BEST COLUMBIA RIVER CRUISES DESTINATION & ITINERARIES IN 2023-2024

Discover the heart of the Pacific Northwest with Columbia River Cruises. Columbia River cruises offer a unique experience of natural beauty, history, and culture. Imagine taking a family-run tour boat company that offers unrivaled access to the Columbia River and a distinctive voyage on a traditional seagoing ship. That would be a thrilling experience. This site provides people with a chance to discover a well-known environment from a different angle. No matter if you are a local or an outsider, this article will give you a bigger and clearer picture of the amazing fun you should expect and more.

Columbia River Cruises

Columbia River cruises are a popular type of river cruise that explores the Columbia River, which flows through the Pacific Northwest of the United States. These cruises offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty, history, and culture of the region. Columbia River Cruises departs from Portland and Spokane, through Oregon and Washington. The cruises can last 4–11 days and offer various sights, including the Columbia River Gorge and iconic wineries.

Features of Columbia River Cruises

Columbia River cruises offer a variety of features that make them a unique and memorable travel experience.

#1. Scenic Beauty

Columbia River cruises offer a glimpse into the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, often passing through the Columbia River Gorge, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls like Multnomah Falls.

#2. Historic Exploration

Columbia River cruises provide an opportunity to explore the rich history of the region. Passengers can learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which explored this area in the early 19th century, and visit historic towns and landmarks along the river.

#3. Cultural experience

These cruises also offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture of the Pacific Northwest. From visiting wineries and tasting regional wines to experiencing local cuisine and traditions, passengers can get a taste of the unique culture of the area.

#4. Outdoor Activities

Columbia River cruises cater to active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures. Passengers can participate in activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even whitewater rafting, depending on the cruise itinerary.

#5. Wine-Themed Cruises

Some Columbia River cruises offer wine-themed itineraries where passengers can enjoy tastings, vineyard visits, and educational sessions about the local wine industry. These cruises provide a unique opportunity to explore the wine region of the Pacific Northwest.

#6. Lewis and Clark Tour

Some cruises focus on the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, offering passengers the chance to retrace the steps of these explorers. Expert guides provide informative talks and presentations about the expedition, allowing passengers to learn about the history and significance of the Columbia River region.

#7. National Parks and Natural Phenomena

Columbia River cruises often include visits to national parks and showcase natural phenomena in the area. Passengers can explore the diverse landscapes, including basalt cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic canyons. Onboard naturalists and geologists provide insights into the unique natural features of the region.

#8. Extended Cruises

For those looking for a more in-depth exploration of the Columbia River, extended cruises are available. These cruises offer longer itineraries that cover more ground and allow passengers to experience a wider range of attractions and activities along the river.

#9. Small Cruise Ships

Columbia River cruises often utilize small cruise ships, providing a more intimate and personalized experience for passengers. These smaller vessels can navigate the narrower sections of the river and provide a closer connection to the surrounding environment.

#10. Wildlife Viewing

The Columbia River region is known for its diverse wildlife, and cruises often provide opportunities to spot various species of birds, marine life, and other animals along the riverbanks.

3-Day Columbia River Cruises

There are no 3-day Columbia River cruises. The shortest Columbia River cruise lasts for five days, with most cruises ranging from seven to eleven days in length. These cruises often have a primary focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition and may include visits to ports such as Hood River, Pendleton, and The Dalles. If you need a shorter trip, you may want to consider other types of activities in the Pacific Northwest region. These activities include

#1. Sightseeing

As you cruise along the Columbia River, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Columbia River Gorge. The cruises often provide opportunities for passengers to take in the scenery and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

#2. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Centers

Many Columbia River cruises focus on the historic Lewis and Clark expedition. Passengers may have the chance to visit interpretive centers and learn about the journey of Lewis and Clark as they explored the Pacific Northwest.

#3. Wine Tasting

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its wine production. Some Columbia River cruises offer wine-themed activities, including visits to local wineries for tastings and learning about the wine-making process.

#4. Shore Excursions

Depending on the cruise itinerary, passengers may have the opportunity to go on shore excursions at various ports of call along the Columbia River. These excursions can include visits to historic sites, museums, and local attractions.

#5. Wildlife Viewing

The Columbia River and its surrounding areas are home to diverse wildlife. Passengers may have the chance to spot bald eagles, ospreys, seals, and other marine and bird species during the cruise.

#6. Cultural Immersion

Columbia River cruises often provide opportunities to learn about the local culture and communities in the region. This can include interactions with local artisans, performances by indigenous groups, and visits to historical sites.

