American Empress deck plans
Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities
American Empress deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by American Cruise Lines deckplan pdf (printable version).
Each of the American Empress cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on American Empress staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.
American Empress (2003-built as Empress of the North, extensive refurbishment in 2014) is an authentic late 1800s design USA river steamboat. Its design is similar to that of the fleetmates (American Queen, American Duchess, American Countess) and also to the American Cruise Lines riverboats Queen of the Mississippi/American Heritage, Queen of the West/American West, America/American Splendor (2016), American Pride (2012) and American Eagle. The ship was built for the “Majestic America Line” under the name “Empress of the North”. After 5 years out of service, in 2013 the vessel was acquired by American Steamboat Voyages (fka AQSC), and in 2014 renamed to “American Empress”. This is a classic for the USA paddlewheeler (aka “paddle steamer”). Widely known for being powered by a steam engine, the American Empress steamboat is actually a diesel engine-powered ship. It has a secondary/alternative propulsion system (diesel-electric propellers) used only in emergency cases and for better maneuverability in areas where the stern paddlewheel can’t help the navigation.
American Empress riverboat cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 112 staterooms for 223 passengers served by 83 crew/staff (all-American), with 4 passenger decks (all accessible via 2 elevators), 3 lounges, 2 restaurants, plenty of open deck/promenade areas, no medical facility/doctor on the ship.
The Empress of the North steamboat operated Alaska Inside Passage cruises in the summer, and on Columbia River for the rest of the year. The new American Empress itinerary routes offer Pacific Northwest USA cruise travel along the rivers Snake and Columbia.
American Empress deck plan changes 2014 refurbishment review
The riverboat's USD 5 million refurbishment in 2014 included new carpeting, painting, wallpapers, lighting and general renovation of all public spaces and passenger cabins.
New Victorian-style ornate furniture and decoration with floral-themed carpets, polished wood and brass, lace curtains, crystal chandeliers, traditional for the Victoria era upholstery and wallpaper designs.
Passenger cabins were upgraded with luxury amenities and renovated.
The “Front Porch Cafe” (alternative dining concept on the American Queen steamboat) is doubled here at the River Grille.
Deck layouts
Deck 01 - Explorer
Deck 02 - Frontier
Deck 03 - Discovery
Deck 04 - Vista View
American Empress deck plans are property of American Cruise Lines. All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.