wishlist5

K9pal:

*There is a bar in the showroom. And a hostess who can take your order from your seat, or you can go to the bar, to get drinks before/during shows.

*You are not checked when you return from being on land. I believe that you can bring beverages onboard, without a problem.

*I don't know the cost of beverages at non-dinner times, since we don't drink alcohol. I am SURE I did read it somewhere....maybe on the website. Do some looking on the website, and I think you might find the answer. 15% gratuity automatically added.

*Our hotel in Portland (pre-cruise for us) did not offer Airport Transfers. We stayed at Hilton Vancouver (across the river), maybe that was why. We got a taxi....quick and easy. $40. You receive travel documents about 3 weeks prior to departure and the hotel is confirmed there. I am a planner, so I called AQSC and they were able to confirm the hotel. It is arranged months in advance, I am sure. Call AQSC for confirmation.

Note: There is a shared ride transport service in Portland. Called Blue Star Transport Group. You will get this info in your travel documents. I am sure it sets certain times and takes a group....we didn't use it, since we just wanted to go when we wanted to go. :)

Cost was listed as $16pp...plus tip...cost is about the same as a taxi for 2.

*You can make reservations for the River Grill during check-in. There was a very long and slow-moving line at this time. Not a good first impression...maybe they can fine tune this a bit. Or you can go see Carmen at any time once you get onboard. She is very accommodating.

Any other questions, just ask. :)

Calliope writes in a mature, and very knowledgeable fashion, which I appreciate. I have no bias toward either Company, but I will give my point of view.

I recently finished a cruise on the American Empress/AQSC. I have not done a cruise on ACL. I did, however, during my research, review the pros and cons of each Company.

I chose AQSC for a few reasons:

*The itineraries were very similar.

*The CS by phone was similar at both Companies.

*The cost was appreciably less on AQSC!

Tho cost is NOT my deciding factor when choosing a vacation, I do weigh the cost/value as a significant factor.

For this cruise, there was simply no reason to pay a significantly higher price for virtually the same cruise.

During my cruise, we saw the ACL boat numerous times. We were actually docked along side it, many times. What I saw was a boat with a MUCH smaller paddlewheel (not a big deal). It also, didn't look as 'spiffy and shiny' as the AQSC boat.

After experiencing the cruise (I had no desire to compare the 2 until reading this thread) I am very glad with my choice of AQSC over ACL. Our recent trip on AQSC was just fine, and very enjoyable.

I hope this helps with the OP's questions.

I am happy to answer any further questions.

Happy travels.

I will address the topics brought up here, and give my thoughts on the trip:

When large groups book, they usually book way in advance, in order to get the number of spaces they need. In general, vacations/trips don't get filled more than 6 months in advance. As the trip date gets closer, each Company will begin marketing more heavily. This might include giving 'extras' or having 'Flash Sales'. I did not find that AQSC reduced prices...since we booked only about 7 weeks in advance, and no price reduction was offered. Certainly, the goal is to have the boat 100% filled.

I did notice while onboard that there were some price reductions offered on a few cruises coming up in late 2016. So, AQSC, at discretion, will offer some 'sales' if you watch closely.

In bullet format, I will address our wonderful vacation down the Columbia and Snake River:

*Boat kept immaculately clean. Lovely boat and décor. Cabin Attendants very accommodating. Room always perfect. Frank and Teresa get gold stars for customer service.

*Dining-River Grill more subdued. Pleasant atmosphere. Better views of the landscape while dining. MDR also pleasant. Menus in the MDR changed each day. Same menu throughout entire voyage in River Grill. Carmen, Mandy, Krystal, Ann, Anton, Seth, Johanna, and Skylar get gold stars for customer service. Also, want to mention the very pleasant dish washer (female, light brown hair in ponytail). Didn't catch her name, but she always had a smile and was willing to help. Food presentation A+. Variations in wine was outstanding.

*HOHO Buses in every port. Did the job of showing passengers the ports. The times were a bit limiting. We found that we had to rush through a few sites...not enough time allotted to fully enjoy some of the stops. Highlights for me were #1 Bonneville Dam (loved it)!! Also, Columbia River Interpretive Center, The Reach, and Astoria Column.

