Fall is a perfect time to experience the beauty of the Pacific
Northwest, and American West Steamboat Company (AWSC) has just made
it a little easier. The line is offering free airfare and special
discounts for selected river cruises aboard its two sternwheelers,
the 235-passenger Empress of the North and the 150-passenger Queen
of the West.
Passengers booking a river cruise on the Empress of the North’s
Oct. 16 and 23 Paths of the Explorers itinerary will receive free
airfare. The seven-night itinerary, which is new this year, departs
Portland for a 1,000 mile odyssey along the Columbia, Snake and
Willamette Rivers from Astoria to the Pacific Ocean. The journey
continues through the Columbia River Gorge and all the way to
Idaho, where the Snake and Clearwater Rivers meet. Fares start at
$2,629, and passengers who book four months in advance can receive
a $150 discount in addition to the free airfare.
The free airfare offer also applies to the Oct. 22 Three Great
Rivers journey aboard the Queen of the West. The seven-night
itinerary departs Portland, and follows along the route of Lewis
& Clark. Highlights include the Columbia River Gorge, Hells
Canyon and numerous historic riverside towns. Fares start at $2,149
and, passengers can also save $400 per person on this Very Best Buy
voyage by asking for the savings code VBB. The savings code for all
October Free Air offers is CRS.
The AWSC experience includes shore excursions and motorcoach
trips to various sites that are noted for their natural beauty and
history. Examples include Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, where passengers will
enjoy a whitewater jet boat ride. Historians will make daily
presentations throughout the cruise, and evenings feature
showboat-style entertainment and different musical themes each
night.
800-434-1232
www.americanweststeamboat.com
