Northwest Pioneers Cruise
Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA
Clarkston, WA to Portland, OR
12 Days / 11 Nights
Cruise Overview
Northwest Pioneers Cruise
On this adventure from Clarkston, WA, to Portland, OR, experience the breathtaking landscapes, exceptional shore excursions, and onboard experts that bring you closer in touch with the pioneers who came before us. Bear witness to Mount St. Helens, the site of the volcanic eruption that rocked the Pacific Northwest over 40 years ago.
Explore Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Cruise the Columbia River Gorge on our American riverboats and admire the natural contrasts between rain forest, desert, and alpine meadows. Enjoy the power and beauty of nature up close at Multnomah Falls.
Return to the comfort of your modern ship and enjoy the company of fellow travelers in one of our spacious lounges as you discuss the adventures of the day.
Traveling with American Cruise Lines has never been easier. Ask about our flat-rate domestic Airfare option available on our Northwest Pioneers Cruise itinerary.
Northwest Pioneers Cruise Itinerary
Northwest Pioneers Cruise Itinerary
Day By Day Itinerary
See Reverse Itinerary
- Day 1 Portland, OR
- Day 2 Cruising the Columbia River
- Day 3 Astoria, OR
- Day 4 Kalama, WA
- Day 5 Day of Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
- Day 6 Stevenson, WA
- Day 7 Hood River, OR
- Day 8 The Dalles, OR
- Day 9 Richland, WA
- Day 10 Pendleton, OR
- Day 11 Clarkston, WA
- Day 12 Clarkston, WA
Day 1 - Portland, OR
Arrive in Portland and settle into your hotel, located near the ship’s dock for a seamless boarding process. Situated between the waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the area's history is forever entwined with the fortunes of these great rivers.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Hotel Stay
Hotel Stay
Each Columbia and Snake Rivers itinerary comes with a Hotel Stay, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area.
On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
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Day 2 - Cruising the Columbia River
Board the ship and enjoy a day with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as your backdrop as we cruise to the mouth of the West’s most famous river.
In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed the waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water. With its sparkling rivers, stately evergreens, and mild climate, you will understand why this area was noted as exceptional by explorer Meriwether Lewis.
Enjoy the scenery in the company of fellow guests in one of the spacious lounges or on the sun deck.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Welcome Aboard
Welcome Aboard
As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.
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Day 3 - Astoria, OR
Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Colorful Victorian homes adorn the hillside that climbs steeply up from the river, earning it the nickname “The Little San Francisco.” Explore this remarkable town on your own or choose from a collection of well-curated excursions.
Step into history on a guided exploration to the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Board a local red trolley to ride along the picturesque waterfront or savor the perspective from a bluff high above the city at the picturesque Astoria Column. Peruse the town’s quaint shops, galleries, wineries, and brew pubs. Or simply stroll off the ship to the nearby acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Experience the Columbia River Maritime Museum on a self-guided excursion. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is the official maritime museum of the state of Oregon and also prides itself as being one of the finest maritime museums on the West Coast.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Fort Clatsop Experience
Fort Clatsop Experience
On this excursion, you will learn the history of the area while visiting Fort Clatsop, the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered in 1806. Explore the Visitor Center and take a walk outside to view the Fort that was built during this famous expedition.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park
Enjoy a scenic journey to Cape Disappointment State Park and visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, situated high on the cliffs 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized “timeline” panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs, and the words of Corps members themselves.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Astoria Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Astoria Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Astoria on your own aboard this convenient shuttle which makes several stops on a continuous loop throughout the day including:
- Downtown Astoria - for shopping and exploring
- Heritage Museum - featuring Clatsop County’s rich and exciting history in permanent and changing exhibit galleries
- Astoria Column - a tower overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River, from which you can enjoy the majestic views of the countryside from land
- Flavel House Museum - once the home of Captain George Flavel, this 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Astoria Walking Exploration
Astoria Walking Exploration
Your knowledgeable guide will greet you at the dock to begin your exploration along Astoria's Riverwalk. Enjoy views of the majestic Columbia River with cargo ships at anchor and constant river traffic. Continue along the main downtown street and view several excellent examples of early 20th-century commercial architecture, including the towering Astor Hotel and the highly ornate, terra-cotta clad Liberty Theater. Stroll along city sidewalks to the Garden of the Surging Waves, which celebrates the town’s Chinese history. Enjoy the Beaux Arts-style Clatsop County Courthouse and the former Clatsop County Jail, which is now the Oregon Film Museum. The jail, used from 1914 to 1976 is not only noted for being the longest used, freestanding jail in Oregon, but also seen in the many movies filmed here, most famously, The Goonies. Your excursion will end at the well-known Flavel House. Completed in 1886, it is considered one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Stick style architecture in the Pacific Northwest.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 4 - Kalama, WA
