American Empress 11/20/18 Roundtrip Vancouver Voyage

2018

SHORE EXCURSIONS ROUNDTRIP VANCOUVER November 20th - November 24th

American Empress

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS! www.reservemyexcursions.com or 1-888-966-0938

Table of

Contents Shore Excursions Highlights................................... 6

Hop-on Hop-off Information................................... 8

Ports of call......................................................................... 11

Astoria....................................................................... 12

River Cruising....................................................... 20

Stevenson................................................................. 22

Post-Cruise Port of call............................................. 26

Vancouver............................................................ 27

Be certain to check online at www.reservemyexcursions.com for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

Setting

Expectations Mankind has always been drawn to the river not only for sustenance, but as a landmark. ‘Down by the river’ was not just a necessity, it was a way of life. And for us who decide to experience river travel, it still is.

These parts unknown were so malleable that they transformed rapidly into cultures of their own, so different even from the ideals and origins of their settlers.

Regional traditions, like those of the Cajuns, were formed and still continue strongly with their own food, history and way of life.

The Scandinavian influence is still prevalent on the Upper Mississippi.

Steel workers and coal miners still tell stories of loading their goods onto barges on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. Travel in America is well within our comfort zones, but it is still a frontier with much to be experienced.

It’s time not just to vacation, it’s time to experience.

As a country, America is still so very new. We will not see medieval castles around every river bend. Instead of centuries old Gothic cathedrals, we will see 20th century white clapboard local parishes that are the center of communities.We may see the efforts of revitalization in a river city’s downtown as they struggle with the remnants of the 1950’s boom and the effect that suburbanization and shopping malls have had their on Main Streets.

We will not hear many foreign languages, but rather dialects and accents of which we may not be familiar. We are not showing off a royal spectacle, we are immersed in real life. On board, please allow us to indulge and spoil you in what a vacation is all about. But as you dock onto shore, allow yourself to think differently and take in, even become part of, the communities we visit. We hope you chose to sail with us, not only to escape and vacate your everyday lives, but to appreciate seeing the country (the good, bad and challenged) from the perspective of the river and all there is to learn.

Vacation is to escape. American river travel is to engage, educate and appreciate the diversity of this great country.

This is real. This is America.

Thank you,

James Palmeri Vice President of Product Development American Queen Steamboat Company

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Shore Excursion Promise

HIGHEST QUALIT Y & B E S T VA L U E P R O M I S E

American Queen Steamboat Company prides itself on the satisfaction of our guests.We constantly strive to surpass your expectations. We promise to always provide you with our best! If there is anything that did not meet your highest expectations, we will make it right!

With all of the options and competition in today’s age, it is human nature to search for the best value.We understand you worked hard in your profession and are appreciative that you spend your time with us! We vow to provide you with our best selection, for the best value, every time!

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Pre-Booking

Premium Shore Excursions If yo u wish to bo ok yo ur premium e xc ur sions ple ase visit o ur website www.re servemye xcur sions.com

or C all 1-888 -966 -0938

G uests also have the op tion to wait to Reserve premium e xc ur sions until the y arrive onboard, bu t ple a se note that e xcur sions are c apacit y con trolled a nd are subjec t to avail abilit y.

Please note: Pre-Booked reservations for Shore Excursions will be available until 11:00 AM EST, the Monday prior to embarkation.

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Shore Excursion Highlights

Our Shore Excur sions are hand-crafted and completely unique; they offer the freedom to make your vacation as interactive as you want it to be. Included excur sions offer just a taste of the area, in the most simple and leisurely way possible.

About

I N C L U D E D E XC U RS I O N S . . .

Offered at e very port Includes A dmission to Select at tr actions Completely at yo ur leisure Unlimited C apa cit y Freed om to cr af t yo ur own E xperience

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Shore Excursion Highlights

Our company has traveled to all cor ner s of Amer ica to develop one-of-a-king exclusive exper iences. Rather than the “cookie cutter� tour ist traps that are so frequently featured we go to the extra mile to uncover the tr ue essence of Amer ica.

About

P R E M I U M E XC U RS I O N S . . .

Op tional in-dep th e xperiences C ustomized to appe al to different interests c ultur ally enhancing itiner aries C apa cit y contr olled Adva nced re servations req uired

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HOW TO “HOP-ON HOP-OFF” STEP 1 PRINT YOUR TICKET

Kiosk is located next to the Shore Excursions and Purser’s desk.

Departure tickets can be printed each night, starting at 5:00 PM.

#2

#1

WAKE IT UP !

Tap anywhere on the screen to remove the screen saver.

