American Queen Voyages celebrated the kickoff of the Pacific Northwest sailing season recently onboard the American Empress in Vancouver, WA. The paddlewheeler’s Godmother Claudette Waggoner, wife of American Queen Voyages Founder and Chairman John Waggoner, welcomed regional leaders onboard including Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Visit Vancouver WA President and CEO Cliff Myers, and hospitality industry and port leaders before an evening sail away.

Claudette Waggoner said: “I was honoured to christen the American Empress eight years ago and since that time it has been inspiring to watch the American Empress officers and crew introduce thousands to this magnificent region. This is such a special year for American Queen Voyages as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary and I wish to thank the city of Vancouver for the ongoing partnership and warm hospitality.”

The current sailing features American Queen Voyages Culinary Ambassador Regina Charboneau as a special guest, showcasing the cuisine and culinary history of the Pacific Northwest. Waggoner and Charboneau hosted a tour and luncheon onboard which included cauliflower carrot soup, crispy duck breast and poached pear complimented by Willamette Valley pinot noir.

Vancouver, WA, situated across the Columbia River from Portland serves as a homeport of the American Empress with 40 sailings scheduled March through mid-December in 2022.

American Queen Voyages operates nine-day, one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Spokane (Clarkston, WA) along with seven-day roundtrip voyages from Vancouver. Featured stops are Astoria, OR; Stevenson, WA; The Dalles, OR.; Richland, WA.; and Clarkston, WA. Guests enjoy a pre-cruise hotel night, unlimited included guided tours, lectures and evening entertainment.

Sail on over to www.AQVoyages.com for more.

In the photo:

Seen in the photo, from l to r, are: Alex Strogen, chief commercial officer, Port of Vancouver USA; Jack Burkman, commissioner, Port of Vancouver USA, Mike McLeod, general manager, Hilton Vancouver; Anne McEnerny-Ogle, mayor, city of Vancouver; Regina Charboneau, culinary ambassador, American Queen Voyages; Claudette Waggoner; American Empress godmother; Christie Rust, director of sales & marketing, Hilton Vancouver; Cliff Myers, president and CEO, Visit Vancouver WA.