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Bop

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Posts posted by Bop

    American Queen--easy on/off at dock?

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    We have only been on one USA river cruise, on the American Empress cruising the Columbia and Snake rivers. The staff and crew were very accommodating for older passenger's needs. Busses were always close by and carts and wheel chairs were always available.  I feel sure that The American Queen will have similar services.

    We had a great time on the Lewis and Clark itinerary last September and are booked on the American Queen 9/20/2020 sailing  on the advice of several crew members who said the lower Miss. Was their favorite itinerary. 

     

    Bop from VA

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    We're back!!!

     

    Just re read some of the posts from the Empress Lewis and Clark cruise.  Really enjoyed the cruise and Empress.  So much so that we just booked the Memphis to New Orleans cruise on American Queen.  Thanks to all the great tips and the neat gift from Bill/Buck.  What are the odds of meeting a good friend on the boards and ending up performing a back-up dance routine with him on stage?  I am still looking for an agent to represent us.:classic_cool:

     

    Gotta go to look for a roll call for our Sept 20, 2020 cruise on American Queen

    Bop/Jim

    • Like 1

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Hi All,

     

    My good friends who recommended the Lewis and Clark itinerary also did the Mississippi New Orleans to Memphis, I believe.  They expressed the same observations about the industrialization and less than scenic views.  We too are considering the Memphis to NO itinerary. I will contact AQSC and see if they would like to have Buck and me do a return engagement on stage!  TOOT TOOT.

     

    I am still editing my shots of all the unique scenery from the cruise.  Got a bunch suitable for framing.  Photography is definitely a big part of my cruise enjoyment and prefer to have great subjects.  Maybe rhe Mississippi will be moved down on my priority list.

    Buck, hope you have fully recovered from your cruise ailments.

     

    Bop/Jim

      

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Hi All,

    Buck summed up the cruise very well. We felt it was a very good experience and few things to complain about. The plusses definitely outweighed the minuses.  We ate everywhere and often and found most selections were good. We ate dinner in the dining room and 2 nights in the River grille. It was very noisy and a bit chilly there but service was good and friendly.

    Breakfasts and lunches in the Grille were buffet style and food was good, hot, and plentiful. Great views too.

    HoHo buses are a great idea and we got to see everything we wanted to with a minimum of hassle. 

    We were expecting "Broadway Style "shows and we're met with a four person band and two singers. Not to worry, these kids were great and got better as the cruise progressed. Frank Chase, the piano player was a great entertainer. He is an accomplished pianist , singer and impressionist.

    Each member of the band is multi -talented playing several instruments. Anna and Corey sang very well together and on their own.

    Buck and I were called upon to act as "Pips" in "Midnight Train to Georgia". There is a video available for an enormous sum. Reviews were mixed.

    Jet boat in Hell's Canyon was a highlight we won't soon forget.

    Great cruise, boat and crew!

    We will recommend AQSC to all our friends.

    Jim aka Bop

     

     

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted · Edited by Bop
    Sp

    Hey DD,

    Buck, et. al,

    Back in the 90's here in VA. Cool cruise breezes  coming soon.

    I'm down to the "cruise. accessories" phase of packing. Where's my charger for my kindle?  Picked u p some cruise snacks to smuggle on board the UAL plane. I would hate to be kicked off the plane on a Snack RAP. Those guys will squeeze the last nickel out of us.

    Best to all!

    Jim/Bop

     

     

     

    '

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    gHi Buck, LEAFEATER, DD, et .a,

    I just read thru the thread and thanks to all who responded. Buck, sorry for misidentifying the great. Moose pic . D D, and leafeater had some great shots too. I am just finishing my packing and can't seem to find some of my travel stuff. Found my "master list" but that is for foreign travel so it is a lot longer. Now I am going back and putting stuff back in my closet. Looks like weather will be pretty warm so don't need as many layers. Better half is actually still shopping and adding stuff to her pile. She is adding stuff to my suitcase so I will probably have to wear more clothes to make room. Gotta make sure I don't go over 50pounds! Ooof!

    In 10 days we will be on our way to Spokane. Really looking forward to traveling again. Hope airline doesn't take the fun out of the trip.

    Will come back to. CC with a review.

    Thanks to all,

    Jim/Bop

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Hi Buck, LEAFEATER, DD, et .a

    I just read thru the thread and thanks to all who responded. Buck, sorry for misidentifying the great. Moose pic . D D, and leafeater had some great shots too. I am just finishing my packing and can't seem to find some of my travel stuff. Found my "master list" but that is for foreign travel so it is a lot longer. Now I am going back and putting stuff back in my closet. Looks like weather will be pretty warm so don't need as many layers. Better half is actually still shopping and adding stuff to her pile. She is adding stuff to my suitcase so I will probably have to wear more clothes to make room. Gotta make sure I don't go over 50pounds! Ooof!

    In 10 days we will be on our way to Spokane. Really looking forward to traveling again. Hope airline doesn't take the fun out of the trip.

    Will come back to. CC with a review.

    Thanks to all,

    Jim/Bop

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Hi All,

     

    Looks like hurricane Dorian is starting the season off with a bang. Pray for the folks in FL and lots of others who could be affected.  Hopefully Dorian will clear up the atmosphere and allow some interruptions of the east to west currents.  Don't want to have to leave home with a hurricane here or on the way.  Just gave our house sitter a tutorial on hooking up the generator.

     

    The ladies have begun the important task of planning their outfits and the guys have been pondering their "country club casual" wardrobes.  Shirt, pants, shoes, done.  Read thru the tips from all you guys on CC and highlighted our choices. Looking forward to everything and meeting new friends is always fun. Decided to pack my SLR and a couple of lenses.  Also bringing a small point and shoot.  Phone takes pretty good shots too.  I should be covered in case a moose or something shows up.  Hoping Hell's canyon presents photo ops.  Now on to packing.  I'll be the guy with the cameras hanging all over him.

     

    Buck, you still here?

     

    Bop/Jim from VA

     

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Just made airport van transfer reservations at Historic Davenport Hotel as recommended by DD et al.  $25 per room is a good deal.  Thanks!

     

    Now on to the things to pack list and luggage selection.  Have gotten a lot better at packing over the years.  Not worried about "the fashion police" as things have gotten more casual over the years.  Comfort first!  Now debating how much photography gear to pack.  Usually bring just the Canon S95 but that may not produce the great photos like DD's moose and fawns shot.  (hope I got the correct photographer for that great shot)  Hate adding the SLR and lenses to the mix.  Heavy and bulky.  Hope weather is temperate with cool nights.  Will bring layers of course.

     

    More later,

    Bop/Jim

     

     

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    On 8/17/2019 at 9:12 PM, Buck1949 said:

     

    Interesting about the Hells Canyon Jet boat.  We looked at it but have not decided.  

     

    Were you able to figure out the cancellation policy yet?  We keep wondering if we should just wait till we get onboard to make decisions, or if we should book ahead of time.  

     

    Wont be long !!

     

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Jet Boat it is,DD. It's hot as Hades here in VA and a jet boat ride in a cool canyon sounds very inviting. I passed your information about wine and stuff on to my much better half. Her response was a wide grin😁

    It looks like the HOHOs offer some great sites. There is probably much more to do and see than we can do comfortably. It's supposed to be a vacation, right? As we get older, we prefer a leisurely pace. We've allowed an extra day just for that reason.  You've been a great help and I really appreciate it.

    Calm seas and following winds.

    Happy Cruising,

    Jim aka Bop as named by granddaughter #1

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