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Sunrise over Crown Point at Columbia River

Vancouver to Clarkston

Vancouver to Clarkston - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American Empress
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Discover the best of the Pacific Northwest on this 9-day voyage from Vancouver, Washington to Clarkston, Washington aboard American Empress. Sail the Columbia and Snake rivers to explore the region's stunning coast, lush rainforests, and scenic mountains. Discover incredible hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities. Delve into the region's history, from its unique geology, to the local Indigenous cultures, to the European explorers. Get a taste of the distinctive wines grown on the slopes of the surrounding hills and mountains. Explore funky port cities such as Portland, Astoria, The Dalles, and more. 
Multnomah Falls, near Portland, OregonBridge over Columbia River to Mount HoodExplore beautiful PortlandExplore the Snake River in the Pacific Northwest of the USView the stunning Columbia River GorgeExplore the lush forests of the Pacific NorthwestVineyard on a beautiful daySunrise over Crown Point at Columbia River
Highlights
  • Explore Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies
  • Experience the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center and Bonneville Dam
  • Jet boat the Snake River through Hells Canyon
  • Discover the legacy of the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
Activity Level: Relaxed
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Vancouver, Washington

Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Day 2: Vancouver, WA | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
A suburb of Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, has taken on a distinctive identity of its own. Located in an ideal spot among Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific Coast, Vancouver boasts a newly renovated waterfront and an abundance of activities, scenic landscapes and historic attractions for all to enjoy.

Day 3: Astoria, Oregon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Astoria is known to be the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. There is no doubting the richness of the history grounded in this Columbia River town. For thousands of years, the Clatsop Tribe inhabited the lands. Today, you can climb to the top of the Astoria Column – wrapped in depictions of history – look out over the landscape toward the Pacific Ocean and watch your model wooden airplane glide through the air to its rest below.

Day 4: River Cruising

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

Day 5: Stevenson, Washington

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Stevenson embraces the adventurist – with hiking trails, hot springs and local wineries, a visitor is sure to find plenty to do. Opportunities for educational enlightenment abound within the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center and at Bonneville Dam. Consider a stop downtown to visit restaurants, cafés and small locally owned shops in which reside treasures of the Pacific Northwest.

Day 6: The Dalles, Oregon

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At the end of the overland Oregon Trail, The Dalles holds a unique place in history as a jumping-off spot for pioneers, soldiers, gold miners, adventurers, gun-slingers, floozies and scallywags. The Dalles, although a part of the Oregon High Desert, features a long growing season and a relatively warm climate that supports the growing of grapes. As a result, the region is home to a wine scene unlike any other in Oregon. Visitors will be pleased to see the rolling hills speckled with vineyards.

Day 7: Richland, Washington

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Step off the boat directly into a perfectly polished park, and take a short stroll to downtown shops, eateries and attractions. Incorporated in 1910, Richland remained a small agricultural community until it was acquired by the U.S. Army for the site of the Hanford Engineer Works – used to produce plutonium during World War II and the Cold War. Today, the historic B Reactor and other important historic venues are part of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. This and many other intriguing locations are offered as part of your experience in Richland.

Day 8: Clarkston, Washington

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Nestled at the union of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington, Clarkston is the gateway to North America’s deepest gorge – Hells Canyon – on the Snake River. Picturesque vistas, year-round mild climates and a deep history make this scenic inland port a desirable stop. Spend the day enjoying Clarkston, Washington and neighboring Lewiston, Idaho while tracing the legacy of the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark – for whom the cities are named.

Day 9: Clarkston, Washington | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider a post-cruise premium experience with airport transfer.

Ship/Hotel

American Empress

American empress2
American Empress
The American Empress is an authentic paddle wheel river boat cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Proudly serving as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River, the American Empress guests will delight in the luxurious modern amenities, gracious service and endless authentic experiences of the American Northwest.
American Empress3
river grill bar
Astoria Dining Room

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Anniversary Offer
Book by June 30, 2022, and use 10ANV to enjoy big savings on cabins plus 10% Anniversary Savings on selected voyages. Applicable to new bookings and subject to availability. Call for more details.
 
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Companion Sails Free
Book by June 30, 2022, and enjoy 50% off on selected summer voyages. Applicable to new bookings made with 22 COMPANION promotional code and subject to availability. Call for more details. 
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Traveling Solo Promo
Enjoy fares with as low as 125% single supplement on selected cabins on selected sailings in 2022! Offers expire in June 30, 2022. Call for more details.
Applies to Jul 31, 2022 departure
Risk Free Booking
Book by June 30, 2022 and enjoy a Risk free booking program that allows you to move any booking made penalty free up to 14 days prior to the departure. Effective on new bookings made between Jun 1 and Jun 30, 2022 on any voyage departing before Dec 31, 2022. Please call for more details.
Applies to all departures
Special Cabin Pricing
Book by June 30, 2022, and enjoy significant savings on select cabins on select 2022, 2023, and 2024 voyages. Applicable to new bookings, subject to availability. Please call to ensure that your preferred cabins are part of the promotion. 
Applies to all departures
Per person starting at
$1,999
American Empress Outside Stateroom
Select a Date
Outside Staterooms With Window (D)
180 sq. ft. 7 cabins located on the Explore Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Interior access.
American Empress Veranda Stateroom
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Veranda Staterooms (E)
150 sq. ft. 12 cabins located on the Vista Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Semi-private veranda, Interior and exterior access.
American Empress Deluxe Veranda
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Deluxe Veranda Staterooms (C)
180 sq. ft. 75 cabins located on the Discovery and Frontier Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Private veranda, Interior access.
American Empress Superior Veranda
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Superior Veranda Staterooms (B)
210-250 sq. ft. 9 cabins located on the Vista, Discovery and Frontier Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Sitting area, Private veranda, Interior access, Stateroom 403 features a semi-private veranda.
American Empress Single outside
Select a Date
Single Outside Stateroom With Veranda (SO)
160 sq. ft. 1 cabin located on the Frontier Deck. Single bed Full bathroom with shower, Private veranda, Interior access.
American Empress Suites with veranda
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Suites With Veranda (A)
310 sq. ft. 6 cabins located on the Vista Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Sitting area with sofa, Semi-private veranda, Interior and exterior access.
American Empress Luxury Suite
Select a Date
Luxury Suites With Veranda (LS)
410 sq. ft. 2 cabins located on the Discovery and Frontier Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Sitting area with sofa, Private veranda, Interior access Commodore Services, including a River Butler.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Excursions and activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Included on American Queen Voyages
    - One-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
    - Unlimited Beverages Open Bars and Lounges
    - Acclaimed Cuisine in Multiple Venues
    - All-Day In-Room Dining
    - Unlimited WiFi
    - Bicycles* & Hiking Sticks
    - Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
     
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Excluded on American Queen Voyages
    - Port charges
    - Optional premium shore excursions
    - Travel Protection Plan
    - Transfer to and from the airport
    - Mandatory Gratuities - Pay onboard or in advance
  • Mandatory Gratuities

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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