Paddle-wheeler has antique charm, plus all the modern conveniences

摘要

In more than four decades at sea, Capt. Bob Wengel has commanded a number of fine vessels from tugs to passenger ships, but none has given him greater satisfaction than his most recent command. This may be due to the depth of his involvement in the design and construction of the 360-foot cruise vessel Empress of the North. Wengel captained the paddle-wheeler Queen of the West on the Columbia River for American West Steamboat Co. When the owners made the decision to build a larger paddle-wheeler for the Columbia as well as for Alaskan cruises, Wengel, who is also vice president of marine operations, became involved in all aspects of the new vessel's design. Then while the boat was being built at Nichols Brothers in Freeland, Wash., in 2002 and 2003, Wengel lived onsite in a trailer.