Highlights of the Columbia River Cruise

1-Night Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

Each Columbia and Snake Rivers itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, 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.

Hayden Island

Hayden Island is an exceptional little community, with coastal charm and a laidback atmosphere. As you begin your journey, enjoy incredible panoramic views from the sun deck or your private balcony. Admire the vast variety of wildlife, including bald eagles which can sometimes be seen soaring over the ship.

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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. 

Matranga Winery

Established over 95 year ago with original vines from Sicily, Matranga Winery has kept both the family name and traditions alive for generations. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to taste a minimum of 5 different wines and enjoy snacks that pair nicely with Washington wines. The staff will be available to answer any questions you might have about the vineyard and the wine making process.

Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary Excursion

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, learn about 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.

Bonneville Dam - Complimentary Excursion

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.

Skunk Brothers Moonshine Distillery

Join an entertaining tour and tasting of this moonshiners family operation. The owner and his two sons are passionate about infused moonshining, and they sure know how to convey the joy they get from doing it. Explore the facility with glass in hand, but not before making it through the "speakeasy" doors. We will get a chance to taste their sweet apple pie brandy and seasonal fruit cordials, as well as their corn whisky. Learn about their production method, shared cocktail recipes, and family business history. 

Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion

A highlight of any trip to the Pacific Northwest is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. Wind your way through the thick forest and cross the impressive “Bridge of the Gods,” before finally reaching the breathtaking Multnomah Falls. Upon arrival, explore the Falls at your leisure and walk the famous Benson Bridge to get the best vantage point for your photo opportunities.

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.

Last Day in Hayden Island, OR

Spend the last day of your journey in the picturesque town of Hayden Island. Ask your Hotel Director to assist you with transportation arrangements home.

1-Night Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

Each Columbia and Snake Rivers itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, 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.

Last Day in Hayden Island, OR

Spend the last day of your journey in the picturesque town of Hayden Island. Ask your Hotel Director to assist you with transportation arrangements home.

Bonneville Dam - Complimentary Excursion

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.

Skunk Brothers Moonshine Distillery

Join an entertaining tour and tasting of this moonshiners family operation. The owner and his two sons are passionate about infused moonshining, and they sure know how to convey the joy they get from doing it. Explore the facility with glass in hand, but not before making it through the "speakeasy" doors. We will get a chance to taste their sweet apple pie brandy and seasonal fruit cordials, as well as their corn whisky. Learn about their production method, shared cocktail recipes, and family business history. 

Multnomah Falls - Complimentary Excursion

A highlight of any trip to the Pacific Northwest is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. Wind your way through the thick forest and cross the impressive “Bridge of the Gods,” before finally reaching the breathtaking Multnomah Falls. Upon arrival, explore the Falls at your leisure and walk the famous Benson Bridge to get the best vantage point for your photo opportunities.

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.

Matranga Winery

Established over 95 year ago with original vines from Sicily, Matranga Winery has kept both the family name and traditions alive for generations. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to taste a minimum of 5 different wines and enjoy snacks that pair nicely with Washington wines. The staff will be available to answer any questions you might have about the vineyard and the wine making process.

Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary Excursion

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, learn about 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.

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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. 

Hayden Island

Hayden Island is an exceptional little community, with coastal charm and a laidback atmosphere. As you begin your journey, enjoy incredible panoramic views from the sun deck or your private balcony. Admire the vast variety of wildlife, including bald eagles which can sometimes be seen soaring over the ship.