Captain's Newsletter January 2015

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AMERICAN EAGLE - READY FOR ITS MAIDEN VOYAGE

Teams at Chesapeake Shipbuilding are putting the fi nishing touches on our newest paddlewheeler, the American Eagle. With the electrical and interior carpet work now complete, crews have switched focus to the smaller details that make each guest experience special. Interior design teams are beginning the décor work, which will blend traditional Victorian accents with contemporary features. Th is new paddlewheeler will off er guests the largest staterooms and more private balconies than any other riverboat. All of the amenities will make this our most modern, spacious and guest friendly ship to date.

Guests who recently toured the new ship were delighted to see the construction progress. Project

Managers now estimate that ship completion is a full four weeks ahead of schedule.

Th e Maiden Voyage will off er guests a unique experience complete with gifts, dining experiences, a special musical guest, media presence and attendance by headquarter offi cials.

Call a Cruise Specialist today at 1-888-640-1427 for more information about this and other upcoming American Eagle itineraries.

Subject to change at any time.

Th e Maiden Voyage will take place April 11, 2015 and will depart on a New Orleans round-trip itinerary.

741 Boston Post Road, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437 • 1-888-640-1427 January 2015

Captain’snewsletter

Installing the paddlewheel on the new riverboat

We have taken four American Cruise Lines cruises so far, and all have been great. We have signed up for two more future cruises. We recommend American Cruise Lines to everyone. You have a great product, keep up the good work!

-Barbara J., Th e Woodlands, TX

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CONTACT A CRUISE SPECIALIST AT 1-888-640-1427

5 YEARS OF NORTHWESTERN ADVENTURESCOLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS CRUISE

2015 marks a significant milestone for American Cruise Lines as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of our paddlewheeler, Queen of the West. To celebrate, we are kicking off the season with a pre-cruise package on our March 28th itinerary. For a limited-time, guests will receive an extra night aboard the Queen of the West and two days of complimentary events including a private tour of the Pittock Mansion and a special visit to the Portland Saturday Market—one of the largest open air markets in the USA.

Join us this spring on the Queen of the West to commemorate this occasion as you retrace the route pioneered by Lewis & Clark over 200 years ago. Onshore and aboard, historian Todd Weber joins guests to provide his vast knowledge on the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the history of the area. On this westward adventure through mountain forests and steep canyons, explore beautiful vineyards, the history of the pioneers and areas active with wildlife. While cruising, come ashore for the Multnomah Falls Tour and the Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour, guest favorites for years. For more details call your Cruise Specialist today or visit us online at www.americancruiselines.com.

SHORE EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTSMultnomah Falls Tour · Stevenson, WA In the heart of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the Queen of the West will cruise through the Bonneville Lock and Dam to reach the port of Stevenson. In this quiet, laid-back town you’ll find unique shops, restaurants and museums all set within the backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge. As you explore the area, we invite you to take our featured Multnomah Falls Tour. These falls are the second highest in the United States and are fed year round by rainwater, an underground spring and snowmelt. While visiting, you’ll get the best vantage point of the falls from the Benson Observation Bridge, which stands at the base of the 542-foot high top tier of the falls.

Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour* · Clarkston, WA Located on the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, 7,913-foot-deep Hells Canyon is a sight to behold. As the deepest river gorge in North America and within 652,488 acres of national park land, a variety of entertaining activities await you here. In particular, American Cruise Lines offers guests the opportunity to take a Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour. These durable, aluminum boats are engineered to maneuver through the canyon with ease. As you travel through the mountains and ancient rock formations of the gorge, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, elk, hawks, pictographs and more.

*This tour is only offered the Friday before Clarkston departures.Twin Sisters Rock

Subject to change at any time. Additional fees may apply for certain shore excursions.

Pacific Northwest wildlife

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GUEST SPEAKER SPOTLIGHTJIM WILLIAMS - NATURALIST

An accomplished botanist and zoologist, Jim presents on a variety of natural and historical subjects. His lectures are unscripted and done from a fi rst-person character to provide conservational and educational programs on the nature, people and history of the rivers in America's heartland.

Q: Which cruises have you been on as a guest speaker?A: I began as a Guest Lecturer aboard the Queen of the Mississippi and have worked on all the itineraries off ered on the Mississippi River. Th is includes the Lower River, Upper River and the Ohio River.

Q: Which American Cruise Lines trip is your favorite?A: Th at is a tough question because I love the entire Mississippi. As a friend once said, you can't choose which of your children is your favorite. But if I did have to choose, it would be one of these three: St. Louis to St. Paul, Cincinnati to St. Louis and St. Louis to Nashville.