From our convenient new dock at Kalama, Washington, enjoy the grand landscape of the Cascade Mountains scenic drive to view the remnants of nearby Mount St. Helens. A local guide enhances your understanding and shares the story of the volcano’s 1980 eruption and its impact on the environment and the lives of those in the area. Just off the ship dock, enjoy an expansive city park, unique local artwork throughout an impressive adjacent hotel, and an interesting interpretive center. Or venture out to a nearby family vineyard for an afternoon of wine tasting.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary
Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary
May 18, 1980 is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. On your scenic journey to the Mount St. Helens, learn about the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. Admire spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Port of Kalama Interpretive Center- Complimentary Excursion
Port of Kalama Interpretive Center- Complimentary Excursion
Just a short walk from the ship, explore this new facility that celebrates Kalama’s unique place in Pacific Northwest history as a transportation and commercial hub, and is designed to replicate a traditional waterfront warehouse of the 1800s. Exhibits track Kalama’s first inhabitants, the Cowlitz Tribe, and the settlers that followed over the next hundred years, including renowned Oregon Trail writer Ezra Meeker. Displays illustrate how Kalama’s particular landscape gave birth to a booming transportation system, impacting the area both culturally and economically.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 5 - Day of Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting through the Cascade Mountain Range with amazing natural contrasts of rain forest and desert, sea-level passage and alpine meadows. As the largest federally protected National Scenic Area in the United States, the Gorge boasts stunning waterfalls, basalt cliffs, lakes, streams, rivers, and fields of wildflowers.
In the 1800's, Lewis & Clark traveled down the scenic Columbia River Gorge on their journey westward, with the Oregon Trail pioneers following soon after. Today, the area offers a variety history museums and art centers, fine dining, theaters, wineries, many recreational opportunities, as well as some of the most impressive landscapes in the world.
Excursions & Entertainment
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A Day of Cruising
A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
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Day 6 - Stevenson, WA
From the comfort of your private balcony, admire the magnificent bluffs of the Columbia River Gorge, covered in deep green forest and framed by picturesque hillsides that quickly ascend toward the sky. Windsurfers and kiteboarders adorn the landscape as they drift across the broad, shining river.
Nearby attractions offer a day of diverse options. Stand in awe of the glorious Multnomah Falls as it tumbles 620-feet off mountains and down into the river. Visit the Bonneville Dam visitor’s center to ponder the wonders of hydroelectricity and explore the intriguing exhibits of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Discover the village of Stevenson, easily accessible from our dock, offering small town charm and a unique Northwest flair. Or simply, sit on deck with a beverage and admire the grandeur of nature.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion
Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion
Plummeting 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. Experience the sights and sounds of this magnificent waterfall, fed by rain, snow-melt, and underground springs on Larch Mountain.
Admire the falls from the Visitor Center or take a short hike to Benson Bridge, one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in Oregon, to feel its misty spray and get a great photo.
Multnomah Falls also offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to view the basalt rock formations exposed by Ice Age Floods.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Bonneville Dam
Bonneville Dam
Throughout your journey on the Columbia River, you will transit 8 locks, lifting the ship more than 700 feet vertically. Building upon the lectures of our onboard experts throughout the week, this excursion provides guests with an in-depth understanding of and appreciation for the engineering that enables the Dam to generate enough hydroelectric power to provide nearly 500,000 homes with electricity.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center, which showcases the area's unique history and cultural diversity. From the Native American tribes that inhabited the gorge to the expedition of Lewis and Clark and 19th-century loggers, learn of the bountiful life on the gorge as you explore this amazing museum.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 7 - Hood River, OR
Located in the center of the Columbia River Gorge, the beautiful town of Hood River draws its name from the river that drains from Mount Hood into the Columbia River. The town’s old trading post was most famous as the terminus of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to ships and sent downriver.
Today, this charming community offers blocks of delights from shops featuring local artisan products to some of the Pacific Northwest's best wineries and breweries. During your stay here, enjoy a guided kayaking excursion through the Gorge, visit a local winery or explore The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Guided Gorge Kayak Excursion
Guided Gorge Kayak Excursion
Experience this amazing guided excursion along a local river fed by blue aquifer melt from Mount Adams. Along the way, view eagles, herons, ospreys, ducks, fish, and occasional otters. Paddle up the mellow river, taking a break to swim and take photos. Gently float back down stream trying to spot as many fish as possible, finishing your journey with a scenic look down the Gorge.
Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum - Complimentary Excursion
The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is dedicated to the preservation of all means of transportation. Enjoy viewing the cars, planes, motorcycles, military vehicles, and more, which are housed in this 3.5-acre indoor hangar. Rather than just refinishing the outside surface, engines are rebuilt so all are operable, resulting in one of the largest collections of antique planes and cars that are still in working condition.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Cedar Creek Alpaca Farm Experience
Cedar Creek Alpaca Farm Experience
Located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, visit Cedar Creek Alpacas, and be welcomed by the Rogers at their family farm. Get to know these soft, sweet animals as you pet and feed them. Then learn how fibers are spun into alpaca yarn and woven on a loom. You will have an opportunity to visit the fiber studio and shop in the farm store for yarn, apparel, and special gifts made from soft wool.
Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessibility: No
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Day 8 - The Dalles, OR
The Dalles, the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail, nestles along the Columbia River with a beautiful view of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams, each towering more than 11,000 feet above your cruise ship. To the pioneers of the 1800s, this rugged terrain was treacherous, but to today's visitors, it is fascinating.
Venture ashore on your own to explore the historic downtown, steps from the ship, featuring fascinating museums, intimate cafes, local pubs, and a collection of historic murals which embellish the streetscape. Or enjoy guided excursions to learn about the area’s rich history, view a unique art collection in a magnificent building perched on a bluff above the river, or spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Complimentary Excursion
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Complimentary Excursion
As you step off the ship, you will be greeted by members of the local visitor’s center who are dressed in period clothing from the pinnacle days of riverboating. Our guide will meet us at the ship for a short narrated tour of the town before arriving at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
Explore the various exhibits that describe the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that helped to create the gorge. The highlight of the center visit includes a unique raptor exhibition where we watch birds of prey put on an aerobatic display and learn about the protected eagles that call the gorge home.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Maryhill Museum of Art
Maryhill Museum of Art
Overlooking the gorge sits the Maryhill Museum of Art. Here, Native American artifacts, royal memorabilia from Queen Marie of Romania, outdoor sculptures, and a permanent collection of international chess sets adorn the museum halls. You will not only be treated to one-of-a-kind permanent collection, but also a variety of featured exhibitions.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Neon Sign Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Neon Sign Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Imagine a simpler time. From streets that were fan faired with smaltz and glass beaded signs to windows dazzled from the glow of full storefront neon, America was booming. The National Neon Sign Museum captures the vibrant history, craftsmanship, and culture that shaped America as seen through the evolution of pre-electric vintage signage and advertising. From the turn of the century through the 1960s, The National Neon Sign Museum displays early ephemera, scientific equipment, industry machinery and spectacular examples of pre-electric and full store front neon signs. View, explore, and engage with signage and advertising from the turn of the century through the 1960s.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Maryhill Winery Exploration & Tasting
Maryhill Winery Exploration & Tasting
Enjoy an exploration and tasting at the renowned Maryhill Winery, one of the largest wineries in Washington State. Begin on the terrace overlooking vineyard and the Columbia River, with the majestic Mt. Hood serving as a stunning backdrop. On a guided walk to the vineyard, learn about the history of the winery, the grapes that are used to make Maryhill varietals, as well as the fermentation process.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Fort Dalles Museum
Fort Dalles Museum
Housed in the former Surgeon’s Quarters, the Fort Dalles Museum is located in the only remaining officer’s quarters of the 1856 Fort Dalles military complex. Explore the unique collection of pioneer and military artifacts and antique wagons at one of the Old West’s most pivotal places in history. View engaging exhibits and walk the grounds of this impressive military fort.
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Day 9 - Richland, WA
Richland sits at confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Our ship docks just steps away from scenic waterfront walking trials, unique shops, and local wineries. Enjoy a variety of guided excursions to area parks and museums, including the REACH Museum where you can discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Admire the beauty of the Columbia and Snake River confluence at Sacajawea State Park and explore the grounds where the Corps of Discovery camped in October 1805 amidst a thriving community of Native Americans.