#3

WHAT TIME ?

Choose your desired included tour departure time.

#4

HOW MANY ?

PRINT !

Catch passes as they fall from below the screen.

Select number of guests in your party by selecting + or -

STEP 2 BRING YOUR TICKET & HOP-ON! MEET OUTSIDE !

About 15 minutes before your chosen departure time, please gather by the River Coach near the dock!

BOARD THE RIVER COACH

Hand your tickets to the Shore Excursion Specialist as you board the River Coach.

EXPLORE AT YOUR LEISURE !

“Hop-Off ” wherever you wish - and “Hop-On” again whenever you feel ready! The River Coach will depart approximately every 15-30 minutes.

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HOP-ON HOP-OFF MAPS DELI V ER ED TO YO UR S TATER O O M !

Each evening, the Hop-On Hop-Off map for the following day will be placed in your stateroom during turn-down ser vice.

Use this helpful tool to get the most of your next day’s experience in port!

A CLOSER LOOK INCLUDED STOPS BUS ROUTE

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS FEATURED RESTAURANTS

Front

PREMIUM EXCURSIONS

ATTRACTION INFORMATION TOWN HISTORY

Back

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Your voyage on the American Empress

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PORTS OF CALL

Astoria, Oregon Pages 12 - 19

River Cruising Pages 20 - 21

Stevenson, Washington Pages 22 - 25

Be certain to check online at www.reservemyexcursions.com for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

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INCLUDED TOUR

Astoria, Oregon

In 1811, John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Trading Company settled in Astoria, making it the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. For thousands of years, Clatsop Indians inhabited the lands that are now known as Astoria. In 1805, Lewis and Clark led their expedition through the area and spent the winter at Fort Clatsop.

In 1813, a British warship sailed into the Columbia River, gaining possession of the city and holding control until 1818, when they finally agreed to a joint occupation of the land. There is no doubting the rich history has deep roots grounded in this Columbia River town. When the history combines with the town’s scenery, an incredible harmony is created that will surely bring you back for more.

Docking Dates dat e s o f V i s i t November 21st, 2018 Be certain to verify the direction of your voyage by confirming the date on your voyage documents.

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Included Astoria Hop-On Hop-Off R i v e rwa l k A six-mile paved walkway overlooking the beautiful Columbia River. In addition to the remarkable views, guests can explore the statues, shops, cafes, docks, and historic canneries dotting the path. Guests, who wish to, can choose to board the riverfront trolley that runs along the banks for an extra fee.

Approximate time: 1.5 - 2 Hours

F l av e l H o u s e & Ca r r i ag e H o us e As one of the best preserved examples of Queen Anne architecture in the Northwest, the Flavel House survives today as a landmark of local and national significance. The house was built as a retirement home in 1885 for Columbia River bar pilot, Captain George Flavel, and his family. The Flavel House has been restored and furnished to portray the elegance of the Victorian period and the history of the Flavel family. Approximate time: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour

Asto r i a C o lu m n This magnificent monument stands 600 feet above sea level and gives the perfect view to Young’s Bay, the Coast Range, the Columbia River, and in the distance, even the Pacific Ocean. Ralph Budd initiated the project to celebrate Astoria’s early settlers. Approximate time: 15 - 30 Minutes

H e r i ta g e M u s e u m

Astoria’s Old City Hall building, a neoclassical structure designed by prominent Portland architect Emil Schacht in 1904, is home to the Historical Society’s collection and archive. Clatsop County’s rich and exciting history is featured in the museum’s permanent and changing exhibit galleries.

Approximate time: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Here, guests can experience interactive displays, galleries and collections representing the history of the mighty Columbia River throughout time. The museum was founded in 1962 when Rolf Klep returned to his birthplace after retiring from his art career on the East Coast. (Admission is additional) Approximate time: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour

F E AT U R E D S H O P P I N G O P PO RT U N I T I ES: Doe & Arrow Forsythea Lucy’s Books Purple Cow Toys Pat ’s Pantry Paramount Drug Co.

C o m p l e t e L o o p D r i v i n g T i m e: 4 5 M i n u t e s

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P r em i u m exc u rs i o n

Am erican Select

The Lewis and Clark Experience Trace the journey of Lewis and Clark as we begin the day traveling to Station Camp, the location where the Corps of Discovery spent ten days in November of 1805. Then watch as the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean crash into the bluffs below at Cape Disappointment, the location Lewis and Clark concluded their two-year expedition.

