SEATTLE, April 25, 2007 -- Majestic America Line today announced the line's first sailing of the Columbia Queen, the latest addition to its fleet of seven U.S. flagged ships.

"We are thrilled to introduce our guests to the beautiful Columbia Queen and an entirely new way to experience the unparalleled splendor of the Pacific Northwest," said David Giersdorf, President, Majestic America Line. "She was specifically built to travel the Columbia River and provides a superior level of comfort and amenities while showcasing the vibrant culture, history and natural wonders of the region."

On Saturday, April 28, the 150-guest ship will join the 142-guest Queen of the West in exploring the history-rich, breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest's mighty Columbia, Snake and Willamette Rivers.

Guests traveling onboard the elegant Columbia Queen enjoy an intimate, casual onboard ambiance. Every stateroom is well-appointed with modern amenities that ensure the utmost level of comfort. Many of the staterooms feature private verandahs, which allow for extraordinary views of the spectacular scenery unique to the region.

The ship's spacious public areas include the Astoria Dining Room, with its glistening crystal chandeliers and stamped tin ceiling, the rustic Explorer Bar, the scenic Back Porch and the welcoming Lewis and Clark Lounge. Each provides guests with a comfortable place to socialize, soak in the majestic views or simply to reflect and recharge after a full day's exploration.

With 26 seven-night, roundtrip departures from Portland beginning in late April and continuing through to mid-October, the Columbia Queen will double Majestic America Line's capacity on the three legendary rivers of the grand Pacific Northwest.

A dramatic passage through the Columbia River Gorge allows guests to retrace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and showcases the breathtaking panoramic vistas as the ship traverses eight locks and dams. Guests will experience the stark contrast of the Pacific Northwest landscape cruising from the lush coastal forests through the granite cliffs of the river canyons to rolling, golden wheat fields.

With Majestic America Line's new onboard enrichment program, guests will come face-to-face with the culture and history that personify the region through a series of expert guest presenters, as well as onboard Discovery Guides who serve as full-time enrichment ambassadors on each voyage. The Discovery Guides highlight points of interest along the river, comment on wildlife and make themselves available for one-on-one discussions.

All-inclusive shore excursions further enrich the experience, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of Native American arts and culture at Tamastslikt Cultural Center, marvel at the awe-inspiring Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Observatory or take a jet boat ride on the Snake River into Hells Canyon, North America's deepest canyon.

Further immersing guests in the enchanting Pacific Northwest theme, Majestic America Line has collaborated with Seattle-based celebrity chef Kathy Casey and noted American culinary expert Sara Moulton to create a new dining experience celebrating the distinct regional flavors of America. Guests aboard the Columbia Queen will be able to choose from an enticing dinner menu featuring fresh, regional specialties as well as cuisine from each area the company sails.

Each journey aboard a Majestic America Line cruise promises an extraordinary American experience, with incredible attention to quality, wonderful enrichment programs and warm, attentive service from an American crew.

Majestic America Line describes itself as follows:

Majestic America Line, formed through the combination of American West Steamboat Company and the vessels of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, is the premier river and coastal cruising company in the United States, offering uniquely American cruise itineraries that provide an extraordinary travel experience.

With a fleet of seven U.S.-flagged and built ships, Majestic America Line travels America's great rivers and coastal waterways from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest to the Heartland and the Lower Mississippi. The company's specially designed ships deliver an unequalled boutique cruise experience that combines an unmatched attention to quality with deluxe comfort and warm, attentive service from an American crew.