Northwest Pioneers Cruise (American Song)

Description

Experience the historic journey of the intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark, while admiring the magnificent views of the Pacific Northwest. Retrace the last leg of the Corps of Discovery Expedition that began on the Mississippi River in 1804 and finally reached the Pacific Ocean in 1806.

Visit St. Helens and bear witness to the awesome power of the once active volcano. Get an up-close view of Multnomah Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall in the country. Enjoy the scenic views and abundant wildlife of the Columbia River Gorge.

Trip Name

Northwest Pioneers Cruise (American Song)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Coastal Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2018 The American River Cruise Revolution is here with American Song, the flagship in the new series of contemporary riverboats from American Cruise Lines. It will be the first modern riverboat ever in the U.S. and will introduce many pioneering innovations to America’s waters. The new riverboat will feature lounges soaring 40 feet above the water with triple the glass of other riverboats, offering astounding views. American Song will also feature the Atrium, a four-story glass-enclosed area with a large domed skylight, which will serve as the central gathering point for the entire ship. Our new suite design will allow for unprecedented comfort while traveling, beginning with the new Grand Suites featuring 900 square feet of private space. These spacious suites include two glass walls and a wraparound private balcony. Complimentary room service during select mealtimes is available for every stateroom, but the Grand Suites offer ample space to host small cocktail parties or private dinner events. American Song will continue American Cruise Lines’ decade's long tradition for innovation in river cruising. With a capacity of just 184 guests, this new ship has the modern design features and contemporary styling that today’s traveler has come to expect. Experience the American River Cruise Revolution for yourself this fall on American Song.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Pre-Cruise Portland, OR

Each Columbia & 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.*Pre-Cruise Package is not available for reservations made within 30 days of cruise date.

Day 2 - Day 1 Portland, OR

At the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland was once a sanctuary for pioneers. Today, the city is surrounded by national parkland but also features an array of museums and shopping areas. Arrive a day early and visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, or the Portland Art Museum.

Day 3 - Day 2 Astoria, OR

After reaching the Pacific Coast, the Lewis and Clark expedition spent the winter at Fort Clatsop. Visit a replica of the fort and learn about what the Corps of Discovery Expedition endured on their pioneering journey into the West. From our dock in Astoria, also visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, a tribute to mariners around the globe for their service on the high seas.

Day 4 - Day 3 Mt. St. Helens, WA

Perhaps the most impactful of all landmarks in the region is Mount St. Helens. From high on an overlook, bear witness to the awesome power of the volcano whose eruption in 1980 scorched 230 square miles of forest land and forever changed the landscape. Expert guides will show you the pumice plain and lava dome as they explain the effect of the volcano had on the environment and the lives of those in the surrounding towns.

Day 5 - Day 4 Portland, OR

Since the late 19th-century, Portland has been referred to as “The City of Roses,” due to its ideal climate for growing these beautiful perennials. Explore this second largest city of the Pacific Northwest and discover its rich culture and history.

Day 6 - Day 5 Stevenson, WA

Multnomah Falls is an awesome sight to behold. After cruising past the waterfall, enjoy an up-close view of one of North America's tallest waterfalls. Stroll along the footpath to Benson Bridge for the best view of the 620-foot plunge. The village of Stevenson has a classic small town charm with a unique Northwest flair and is easily accessible from our dock.

Day 7 - Day 6 Hood River, OR

At the base of Mt. Hood lies the sleepy town of Hood River. The old trading post is most famous as the terminus of the Mt. Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to ships and sent downriver. Now the historic railroad is a highlight of the area, winding its way high into the mountains for unprecedented views of the Gorge and the tallest peak in Oregon.

Day 8 - Day 7 The Dalles, OR

Located between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, The Dalles is famous for being the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail. To the pioneers, the terrain was treacherous; to today's visitors, it is simply stunning. Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge is Cascade Cliffs Winery, the ideal place to spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.

Day 9 - Day 8 Richland, WA

Once known as the village of Chemna, Richland was incorporated as a city in 1910 and sits at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia River. Visit the REACH Museum, a popular destination which illustrates the unique culture and history of the region, with over 14,000 sq. ft. of exhibits.

Day 10 - Day 9 Pendleton, OR

A charming city in Umatilla, OR, Pendleton began as a European-American commercial center around 1851. Incorporated as a city in 1880, Pendleton is known for its famous woolen mills. Visit the Pendleton Woolen Mill and Museum to learn about the town's weaving process that has produced world famous woolens since 1901.

Day 11 - Day 10 Clarkston, WA

One of the Pacific Northwest's most inland seaports, Clarkston is located on the Snake River, near the famous Hells Canyon. The 10-mile wide canyon was carved out from significant events occurring 15,000 years ago, including a flood from Glacial Lake Bonneville in Utah. Once the destination for miners, explorers, and settlers, Hells Canyon is now a popular recreation area.

Day 12 - Day 11 Clarkston, WA

Take in the beautiful views of Clarkston one last time before enjoying a regionally inspired breakfast. Let our gracious onboard crew assist you with you travel arrangements.

Day 13 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Enjoy Fort Clatsop Tour. Take a personalized tour of the grounds led by a local Park Ranger, witness live demonstrations, tour the museum, and explore the exact replica of the fort where Lewis and Clark wintered in 1806.
Experience Cascade Cliffs Wine Tasting. Tour the pristine and scenic Cascade Cliffs Winery and enjoy a sampling of their finest wines.
Visit Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Led by our guide dressed in period-specific clothing from the pinnacle days of river boating, explore the various exhibits that describe the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that helped to create the gorge.
Enjoy Hells Canyon Jet Boat Signature Tour. Explore places most boats cannot reach on the river and witness the amazing transformation in geography from high desert to alpine forests.
Enjoy Mount St. Helens Experience. Take a scenic journey to the Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory as you listen to engaging commentary regarding the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities.