A SEVEN-NIGHT steamboat sailing along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in north-west USA highlights one of two brand new itineraries featured in the latest USA brochure from Scenic Tours.
The week-long sailing aboard the American Empress takes passengers on a journey through Washington State and Oregon as part of a 17-day tour from Seattle to San Francisco.
Beginning in the Washington state capital, Day 4 sees guests transferred to Spokane to board the steam-powered paddlewheel vessel, travelling in Deluxe Verandah Staterooms for the trip.
Highlights include a visit to the Naz Perce National Historical Park, Sacajawea State Park and more, disembarking the ship in Portland, Oregon.Departures for the itinerary are limited, with only four available in the 2015 season, taking place on 09 Apr, 04 Jun, 30 Jul and 27 Aug.
American Queen Steamboat Company confirmed the purchase of the vessel at the beginning of the year (CU 23 Jan), taking delivery in early Apr.
Other itineraries featured in the new guide include the 14-day ‘Southern Belles and Mississippi Cruise’ itinerary, taking guests from Atlanta to New Orleans and including a week-long voyage on the Mississippi River aboard the American Queen paddlewheeler.
A 10-night Canada and New England cruise aboard Holland America Line’s MS Eurodam is also on offer as part of a 25-day ‘Fall Colours of Eastern Canada’ tour from Montreal to Quebec, priced from $11,860ppts and scheduled to depart on 10 Sep.
“Our USA program is only in its third year but our wide range of itineraries, which appeal to history, nature, culture and food lovers alike, are proving extremely popular,” Scenic Tours gm product Aleisha Fittler said.
MEANWHILE, Scenic Tours will soon launch its first Small Ship Cruising brochure, featuring details on all-inclusive luxury voyages around the world.
The line said more details are expected in coming weeks, with pre-orders now being accepted.