American Empress Eastbound, Portland to Clarkston

20 years before Portland was founded on the South side of the Columbia River, Vancouver was founded on the North side. Fort Vancouver was the 19th century NW headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the city of Vancouver still celebrates this history. It is from here that your Columbia River cruise will begin, docked on the North side of the Columbia River, in the shadows of the beautiful Cascade Mountain Range. From here, we’ll begin our discovery of the history, cuisine, and natural beauty of the Columbia and Snake River regions. Travel from Astoria to Clarkston with stops in The Dalles, Richland, and Stevenson.

Cruise Details

Clock9 Days & 8 Nights

Double Occupancy from $2,479 pp/do*

Single Occupancyfrom $3,359 pp

CalendarJuly 9, 2023 | July 23, 2023 | August 6, 2023 | September 3, 2023 | September 17, 2023 | October 1, 2023
See 20 more available dates
October 15, 2023 | October 29, 2023 | November 12, 2023 | March 31, 2024 | April 14, 2024 | April 28, 2024 | May 12, 2024 | May 26, 2024 | June 9, 2024 | June 23, 2024 | July 7, 2024 | July 21, 2024 | August 4, 2024 | August 18, 2024 | September 1, 2024 | September 15, 2024 | September 29, 2024 | October 13, 2024 | October 27, 2024 | November 10, 2024

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees.
Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

    1Overnight Hotel - Vancouver, WA
    After you've checked into your hotel, make sure to find the American Empress Hospitality Desk between 3-7pm. Our representative will help guide you to the local downtown hotspots for dining, fun or sight-seeing.

    2Embark in Vancouver, WA
    The Hospitality Desk will be open this morning from 8:30am to 12pm. The check-in process will be quite easy. We'll transfer you and your luggage to the ship. You can choose to board and get settled or take more time to explore Vancouver. Ship departs at 6pm.

    3Astoria, 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!

    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.

    5Stevenson, 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.

    6Scenic River Cruising
    You've had many days of adventure. Now take the time to sleep in, relax, explore the ship and learn from the Riverlorian's presentation. Or just sit on deck with your camera and enjoy the views!

    7Richland, WA
    Richland is a part of what's known locally as the Tri-Cities. Richland sits at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers. One of the most striking parts of Richland's history is on display at the REACH Museum - The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center. Or if you're ready to try something new, the two premium shore excursions available is wine and spirit tasting on Red Mountain, or kayaking on the Yakima River.

    8Clarkston, WA
    Clarkston, WA sits on one side of the border, Lewiston, ID on the other. Care to guess how the towns got their names? Clarkston is the gateway to Hells Canyon on the Snake River, the deepest gorge in North America. Learn about the history of the Nez Perce at the National Historical Park and Historical Society and Museum. Or take a group of new friends from the ship and head to Basalt Cellars for a wine tasting.

    9Disembark in Clarkston, WA
    Talk to our cruise agents about how quickly you want to get to the airport. Spokane is the nearest, but you may want to spend extra time in Clarkston or find something fun to do on the way.

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Cabin Categories

Cabin Single Price Double Price
LS - Luxury Suite with Veranda$5,679 pp
A - Suite with Veranda$4,799 pp
B - Superior Veranda Stateroom$4,239 pp
C - Deluxe Veranda Stateroom$3,359 pp
D - Outside Stateroom with Window$2,479 pp
E - Veranda Stateroom$2,559 pp
CS - Single Outside Stateroom with Veranda$3,359

Ship Read more about the American Empress

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

Pre-Cruise Hotel

The first night of the vacation is always a hotel night. This ensures that you are in the right city to board your boat on time. You’ll be rested and ready to go! Your breakfast and transfers to the boat are also included.

Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus

You’ll spot the buses right away – they look just like the ship! Two buses travel alongside the boat from port to port. At every port, you’ll be able to board these buses for the Hop-On Hop-Off shore excursions. The bus will have a set route in the town, and you can ride until you see someplace you want to go. Then catch the bus the next time it comes thru.

Book Today

American Empress Eastbound, Portland to Clarkston

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

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