Excursions & Entertainment
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The REACH Museum
The REACH Museum
Visit the REACH Museum and discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Explore the featured galleries and rotating exhibits inside, as well as the amazing outdoor area with breathtaking views of the majestic Columbia River and surrounding scenery. Discover the geological impact of the Ice Age floods and basalt lava flows to the area. Learn about the Manhattan Project at Hanford and its continuous influence on the region. Continue to the 9-11 Memorial in Kennewick which is home to a 30 foot 6,000 pound steel column recovered from the World Trade Center Twin Towers, a sobering reminder of the tragic events of the day.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Sacajawea Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Sacajawea Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Explore this fascinating destination, located at the very place where Lewis and Clark Expedition camped for two nights, amidst a thriving community of Native Americans. Learn about the activities that took place at the site through interactive exhibits about the Corps of Discovery and Sacagawea, woman known for her helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition Team. Stroll the green, tree-shaded grounds, and read the seven story circle installations by internationally known artist Maya Lin.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 10 - Pendleton, OR
Best known for its beautiful countryside, legendary rodeo, fine woolens, and leather craftsmanship, Pendleton is a place where the heyday of the American Cowboy, as well as the best of western tradition and heritage lives on. Join our local guides on a lively look into Pendleton's infamous and entertaining past. Explore the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities and learn about the rich culture of the area’s indigenous tribes at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.
Excursions & Entertainment
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The Pendleton Experience
The Pendleton Experience
Come join us for a lively look into Pendleton's infamous and entertaining past. No town has a more colorful history. Find out why Pendleton was known as the entertainment capital of Eastern Oregon as you follow your guide underground to the Shamrock Card Room, Hop Sing's (Chinese Laundry), the Empire Ice Cream Parlor, and through the tunnels beneath the sidewalls to the Empire Meat Market. Stand under prism glass and go through a secret passageway to a prohibition Card Room. Continue through the tunnels to the Duck Pin Bowling Alley where you will learn about the Triple Nickels and Doolittle Raiders who trained here. If you are interested in learning about Pendleton Air Base, visit the Pendleton Air Museum a few doors down.
Explore the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute to learn about the storied past, contemporary culture, and bright economic future of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes. With world-class exhibits and interactive displays, local, regional, and national history is interpreted through the voices, collective memories, objects, and images of the native people. In the expansive Museum Store, discover the creativity of dozens of tribal artists as well as books, music, huckleberry treats, and exclusive Tamastslikt limited-edition collectible Pendleton blankets. Along the way, enjoy conversations with elders, traveling exhibits, storytelling, and hands-on displays. Between sites, enjoy a complimentary lunch at Sister's Cafe.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 11 - Clarkston, WA
On your way to Clarkston, cruise the legendary Snake River. Watch the remote wilderness and canyon hillsides glide by in ever-changing scenic panoramas. Admire the steep hillsides, dotted with white pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, blue herons, and more.
Nestled in a handsome valley surrounded by steep hillsides, Clarkston embellishes the shoreline along the Snake River at the river’s confluence with the Clearwater River. Named for William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, Clarkston’s origin dates back to the late 1890s, tracing its roots to the Nez Perce, the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the valley. Venture to Hells Canyon for a boat ride, through the deepest canyon in North America, and let your senses run as wild as the landscapes of grand mountain peaks and vast reaches of remote wilderness.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Cruising the Snake River
Cruising the Snake River
What you won’t see are snakes, as the river doesn’t actually have snakes in it, but rather an abundance of salmon. While some believe the river was called the Snake is because its shape has many twists and winds, it is actually believed to have received its name from a Native American hand symbol.
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Hells Canyon Boat Adventure
Hells Canyon Boat Adventure
Explore the deepest canyon in North America and admire breathtaking scenery, including bighorn sheep, ancient rock formations, and Native American pictographs. Along the way, be treated to refreshments at a private ranch within the canyon.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Rivaura Winery Tasting
Rivaura Winery Tasting
Enjoy a tasting and exploration of the family owned Rivaura winery. Perched gently on a vineyard covered hillside with breathtaking views of the Clearwater River Valley, the Rivaura tasting room provides an idyllic setting for savoring their delicious wines, while soaking in the surrounding natural beauty of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA.