We’ll end the day at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, where you can explore the interpretive center, as well as the reconstructed Fort Clatsop.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE for the most accurate and up-to-date information about your American Select premium excursions! www.reservemyexcursions.com

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The Lewis and Clark Experience R e t uRret n s:u r4n: 3s:0 4P :M3 0 P M

D eD pa rtrt s :s2: :1020: 3P0MP M e pa A r r i v e at S tat i o n Ca m p

A stop at Station Camp will start our journey on the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Discover Ca p e D i sa p p o i n t m e n t

Then we’ll discover the next stages of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Cape Disappointment, which overlooks the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Explore the Interpretative Center’s extensive and thorough time line that documents the entire journey of these intrepid frontiersmen.

Experience the beauty and power of the Pacific Ocean from the enclosed overlook as the waves crash along the banks below.

Ex p lo r e F o rt C l ats o p Here, guests can enjoy exhibits in the interpretive center, exhibit hall, book store and gift shop, view films outlining the historic journey and explore a replica of the forts built

by The Corps of Discovery in their attempts to maintain shelter during the harsh winters.

d e pa rt F o rt C l ats o p Reboard the River Coach as we make our way back to the American Empress.

Be certain to check online for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

$ 6 9 p e r g u e st R et et u ur rn n s: s: 4 4 :: 3 30 0P PM M R

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P r em i u m exc u rs i o n

Am erican Select

Zip Lining Adventure Step off the luxurious decks of the American Empress and into the natural wonders of Oregon—one of America’s most beautiful landscapes. We’ll bring you slightly outside of your comfort zone and allow guests to experience the wilderness from the best vantage point—soaring above the ground, within the trees and over the waterways of the area. Today’s tour takes us to Highlife Adventures, a best-in-class zip lining experience. Guests of all ages can safely enjoy as they are securely tethered onto a course consisting of eight lines zipping throughout the lush, green forests of Oregon.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE for the most accurate and up-to-date information about your American Select premium excursions! www.reservemyexcursions.com

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Zip Lining Adventure D e pa rt s : 1 2 : 0 0 P M

R e t u r n s: 4 : 0 0 P M

A r r i v e at h i g h l i fe a dv e n t u r e s We’ll bring you slightly outside of your comfort zone and allow guests to experience the wilderness from the best vantage point, soaring above the ground, through the towering trees and over the Pacific Northwest waterways.

G ea r u p

No experience needed, gear up in your safety harness and get ready to experience a course consisting of eight lines zipping throughout the lush, green forests of Oregon.

E n j oy Z i p li n i n g !

Experience a unique and exhilarating day as you conquer one zip at a time, learning along the way how to manipulate speed using body positioning. Those with an extreme adventurous spirit can zip over lakes and through the trees and even choose to take a dunk in the lake as you soar by!

d epa rt H i g h l i fe A dv en t u r e s Reboard the River Coach as we make our way back to the American Empress.

Be certain to check online for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

$ 1 3 9 p e r g u est

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Special Event

An Evening with the Columbia River Symphony at the Historic Liberty Theatre After an early upscale, theatre menu, we will make our way to the historic Liberty Theatre via luxury river coach. There you will delight in an unforgettable evening of classic and modern music performed by the renowned Columbia River Symphony.

For an added touch of class, an array of delectable self-service desserts will await upon our return to the vessel. Note: This evening event is included for all guests, but pre-booking is required. A $50 deposit will be held on each stateroom per reservation in order to ensure participation and will be removed at the conclusion of the tour.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE for the most accurate and up-to-date information about your American Select premium excursions! www.reservemyexcursions.com

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An Evening With the Columbia River Symphony at the Historic Liberty Theater D e pa rt s : 7 : 3 0 P M

R e t u r n s: 9 : 4 5 P M

Be certain to check online for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

$ 0 p e r g u est

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River cruising

River Cruising on the Columbia

Take advantage of this relaxing day along the Columbia by exploring the beautiful American Empress Steamboat! Be certain to take in the beautiful scenery or enjoy the activities available onboard! Stop by the Shore Excursions Desk at your leisure on this Rivercruising Day. Our knowledgeable Shore Excursions Specialist will be able to help you plan the remainder of your vacation by laying out the available Premium Excursions, making recommendations for stops during the Included Excursions, and further explaining the disembarkation process - and if you have no questions, you can always just stop by to say hello!

River CruisingDates

D at e o f R i v er c ru i s i n g November 22, 2018 Be certain to verify the direction of your voyage by confirming the date on your voyage documents.

