!
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