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.