6-Day Columbia Riverboat Cruise

Table Of Content

• What's Included
• Columbia River Cruise Map
• Request A Free Cruise Guide Modal
• Last Minute Tours

The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship. American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

What's Included

Wheelchairs are able to come aboard the enclosed lower deck — please notify us when booking.

Columbia River Cruise Map

If you would like to be added to the waiting list to get tickets as they are released, please request here. Get a taste of Portland on a variety of food tours focused on specific ingredients, venues or neighborhoods. With its myriad breweries and beer bars, Portland's bustling Central Eastside practically overflows with award-winning suds — this guide to local favorites will help you build your own brewpub crawl. Learn the history and key features of the city’s 12 Willamette River bridges.

Columbia River cruise follows route of Lewis and Clark - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Columbia River cruise follows route of Lewis and Clark.

Posted: Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Request A Free Cruise Guide Modal

Portland Spirit Christmas Ship Dinner at Portland Spirit Salmon Springs Dock in Portland, OR - Multiple dates through ... - EverOut

Portland Spirit Christmas Ship Dinner at Portland Spirit Salmon Springs Dock in Portland, OR - Multiple dates through ....

Posted: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 04:12:12 GMT [source]

All details are subject to change, so please contact tour operators for the latest information. American Cruise Lines, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic and UnCruise Adventures all sail on the Columbia River. The price per person depends on your cruise's inclusions and the month you travel.

Columbia River Gorge

Gorgeous waterfalls, dramatic canyons and great wine are just a few of the things you can expect on a Columbia River cruise. This Pacific Northwest cruise route is popular in part because it's the same route taken by Lewis and Clark in 1805. The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Before heading out on this Pacific Northwest river cruise, you should familiarize yourself a bit with Lewis and Clark to really get the most out of your trip. The Confluence Project, as it's called, marks the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark's journey west. Lin's artwork at Waikiki includes a boardwalk inscribed with text from the explorers' journals.

Northwest family and employee-owned since 1994

Arrive in Portland and settle into your hotel, located near the ship’s dock for a seamless boarding process. Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.

You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing. From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

Best of Portland Anniversary Cruises

Windsurfers and kiteboarders adorn the landscape as they drift across the broad, shining river. Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years. Some of the cruise excursions include kayaking or transportation on inflatable rafts. It's not a bad idea to invest in a waterproof bag for cell phones and cameras.

Last Minute Tours

Columbia River Gorge tours are an ideal way for visitors to experience the famous Columbia River Gorge National without worrying about traffic or parking. Portland is a river town, largely defined by the Willamette and Columbia, which divide the city into east and west, and form its northern border, respectively. Portland boat tours offer a unique perspective on the city and region. Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Ocean freighters and tugboats share our route to Astoria, a quaint scenic river town filled with history. BrewBarge’s human-powered paddle boats seat up to 14 people for 1.5-hour tours down the Willamette River from Riverplace Marina in downtown Portland. The trips are BYOB, but beer is available for purchase at the BrewStop, where you’ll check-in for the tour. The best way to dine in Portland is on the Willamette River enhanced by dazzling city sights and lights. You’ll enjoy a 2.5 hour cruise, a three-course dinner with Northwest cuisine (locally sourced and prepared fresh on board), live piano music and narration of the sights on the outer decks. For a party of two to a group of friends or co-workers, this is a quintessential Portland experience.

Note that many of the early ports on the westbound itinerary don't offer much in the way of goods and services. The discovery center is located on 54 acres overlooking the Columbia River. There are also nature trails that showcase plants Lewis and Clark collected and cataloged for the first time in history. A few among them are golden currant, mock orange, green rabbitbrush, ironwood and the Oregon white oak.

The vessels seat 10 people and include rainproof enclosures for inclement days. Bring your own food, drink and tunes for a self-guided river tour; there’s also the option to hire a captain. 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. Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise.

Columbia River Cruises Plan a Cruise Down the Columbia

Table Of Content

• Columbia River Gorge Boat Tours
• Willamette Jet Boats
• Columbia River Cruise: Port and Experience Highlights
• Day By Day Itinerary
• This story is part of Travel Tips
• Tours for Local Tastes

Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising. Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington. Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899.

Columbia River Gorge Boat Tours

Due to the typical itinerary on these cruises, there are no 3-day Columbia River cruises or shorter ones available. The shortest Columbia River cruise is five days in length and the longest is 11 days. Lindblad is one exception, which only operates for a month or so in September and October. Aerial tours give you a bird’s-eye view of Portland and the surrounding region.

Willamette Jet Boats

Popular visits include Multnomah Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall, Mount St. Helens and the Johnston Ride Observatory, and Cape Disappointment State Park, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. We are a promoter and steward of this evolving city and its progressive values, which have the power to transform the travelers who visit us. River cruise ships on the Columbia and Snake Rivers typically cruise between Clarkston, Washington, and Astoria, Oregon, on the Pacific coast.