Q: What is an interesting fact about the Mississippi River that most guests might not know?A: Th is is one of my favorite facts: a raindrop falling in the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, will take about 90 days to reach the mouth of the river at the Gulf of Mexico.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with American Cruise Lines?A: Th at’s easy, the guests. I am a storyteller. My presentations are told in the form of a story rather than lecturing. I weave a tale that brings to life the river, people, plants and animals. When the opportunity presents itself, I love to talk with the

guests to learn their stories. I have met wonderful travelers from across America as well as around the world and enjoy hearing the accounts they share.

Q: How do you prepare for the onboard guest lectures?A: I always have an introduction presentation “Take Me to the River.” Th is program allows the guests to begin to learn about the stories it tells. As I meet our guests, I begin to mentally arrange how I will present my programs. My presentations all have an outline but no script. Th is allows the presentations to be more conversational and fl uid.

Q: What intrigues you the most about the Mississippi River?A: When I present my fi rst program on a cruise I convey to the guests that the river has many tales to enlighten the observer. I suggest that the guests take time to relax in a rocking chair on the deck to view the landscape and listen to the sounds of the river. It will open the pages of its stories, and for each cruise the stories change.

Q: What do you feel is your role as a Guest Speaker with American Cruise Lines?A: My job is to help guests understand the region and the infl uence the Mississippi River has had on society. At the end of a cruise, I hope my presentations and interaction with our guests have provided a fun and memorable experience aboard the Queen of the Mississippi.

Jim Williams

Vicksburg, MS

Friendly people, friendly crew, fabulous food, open seating, quiet staterooms, lovely accommodations. I will NEVER set foot on a "big ship" again!! Your ships are fantastic.

- Kay C., Fernandina Beach, FL

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DISCOVER THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ONA LEWIS & CLARK THEMED ADVENTURE

Th is spring, join American Cruise Lines as we cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers and follow the legendary route of the famous Lewis & Clark Expedition. On this popular cruise, guests will visit their former campsites, experience authentic Native American culture and speak directly with experts and guides who will give unprecedented insights into what Lewis & Clark endured on their Pacifi c Northwest expedition.

LEWIS & CLARK APRIL CRUISES • 7-NIGHTSDEPARTING FROM PORTLAND, OREGON OR CLARKSTON, WASHINGTON

Featured Lewis & Clark Springtime Cruises aboard the Queen of the West: • April 4, 2015 • April 11, 2015 • April 18, 2015

Featured Guest Speaker: Historian Todd WeberTodd is a living history presenter and tour guide who specializes in the explorers and adventurers of American history. His unique presentation style and vast historical knowledge makes him one of our most sought-after onboard experts.

Join him on the Queen of the West to enjoy onboard productions about the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Todd will also join guests on shore excursions to provide his one-of-a-kind commentary and insight.

Shore Excursion Highlight: Fort ClatsopImmerse yourself in the history of Westward Expansion with a visit to Fort Clatsop in Astoria, OR. Th is National Historical Park hosts a replica of the shelter built by the Corps of Discovery in the early 1800s, interactive demonstrations, a museum and knowledgeable park rangers.

WASHINGTON

OREGONIDAHO

WASHINGTON

OREGONIDAHO

Columbia River

Columbia

River

Snake River

Astoria

PortlandClarkston

Lewiston

Pendleton

StevensonMultnomahFalls The Dalles

Umatilla

Richland

Mt. St. Helens

FortClatsop

Mt. Hood

Pac

ific

Oce

an

Todd Weber

Fort Clatsop

Columbia & Snake Rivers

Subject to change at any time. Call for details.

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EXPLORE HISTORIC TREASURESITINERARY SPOTLIGHT ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Th e Mississippi is known for its rich history, colorful characters and vibrant culture, which is why it’s one of our most popular places to cruise. Aboard our paddlewheelers, the American Eagle and Queen of the Mississippi, guests will be treated to an authentic riverboat experience unlike any other. Travel along the river, making frequent stops to experience the best the region has to off er. From historically relevant battlegrounds and Cajun inspired cuisine to the fi nest shopping in the South, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Cruise highlights include a stop in Oak Alley, LA located on the Mississippi River, between the historic cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. A popular place to visit is Oak Alley Plantation, which has been called the “Grande Dame of the Great River Road.” Th is historic plantation is named after its distinguished feature, a canopy of live oak trees that were planted in the early 18th century before the current house was built. Oak Alley was restored in 1925 by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stewart and before her death Mrs. Stewart created a non-profi t foundation for the twenty-fi ve acres of land to remain open and preserved for all to enjoy.

Continuing up the river, you’ll stop in Vicksburg, MS, which perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage

with its heroic stories of Civil War battles. Vicksburg is a city actively involved in art, entertainment and outdoor excursions. Visit historic battlefi elds, antebellum mansions or indulge in upscale shopping. Relish in the attractions of the Battle of Vicksburg Tour at the Vicksburg National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. Th e tour concludes at the Visitors Center where life-size exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display. Th e excursion extends beyond the park with a tour of downtown Vicksburg and the riverfront murals.

