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(The Empress of the North steamboat is dwarfed by the majestic mountains of Alaska's Inside Passage) American West Steamboat Company has announced the details of its 2007 Alaska cruise schedule, featuring an unparalleled voyage that give guests an intimate view of the history-rich and vast wilderness waterways of Alaska's Inside Passage that most Alaska cruises miss. For more information, visit www.AmericanWestSteamboat.com, or call a reservation specialist at (800) 434-1232. The Empress of the North, a custom-built ship, combines modern five-star comfort, service and convenience and brings to life a sense of adventure shared by steamship travelers during Alaska's Gold Rush era. New for the 2007 schedule is the opportunity to take a dramatic cruise into the mouth of the Stikine River, considered one of the last truly wild rivers in North America. Also, guests will enjoy even more scenic cruising exploring the natural wonders and unique culture of America's last frontier. An Intimate Adventure through Alaska's Inside Passage Departing from Juneau, the popular seven-night Alaska cruise provides an unforgettable way for guests to explore and experience Alaska. With just 112 staterooms and suites, the Empress of the North provides intimate access to the scenic places, historical events and varied cultures that have shaped the great land.
(The Empress of the North at Deception Pass) The 2007 schedule allows guests to fully experience the majestic grandeur of Alaska's endless forests, breathtaking glaciers, plummeting waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The cruising route includes a transit of Peril Strait, as well as scenic cruising through the 22-mile long Wrangell Narrows and Lynn Canal, North America's longest glacial fjord. Because of American West Steamboat Company's specially-designed ship, guests travel to remote areas that few travelers ever get the chance to see. Empress of the North is the first cruise ship to enter the mouth of the Stikine River. This glacier-fed mighty river was once a major navigation route to the Klondike traveled by multitudes of sternwheelers. Guests will enjoy breakfast at the mouth of this great river followed by exploration of Eastern Passage. One of the highlights of the journey is an unforgettable dinner at the face of Le Conte Glacier which sits in a stunningly beautiful fjord and is famous for its regular calving events. On its final day, the trip culminates with one of the most dramatic travel experiences in the world - a breathtaking journey through the 26-mile-long Tracy Arm. There, waterfalls cascade from sheer 2,000-foot granite walls. The twin Sawyer Glaciers frequently shed enormous bergs and the waters team with marine life. The journey includes visits to Alaska's most colorful ports of call including Juneau, the Gold Rush capital with its colorful boomtown frontier history and nearby Mendenhall Glacier; Sitka, once known as the capital of Russian America, accessible only by sea or air; Wrangell, a historic village which provides a glimpse into the "real" Alaska; a salmon feast at Chief Shakes Island; and Petersburg, a Scandinavian-influenced fishing village also called Little Norway. "After spending years cruising in the Alaska waterways, this is one destination that still makes my jaw drop with every trip I make," said Captain Dale Orgain, Master of the Vessel the Empress of the North. "In 2007, we've put together a wonderful schedule that will offer even seasoned Alaska cruisers something unique. The trip combines new ways to experience Alaska, along with even more of the activities that our guests tell us are the highlights of every trip - more time exploring, more time viewing wildlife and marine life and unmatched glacier viewing!" Expert Onboard Naturalists Expert onboard naturalists and custom-designed land excursions, included in the cruise price, enrich the Alaska experience. Guests will watch for humpback whales in their summer feeding grounds at Point Adolphus; learn about the Russian and Tlingit cultures at the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka; and take a scenic railway journey at Skagway that follows the Gold Rush Trail of '98. With 18 sailings to choose from between May 12 and September 8, 2007, rates for the seven-night program start from $2,969 per person based on double occupancy. Port charges, taxes and transfers are not included. 12-Night Alaska Cruise Explores Even More of Alaska and British Columbia's Wonders In order to give guests the opportunity to explore the entire Inside Passage, American West Steamboat Company will debut two 12-night sailings during 2007 exploring points between Seattle and Juneau. In addition to experiencing all that the spectacular seven-night itinerary offers, guests will also discover Canada's pristine Inside Passage as well as wonderful cities such as Seattle, charming Victoria, B.C. and the very cosmopolitan Vancouver, B.C. Guests can choose from two 12-night cruises. The May 12, 2007 cruise departs from Seattle and travels north to Alaska's Inside Passage. The September 15, 2007 cruise departs from Juneau and travels south to Seattle. Rates start from $4,769 per person based on double occupancy. Rate shown with applicable 10 percent early booking discount savings. It does not include port charges, taxes and transfers. An Alaska Experience Fit for a Tsar Launched in 2003, the Empress of the North achieves a balance of modern refinement and historical charm for her 223 guests. This American-built sternwheeler cruise ship is specially designed with a shallow draft and quiet propulsion that takes guests deep into intriguing places that other ships can't reach. The state-of-the-art ship is entirely custom-built to reflect a regal Russian Alaska theme. Public rooms are decorated in royal jewel tones of red, green, gold and black. Expansive art collections throughout the ship display unique Native American artifacts and Russian antiquities such as beautiful and rare Faberge eggs. Every stateroom reflects this Russian heritage with elegant furnishings including rich mahogany wardrobes and luxurious velvet draperies. Also unique to the ship is the luxury of space. Staterooms are generously proportioned and public spaces are ample. Nearly 90 percent of these deluxe staterooms feature private verandahs from which guests can enjoy an up-close view of the landscape that has captivated travelers from lands far and wide for hundreds of years. In addition, the Empress of the North offers exceptional live entertainment, fine dining, and warm, attentive service from a friendly all-American crew. Early Bookings Ensure the Very Best Value The extraordinary cruises through Alaska's Inside Passage and the Pacific Northwest sell out each season. Guests are encouraged to reserve their travel by September 30, 2006 to ensure the greatest choice and availability of departures and to take advantage of early booking savings of 10 percent (up to $700 per couple). (Click
below for more travel).
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