Some of you may have noticed a unique riverboat plying the waters of the Columbia River recently. That’s because the American Empress luxury riverboat is currently operating tours between Astoria and Clarkston, Wash. and has made the port’s Vancouver Landing its home port. Formerly known as the Empress of the North, the riverboat worked on the Columbia River and in Alaska from 2003 to 2008. The 360-foot, four-deck, opulent riverboat is the largest west of the Mississippi River and is capable of carrying 223 passengers. It plans to travel the Columbia 32 times, from April into November. Vancouver Landing is located adjacent to the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, which is also the location of the port’s first marine terminal, Terminal 1. Owned by the port and operated by the city of Vancouver, Vancouver Landing includes an amphitheater, public dock and space for community events. Adding the American Empress to this mix of waterfront amenities not only promises an economic boost to Vancouver, but it offers exciting opportunities for other ports along the river, as well as the Northwest wine industry and hotels from Portland to Spokane. “The chance for American Empress passengers to visit Vancouver’s beautiful downtown area is something to be celebrated,” said Port Commission President Brian Wolfe. “The American Empress will not only boost our local economy, but it will provide a unique Pacific Northwest experience as it highlights our river system’s rich history.”
Some of you may have noticed a unique riverboat plying the waters of the Columbia River recently. That’s because the American Empress luxury riverboat is currently operating tours between Astoria and Clarkston, Wash. and has made the port’s Vancouver Landing its home port. Formerly known as the Empress of the North, the riverboat worked on the Columbia River and in Alaska from 2003 to 2008. The 360-foot, four-deck, opulent riverboat is the largest west of the Mississippi River and is capable of carrying 223 passengers. It plans to travel the Columbia 32 times, from April into November. Vancouver Landing is located adjacent to the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, which is also the location of the port’s first marine terminal, Terminal 1. Owned by the port and operated by the city of Vancouver, Vancouver Landing includes an amphitheater, public dock and space for community events. Adding the American Empress to this mix of waterfront amenities not only promises an economic boost to Vancouver, but it offers exciting opportunities for other ports along the river, as well as the Northwest wine industry and hotels from Portland to Spokane. “The chance for American Empress passengers to visit Vancouver’s beautiful downtown area is something to be celebrated,” said Port Commission President Brian Wolfe. “The American Empress will not only boost our local economy, but it will provide a unique Pacific Northwest experience as it highlights our river system’s rich history.”