For anyone living in the Pacific Northwest, a typical one week cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers is both an easy getaway, and a remarkable experience. Departing either upstream from Portland, Oregon or downstream from Clarkston/Lewiston, one travels through desert to coastal rainforest or vice versa, following the route of Lewis and Clark.
Travelling by river opens up a whole new perspective not found by driving. Sure the road follows the Columbia in its lower reaches, but past the Tri-Cities, it’s just you, the river, and the wilderness. Plus the pace, the gentle breezes, and of course, the luxury of hassle free travel.
Each day will bring varied scenery and new activites- from jetboating to winetasting at top boutique wineries, viewing the engineering marvels of the locks and dams, to visiting the great Maryhill Museum. Some itineraries head out to Astoria to visit Fort Clatsop and Cape Disappointment. There are strong First Nations, cowboy, Americana, and natural history components hard to find elsewhere.
I think the best time to visit is Spring or Fall- either to catch the early warm rays and greening up of April and May, or the golden harvest season of September and October. Count on varied weather- hot in September inland, wet and cool on the coast. But summer, which brings out the windsurfers at the Dalles and more clear viewing days, is not to be dismissed.
Three companies offer similar itineraries aboard very different ships. American Cruise Lines has a dedicated paddlewheeler, Queen of the West, which plies the waters weekly from mid –April to late October. Carrying 136 passengers and with full facilities and onboard entertainment, ACL most closely resembles the service and comfort levels of typical Coastal or European river cruises. Starting at $3695 for an outside stateroom with opening windows, and the occasional unpublished discount (call us for details!), this is the most affordable, yet still pretty deluxe option. Shoreside tours tend to be pretty mainstream, but well priced and comprehensive.
National Geographic/ Lindblad utilise their twin 62 passenger expedition ships Sea Bird and Sea Lion. With kayaks and zodiac landing craft, they attract a more active, somewhat younger clientele. They maintain an open bridge policy, and are a bit flexible in their itineraries. They also offer on board bikes- so one can take these along historic Highway 30. Unlike ACL, they do not offer a coach tour to Mt. St. Helen’s, or any other major side-trip destination. The focus is on ship accessible sites. Onboard are professional expedition leaders, including photo instructors, historians and naturalists. All is included in their price, so there is no extra charge for a jet boat ride or entrance to museums. Prices start at $3990 for the six night, seven day cruise. They operate in the area only in the fall months.
Innerseas Discoveries calls themselves the ‘Uncruise Company’, and operate a single vessel, the Safari Spirit from September to November, on two distinct themed 7 night/8 daylcruises. Carrying only twelve passengers and priced from$5995, this is by definition a luxury product. Everything from transfers and taxes to onboard premium beverages and all shore trips is included. Onboard are kayaks, paddleboards, trekking poles. They caution that itineraries may change, which is a good thing! They can make up time if needed, and alter what they do and for how long dpending on local conditions.
The first program is simply called Rivers of the West, and their alternating program is named Culinary and Wine Discovery. Each have identical start and end ports, but the latter focuses less on the natural environment, with more emphasis on wine, food and culture. There are three vineyard visits and tastings versus one, and a stop at Maryhill. A tough choice, indeed- whether it be the itinerary or the cruise company!
At CruisePlus, we know the area, the operators, and can get the deals. I have personally been aboard two of these ships, and can give you unbiased advice. So please- call the Specialty Crusie Coordinator directly at (800) 550-3622, or call the main office line at (800) 854-9664
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