Editor's note: American Queen Voyages ceased operations in February of 2024.

There's something so romantically American about a riverboat cruise. Perhaps it's because they remind us of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Show Boat, Riverboat, and other great stories. But riverboats aren't just for the Mississippi. The American Queen Steamboat Company, which runs a successful franchise on the Mississippi, recently announced they'll be expanding their service to Oregon and Washington!

The newly named American Empress will homeport in Portland, Oregon, and will sail to Clarkston, Washington, with stops in Astoria, Washington, The Dalles, Oregon, and more. The boat measures 360 feet, has five decks, and a capacity of 223 passengers.

We're pretty excited that American Queen Steamboat Company is coming to the Pacific Northwest, especially considering their success in the south: over 32,000 people have sailed on their Mississippi cruises since 2008.

Book: Trips begin in April 2014 and go through November. 7-night cruises start at $3,795/person and include meals, accommodations, shore excursions, and one night in a hotel for arriving or departing passengers. Go online or call 888-749-5280.