#7. Evening Entertainment

In the evenings, Columbia River cruises often offer various entertainment options, such as live music performances, dancing, and themed events. Passengers can enjoy the onboard nightlife and socialize with other travelers.

Columbia River Cruises Viking

Viking is a popular river cruise line that offers cruises on the Columbia River. It offers various itineraries and activities on its Columbia River cruises with its fleet of ships, such as Viking Jupiter, Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, and more. Viking Columbia River cruises depart from Portland, Oregon, and feature active activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Relaxed activities include wine tastings and hikes. Ports include Astoria, Oregon, the Dalles, and Cape Disappointment.

Benefits of Columbia River Cruises With Viking

#1. Exclusive Pricing and Transparent Booking Process

Viking offers exclusive pricing for their Columbia River cruises. They aim to provide a transparent booking process, ensuring that customers have access to the best flight options and pricing.

#2. Recommended Flights and Convenient Changes

Viking’s My Viking Air program provides recommended flights that are compatible with the cruise itinerary, allowing plenty of time for embarkation and disembarkation. Passengers have the convenience of making changes to their flight itinerary online through the My Viking Journey guest portal or over the phone with the Viking Air Plus service.

#3. Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy

Passengers have the opportunity to upgrade to Business Class or Premium Economy at special Viking rates. This allows for a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience.

#4. Real-time Flight Monitoring and 24/7 Assistance

Viking offers real-time flight monitoring and has Viking Air Experts available 24/7 to assist while passengers are in transit. This ensures that passengers have support and guidance throughout their journey.

#5. Complimentary Roundtrip Transfers

Viking provides complimentary roundtrip transfers to the ship or hotel. This adds convenience and ease to passengers’ travel arrangements.

#6. All-Inclusive Experience

Viking offers an all-inclusive experience, which means that many aspects of your cruise are included in the upfront price. This includes accommodations, onboard meals, daily guided shore excursions, onboard entertainment, and Wi-Fi access.

#7. Small Ship Experience

Viking’s Columbia River cruises are operated on smaller ships, providing a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. This allows for a more personalized experience with fewer passengers on board.

#8. Scenic Views and Natural Beauty

Sailing along the Columbia River offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the stunning Columbia River Gorge and majestic mountains. Viking’s ships are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air balconies, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

#9. Cultural Enrichment

Viking is known for its emphasis on cultural enrichment and providing passengers with educational experiences. On Columbia River cruises, you can expect to learn about the history, geology, and indigenous cultures of the region through onboard lectures, presentations, and guided shore excursions.

#10. Exceptional Service

Viking is known for its outstanding service and attention to detail. The crew members are dedicated to providing passengers with a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience, ensuring that all your needs are met throughout the journey.

5-Day Columbia River Cruises

These 5-day cruises offer a convenient way to experience the beauty and culture of the Columbia River region in a relatively short timeframe. There are several 5-day Columbia River cruises available, with itineraries that include visits to various ports of call along the Columbia River. These cruises include

#1. American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers a 5-day riverboat cruise that starts and ends in Portland, Oregon. This cruise allows you to experience the beauty of the legendary Columbia River, including the Columbia River Gorge.

#2. USA River Cruises

On the Queen of the West, USA River Cruises provides a 5-day Columbia River cruise. You can experience a Pacific Northwest adventure and the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge on this cruise.

#3. Blue Danube Holidays

Blue Danube Holidays offers a 5-day small ship cruise on the Columbia River. This cruise takes you to popular attractions such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, Multnomah Falls, and Fort Clatsop.

#4. Anderson Travel and Tours

A 4-night/5-day trip through the Columbia River’s highlights is available via Anderson Travel and Tours. This roundtrip cruise departs from Hayden Island, Oregon, and features a Lewis & Clark theme.

#5. American Queen Steamboat Company

American Queen Steamboat Company offers a 5-day cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. This cruise takes you through the scenic Columbia River Gorge and includes stops at destinations such as Astoria, The Dalles, and Pendleton.

#6. UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures offers a 5-day cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. This expedition-style cruise allows you to explore the natural wonders of the region, including the Columbia River Gorge, Palouse Falls, and Hells Canyon.

#7. American Empress Steamboat Company

From Vancouver, Washington, the American Empress Steamboat Company offers a 5-day roundtrip cruise. With stops in places like Stevenson, The Dalles, and Astoria, this voyage explores the Columbia River Gorge.

#8. Columbia & Snake River Cruise

Cruise West offers a 5-day Columbia and Snake River cruise that starts and ends in Portland, Oregon. This cruise takes you through the majestic Columbia River Gorge and includes visits to Hood River, Mount St. Helens, and Astoria.

