Wish we had done it the other way

American Empress Cruise Review to River Cruises - United States

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 69

Overall rating:

4.1 out of 5
American Empress

8 Night A Pacific Northwest Summer (Vancouver To Clarkston)

Sail date: July 08, 2018

Ship: American Empress

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 202

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

I would recommend this cruise for the Lewis and Clark expedition history. We learned a lot about such a significant event in US history. I recommend doing the cruise east to west to better follow the expedition trail and end the cruise in more interesting ports. The American Empress doesn't have the elegance of its sister ship, the American Queen, but it's fine for this journey. Staff was friendly and eager to please.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Only complaint is that while there is an informal dining option (buffet style) for breaksfast and lunch, dinner must be taken in the dining room or the reservations-only River Grill. Food choices were good, food was good and well-presented.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Ship tip

Cruise the west-bound option. That follows the chronological Lewis and Clark trail AND the last ports are much more interesting and enjoyable.

Ports of call

VANCOUVER (PORTLAND), WASHINGTON

3 out of 5
Took the tour; city was not uplifting. Surprised at the number of tent-dwelling people we saw

Astoria, Oregon

5 out of 5
Did the L&C Experience premium excurtion; great

THE DALLES, OREGON

3 out of 5

STEVENSON, WASHINGTON

5 out of 5

RIVER CRUISING

5 out of 5

RICHLAND (TRI-CITIES), WASHINGTON

3 out of 5

Clarkston, Washington

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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