Activity Level: Low | ADA: Yes
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Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure (Brand New)
Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure (Brand New)
Enjoy our Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure over, through, and around the Nez Perce's "land of the winding rivers." On this unforgettable narrated experience, soar over scenic rolling hills, crystal clear rivers, and abounding timbered wilderness as you learn about the region’s spectacular ecology, geology, and history.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
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Day 12 - Clarkston, WA
Enjoy breakfast on board and treat yourself to a narrated ariel adventure over Hells Canyon. As we transport you to the airport to begin your journey home, reflect upon your amazing adventure and the memories and friendships made along the way.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day By Day Itinerary
See Reverse Itinerary
- Pre-Cruise Hells Canyon Pre-Cruise Package
- Day 1 Clarkston, WA
- Day 2 Clarkston, WA
- Day 3 Richland, WA
- Day 4 Pendleton, OR
- Day 5 Day of Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
- Day 6 The Dalles, OR
- Day 7 Hood River, OR
- Day 8 Stevenson, WA
- Day 9 Astoria, OR
- Day 10 Kalama, WA
- Day 11 Day of Cruising
- Day 12 Portland, OR
Pre-Cruise
Package features a 1-night hotel stay, breakfast, as well as a full day in Hells Canyon, exploring the deepest canyon in North America on jet boating adventure. Along the way, be treated to refreshments at a private ranch located deep inside the canyon.
Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Hells Canyon Boat Adventure Pre-Cruise Package
Hells Canyon Boat Adventure Pre-Cruise Package
This package features a stay in Clarkston at a hotel conveniently located near the dock for easier boarding. Enjoy breakfast, as well as a half day in Hells Canyon. Explore the deepest canyon in North America on Boat Adventure and be treated to refreshments at a private ranch located deep inside the canyon.
Guests have the option of purchasing our Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure which takes place the morning of embarkation.
Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 in advance for pricing and availability.
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Day 1 - Clarkston, WA
Nestled in a handsome valley surrounded by steep hillsides, Clarkston embellishes the shoreline along the Snake River at the river’s confluence with the Clearwater River. Settle into your hotel and enjoy this historic town at your leisure. Named for William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, Clarkston’s origin dates back to the late 1890s, tracing its roots to the Nez Perce, the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the valley.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Hotel Stay
Hotel Stay
Each Columbia and Snake Rivers itinerary comes with a Hotel Stay, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area.
On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
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Day 2 - Clarkston, WA
Board your ship and enjoy a Welcome Reception. Spend the day cruising the legendary Snake River in the company of fellow guests and crew. Watch the remote wilderness and canyon hillsides glide by in ever-changing scenic panoramas. Admire the steep hillsides, dotted with white pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, blue herons, and more.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Cruising the Snake River
Cruising the Snake River
What you won’t see are snakes, as the river doesn’t actually have snakes in it, but rather an abundance of salmon. While some believe the river was called the Snake is because its shape has many twists and winds, it is actually believed to have received its name from a Native American hand symbol.
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Hells Canyon Boat Adventure
Hells Canyon Boat Adventure
Explore the deepest canyon in North America and admire breathtaking scenery, including bighorn sheep, ancient rock formations, and Native American pictographs. Along the way, be treated to refreshments at a private ranch within the canyon.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure (Brand New)
Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure (Brand New)
Enjoy our Hells Canyon Flightseeing Adventure over, through, and around the Nez Perce's "land of the winding rivers." On this unforgettable narrated experience, soar over scenic rolling hills, crystal clear rivers, and abounding timbered wilderness as you learn about the region’s spectacular ecology, geology, and history.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
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Welcome Aboard
Welcome Aboard
As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.
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Day 3 - Richland, WA
Richland sits at confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Our ship docks just steps away from scenic waterfront walking trials, unique shops, and local wineries. Enjoy a variety of guided excursions to area parks and museums, including the REACH Museum where you can discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Admire the beauty of the Columbia and Snake River confluence at Sacajawea State Park and explore the grounds where the Corps of Discovery camped in October 1805 amidst a thriving community of Native Americans.
Excursions & Entertainment
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The REACH Museum
The REACH Museum
Visit the REACH Museum and discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history, from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Explore the featured galleries and rotating exhibits inside, as well as the amazing outdoor area with breathtaking views of the majestic Columbia River and surrounding scenery. Discover the geological impact of the Ice Age floods and basalt lava flows to the area. Learn about the Manhattan Project at Hanford and its continuous influence on the region. Continue to the 9-11 Memorial in Kennewick which is home to a 30 foot 6,000 pound steel column recovered from the World Trade Center Twin Towers, a sobering reminder of the tragic events of the day.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Sacajawea Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Sacajawea Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Explore this fascinating destination, located at the very place where Lewis and Clark Expedition camped for two nights, amidst a thriving community of Native Americans. Learn about the activities that took place at the site through interactive exhibits about the Corps of Discovery and Sacagawea, woman known for her helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition Team. Stroll the green, tree-shaded grounds, and read the seven story circle installations by internationally known artist Maya Lin.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 4 - Pendleton, OR
Best known for its beautiful countryside, legendary rodeo, fine woolens, and leather craftsmanship, Pendleton is a place where the heyday of the American Cowboy, as well as the best of western tradition and heritage lives on. Join our local guides on a lively look into Pendleton's infamous and entertaining past. Explore the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities and learn about the rich culture of the area’s indigenous tribes at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.