Columbia River Cruise: Port and Experience Highlights

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. Portland River Tours is a great option for spending time enjoying the beauty and sights along the Willamette! We enjoyed a wonderful time, the boat is very comfortable and Captain Charles did a great job navigating plus kept us entertained with local knowledge and stories. Sail in style with Scovare Expeditions, whose fleet includes a 50-foot cutter, 40-foot sailboat and 25-foot sloop, as well as a power pontoon boat. In addition to public and private tours, Scovare also offers lessons for aspiring sailors. If you can drive a golf cart (and are 21+), you can pilot their zero-emission boats.

Please keep bags and personal belongings to a minimum as there is limited space. Note that river conditions vary and may result in frequent, sustained turbulent motion along with varied weather. For safety and comfort, guests should be in good health and without conditions that could be aggravated by motion. Please consult your doctor prior to booking a cruise on the Explorer if you have a health concern. Continue your journey in this vibrant region with majestic Mount Hood serving as a stunning backdrop.

Day By Day Itinerary

Prices may change based on demand and do not include tax, fees or optional upgrades. Proceed to booking to view current rate and book early for the best rate. We offer discounts for groups of 8 or more and private cruises for up to 35 people (subject to availability). This day-long adventure covers nearly 100 miles of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Pass under the bridges that make Portland famous and travel through Portland’s industrial area to where the Willamette meets the Columbia. You’ll be treated to freshly prepared Northwest Cuisine and live narration by the acclaimed Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham along the way.

The 1,240-mile Columbia River runs west along the Oregon-Washington border and through northern Portland before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The 187-mile, north-flowing Willamette River is one of the Columbia's tributaries; it runs through downtown Portland before emptying into the Columbia at Kelley Point Park. Each line offers ships with vastly different personalities, so it's difficult to outline the best river cruise on the Columbia River. As an example, Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Sea Lion and sister ship National Geographic Sea Bird are workmanlike expedition ships with just 62 passengers.

Choose from a brunch, lunch, dinner or sightseeing cruise and receive a discount for 10 or more people and much more. On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980. There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis.

American River Cruises You'll Love - Reader's Digest

American River Cruises You'll Love.

Posted: Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Father’s Day Cruise

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history. See Portland and the region from the water on boat tours that traverse sights on the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Discover the history and lore behind Bigfoot while aboard the Explorer for Portland Spirit’s scenic Bigfoot Explorer Jetboat Cruise. This 120-mile journey takes you from downtown Portland, through the port of Portland, into the epic Columbia River Gorge and through the locks at Bonneville Dam, with a stop for lunch in Cascade Locks. Spend the day cruising the legendary Snake River in the company of fellow guests and crew.

Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks. In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Portland Spirit announces ‘7 Wonders of the Gorge’ cruise - KOIN.com

Portland Spirit announces ‘7 Wonders of the Gorge’ cruise.

Posted: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Tours onboard the Portland Spirit let guests soak in the sights of the Portland cityscape along the Willamette River while a veteran sea captain narrates the trip. The Portland Spirit’s sister ship, the Explorer, provides high-speed river tours of 10 famous Portland bridges, from St. Johns Bridge to Sellwood Bridge. For a thrilling ride, Willamette Jet Boats will show all the sights with an open-cabin, 130-person boat that gives passengers a distinct view of Bridgetown. Operating May -September, there are several packages to choose from to fit your needs.

Along the way, be treated to refreshments at a private ranch located deep inside the canyon. Enjoy breakfast on board and treat yourself to a narrated ariel adventure over Hells Canyon. A full-day excursion also visits Pendleton, Oregon to enjoy western heritage, Native American history and the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for both legal and illicit activities. Dine with us and enjoy the Northwest culinary creations of our executive chef made to order during your cruise. Our dining cruises feature fresh local Northwest ingredients and a full service bar.

You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields.

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. While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Having long pants and long-sleeve shirts is a bonus for not only the weather but for keeping the mosquitos at bay, especially if/when you go hiking. The Hells Canyon region, where the Lewis and Clark expedition once traded for food, was home to the Nez Perce Native Americans, who lived there for thousands of years. All in all, the various ships call on many of the same ports, among them being the Oregon communities of Hood River, Pendleton and The Dalles. Beginning in British Columbia's Columbia Lake, the 1,243-mile long river flows into seven U.S. states and drains into the Pacific Ocean outside of Portland, Oregon. Read our guide to discover what is so appealing about taking a Columbia River cruise and why you'll want to place it high on your cruise bucket list. Historically, tickets have been released approximately 1-2 weeks prior to each cruise.

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. 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.