Your Itinerary

1Overnight Hotel Stay in Vancouver, WA
Pre-cruise hotel included in your vacation package, and ensures you make it to the boat on time!

2Embark in Vancouver, WA
You'll have time to explore downtown Vancouver before boarding. The American Empress will depart at 6pm.

3Stevenson, WA
Stevenson makes a great jumping off point for a couple amazing adventures! The Hop-On Hop-Off bus will take you to the amazing Bonneville Dam, where you'll learn about the powerhouse, the history, the amazing story of having to relocate an entire town, and the fish that swim through the fish ladders every year! A premium shore excursion that is available is to visit the stunning Multnomah Falls.

4The Dalles, OR
Deep in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge lies the beautiful town of The Dalles. This was a rough, western town with a history full of pioneers, gold miners, gun-slingers and more. The Dalles was where pioneers moving west had to stop at the foot of the mountain and take the river road to Willamette Valley. Your visit could include a lot of history if you choose to visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, Original Wasco County Courthouse Museum, and the Fort Dalles Museum. If you'd prefer something more modern, you could head downtown for great boutique shopping or visit Sunshine Mill Winery for a tasting and tour.

5Scenic River Cruising


6Astoria, OR
The Clatsop Indians lived in this region for thousands of years before the Americans showed up. In 1805, the Corps of Discovery wintered at Fort Clatsop near Astoria. This small river town has stayed small, because it has nowhere to go. The mountains and river keep Astoria from growing any further. The small river town feel really suits it, and yet you'll find some amazing treasures here. We always suggest taking the trolley ($1 for one trip, or $2 for an all-day pass), because it'll give you the best look at what there is to do on the waterfront, and the trolley drivers are great town guides! The Hop-On Hop-Off bus will take you to the Flavel House, Astoria Column, and Heritage Museum. But you only have to step off the boat to visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum - definitely a highlight!

7Disembark in Vancouver, WA
Talk to our agents about what other adventures the Pacific Northwest could have in store for you! We'd love to help you extend your vacation with a post-cruise excursion.