Along the River
By Stacey Zable
Along the River
By Stacey Zable
Exploring the Columbia & Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest with American Cruise Lines.
Sailing into Hood River, Oregon, on American Cruise Lines’ American Song, we are surrounded by an overwhelming number of windsurfers doing what they love best. It is an amazing sight to see the multi-colored sails catching the breeze and gliding across the Columbia River Gorge while Mount Hood stands majestically in the background. This special scene sums up the region we are discovering as we sail on the nine-night “Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise” traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkston, Washington. Nature’s beauty is around us and adventure is at our doorstep, while we follow the path of the intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark.
Here is what you can expect
American Cruise Line’s Regional Expertise
American Cruise Lines currently boasts a fleet of almost 30 U.S.-built ships sailing all-domestic itineraries exploring 35 states including coastal waterways and major rivers. The Columbia and Snake Rivers is among the most popular river cruise regions for the company, with six riverboats sailing there in 2026. All three of American’s newest modern riverboats will debut there over the next few years including American Encore in 2026, American Anthem in 2027 and American Grace in 2028.
Diverse Landscapes, Man-Made Wonders & Quaint Towns
Sailing along the Columbia and Snake Rivers offers a front-row seat to varying terrain and small towns that make up parts of the Pacific Northwest. We were able to view from the ship and/or visit various landscapes from lush forests to dry desert terrain as well as a number of charming towns. The Columbia River Gorge’s beauty stood out. Another highlight—and one that was surprisingly so to me—was passing through the multiple locks and dam system along our journey. It was fascinating to watch as the ship was transported up and down through the locks. This slow process also allowed us to view from the deck the incredible night skies and stars at their purest on select nights.
Abundance of Included Excursions & Independent Options
American Cruise Lines generally includes at least one complimentary excursion and/or complimentary motorcoach continuous loop into town at every port stop, as well as a number of paid excursions to cater to different guests’ interests. After an included hotel overnight at an airport property in Portland, the ship’s first stop was Kalama, Washington. We arrived in the evening and were able to walk right off the ship to an outdoor concert taking place at the port. The next day, the complimentary excursion was a Mount St. Helens Scenic Drive, but we opted instead to take a paid excursion that featured a Dot Painting class at The Dot Shop Gallery at Kalama’s Mountain Timber Market located steps from the ship. It was a relaxing way to create a mandala design and keepsake. The Market is home to a number of shops as well as a suspended 140-foot totem pole.
We packed a lot into the next day with a morning premium Astoria Walking Exploration tour straight off the boat that included some of the town’s architectural and historic highlights. A complimentary motorcoach took guests throughout the town with various stops if they wanted to explore on their own. After lunch on board, we took the Cannon Beach and Oregon Coast Exploration extra-charge excursion to see a bit of the state’s ocean beauty and the lovely seaside town.
“We arrived in the evening and were able to walk right off the ship to an outdoor concert taking place at the port.”
“We arrived in the evening and were able to walk right off the ship to an outdoor concert taking place at the port.”
My favorite stop along the cruise was Hood River. We arrived in the afternoon and had the rest of the day, evening, and morning to explore the area. Not only was it the spot where we were greeted by the windsurfers, but it also has an adorable downtown and access to the beautiful 620-foot Multnomah Falls, which is one of the most visited natural recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest. Both the trip to the Falls and the motorcoach loop to Hood River were complimentary excursions. Paid excursions while in Hood River included opportunities to kayak the Columbia Gorge and a sunset sailing cruise.
Another top pick among many of the guests onboard was the premium Hells Canyon Jet Boat Adventure during our last day while at Lewiston. It included a sail up the Snake River into one of North America’s deepest river gorges. Along the way, you can discover the gorge’s wildlife, ancient rock formations, and learn about the history of the local Native Americans.
Wonderful Onboard Experience
When not experiencing the wonders of the Pacific Northwest off the ship, we were treated to excellent service on board American Song. With only 180 guests, the ship creates a relaxed atmosphere with a number of inclusions you may have to pay for on traditional cruise ships. Free Wi-Fi, as well as all meals, snacks, and beverages are part of the all-inclusive fare. Complimentary wine and beer are available in the River Lounge or Sky Lounge each afternoon, as well as during lunch and dinner service.
“Sitting on the upper deck of American Song provides the best activity offered on board-the perfect viewing point while sailing past the great outdoors.”
“Sitting on the upper deck of American Song provides the best activity offered on board-the perfect viewing point while sailing past the great outdoors.”
The nightly complimentary cocktail hour in the River Lounge offers cocktails, appetizers, and entertainment. The Restaurant serves three meals daily, with larger tables set up to encourage meeting other guests during open dining. American cuisine, with an emphasis on regional offerings, is featured. The Back Porch Café offers lighter fare on the Sun Deck. Live entertainment or lectures are held in the evenings and there is also trivia on select days. Puzzles and games are available in the small lounges throughout the ship. However, simply sitting on the upper deck of American Song provides the best activity offered on board—the perfect viewing point while sailing past the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.
What’s New
New Ships
The 180-guest new riverboat American Encore will sail the Columbia and Snake Rivers starting in May 2026. All staterooms will have private balconies, including the first-ever Signature Suite up to 1,000 square feet. Two new Patriot Class ships, the 130-guest American Maverick and American Ranger, will sail East Coast itineraries beginning in June and September 2026, respectively.
New Itineraries
American Patriot, which launched in 2025, will offer three new domestic Great Lakes itineraries from May through August 2026. These include a nine-night “Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise” sailing Syracuse to Buffalo, New York featuring Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Niagara Falls. The nine-night “Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula Cruise” sails roundtrip Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The 14-night “American Great Lakes Cruise” travels through Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan between Buffalo, New York, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. All cruises include a pre-cruise hotel stay and some dates offer complimentary domestic airfare. The new nine-night “Arkansas River Cruise” sails between Memphis, Tennessee and Tulsa, Oklahoma in November 2026 on riverboat American Serenade. Looking ahead, the new 11-night “Great Smoky Mountains Cruise” sails between Knoxville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama July through October 2027 on the classic paddlewheeler American Heritage.
New Extended Itineraries
American is commemorating the U.S.’ 250th anniversary with a number of extended cruises this year. Among them are a 52-night “The Great United States Cruise” from Portland, Oregon to Boston May 29 to July 19, 2026; a 55-night “Great American Fall Foliage Cruise” from Juneau, Alaska to Washington, D.C. September 5 to October 29, 2026; and a 32-night “Revolutionary War Cruise” between Albany, New York and Washington, D.C. from October 8 to November 8, 2026.
“American is commemorating the U.S.’ 250th anniversary with a number of extended cruises this year.”
“American is commemorating the U.S.’ 250th anniversary with a number of extended cruises this year.”
Want to keep reading?