The Journey Continues...

Great American River Journeys is re-introducing, after a two year absence, the luxurious Columbia Queen to the magnificent Columbia, Snake and Willamette rivers. The company is one division of a larger hospitality and travel group, comprised of Great American River Journeys, adventure small-ship cruise operator Glacier Bay Cruiseline, and Coastal Hotel Group, the operator of 13 choice boutique lodges and small resorts. Travel industry veteran Michael Lomax, President and COO of Great American River Journeys, partnered with the new owners of Glacier Bay Cruiseline to pursue the acquisition of the small-ship style cruise vessel beginning in late 2003.

Combining the management expertise of the partnering companies, as well as the existing operational, finance, marketing and back office resources from their Seattle, WA headquarters, Great American River Journeys maintains a highly organized and efficient operation, marketing the Columbia Queen and its unique American river cruise vacations world-wide.

The Columbia Queen was constructed in 2000 in the style of an elegantly appointed early American 20th century riverboat. At that time it was a new vacation product, and the Columbia, Snake and Willamette Rivers a new cruise destination for its operator, the (original) Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Great American River Journeys purchased the vessel in August, 2004 from the US Maritime Administration after Delta Queen discontinued operations due to the financial problems of its parent company. Although in excellent condition, the Columbia Queen is undergoing refurbishment to add upgraded amenities and special guest features.