Empress of the North offers refunds, credits

After running aground on the Columbia River in late March, the Empress of the North -- an 1800s-style sternwheeler operated by the Majestic America Line -- is expected to be back in operation for Alaska sailings on July 7. It's been in drydock undergoing repairs in Alaska and Oregon for several weeks and all scheduled trips through June 30 have previously been cancelled.

Majestic America Line is offering passengers whose scheduled voyages were cancelled a choice of a full refund or the chance to move to another summer 2007 Alaska sailing plus reimbursement for all related incidental charges and a 25 percent credit toward a future cruise.