Excursions & Entertainment
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The Pendleton Experience
The Pendleton Experience
Come join us for a lively look into Pendleton's infamous and entertaining past. No town has a more colorful history. Find out why Pendleton was known as the entertainment capital of Eastern Oregon as you follow your guide underground to the Shamrock Card Room, Hop Sing's (Chinese Laundry), the Empire Ice Cream Parlor, and through the tunnels beneath the sidewalls to the Empire Meat Market. Stand under prism glass and go through a secret passageway to a prohibition Card Room. Continue through the tunnels to the Duck Pin Bowling Alley where you will learn about the Triple Nickels and Doolittle Raiders who trained here. If you are interested in learning about Pendleton Air Base, visit the Pendleton Air Museum a few doors down.
Explore the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute to learn about the storied past, contemporary culture, and bright economic future of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes. With world-class exhibits and interactive displays, local, regional, and national history is interpreted through the voices, collective memories, objects, and images of the native people. In the expansive Museum Store, discover the creativity of dozens of tribal artists as well as books, music, huckleberry treats, and exclusive Tamastslikt limited-edition collectible Pendleton blankets. Along the way, enjoy conversations with elders, traveling exhibits, storytelling, and hands-on displays. Between sites, enjoy a complimentary lunch at Sister's Cafe.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 5 - Day of Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting through the Cascade Mountain Range with amazing natural contrasts of rain forest and desert, sea-level passage and alpine meadows. As the largest federally protected National Scenic Area in the United States, the Gorge boasts stunning waterfalls, basalt cliffs, lakes, streams, rivers, and fields of wildflowers.
In the 1800's, Lewis & Clark traveled down the scenic Columbia River Gorge on their journey westward, with the Oregon Trail pioneers following soon after. Today, the area offers a variety history museums and art centers, fine dining, theaters, wineries, many recreational opportunities, as well as some of the most impressive landscapes in the world.
Excursions & Entertainment
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A Day of Cruising
A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
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Day 6 - The Dalles, OR
The Dalles, the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail, nestles along the Columbia River with a beautiful view of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams, each towering more than 11,000 feet above your cruise ship. To the pioneers of the 1800s, this rugged terrain was treacherous, but to today's visitors, it is fascinating.
Venture ashore on your own to explore the historic downtown, steps from the ship, featuring fascinating museums, intimate cafes, local pubs, and a collection of historic murals which embellish the streetscape. Or enjoy guided excursions to learn about the area’s rich history, view a unique art collection in a magnificent building perched on a bluff above the river, or spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Complimentary Excursion
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Complimentary Excursion
As you step off the ship, you will be greeted by members of the local visitor’s center who are dressed in period clothing from the pinnacle days of riverboating. Our guide will meet us at the ship for a short narrated tour of the town before arriving at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
Explore the various exhibits that describe the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that helped to create the gorge. The highlight of the center visit includes a unique raptor exhibition where we watch birds of prey put on an aerobatic display and learn about the protected eagles that call the gorge home.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Maryhill Museum of Art
Maryhill Museum of Art
Overlooking the gorge sits the Maryhill Museum of Art. Here, Native American artifacts, royal memorabilia from Queen Marie of Romania, outdoor sculptures, and a permanent collection of international chess sets adorn the museum halls. You will not only be treated to one-of-a-kind permanent collection, but also a variety of featured exhibitions.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Neon Sign Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Neon Sign Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Imagine a simpler time. From streets that were fan faired with smaltz and glass beaded signs to windows dazzled from the glow of full storefront neon, America was booming. The National Neon Sign Museum captures the vibrant history, craftsmanship, and culture that shaped America as seen through the evolution of pre-electric vintage signage and advertising. From the turn of the century through the 1960s, The National Neon Sign Museum displays early ephemera, scientific equipment, industry machinery and spectacular examples of pre-electric and full store front neon signs. View, explore, and engage with signage and advertising from the turn of the century through the 1960s.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Maryhill Winery Exploration & Tasting
Maryhill Winery Exploration & Tasting
Enjoy an exploration and tasting at the renowned Maryhill Winery, one of the largest wineries in Washington State. Begin on the terrace overlooking vineyard and the Columbia River, with the majestic Mt. Hood serving as a stunning backdrop. On a guided walk to the vineyard, learn about the history of the winery, the grapes that are used to make Maryhill varietals, as well as the fermentation process.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Fort Dalles Museum
Fort Dalles Museum
Housed in the former Surgeon’s Quarters, the Fort Dalles Museum is located in the only remaining officer’s quarters of the 1856 Fort Dalles military complex. Explore the unique collection of pioneer and military artifacts and antique wagons at one of the Old West’s most pivotal places in history. View engaging exhibits and walk the grounds of this impressive military fort.
