Prevue March/April 2015 - (Page 18)

sea shores American Queen Steamboat Company Stops along some of the U.S.'s most historic waterways foster destination-centric experiences for all ages American Empress at sunrise T he growing expectation for self-deﬁning experiences, ranked as a top incentives trend by the IRF earlier this year, has bridged the generational gap when it comes to one of the latest fads to seep into the incentives scene, riverboat cruising. Setting out over some of the U.S.'s most historically documented and visually stunning waterways, riverboat cruises provide millennials with exciting, often otherwise unobtainable, scenic beauty and port adventures while 'wowing' Gen X and beyond with iconic sites and an intimate environment for building connections. Aboard the American Empress, one of the American Queen Steamboat Company's (AQSC) two riverboat vessels, for instance, cruising past the ﬁelds, mountains and canyons along Columbia and Snake Rivers, groups will be given glimpse into Lewis and Clark's early 19th century journey. Bill Diebenow, senior VP of sales for the AQSC says aside from tax reduction savings available through American ﬂag boats, the uptick in riverboat cruise incentives also reﬂects the group preference for "a safe and predictable North American destination that counters the instability abroad." With naturally thematic destinations such as New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville on the agenda, Diebenow uses 'predictable' lightly, however, to make room for exciting collaborations that leverage local music, culinary and other cultural touchpoints onboard and wherever the boats dock. Groups partaking in an Elvis Presley-themed cruise would 18 | prevue magazine be immersed in such things as Southern cuisine, Elvis movies in the Grand Saloon and musical performances by renowned tribute artists. Likewise, a Mark Twain adventure would usher groups to the author's Missouri hometown, with narratives brought to life by a Twain impersonator onboard. The cruise experience also offers attendees an exclusive environment for teambuilding. The American Queen's Grand Saloon, designed to emulate the infamous Ford's Theater in Washington DC, is a popular venue for role-playing and skits. Diebenow mentions that lately, the AQSC has been organizing cycling, dance and music activities, but with a ﬂeet of luxury motor coaches, "zip lining in the Cascades or exclusive vineyard tours and wine tasting in Yakima or Willamette estates" are also in demand. Christine Duffy Although modern in structure, amenities and furnishings, the American Queen and American Empress, riverboats are also recognized as historic gems by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with historic steamboat engineering features and credentials. When it comes to logistics, their capacities and capabilities are quite different, however. Navigating the lower Mississippi, the American Queen embodies the ambience of an antebellum mansion-complete with one of the largest collections of Tiffany glass furniture-as the only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America, "the romance of her historic lines against the backdrop of Vicksburg, Natchez and Plantation Row comes straight out of a novel," Diebenow remarks. The Queen also offers AQ Spa by Pevonia, with thematic treatments that utilize river stones and other natural elements. The corridors of the American Empress are donned with historical artifacts and artwork of the Native Alaska, Russian, Gold Rush and sternwheeler eras. Virtually all of the 100+ staterooms have private balconies, enabling groups more accessible connections to scenic upper Mississippi views. Diebenow says the Empress' size and boutique feel make it a perfect option for chartering. That, and the "smaller feel of the American Empress provides a community environment that truly is small ship cruising." Special to riverboat cruising, stops along the river and shore excursions typically occur on a daily basis. And Diebenow says this isn't the only 'cruise ship vs. riverboat' differentiator to consider. "Our riverboat cruises offer smaller onboard [community] environments with personalized service-and since all of our vessels carry between 200-400 passengers max, guests can embark and disembark with no waiting."-Johnalee Johnston americanqueensteamboatcompany.com http://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue March/April 2015

Planner’s Pick: Los Angeles
Fresh Meets: The Evolution of Local Hospitality
Bureau Buzz: Atlanta
Good Business: On the Agenda: Zero Waste
Sea Shores: American Queen Steamboat Company
Incentive Bound
FLORIDA
CALIFORNIA
NASHVILLE
IHG EUROPE
On Location: Bermuda
CLUB MED CANCUN YUCATAN
On Location: Beaches Turks & Caicos
On Location: St. Kitts
On Location: Delano Las Vegas
Club Med Meetins, Incentives and Corporate Events 2015 Edition

Prevue March/April 2015