SEATTLE, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Majestic America Line has reported that passengers aboard Empress of the North when it ran aground in Southeast Alaska early Monday morning arrived in Seattle and are now en route home, with assistance from the company. Several passengers opted to remain in Alaska to continue with pre-arranged travel plans.
"We are continuing to meet the needs of our guests," said Majestic America Line's president, David Giersdorf. "At the same time, we are actively working to identify the cause of this incident, and will take appropriate action once all the facts are known."
Passengers who were aboard Empress of the North on this sailing will have their travel costs paid for by the company, and will receive a complimentary cruise in the future so they can complete their travel plans.
"Empress of the North is one of the highest rated small cruise ships in the world. She delivers an exceptional experience to our guests, particularly the stellar service provided to guests by our crew members," Giersdorf said.
Giersdorf said reports from those aboard Empress of the North were complimentary of the crew's handling of the situation, as well as the assistance rendered by the U.S. Coast Guard and other vessels that were in the area when the incident occurred.
"We are grateful to the other parties involved -- including the U.S. Coast Guard, other vessels that were in the area, and the Alaska Marine Highway System -- who assisted in the safe transfer of guests from the Empress to Juneau. The cooperation and support from all parties was exemplary," Giersdorf said.
The company is currently conducting an assessment of damage while the vessel remains in Juneau. Once a full inspection is completed, Majestic America Line will finalize a repair plan and timeline, and communicate the date on which Empress of the North will return to service.
About Majestic America Line
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.
Based in Seattle, Majestic America Line is a division of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors International, Inc. .
For More Information:
Ann Marie Ricard
DDB Public Relations
206.683.0552
© 2007 PR Newswire