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Day 7 - Hood River, OR
Located in the center of the Columbia River Gorge, the beautiful town of Hood River draws its name from the river that drains from Mount Hood into the Columbia River. The town’s old trading post was most famous as the terminus of the Mount Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to ships and sent downriver.
Today, this charming community offers blocks of delights from shops featuring local artisan products to some of the Pacific Northwest's best wineries and breweries. During your stay here, enjoy a guided kayaking excursion through the Gorge, visit a local winery or explore The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Guided Gorge Kayak Excursion
Guided Gorge Kayak Excursion
Experience this amazing guided excursion along a local river fed by blue aquifer melt from Mount Adams. Along the way, view eagles, herons, ospreys, ducks, fish, and occasional otters. Paddle up the mellow river, taking a break to swim and take photos. Gently float back down stream trying to spot as many fish as possible, finishing your journey with a scenic look down the Gorge.
Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum - Complimentary Excursion
The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is dedicated to the preservation of all means of transportation. Enjoy viewing the cars, planes, motorcycles, military vehicles, and more, which are housed in this 3.5-acre indoor hangar. Rather than just refinishing the outside surface, engines are rebuilt so all are operable, resulting in one of the largest collections of antique planes and cars that are still in working condition.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Cedar Creek Alpaca Farm Experience
Cedar Creek Alpaca Farm Experience
Located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, visit Cedar Creek Alpacas, and be welcomed by the Rogers at their family farm. Get to know these soft, sweet animals as you pet and feed them. Then learn how fibers are spun into alpaca yarn and woven on a loom. You will have an opportunity to visit the fiber studio and shop in the farm store for yarn, apparel, and special gifts made from soft wool.
Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessibility: No
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Day 8 - Stevenson, WA
From the comfort of your private balcony, admire the magnificent bluffs of the Columbia River Gorge, covered in deep green forest and framed by picturesque hillsides that quickly ascend toward the sky. Windsurfers and kiteboarders adorn the landscape as they drift across the broad, shining river.
Nearby attractions offer a day of diverse options. Stand in awe of the glorious Multnomah Falls as it tumbles 620-feet off mountains and down into the river. Visit the Bonneville Dam visitor’s center to ponder the wonders of hydroelectricity and explore the intriguing exhibits of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Discover the village of Stevenson, easily accessible from our dock, offering small town charm and a unique Northwest flair. Or simply, sit on deck with a beverage and admire the grandeur of nature.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion
Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion
Plummeting 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. Experience the sights and sounds of this magnificent waterfall, fed by rain, snow-melt, and underground springs on Larch Mountain.
Admire the falls from the Visitor Center or take a short hike to Benson Bridge, one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in Oregon, to feel its misty spray and get a great photo.
Multnomah Falls also offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to view the basalt rock formations exposed by Ice Age Floods.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Bonneville Dam
Bonneville Dam
Throughout your journey on the Columbia River, you will transit 8 locks, lifting the ship more than 700 feet vertically. Building upon the lectures of our onboard experts throughout the week, this excursion provides guests with an in-depth understanding of and appreciation for the engineering that enables the Dam to generate enough hydroelectric power to provide nearly 500,000 homes with electricity.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center, which showcases the area's unique history and cultural diversity. From the Native American tribes that inhabited the gorge to the expedition of Lewis and Clark and 19th-century loggers, learn of the bountiful life on the gorge as you explore this amazing museum.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 9 - Astoria, OR
Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Colorful Victorian homes adorn the hillside that climbs steeply up from the river, earning it the nickname “The Little San Francisco.” Explore this remarkable town on your own or choose from a collection of well-curated excursions.