*Premium Excursions also available. We heard numerous passengers have problems on their excursions. Sorry to hear that. We took the B Reactor Excursion (very interesting), and we left 1 passenger behind. This type of thing shouldn't happen. Also, took the Jet Boat Excursion. This is definitely worth it to see the amazing scenery. We will most likely never return to the area so I am glad we took it, but I think it was a bit overpriced. Because of the human activity on the River, there is NOT an abundance of wildlife. We saw 'a few' sightings, just a few.

*Trip direction-I think overall, the best route is East to West. I loved the desert-like landscape in the East, but ending in the lush greenery of the West would seem to be better. Also, there will be more daylight transit of the locks, going west. Heading East, we had evening shade on our balcony (port-side)which was great! Using Spokane Airport at the end of the trip caused passengers to be forced to pay an extra fee for the 2 hour bus trip to Spokane. Heading west, and beginning in Spokane, you did not have to pay.

*There was no included transfer from the Portland Airport to the hotel. This should be considered, since the cost of this vacation is a bit pricey. You were also on your own for dinner that first nite.

*Entertainment was great. The unique husband-wife team of Cruise Directors was amazing. They really worked well together and their talent was top-notch. The Cowboy was GREAT! Magician good also. Historian gave informative lectures.

*Internet access was available in the Paddlewheel Lounge. 4 computers. Worked quite fine, except some slow times while we were travelling. Can also print out boarding passes here. WIFI also in rooms, tho sketchy at times. It was nice to have internet available for those of us who need it (yes, even while on vacation).

Overall, we saw a new part of this great country in a fashion that was very pleasing! We had a wonderful trip. I hope you all have a wonderful one, also!

Cruzjunky,

Your posts have been very informative! Thanks for taking the time.

I will try not to let the LATE time affect my enjoyment of a much needed vacation. I have read about this issue in a few reviews. Perhaps, AQSC should look at how to make this better, since customers are paying a premium price.

Honestly, I cannot imagine eating so late in the evening, then basically, going to bed on a full stomach.

One solace will be that the Dining Room will not be crowded at the second seating, and that the first Show will have plenty of seating!

Anyone else have any experiences about (Breakfast, Lunch, or) Dinner?

Would love to hear them!

Happy Cruising to all :)

I really appreciate the info sharing.

Can anyone express a bit more about the dining?

What was your preference.....the Grill or the MDR.....for dinner?

Was there a Buffet-style option for dinner?

Were there two shows, one for each dining time, or was there only one show?

Is the early seating jammed full, and the late seating less crowded?

7:45 pm is wayyyyy too late for me to eat, but I wasn't given a choice.

Any thoughts on how easy it is to change your dining time once onboard?

TIA!

Hi John. Thanks for the reply. I will post some thoughts on CC when I return. Logistically, I think going the East-West route is more favorable. We have been on many European River Cruises...........which I have LOVED. This will be our first US river cruise. Being on a floating hotel, where you wake up in a different village everyday is wonderful! We fly out this Saturday!! :)

Hello, just a shout-out to anyone who might be on this cruise. We are Paul and Carol from South California, looking for others who will be on this trip. I have read thru the threads here and gathered wonderful information. Thanks to all CC contributors. We have pulled back on travelling abroad, for obvious safety reasons. This will be our first US river cruise, and we are in great anticipation. Hope to hear from some others....only 9 days to go!

Hello. This lot is news to me.

We will be cruising in 2 weeks, and I would like to know if this lot is a "secure" lot, meaning monitored??

Is it correct that the Passport Bus will drop you off within easy walking distance of the Dome?

Does it pick you up at the same stop??

I presume that the Bus allows passengers to bring on their luggage.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

$19 per day vs. $5 per day is a HUGE difference!

:)

I would much prefer the overhang, to not having a balcony cover at all!

We were on the top floor AC, and couldn't use the balcony at all because it rained. If we were on the 9th floor, we could have sat out and enjoyed the pitter-patter!

Really appreciate everything about your review, librarylady19!

So nice of you to take the time to help others with all this info and feedback.

Happy sailings