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Northwest Pioneers Cruise

Northwest Pioneers Cruise

From USD $10,085

Description

On this 11-day 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.

Trip Name
Northwest Pioneers Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Coastal Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity: 163 Built: 2017  American Constellation is uniquely designed to navigate the inland waterways of the East Coast, American Constellation brings guests to beautiful ports the larger ships can't access. In the intimate atmosphere onboard, guests will find the largest staterooms in the industry, spacious lounges and observation decks and private balconies that offer spectacular views of the passing landscapes. Finely Appointed Staterooms American Constellation's staterooms are the most spacious in small ship cruising - all over 200 square feet in size, and each with large opening picture windows and a private bathroom. Each spacious stateroom is a comfortable haven and the perfect place to relax and unwind. Passangers can enjoy the ever-changing scenery from large, opening picture windows or from private balconies. American Constellation Amenities and Features: Complimentary wi-fi, Elevator access to all decks of the ship, Many lounges offer an atmosphere for every mood, Grand dining room accommodates all guests together, Exercise room with the latest equipment, Satellite tv and dvd player in all staterooms, Spacious staterooms are the largest on any crusie ship, Hotel-size private bathrooms with a full set of amenities, Private balconies, Sliding glass balcony doors offer panoramic views, Twice daily stateroom service, Putting green on the top deck, Laundry facilities, Individual climate control, Evening entertainment focuses on music and history, Brand new ship, Breakfast room service, Built in the USA, All american crew, Complimentary cocktail hour each evening, Onboard historians and naturalists, Culinary program featuring locally sourced ingredients, Personalized service, Open picture window.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Portland, OR
Embrace the pioneering spirit of Lewis and Clark as you immerse yourself in the history of their expedition into the West. As our intimate and well-appointed riverboat makes its way along these legendary rivers, be amazed by the constant shifts in landscapes. From the lush forest mountains to magnificent waterfalls and even dessert canyons, the evolving terrain is unlike anywhere else in America. Experience a front-row seat as we navigate through the famed lock and dam system, an awe-inspiring testament to human engineering. Enjoy days of personalized exploration, led by our engaging local guides who enhance your understanding of fascinating landmarks, such as Mount St. Helens, famous for its eruption in 1980, and Multnomah Falls, an impressive 611-foot-tall cascade of falling water. Travel to scenic vineyards, where you can savor the area’s finest varietals. On board, delight in the ship’s delicious cuisine, socialize at the daily cocktail hour, and enjoy onboard guest speaker presentations, featuring fascinating stories and insights about the region’s history, environment, and culture. Unwind each evening with a diverse array of talented regional performers in the intimate performance lounge.
Day 2 - Day 2 - 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.
Day 3 - Day 3 - 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.
Day 4 - Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Day 5 - 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.
Day 6 - Day 6 - 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.
Day 7 - Day 7 - 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.
Day 8 - Day 8 - 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.
Day 9 - Day 9 - 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.
Day 10 - Day 10 - 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.
Day 11 - Day 11 - 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.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-05-202401-06-2024USD $10,085SGB
22-05-202401-06-2024USD $10,085Cabin. From

Inclusions

    • Mount St. Helens: Witness the awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens, the site of a historic volcanic eruption over 40 years ago. Explore the volcanic landscapes and learn about the dramatic natural forces that shaped the region.
    • Columbia River Gorge: Cruise through the stunning Columbia River Gorge aboard our American riverboats, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views and the diverse landscapes of rainforests, deserts, and alpine meadows. Don't miss the chance to visit the majestic Multnomah Falls along the way.

Map