Jump to content

Fun on American Empress, but fires and fishing rights cost us the scenery


micoman
 Share

Recommended Posts

On September 10th my wife and I and 34 neighbors from our Del Webb community took the American Empress riverboat from Clarkston Washington to Vancouver Washington (not Canada). The costs were $9189 not including flights, gratuities or transfers. I am happy to report that service was superior, food was excellent, Entertainment (Frank Chase) was exceptional,and everyone had a great time as we were all friends prior to this trip. We were however, disappointed that we completely missed the major scenic portions of the river due to the Oregon fire and the Native American salmon fishing rights which prevented our docking at The Dalles.

Due to the fire, we completely missed the Columbia gorge, Mt. Hood, Multnomah Falls, The Old Scenic Highway, Bonneville Dam, and Timberline Lodge. We did feel American Queen SteamshipCompany let us down, when they decided to compensate us with a day in Vancouver Washington, a very small suburb of Portland Or, with an included 15 minute hop on-hop off bus trip, and a second day in Astoria Oregon with anincluded shopping trip to Cannon Beach and Seaside beach (local beaches).

 

The bottom line is the fire and the blockage of The Dalles port were completely out of American Queens control, however their replacement options simply fell way short of the missedexperiences to say nothing of the $1000 a day cost.

Fun on the boat, but missed much of the scenic Columbia River.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On September 10th my wife and I and 34 neighbors from our Del Webb community took the American Empress riverboat from Clarkston Washington to Vancouver Washington (not Canada). The costs were $9189 not including flights, gratuities or transfers. I am happy to report that service was superior, food was excellent, Entertainment (Frank Chase) was exceptional,and everyone had a great time as we were all friends prior to this trip. We were however, disappointed that we completely missed the major scenic portions of the river due to the Oregon fire and the Native American salmon fishing rights which prevented our docking at The Dalles.

Due to the fire, we completely missed the Columbia gorge, Mt. Hood, Multnomah Falls, The Old Scenic Highway, Bonneville Dam, and Timberline Lodge. We did feel American Queen SteamshipCompany let us down, when they decided to compensate us with a day in Vancouver Washington, a very small suburb of Portland Or, with an included 15 minute hop on-hop off bus trip, and a second day in Astoria Oregon with anincluded shopping trip to Cannon Beach and Seaside beach (local beaches).

 

The bottom line is the fire and the blockage of The Dalles port were completely out of American Queens control, however their replacement options simply fell way short of the missedexperiences to say nothing of the $1000 a day cost.

Fun on the boat, but missed much of the scenic Columbia River.

 

I can certainly understand your dismay, and American Queens certainly knew about this before you left on the trip. I will not be booking this cruise next year as planned. Thanks for letting others know about this unfortunate experience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
On September 10th my wife and I and 34 neighbors from our Del Webb community took the American Empress riverboat from Clarkston Washington to Vancouver Washington (not Canada). The costs were $9189 not including flights, gratuities or transfers. I am happy to report that service was superior, food was excellent, Entertainment (Frank Chase) was exceptional,and everyone had a great time as we were all friends prior to this trip. We were however, disappointed that we completely missed the major scenic portions of the river due to the Oregon fire and the Native American salmon fishing rights which prevented our docking at The Dalles.

Due to the fire, we completely missed the Columbia gorge, Mt. Hood, Multnomah Falls, The Old Scenic Highway, Bonneville Dam, and Timberline Lodge. We did feel American Queen SteamshipCompany let us down, when they decided to compensate us with a day in Vancouver Washington, a very small suburb of Portland Or, with an included 15 minute hop on-hop off bus trip, and a second day in Astoria Oregon with anincluded shopping trip to Cannon Beach and Seaside beach (local beaches).

 

The bottom line is the fire and the blockage of The Dalles port were completely out of American Queens control, however their replacement options simply fell way short of the missedexperiences to say nothing of the $1000 a day cost.

Fun on the boat, but missed much of the scenic Columbia River.

 

If you bought insurance for this trip would that help cover the loss? I was thinking of doing this cruise but having second thoughts now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Unfortunately insurance would not help as AQSC did run a trip. They attempted to provide an additional experience to make up for the missed experiences. The problem was that the experiences they provided were of little value. Compare to being promised trip to the Vatican then being switched to "enjoy a free pizza in Rome".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...
Unfortunately insurance would not help as AQSC did run a trip. They attempted to provide an additional experience to make up for the missed experiences. The problem was that the experiences they provided were of little value. Compare to being promised trip to the Vatican then being switched to "enjoy a free pizza in Rome".

 

just wondering if you had "cancel for any reason" insurance. did you purchase the insurance through AQSC or independently?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 10 months later...
  • 1 month later...

I realize this is an old thread......but am hoping that someone is still getting notices that might be able to answer a couple of questions.

 

I have noticed that the HOHO buses/tours get good reviews overall..but am curious what people thought of the premium tours.  Specifically the Multnomah Falls private tour, and the Portland City tour at the end of our cruise. (we go East to West.  Is it advisable to book the premium tours before the cruise, or is it ok to wait till we board to book.  

 

One person in our group is limited with mobility, and walks with a cane...... is there any issues at any of the ports with getting around....either boarding buses, or walking etc.

 

Thanks for any information !  

Our cruise is Sept 22, 2019......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...