We recently spent a wonderful week on the inaugural cruise of American Encore. The newest American Cruise Lines riverboat is a combination of the styles of the earlier modern riverboats and the Patriot Class ships. Because of the new or remodeled docks along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, American Encore doesn’t need the bow ramp of the prior riverboats. This frees up space for more passenger areas rather than mechanicals. The River Lounge (forward) and the restaurant (aft) are conveniently located on Deck 1 flanking the ship’s office. There are several midship lounges located right off the four-story atrium staircase and elevators. On Deck 2, a large Chart Room and Bow Terrace provide a great place for watching the ship traverse the many locks. The Sky Lounge and Back Porch Café are on Deck 4 aft with all the great amenities expected from American Cruise Lines. Deck 5, or the Sun Deck, has multiple seating areas, shuffleboard court and Sky Walk. The décor is fresh and modern, with nods to the local Native Americans and the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
And then, on the Deck 4 forward, there is the Signature Suite, the ultimate in pampered travel. Over 1,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor comfort with fantastic amenities. It was hard to leave the spacious suite to go on our excursions. The comfortable couch and chairs in the living room area were a great place to unwind and read or watch TV. The dining room table seats six and there is also a wet bar and stocked refrigerator, convenient for entertaining. It even has a separate powder room. There is a desk, small refrigerator, walk-in closet and dresser in the bedroom area as well as another large TV, perfect for watching late night movies from the comfortable bed.
The interior lounge chairs situated toward the bow of the suite offer a panoramic view of the river that can only be beaten by the views from the wraparound private balcony. There you can choose from lounge chairs to rocking chairs to a table-and-chairs combo perfect for snacks or breakfast al fresco. The bathroom is the epitome of pampering with heated floors, large soaking tub, double vanity, walk-in shower and separate water closet. One of the highlights of our time in the Signature Suite was hosting Captain Andrea Mickelson for dinner catered from the restaurant.
Everyone, from guests to crew, was excited to be on the inaugural cruise of American Encore and looking forward to the christening at the end of the voyage. There was a good mix of Eagle Society cruisers and first-time American Cruise Lines cruisers. The scenery along the Columbia and Snake Rivers is absolutely gorgeous and is one of the main reasons this is such a popular itinerary. The lush temperate rainforests of the western Columbia River give way to the beautiful, almost desert-like areas of the eastern Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Towering cliffs along the way reveal the geological history of the region. During the varied excursions, we enjoyed walking on Oregon beaches to see the Pacific Ocean; seeing the tall, cascading Multnomah Falls; viewing the awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens; and discovering many traces of Lewis and Clark along the way.
A christening cruise is always special although each one is a different experience. In Natchez, Mississippi, we were on hand for the christening of American Symphony. There was a special ceremony on shore at the Natchez Convention Center with many local and American Cruise Lines speakers. Everyone then returned to American Symphony for the christening on the top deck with the Godmother Asya Branch (Miss USA 2020) performing the blessing and bottle smash.
The christening of American Eagle, the first of the Coastal Cats, was held at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy dock with remarks from local dignitaries and American Cruise Lines executives. The Godmother Carol Robertson (co-founder of American Cruise Lines) performed the blessing and bottle smash from the top deck as guests watched from below. We were eager to see what this third christening would be like.
American Encore arrived at the new Port of Lewiston dock early on the morning of the christening. As usual for a christening, special gifts were provided to the onboard guests, a vest and hat displaying the date and ship name. American Cruise Lines executives as well as local dignitaries, travel advisors, and press arrived shortly before the ceremony. In addition to their tour of the public areas, we opened up the Signature Suite so everyone invited could view the amazing one-of-a-kind stateroom. Under clear blue skies, excited passengers and guests gathered on the top deck to view the ceremony.
Patriotic music was provided by The Victory Belles, a trio who are a favorite feature at all American Cruise Lines christenings. The crowd listened to remarks from many speakers, including American Cruise Lines CEO Charles B. Robertson, Captain Andrea Mickelson, Lewiston Mayor Dan Johnson, and other dignitaries. The Godmother was Cathy McMorris Rodgers (former U.S. Congresswoman), who shared a few words prior to giving the ceremonial blessing for American Encore and delivering an explosive champagne bottle smash. A surprise highlight was two flyovers by a vintage plane from the Hangar 180 aviation museum. It was a wonderful ceremony for the newest addition to the American Cruise Lines fleet on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Last, but in no way least, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the crew of American Encore for their wonderful service. Everyone we encountered was proud to be a part of the inaugural cruise and genuinely happy to help in whatever way they could to make the cruise a special one for each and every guest. We especially enjoyed the historical presentations by Doug Crispin and the evening entertainment from magicians, musicians, and the Nez Perce Cultural Ambassadors. Everyone should experience the Columbia and Snake Rivers from the decks of an American Cruise Lines ship.
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