Columbia River Cruise
I've just returned from a two-night sampler cruise on the award-winning American West Steamboat Company’s Empress of the North. It’s a delightful sternwheeler boat that cruises for seven nights from Portland, OR down the Columbia River, Oregon Trail, etc.. We departed from the conveniently located Doubletree Hotel Jantzen Beach. The hotel offers a free shuttle service from the Portland Airport and as the hotel is on the Columbia River, the boat dock and boarding area are right outside the hotel. As part of the bicentennial anniversary celebration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, you’ll visit many interesting and historic sights along the way. You'll also see beautiful scenery, several locks and dams. We docked at Stevenson, Washington, along the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Did you know “The Gorge” is the windsurfing capital of the world? We also visited Multnomah Falls and the Bonneville Dam where we watched the salmon make their way over the ladders to lay their eggs. We also visited Fort Walla Walla Museum, the Whitman Mission, Three Rivers Winery and more—in just two short days.
But you’ll want to know all about the boat, too. The Empress has four passenger decks and most cabins have a verandah. The smallest cabin is 160 square feet, but most are 200 square feet and decorated in a lovely Victorian style. Included in each stateroom is an entertainment center with color TV, wine rack with glasses, sliding table top and DVD player. There’s also a reasonably priced mini-bar, refrigerator, telephone & clock radio/CD player.
In addition to the Columbia River cruises, they also sail in the summer to Alaska, round trip from Juneau. The best part is this smaller, intimate vessel can get to areas that the large cruise ships can’t, including Glacier Bay National Park, LeConte Glacier, Alaska’s southern-most tidewater glacier and Misty Fjords.
Don't forget that shore excursions, soft drinks and gourmet coffees are included at NO extra charge!
There are discounts for those who book early, so if you want more information, call NOW. Don't forget to ask about our special group rates for 2005 Alaska and the Columbia River!
