Northwest Pioneers Cruise

Columbia & Snake River Pre-Cruise Packages

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Each Columbia and Snake Rivers itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Package, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. 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.

International Rose Test Garden - Complimentary Excursion

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Visit the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States which exemplifies Portland’s nickname, “City of Roses.” Featured are more than 10,000 roses, with approximately 650 varieties of bushes in the garden. Explore the beautiful sights and scents of this incredible landscape, as well as spectacular views of downtown and Mount Hood.

Kayak Eco Excursion

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Paddle along a peaceful, slow-moving river and enjoy the sweet sounds of birds greeting us we pass by. Explore the river as it meanders from the snow-covered peaks in the distance and towards the mighty Columbia River. During your time on the water, travel at a relaxed pace through a tree-lined passageway, while learning about the surrounding natural spaces and the importance that these rivers played in the development of Portland area.

This is a Signature Excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for pricing and availability.

Note: This excursion is only available on Columbia & Snake River cruises ending in Portland, OR and the Northwest Pioneers cruise.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site - Complimentary Excursion

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Named for Captain George Vancouver, this fort was a 19th-century fur trading post, located on the northern bank of the Columbia River and was once a major center for regional fur trading. Supplies and trade goods were brought from Britain to Fort Vancouver every year by ship and over land from Hudson Bay via the York Factory Express. At its pinnacle, the fort watched over 34 outposts, 24 ports, 6 ships, and 600 employees. Explore a full-scale replica of the fort, with internal buildings, which is open to the public.

Note: This excursion is only available on Columbia & Snake River cruises ending in Portland, OR and the Northwest Pioneers cruise.

Wilderness Trek

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Just as the city dwellers flock to New York City, hikers head to Portland, the outdoors mecca of the United States. Join us as we journey through the natural splendors of the only temperate rain forest in the country. Enjoy the cool, fresh air, the warmth of the sun breaking through the branches of a 200-year-old Douglas fir, and the soft sound the fallen pine needles crunching under your feet. Along the way, immerse yourself in the stories of the early pioneers and Native Americans, learn what creatures call this land home, and discover tips and tricks for spending time in the outdoors.

This is a Signature Excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for pricing and availability.

Note: This excursion is only available on Columbia & Snake River cruises ending in Portland, OR and the Northwest Pioneers cruise.

Fort Clatsop Experience

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At Fort Clatsop, a park ranger will meet with our group to explain its significance and begin a personalized exploration of the grounds. Witness live demonstrations, visit the museum, and view the exact replica of the fort where Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery camped in the winter of 1805-1806. Explore the Visitor Center with one of the best book stores for Lewis and Clark literature.

Astoria Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary

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Explore all that Astoria has to offer on this convenient shuttle which stops at a variety of points of interest. Visit The Columbia River Maritime Museum, the official maritime museum of the state of Oregon. Stop at the Heritage Museum built in 1904 and once Astoria’s City Hall, as well as the Flavel House Museum, an 1885 Queen Anne home which exemplifies the elegance of the late Victorian period. Take the opportunity to climb 164 steps to the top of the Astoria Column to admire majestic views of the countryside below. Enjoy shopping and strolling through the picturesque downtown.

Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion

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In the morning, take a trolley or a leisurely 5-minute walk to the Columbia River Maritime Museum and meet with our guide for a personalized tour of the facilities. Learn about the history of crossing the bar, known as one of the toughest and most treacherous routes in maritime history. Witness remnants of some of the actual ships that were destroyed during the river crossing, discover artifacts, and learn what makes this specific area so dangerous and feared by even the most experienced sailors.

Cape Disappointment State Park

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In the morning, take a scenic tour through Astoria as we journey to Cape Disappointment State Park. Here a park ranger will greet us and serve as our guide through the impressive Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Situated on the cliffs 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Center commemorates the Corps of Discovery’s 1804-1806 expedition. Witness live demonstrations, an interactive film, and a variety of exhibits dedicated to Lewis and Clark. The impressive mural-sized “timeline” panels guide you through the exhibit while featuring many of the actual sketches, paintings, and photographs of the Corps members. This tour perfectly complements Todd Weber’s on board Lewis and Clark lectures.

Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary Excursion

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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 Johnston Ridge Observatory, your tour guide will provide engaging commentary regarding the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. The Observatory itself sits on a bluff near the crater, offering spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.

Views from the Vista House - Complimentary Excursion

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Explore Portland on this city tour which will highlight downtown, local bridges, and the Vista House. Built in 1917, the Vista House serves as a rest stop observatory for travelers on the old Columbia River Gorge Highway and as a memorial honoring Oregon’s pioneers—particularly those who made their way down the Columbia River. Enjoy the incredible scenic views at this historic site.

Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion

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A highlight of any trip to the Pacific Northwest is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S.  After breakfast, our private guide will meet you at the ship’s dock along the Columbia River Gorge to begin your journey. As you wind through the thick forest, cross the impressive “Bridge of the Gods,” before finally reaching Multnomah Falls. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the Falls on your own and walk the famous Benson Bridge to get the best vantage point for your photo opportunities.

Bonneville Dam

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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.

Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion

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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.

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum - Complimentary Excursion

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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.

Maryhill Winery Exploration & Tasting

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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.

Maryhill Museum of Art

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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.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Complimentary Excursion

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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.

The REACH Museum

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Looking through the lens of The Hanford Reach National Monument and the Columbia River, the REACH Museum illustrates the rich culture and history of Eastern Washington through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and tours. Featuring over 14,000 square feet of exhibits, the museum claims the only complete baby woolly mammoth skeleton on display.

The Pendleton Experience

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Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside and witness the striking contrast in landscape as you make your way to Pendleton for the day’s excursions. Upon arrival, be greeted by our private tour guide who will take you to explore Pendleton’s infamous underground city, followed by a complimentary BBQ lunch at the famous Hamley’s Restaurant. In the afternoon, travel to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, for a look into the storied past of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes. Finally, visit the famous Pendleton Woolen Mill for a tour and the chance to purchase authentic woven goods.

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.

Hells Canyon Jet Boat Adventure

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We have chartered the Hells Canyon Jet Boat to take you through the deepest canyon in America. After breakfast, the jet boat will meet you at the ship for an afternoon of adventure. Here, you will explore places most boats cannot reach on the river and witness the amazing transformation in geography from high desert to alpine forests. View ancient rock formations and native pictographs while your local Clarkston guide provides interesting stories about the region’s history and canyon formation. Enjoy a catered luncheon at the exclusive Garden Creek Ranch before heading back to the ship, where we will celebrate your return during our nightly cocktail hour.

For cruises departing from Portland, this is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. For cruises departing from Clarkston, the Jet Boat Adventure is offered as part of our Premium Pre-Cruise Package. Please call (800) 460-4518 in advance for more information.

Nez Perce National Historic Park - Complimentary Excursion

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Led by an expert guide, take a narrated tour of this historic park. Hear stories of the Nez Perce tribe, best remembered for having saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition Team from starvation following their journey through the Bitterroot Mountains. Witness preserved sites, stories, and artifacts associated with the Nez Perce tribe.

Please Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Clarkston.

Echoes of our Ancestors – Signature Excursion

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Join a Nimippuu (Nez Perce) guide on a fascinating jet boat ride up the Snake River into Hells Canyon. Listen to ancient legends of these native people and explore the places their ancestors called home. Learn the importance of “Tsceminicum” (She-mi-ni-cum), where the waters meet, and why water is considered sacred. Explore sites, where Nimiipuu encampments where once located, and visit fishing, hunting, gathering places. Along the rocks of Buffalo Eddy, view ancient messages left in the petroglyphs.End your amazing journey with a Pow Wow dance and drum performance by the native Nimippuu, which celebrates the sacred landscape and echoes the voices of their ancestors. This is a Signature Excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for pricing and availability. Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Clarkston, WA