Step into history on a guided exploration to the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Board a local red trolley to ride along the picturesque waterfront or savor the perspective from a bluff high above the city at the picturesque Astoria Column. Peruse the town’s quaint shops, galleries, wineries, and brew pubs. Or simply stroll off the ship to the nearby acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Experience the Columbia River Maritime Museum on a self-guided excursion. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is the official maritime museum of the state of Oregon and also prides itself as being one of the finest maritime museums on the West Coast.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Fort Clatsop Experience
Fort Clatsop Experience
On this excursion, you will learn the history of the area while visiting Fort Clatsop, the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered in 1806. Explore the Visitor Center and take a walk outside to view the Fort that was built during this famous expedition.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park
Enjoy a scenic journey to Cape Disappointment State Park and visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, situated high on the cliffs 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized “timeline” panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs, and the words of Corps members themselves.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Astoria Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Astoria Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Astoria on your own aboard this convenient shuttle which makes several stops on a continuous loop throughout the day including:
- Downtown Astoria - for shopping and exploring
- Heritage Museum - featuring Clatsop County’s rich and exciting history in permanent and changing exhibit galleries
- Astoria Column - a tower overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River, from which you can enjoy the majestic views of the countryside from land
- Flavel House Museum - once the home of Captain George Flavel, this 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Astoria Walking Exploration
Astoria Walking Exploration
Your knowledgeable guide will greet you at the dock to begin your exploration along Astoria's Riverwalk. Enjoy views of the majestic Columbia River with cargo ships at anchor and constant river traffic. Continue along the main downtown street and view several excellent examples of early 20th-century commercial architecture, including the towering Astor Hotel and the highly ornate, terra-cotta clad Liberty Theater. Stroll along city sidewalks to the Garden of the Surging Waves, which celebrates the town’s Chinese history. Enjoy the Beaux Arts-style Clatsop County Courthouse and the former Clatsop County Jail, which is now the Oregon Film Museum. The jail, used from 1914 to 1976 is not only noted for being the longest used, freestanding jail in Oregon, but also seen in the many movies filmed here, most famously, The Goonies. Your excursion will end at the well-known Flavel House. Completed in 1886, it is considered one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Stick style architecture in the Pacific Northwest.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 10 - Kalama, WA
From our convenient new dock at Kalama, Washington, enjoy the grand landscape of the Cascade Mountains scenic drive to view the remnants of nearby Mount St. Helens. A local guide enhances your understanding and shares the story of the volcano’s 1980 eruption and its impact on the environment and the lives of those in the area. Just off the ship dock, enjoy an expansive city park, unique local artwork throughout an impressive adjacent hotel, and an interesting interpretive center. Or venture out to a nearby family vineyard for an afternoon of wine tasting.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary
Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary
May 18, 1980 is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. On your scenic journey to the Mount St. Helens, learn about the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. Admire spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Port of Kalama Interpretive Center- Complimentary Excursion
Port of Kalama Interpretive Center- Complimentary Excursion
Just a short walk from the ship, explore this new facility that celebrates Kalama’s unique place in Pacific Northwest history as a transportation and commercial hub, and is designed to replicate a traditional waterfront warehouse of the 1800s. Exhibits track Kalama’s first inhabitants, the Cowlitz Tribe, and the settlers that followed over the next hundred years, including renowned Oregon Trail writer Ezra Meeker. Displays illustrate how Kalama’s particular landscape gave birth to a booming transportation system, impacting the area both culturally and economically.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 11 - Day of Cruising
Continue your journey in this vibrant region with majestic Mount Hood serving as a stunning backdrop. Situated between the waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the area's history is forever entwined with the fortunes of these great rivers. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed the waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water.
Excursions & Entertainment
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A Day of Cruising
A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
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Day 12 - Portland, OR
Enjoy breakfast on board and treat yourself to a narrated ariel adventure over Hells Canyon. As we transport you to the airport to begin your journey home, reflect upon your amazing adventure and the memories and friendships made along the way.
Excursions & Entertainment
Ships
Ships Deck Plans, Staterooms
American Jazz
Deck Plan 1
Stateroom Categories
Select below for stateroom details
- Grand Suite Private Balcony
- Owner's Suite Private Balcony
- Veranda Suite Private Balcony
- AAM Private Balcony
- AAC Private Balcony
- AAL Private Balcony
- AAR Private Balcony
- Single Private Balcony
American Song
Stateroom Categories
Select below for stateroom details
- Owner's Suite Private Balcony
- Veranda Suite Private Balcony
- AAM Private Balcony
- AAC Private Balcony
- AAL Private Balcony
- AAR Private Balcony
- Single Private Balcony
- AAG Private Balcony
Upcoming Cruises
| Start Date | Cruise Name | Prices Starting At |
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