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Thanksgiving Day

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INCLUDED TOUR

Stevenson, Washington

On the banks of the scenic Columbia River, the city of Stevenson is your launch pad to the Washington side of the Gorge. A stroll along the Rock Cove pathway or the Columbia River waterfront is a great way to take in surroundings. Downtown Stevenson is home to unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Stevenson is in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Explore the eastern entrance to Mount St. Helens or the spectacular Lewis River Valley.

Docking Dates Dat e s o f V i s i t November 23rd, 2018 Be certain to verify the direction of your voyage by confirming the date on your voyage documents.

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Included Stevenson Hop-On Hop-Off Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum This highly interactive museum is a favorite for many along the river. Enjoy a day of discovering the unique exhibits and artifacts that fill the museum. The mission of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is to share the story of Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge. Make sure to visit “First People,” an exhibit focusing on the history of native people of this area – the cascade chinook. Then stop over at the “Grand Gallery” which is the largest gallery in the museum that showcases how to harvest resources and focuses on the timber industries throughout the gorge.

Approximate time: 45 Minutes - 1.5 Hours

Bonneville Dam

The Bonneville Dam is located 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon. It received its name from Captain Benjamin Bonneville – a soldier, trader, and explorer.

It consists of a navigation lock (raises and lowers river traffic 60 feet), Powerhouse 1 (completed in 1938), a spillway (moves excess water and provides for downstream migration of young fish), fish ladders (for upstream migrating adult fish), and Powerhouse 2 (completed in 1983). Bonneville Dam can produce 1,227,000 kilowatts of electricity when needed, and moving over 10 million tons of cargo through its lock annually. Approximate time: 45 Minutes - 1 Hour

Downtown Stevenson

Make a stop in Downtown Stevenson, where you can get a slice of what Stevenson is all about. Enjoy the many antique shops, historic buildings with vintage interiors, and beautiful, abundant gardens. Visit the boutiques and shops, restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores to treat yourself to a souvenir or a taste of the fine cuisine before heading to your next stop!

Approximate time: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour F E AT U R E D S H O P P I N G O P PO RT U N I T I ES: Grandma’s House Wind River Pharmacy A & J Select Market Bloomsbury of Kanaka Creek Farm Out on a Limb Gorge Stuff Thrift Store

C o m p l e t e L o o p D r i v i n g T i m e: 4 5 M i n u t e s

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P r em i u m exc u rs i o n

Am erican Select

Multnomah Falls and Vista House: Including the Old Scenic Highway As we travel down the famous Old Scenic Highway stretching itself across some of America’s most beautiful landscapes, excite in the stunning views of the Pacific Northwest. Capture a photo of Crown Point, one of the most photographed views in the region, to keep as a memory of the picturesque views of the Columbia River Gorge below you. Vista House offers a panoramic view of the Columbia River, perched more than 700 feet above. Oregon’s tallest and most mighty waterfall, Multnomah Falls, plummeting 611-feet, this powerful beauty is the perfect conclusion to the day.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE for the most accurate and up-to-date information about your American Select premium excursions!

www.reservemyexcursions.com

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Multnomah Falls and Vista House: Including the Old Scenic highway R e t uRrents:u r1 2n:s: 3 04P: 3M0 P M

D eD pa rtrt s :s2: :9: 0 0 0P A MM e pa

A r r i v e at M u lt n o m a h Fa l ls Begin your journey with this roaring 611-foot natural wonder, as it demonstrates the power and beauty of nature in her rawest form.

E x p lo r e M u lt n o m a h fa l ls Watch in awe as this mighty waterfall crashes down on the rocky cliffs below, spraying a peaceful mist on all those surrounding. Then head on over to the Multnomah Falls gift shop to purchase a souvenir for you or a loved one.

A r r i v e at t h e w o m en's F o r u m Continue your journey with a stop at the Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Here, you can capture a perfect photo of the Columbia River Gorge Below.

St o p at V i s ta H o u s e

At the height of the bluff sits Vista House, perched above the Columbia River. Vista House offers a panoramic view of the breathtaking Columbia River more than 700 feet below.

O l d S c e n i c h i g h way D r i v e We’ll then continue on the Old Scenic Highway, to get a picture-perfect view of more waterfalls as they spring from the bluffs along the picturesque roadway and offer rare glimpses of these geological wonders.

d e pa rt fo r t h e em p r es s Reboard the River Coach as we make our way back to the American Empress.

