In 1995 a luxury sternwheeler Queen of the West created history for being the first paddle-wheeler to sail the Columbia River in 85 years. The proud owner of the ship was American West Steamboat. Again in 2003, the Empress of the North set the record keepers busy when it became the first sternwheeler to sail Alaska's Inside Passage in over 100 years. This time the owner was no different. American West Steamboat Cruises are a tribute to the rich tradition of sternwheeler cruising.

Combining the ambience of the 18 th century with the comforts of the 21 st comes easy for American West Steamboat when it goes cruising to Alaska and the meandering waters of Columbia's rivers.

Both the paddle-wheelers are an epitome of comfort and elegance. A strange cumulative effect seems to work on the passengers going on American West Steamboat Cruises. The old-fashioned architecture of the ships, added to the visits to the many historical sites, seem to make a passage towards the past incredibly real.

American West Steamboat Cruises organizes two cruises, namely Alaska Cruise and Columbia River Cruises. American West Steamboat Cruises' Alaska tours bring about plenty of thrills especially because it take the passengers unbelievably close to awe-inspiring glaciers. American West Steamboat likes to call its Columbia River Cruises as a journey through history. True to its word the cruise does involve visits to trade routes followed centuries ago by Native Americans . The passengers are also informed in detail about the expedition undertaken by Lewis and Clark on the shores of Columbia.

Perhaps one of the reasons why American West Steamboat Cruises take in such few passengers is because the company believes that a majority of the people opt to go on cruises simply to escape the indifferent and faceless crowd of humanity.

Contact Us

2101Suite 1150,
Fourth Avenue.
Seattle - 98121
Phone: (800) 434-1232
Fax 206-340-0975
http://www.americanweststeamboat.com