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Bop

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    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    HeHi all,

    Thanks to DD I reviewed

    Most of the included and premium tours and HO HO sites. Also texted friends who have done this itinerary. The only "must do" was the Hells Canyon Jet boat premium tour. There are several others of interest but I assume we can sign up on board or at the hotel. Haven't found the cancellation policy yet. Anyone know what it is?

    Jim

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Buck,

    Sounds like we are of the same mind.  Buying a "premium" tour and ending up having a similar tour available on a HO HO can be disappointing.  I will probably bite the bullet and talk it over with our cruise mates and make a consensus decision.  I think there was mention of a "premium" deal available from the Davenport in Spokane.  I also read that most attractions are very nearby in Spokane.  Since we will have a full extra day, might just play it by ear in Spokane and do some walking to burn off the extra cruise calories.  Need to try some of that Huckleberry ice cream!

     

    Jim

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Have you decided on any excursions yet?  It looks like the HO HO buses with tour guides aboard may be the way to go and add 2 or 3 special interest/fun premium excursions, e.g. Jet boat ride.  I assume , like most cruises, you can sign up at any time on board, up until the last minute so early commitment may not be necessary.  I also need to look up the cancellation policy.  Any thoughts appreciated.  Leafeater, any advice?

    Jim

     

     

     

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Civil War

    DISCOVER CIVIL WAR HISTORY ON A RIVER CRUISE


    Travel through the history of the Civil War on an American Queen Steamboat Company cruise. Our Civil War themed cruises take you on an amazing journey through "the havoc of war and the battle's confusion" where historic skirmishes pitted brother against brother in a nation once divided. You will have the opportunity to delve into the tactics, both military and political, that shaped the events of the American Civil War. Learn of the Mississippi River’s strategic value as both a transportation and communication route and explore the state of the country as it was in 1866 and how it still affects us today. Watch tribute artists bring key figures to life and listen to distinguished Civil War historians offer enlightening lectures on a multitude of Civil War topics. Join us for a thought-provoking journey designed to broaden your knowledge and provide insight surrounding the times and the causes that precipitated the conflict. Each Civil War voyage pays tribute to our American history in reminding us all of the fallen soldiers who gave their lives in a war that changed our nation. Your heart will be touched and your knowledge enriched as you capture the poignancy of it all.

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Hey Buck,

    She hasn't come up with anything yet. I did get an email from AQSC advertising a trip with Civil war theme. I'll check my email and see if I can locate it.

    I am getting all my information together for this cruise. It has been so long since booking I had to do some digging and review to remember where, what, and when. 

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Leafeater, 

    Thanks for the usual good advice and beautiful pictures. We will definitely call the Davenport and schedule a van pick-up on our arrival.  I guess we'll use an Uber or Lift for transfer to the airport.  Cruise line transfers are usually higher as it is usually their last chance to make a few extra bucks.  We were going to do the transfer/tour option but flight leaves too early to do both.

     

    Thanks,

    Bop/Jim

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Hi DD and Leafeater,

    I apologize beforehand on my reply.  Having a hard time responding to the site for some reason.  Anyhow, thanks for all the pertinent information on the cruise.  Some of the nicest people anywhere are CCers!

     

    I was relieved to hear that ANTIFA was not causing havoc in Portland.  Our flight leaves around 12:30 PM so we could not take advantage of the tour and transfer option.  Don't think we'll have time to do anything much in Portland.  Also happy to hear that the paddle wheeler compares favorably to the European riverboat cruises.  We really enjoyed our experiences on Amawaterways.  Haven't been on an ocean cruise in several years now.  Big crowds in port and tiresome flights take a lot of fun out of the big boats.  Lost count of the number but we've done a bunch.  Always meet memorable people.  We still hear from our Aborigine  guide from our Australia NZ cruise!  

     

    Leafeater, thanks for the pictures.  Makes me want to leave now.

     

    Will give these posts to my much better half for review.  The information will ease her concerns and, as usual, let her know what to wear.

     

    BTW, is it necessary to contact the Davenport to schedule a van or is one on standby at the airport?

     

    Thanks to all and happy cruising.  Diamond Diva, hope you have resolved the electrical problems by now and are over any post-cruise let down symptoms.

    Bop aka Jim from VA  NCAA National champs!

     

     

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Hey DD,

    Thanks for the info and tips. I was beginning to think no one was using the thread.

     Buck and I have been holding down the fort for some time.  I was happy to read that you enjoyed the paddlewheeler. How does it compare to the European river boat cruises? We have taken several on the Danube, Rhine, etc. We sailed on Amawaterways and service, food, ports were superb. How did AQSC compare?

    Thanks for your review and tips.

    Happy cruising.

    Bop

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    On 7/14/2019 at 10:34 PM, Buck1949 said:

     

    I envy your Home Grown Tomatoes. Our winter was so wet, cold and long which is unusual, that Spring plantings are running about a month behind normal.  A lot of our produce (tomatoes included) come from Mexico anyway so while we have an abundant amount they are not as good as home grown.  

     

    We booked our flights into Spokane and from Portland about 2 months ago.... using flight miles.  We will hopefully be using flight miles for our Feb/Mar flights in and out of New Orleans for our Western Caribbean cruise.  After New Orleans we are going to have to start using $$ as our points will be pretty well gone. 

     

    Just chatted with an old work buddy yesterday who took this exact same cruise about a year ago and about the same time period.  He and his new wife absolutely loved it. 

     

    They mentioned that they did a lot of walking in the various ports and did not opt for any of the ‘premium’ tours.  Another thing they mentioned was that they ate Breakfast and Lunch almost everyday in the upstairs restaurant and not in the Dining room.  They only ate dinner in the Dining room.  So another encouraging vote of approval. We are really ready to do this river cruise.  

     

    Take care, 

     

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

     Buck,

    59 days for us!  Leaving on 9/20/19!

     

    It's 99 degrees F here and climbing.  Hotter than Phoenix at 98!

     

    Paddle wheeling it along the Columbia sounds very appealing right now.

     

    BTW, I wonder if we are the only ones on this thread right now?  Anyone else who's going?

     

    Well, it will be here before we know it.

     

    Take care and keep cool.

     

    Bop

    American Empress 9/22/2019 Sailing

    in American Queen Voyages

    Posted

    Buck,

     

    Yep, VA and humidity go hand in hand.  It is 92 F again today.  Had some storms yesterday but nothing severe and it cooled off briefly.  Late Sept should be on the cool side at night on our trip. 

     

    Our first and only trip through the Panama Canal was hot as Hades.  I think i spent most of the trip in and out of the pool.

     

    Just paid for my flights with Cap One Venture miles.  Just ate a BLT with our first home-grown tomato. 

     

    I'm really looking forward to this trip.  This has been the longest period without a big trip in the last 20 years.  Our friends and TA came and went.  She is setting up a Civil War itinerary and maybe a Christmas market cruise.  "Can't take it with you," right!

     

    More Later,

    Bop 

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