Be certain to check online for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

$ 5 9 p er g u e st

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POST-CRUISE PORT OF CALL

Vancouver, Washington Pages 27 - 29

Be certain to check online at www.reservemyexcursions.com for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

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Vancouver, Washington Post-Cruise Am erican S elect P r em i u m Exc u rs i o n s Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, on the north bank of the Columbia River, Vancouver, Washington is as naturally beautiful as it is diverse. For thousands of years, the Vancouver area was home to native people who flourished on the bounty of forest and river. Vancouver has a colorful history which includes Fort Vancouver; created in 1825 and was the center of all fur trading in the Pacific Northwest. During World War I, Vancouver had the largest spruce cut-up mill that later became named Pearson Airfield. Enjoy the oldest non-Indian settlement in the Pacific Northwest while discovering its interesting history and culture.

Docking Dates D at e s o f V i s i t November 24th, 2018 Be certain to verify the direction of your voyage by confirming the date on your voyage documents.

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Post-Cruise tour

Am erican Select

Portland “The Rose City” Post-Cruise Tour Explore Portland, Oregon. Guests are welcomed by a view of the historic Willamette River, which flows through the downtown before crossing over one of ten bridges and into Old Town. Discover the art scene of Portland at the Portland Murals. Then, we’ll continue to the International Rose Test Gardens where guests can enjoy a doughnut from the iconic, “Voodoo Doughnut,” located in Portland. Finally, we’ll visit Washington Park before continuing on to Downtown Portland, where guests will be able to immerse themselves in the serenity of the tranquil Chinese Botanical Garden.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

for the most accurate and up-to-date information about your American Select premium excursions! www.reservemyexcursions.com

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Portland “The Rose City�

Post-Cruise Tour D e pa rt s : 9: 0 0 A M

R e t u r n s: 1 2 : 1 5 P M

A r r i v e at I n t er n at i o n a l R o s e T e st G a r d e n s

We will begin the day at the International Rose Test Garden, where you will experience the oldest official and continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States.

T o u r R o s e T e st G a r d e n s

The Rose Garden began receiving flowers in 1918 where it was a safe heaven for hybrid roses during World War I. Here, in the warmer months, over ten thousand blooms create a colorful frame for a panoramic view of Portland.

A r r i va l at La n S u C h i n e s e B o ta n i ca l G a r d en

Enjoy the scenic views of this beautiful town, lined with expansive decorative murals and flowers before arriving at the Lan Su Chinese Botanical Garden.

E x p lo r e La n S u

This peaceful garden is a treasured site to many Portland visitors. Feel a sense of inspiration as you explore the 2,000-year-old art traditions, architecture, designs, and nature all in absolute harmony.

Po rt la n d H a as M u r a l S t o p

After exploring the Lan Su Chinese Botanical Garden, we will discover the vibrance of Portland as we explore the uniquely sculpted walls at the Haas Mural.

D epa rt fo r t h e a i r po rt We will make our way to the Portland International Airport.

Be certain to check online for the most up-to-date information for your voyage.

$ 6 9 p er g u est

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Uniquely American River Cruises

For information or to book your Shore Excursions, please call 1-888-966-0938 or visit www.ReserveMyExcursions.com (For an instant confirmation)

Reservation Agents are available Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST Disclaimer American EmpressÂŽ included shore excursions are available to all American Empress guests and are capacity controlled and subject to availability. All included and premium shore excursions are subject to availability and may not be available at time of booking. All tours are subject to maximum and minimum capacities and tours may be canceled in the event that minimum capacities are not met. Total passenger counts for each tour are required for logistical reasons. Cancellations within 48 hours of tour departure are not refundable.Tour departure times, inclusions, prices and activity level are subject to change; please reference your ticket, the departure kiosk and the daily TV presentation for more information on your specific tour. In most cases, tours will operate in all weather conditions and refunds will not be offered for inclement weather. During local and national holidays or weekends some attractions and facilities may be operating under modified hours of operations or may not be open to the public. In such instances, American Empress shore excursions will make every effort to minimize negative impact on guests and will offer an alternative when applicable or if available. Early pre-booking is strongly encouraged. Tours are generally available 6 months prior to cruise departure and not all premium excursions are available for pre-booking online. Check with your Shore Excursion Specialist when onboard for any additional tours or changes to pre-booked tours. American Empress shore excursions has made every effort to notify guests with mobility issues of handicapped accessibility at the stops and attractions along the Hop-on Hop-off route as well as premium excursions. Because of the historic and general nature of some of the attractions, handicapped accessibility may be limited to the first floor or outside grounds only. In some instances there is no handicapped accessibility to the attractions. Complete or partial refunds will not be issued for portions of tours or attractions with accessibility limitations. Post-Cruise tours may include more than one final destination. In some instances guests will experience up to three stops to allow guests to exit the River Coaches at a second hotel or airport.

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