Tsar Peter the Great and his wife Catherine the First never saw the Great Land discovered by Vitus Bering during their reign.  But had the imperial couple sailed the yet-uncharted coastline aboard the Empress of the North, they would have felt right at home, surrounded by decor that conjures up 19th-century Russia at its height.

Powered by a robust modern diesel propulsion system, the Empress of the North offers for just 223 guests at a time an unparalleled experience of Alaska and the Northwest. Each stateroom – among the most spacious of any cruising ship – features expansive viewing windows, and most offer private verandahs as well.  Her onboard galleries brim with Russian artwork such as Faberge eggs and nesting dolls; paintings of wildlife and western settlement; and Native American carved totems and masks.

Above all, the Empress of the North is spacious and comfortable.  The Paddlewheel Lounge is ideal for relaxing, enjoying a drink or live music before dinner, or simply watching the workings of the ship's three-story paddlewheel.  The 24-hour Calliope Bar & Grill offers casual self-serve fare, from lattes to popcorn and frozen yogurt sundaes-all complimentary.  Elegant full-service breakfast, lunch and a five-course dinner awaits in the Romanov Dining Room.  And the Gold Nugget Showroom, with its warm lighting, rich mahogany accents and carved ceilings, offers elegance after dark.