The following is a post I wrote for my travel blog:
Welcome aboard American Queen Steamboat Company’s second paddlewheel riverboat, the 223-passenger (and 83 crew) American Empress. She’s a beauty with her traditional black smoke stacks, red paddlewheel, ornate trim, and beautiful décor.
Having been on the grand dame of the fleet, American Queen, and the newest addition, the upscale boutique hotel inspired American Duchess, we were curious to spend a week aboard the four-year-old American Empress and get a feel for their Washington-based riverboat.
Response from AlexL, Consumer Marketing Mgr. - AQSC
The bed was very comfortable, and the cabin was well-appointed. Our only complaint were the very loud flushing toilets! I brought my white noise machine with me and used it, along with turning the fan up to the highest setting; however, we still heard the toilets flush all around us.