#9. Blount Small Ship Adventures

From Portland, Oregon, to Clarkston, Washington, Blount Small Ship Adventures provides a 5-day Columbia River trip. The Columbia River, particularly the Columbia River Gorge and the Palouse River, has a rich natural history that can be discovered on this tour.

#10. Blue Danube Holidays

Blue Danube Holidays offers a 5-day small ship cruise on the Columbia River. This cruise takes you to the town of Astoria, which is home to Victorian-era homes and the site of Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter.

Columbia River Cruises, Oregon

Columbia River Cruises in Oregon offers travelers the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns along the Columbia River. These cruises depart from Portland, Oregon, and may include stops in destinations such as Astoria, The Dalles, and Hood River. The cruises often focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition, allowing passengers to learn about the history and significance of the area. Some cruise operators that offer Columbia River cruises in Oregon include American Cruise Lines and American Queen Voyages.

Columbia River cruises in Oregon offer a variety of notable attractions, including

#1. Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic area known for its breathtaking views, waterfalls, and outdoor recreational opportunities. As you cruise along the river, you’ll have the chance to admire the stunning landscapes of this area.

#2. Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. With its two-tiered cascades, it’s a sight to behold. Some cruises may offer views of Multnomah Falls from the river.

#3. Bridge of the Gods

The Bridge of the Gods is a historic steel truss bridge that spans the Columbia River. It connects Oregon and Washington and offers impressive views from both the bridge itself and the river below.

#4. Bonneville Dam

Located on the Columbia River, Bonneville Dam is a hydroelectric facility that provides power to the region. Some cruises may pass by the dam, allowing passengers to see this engineering marvel up close.

#5. Historic Towns

Along the Columbia River, you’ll encounter several charming towns with rich histories and unique attractions. Astoria, The Dalles, and Hood River are just a few examples of towns that may be included in the cruise itinerary.

#6. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Centers

Many Columbia River cruises have a focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition. You may have the opportunity to visit interpretive centers or landmarks that commemorate their journey and learn about their exploration of the region.

#7. Vineyards and Wineries

The Columbia River Valley is renowned for its vineyards and wineries. As you cruise along the river, you may have the opportunity to visit some of these wineries, where you can enjoy wine tastings and learn about the local wine production.

How Much Does It Cost To Cruise the Columbia River?

Columbia River cruises can vary in cost depending on the cruise operator, duration, and amenities included. Columbia River cruises range from $1,400 to $6,100 per person. However, the average price for a 7-9-day itinerary is between $4,000 and $5,000 per person.

What Is the Best Month For The Columbia River Cruise?

The best month for a Columbia River cruise is during the summer months (June, July, and August) when you can expect warm weather, long sunny days, and the highest chance of clear skies. However, the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) can also be great alternatives with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Although the weather can be unpredictable, rain is possible throughout the year.

What Cruise Lines Sail On The Columbia River?

Several cruise lines offer sailings on the Columbia River, including American Cruise Lines and American Queen Voyages. American Cruise Lines operates the Queen of the West ship and offers cruises from April to October, while American Queen Voyages offers cruises from April to November.

Why Is The Columbia River Cruise So Expensive?

The Columbia River cruise can be expensive due to limited availability, the inclusive nature of the packages, the unique experience offered, and the use of smaller ships. Pricing can vary depending on factors such as the cruise line, itinerary, cabin type, and time of year.

Do You Need A Passport To Go On A Cruise?

The requirement for a passport on a cruise depends on factors such as citizenship and the type of cruise. For U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises, a state-issued ID and an original U.S. birth certificate may suffice, although having a valid passport is highly recommended. It is best to check with the cruise line and relevant authorities for specific passport requirements based on the itinerary and citizenship.

How Much Is One Cruise Ticket?

The cost of a cruise ticket can vary widely depending on several factors such as the cruise line, destination, duration of the cruise, cabin type, and time of year. The average cost of a cruise ticket is around $1,293 per person. However, the pricing can range from as low as $171 per person for a shorter cruise to as high as $94,999 per person for luxury or specialty cruises.

Conclusion

Departing from Portland and Spokane, these cruises offer scenic views, historic exploration, cultural immersion, outdoor activities, and wine-themed itineraries, making them a memorable travel experience. Viking is a popular river cruise line offering Columbia River cruises departing from Portland, Oregon. The cruises are operated on smaller ships, providing a personalized experience with stunning natural beauty. Viking also emphasizes cultural enrichment and exceptional service. 5-day Columbia River cruises offer a convenient way to experience the region’s beauty and culture in a short timeframe. Columbia River Cruises in Oregon offers travelers the chance to explore the beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns along the Columbia River.