Baton Rouge is another must-see location. You’ll experience Baton Rouge’s historical architecture and rich countryside with visits to some of the area’s many plantations. Browse the best shopping area in the South within Baton Rouge’s notable boutiques and antique shops.

On our Historic Baton Rouge Tour you’ll visit the Louisiana Old State Capitol to see “the Ghost of the Castle” exhibit and a theatrical presentation of the castle’s history, told by the ghost of Sarah Morgan (an authentic Civil War era fi gure). Th e tour continues to the New State Capitol, which at 34 stories tall is the tallest state capitol in the United States. Visit the observation deck to look out on the beautiful Mississippi River.

Vicksburg

OakAlley

Houmas House

St. Francisville

Natchez

Baton Rouge

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI

NewOrleans

Mis

s iss

ipp

i R

ive

r

Oak Alley

Continued on page 6


It was a remarkable and memorable cruise! First rate in every way. Great captain and crew! Ports of call and excursions were wonderful. Outstanding!

- Henry S., Minnesota, MN

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Finally, a trip along the Lower Mississippi wouldn’t be complete without New Orleans, LA, the beginning and concluding city on our cruise. Here you’ll visit the famous French Quarter, known for its various styles of architecture such as Spanish, French, Creole and American. The city incorporates history into modern lifestyles while remaining the melting pot of culture, food and music. Enjoy walking along the streets, tasting gumbo, being entertained by jazz music, visiting historic neighborhoods and attending local festivals while in New Orleans with American Cruise Lines.

For more details, visit us online at www.americancruiselines.com

CHEF'S CORNER: WHAT'S NEW FOR 2015Whether cruising down the Mississippi River or exploring the Pacific Northwest, every guest will be treated to locally sourced, regionally inspired cuisine. Our talented culinary team utilizes only the freshest local, sustainable ingredients available to create these culinary delights.

2015 MENU SNEAK PEEK

BreakfastHistoric South & Golden Isles

Poached Eggs with Charleston Shrimp Hash and Tomato Hollandaise

Bananas Foster French Toast

Sweet Potato Waffles with Pecan Maple Syrup

LunchNew England Islands

Hand-Picked Maine Lobster Roll

Cornbread-Crusted Fillet of Cod served with Lobster Whipped Potatoes and a Red Bell Pepper Broth

DinnerColumbia & Snake Rivers

Rogue Hazelnut Rum Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of our Signature Blackberry Steak Sauce

Seared Columbia River Steelhead garnished with a Sweet-and-Sour Choucroute, White Bean Puree and a Red Wine Reduction

French Quarter

Exquisite cuisine

Continued from page 5


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ENROLL IN THE EAGLE SOCIETY TODAYDid you know that as a past guest of American Cruise Lines you’re eligible to enroll in our complimentary Eagle Society loyalty program? As a member you’ll receive access to special discounts, Friends and Family Welcome Aboard visits, complimentary shore excursions and more.

Enrollment is easy.Call a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-640-1427 or enroll at www.americancruiselines.com

What is a Friends and Family Welcome Aboard visit?When an American Cruise Ship is docked, onboard guests may invite friends and family members on the ship for a visit or a complimentary meal. Your guest doesn’t need to have cruised with us before or have a future cruised booked to come aboard.

How do you arrange this visit?Prior to your cruise’s departure, simply call 1-888-640-1427 and please have ready the name of your guest(s), the date of the visit and the port in which they’ll be joining us.

MISSISSIPPI FAVORITES - THE VICTORY BELLESA guest favorite aboard our Mississippi River cruises is the musical trio, the Victory Belles. Th ese talented musicians are part of New Orleans’ National WWII Museum’s live theatre show, which is based on the captivating sounds of the Andrews Sisters.

Known for their unique harmonization and choreographed dance moves, the trio brings to life the ideals of patriotism, volunteerism and unity the way the Andrews Sisters had done during the years of WWII.

Th e Victory Belles take guests on a musical journey through a variety of period classics including such hits as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Chattanooga Choo Choo and I’ll Be Seeing You. Each performance is unique, complete with authentic WWII-era costumes, audience interactions, music and dance. We welcome you to

join us on our Mississippi River cruises to experience this entertaining musical event.

For more information about the Victory Belles or our Mississippi itineraries, call a Cruise Specialist today at 1-888-640-1427.

Attentive service

Victory Belles

www.americancruiselines.com

Maybe the best vacation of our lives: no hassle, relaxing, wonderful food, nice new ship; better than an ocean cruise.

-Daniel & Gretchen C., Alpine, CA

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Captain's Newsletter January 2015