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Arrive in Portland and settle into your hotel, located near to the ship’s dock for a seamless boarding process. There's an abundance of history, including the Lewis and Clark expedition, along with unique local wineries and remarkable nature. While on a Columbia River and Snake River cruise, you'll witness nature's grandeur, like famous landmarks Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge and Hells Canyon. No matter which season you are cruising, comfortable shoes are a must for your daily adventures. A windbreaker, preferably waterproof, is also ideal for watching the everchanging landscapes and native wildlife from your private balcony or the sun deck. Be sure to pack fitness clothing if you intend to use our onboard fitness center and don’t forget your daily medications.
American Cruise Lines to add five ships to fleet in next two years - Cruise and Ferry
American Cruise Lines to add five ships to fleet in next two years.
Posted: Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cross Country USA: Portland to Missoula
American Cruise Lines offers cruises on the Columbia and rivers between April and October. There are also a few wine-themed itineraries available in April, September and October. Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet and is the tallest waterfall on the Columbia River. While it’s not something you’ll see from your river boat, it is visible from the Historic Columbia River Highway and may be a site you’ll visit depending on your tour package. 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.
ADVENTURE TRAVEL MADE EASY ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER
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. 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. 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.
National Parks & Legendary Rivers- American Song
October is also the ideal time for wine enthusiasts to visit, as this is when the harvest and crushing take place. My wife and I and our close friends met in Oregon to take a fully guided, week-long tour of the Wine Country (Willamette Valley, Hood River, etc) with LifeCycle. Columbia and Snake River cruises operate approximately eight months a year, spanning from April to November, offering ample opportunities for exploration. Don't forget to bring binoculars to enhance your wildlife-viewing experience. 7 Night Columbia & Snake River Vacation Cruise | Sep 2nd to Sept 30th, 2023 only.
River Cruise Lines: Your Options When You Cruise the Columbia River and Snake River
If you are departing from Clarkston and have forgotten anything, walk to the nearby Walmart, which is just a few blocks from the dock. You can then stock up on electronic needs (batteries, chargers, power cords), sunscreen, snacks or anything else. Be sure to bring bug spray whenever you go on your Columbia River cruise, as mosquitos are quite rampant on the river.
Columbia River Cruise Tips
National Geographic partners with Food & Wine magazine for 2024 wine cruise series on Columbia, Snake rivers - Great Northwest Wine
National Geographic partners with Food & Wine magazine for 2024 wine cruise series on Columbia, Snake rivers.
Posted: Sat, 08 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
American Cruise Line’s recently refurbished Queen of the West recently returned to the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. River cruise ships on the Columbia and Snake Rivers typically cruise between Clarkston, Washington, and Astoria, Oregon, on the Pacific coast. 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.
For instance, more companies may expand to this region and begin offering river cruises on these two rivers in the Pacific Northwest. 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. With its sparkling rivers, stately evergreens, and mild climate, you will understand why this area was noted as exceptional by explorer Meriwether Lewis. The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on.
Spring months can be rainy, especially along the western part of the Columbia River, while July and August are hot. In early fall, the vineyards are remarkable, so wine lovers should look to travel in early October when the harvest and crush occur. The Confluence Project, as it's called, marks the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark's journey west.
River Cruise Advisor
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.
River cruises, including ones on the Columbia, are also more excursion-focused than ocean cruises, which further increases the price per person. River cruise lines on the Columbia and Snake Rivers typically operate from April to November, with no month being a particularly bad time to sail. However, the fall months are ideal for wine lovers as this is the the harvest and crush happen. Check out our guide on cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers for more planning tips.
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. Along the way, guides point out Native American petroglyphs, abandoned mines and wildlife such as mule deer and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
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. Spring months can be rainy, especially on the western part of the Columbia River, but it's that precipitation that lights the hillsides a verdant green. July and August trend hot and, in the early fall, the vineyards are remarkable.
On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack. Summer is the most popular season to visit the Pacific Northwest because of the long sunny days, warm temperatures, and blue skies. So, the best time to set out on your Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise will depend on whether you like it hot, or if you prefer to witness the most colorful landscapes.
As your ship noses into coves and inlets, watch for eagles, bears, porpoises, orca, and sea lions from the bow deck. Explore islands, hike in rainforests and up mountains, paddle in Puget Sound waterways and the San Juan Islands, and watch for birds, orca, and other marine life. Accommodations, onboard meals and guided sightseeing are covered in one value-packed rate.
Travel to scenic vineyards, where you can savor the area’s finest varietals. Unwind each evening with a diverse array of talented regional performers in the intimate performance lounge. Step into nature’s gallery with hikes at Tom McCall Nature Preserve, Multnomah Falls, and Columbia Hills State Park. Engage with the rivers themselves; kayak through serene canyons, paddleboard under expansive skies, and swim in refreshing waters.
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. 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. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed the waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water.
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