Welcome Aboard
Your Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise Clarkston, WA to Portland, OR Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Table of Contents
Welcome.....................................................3 Ports of Call................................................4 Getting to Clarkston and Your Ship.............6 Boarding Your Ship.....................................8 What to Bring.............................................9 Meals & Cocktails.......................................10 Shore Tour General Information..................11 General Onboard Information.....................12 Concluding Your Cruise..............................13 Port by Port Shore Tour Details...................14 Recommended Reading...............................19
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Welcome Aboard Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines. From your reservation to your experience aboard your ship, American Cruise Lines is with you every step of the way. Your cruise specialist is always just a phone call away and will be happy to assist you with everything from celebrating a special occasion to ensuring that your stateroom is just the way you like it.
The following pages will answer many of your questions about the cruise and your onboard experience. Your cruise specialist is available and can be reached at (800) 894-8570. www.americancruiselines.com
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Co
Oce Pac ific
r ive
Portland
Spokane
WASHINGTON
R ia
an
b lum
Astoria
Snake Rive r
Mount St. Helens
Richland
Stevenson Multnomah Col. River Go r ge Falls
Mount Hood
Columbia Rive r
The Dalles
Umatilla
Lewiston
Clarkston Pendleton
IDAHO
OREGON
Ports of Call Clarkston, WA
Stevenson, WA
Pendleton, OR
Astoria, OR*
Richland, WA
The Dalles, OR
Mt. St. Helens Portland, OR
Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents.
* Some cruises may go to Astoria, OR via motor coach from Rainier, OR. 4
Twin Sisters rock formation at Wallula Gap on the Columbia River
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Getting to Clarkston and the Queen of the West Quality Inn
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Bridge St
Clarkston 128 15th St
Main
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129 129
Fleshma n
Wa y
12
er
12 St
C le
ar
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Lewiston Bry an y den C
Spokane International Airport is often the best airport to fly into, as it is serviced regularly by most major airlines. Amtrak also provides regular train
Port Drive
5th St
Flying or Taking the Train into Spokane, WA
Riv
er
ke Sna
er R iv
6th St
Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport is the closest airport to the ship. It is serviced by many airlines, and is 5 miles from the ship by taxi.
Port Way
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Port of Clarkston 849 Port Way Clarkston, WA 99403
Flying Into Lewiston, ID:
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128
Snake River
Queen of the West Will Be Docked At:
To Spokane 95
at
Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy. If you arrive the day before your cruise, each hotel listed offers a special rate for American Cruise Lines guests and complimentary parking for the duration of the cruise.
128
on Rd
1 mile
Bryden Ave
Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport
service to the Spokane train station. If you arrive the day before your cruise, you may stay in the Spokane Hilton Garden Inn and take advantage of American Cruise Lines’ shuttle to the ship departing from the hotel at 8:30 a.m.
Spokane, WA area hotel
Clarkston, WA area hotels
Hilton Garden Inn Spokane Airport 9015 U.S. 2 Spokane, WA 99224 Hotel Reservations: (509) 244-5866
If you are arriving the day before your cruise, there are two hotels located near the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate:
For hotel and shuttle prices and reservations, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570
Driving to Clarkston, WA:
The Queen of the West will be docked at the Port of Clarkston, located at 849 Port Way, Clarkston, WA. Upon arrival on Saturday, you will see American Cruise Lines deckhands in bright red shirts ready to assist you. You may drop your bags off at the ship before parking, so that they may be brought to your stateroom in advance. Parking is complimentary at the port.
Quality Inn & Suites 849 Port Dr. Clarkston, WA 99403 Reservations: (509) 758-9500
This hotel is located at the Queen of the West’s dock. Red Lion Hotel Lewiston 621 21st Street Lewiston, ID 83501 Reservations: (208) 799-1000
Hilton Garden Inn Spokane Airport 9015 U.S. 2 Spokane, WA 99224 Reservations: (509) 224-5866
American Cruise Lines offers a shuttle from this hotel to the ship. For more information, prices, or to reserve a space on the shuttle, please call your Cruise Specialist at 1-800894-8570. Subject to change.
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Boarding Your Ship Boarding Time
Please plan to arrive at the ship between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You may not be able to access your stateroom until about 11:30 a.m. The ship will leave at 1:30 p.m. or earlier if all guests have arrived.
From the moment you arrive, everything will be handled for you. American Cruise Lines deckhands wear a distinctive red shirt and will unload your luggage from your car or taxi and bring it to your stateroom aboard the ship. Please keep your boarding passes with you, as it is not necessary for you to stay with your luggage.
The Cruise Director will be awaiting your arrival at the gangway of the ship. Please present your boarding passes and photo ID at this time.
Luggage and Luggage Tags
American Cruise Lines places no restrictions on luggage. However, it is recommended that you bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed. You will be receiving luggage tags with your boarding pass before your cruise. If you would like additional tags, your cruise specialist will be happy to send you more. If you have cruised with us before, please remove your old luggage tags. 8
Subject to change.
What to Bring Casual resort attire is recommended both on the ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sport shirt and slacks, with sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater and slacks, or a dress appropriate.
American Cruise Lines also recommends that you bring the following: • • • • • • • •
Comfortable resort attire Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen Hat Light rain wear Jacket for cool evenings Camera Photo identification
Please do not hesitate to ask your Hotel Manager for any item that you may have forgotten.
The Columbia River Gorge
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Meals and Cocktails American Cruise Lines offers open seating at every meal in the Dining Salon on the Main Deck. Dress is resort attire. At dinner, men often wear a sport coat and women often wear a dress. Breakfast is prepared to order at your leisure between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m.
Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and you are welcome to join us at any time before 7:30 p.m. American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening at 5:30 p.m. before dinner. 10
Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.
Special Diets and Medications
American Cruise Lines will work to cater to any dietary needs. Please tell your cruise specialist approximately two weeks prior to your cruise so that we may plan accordingly. Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection.
Shore Tours Please note that all shore tours are subject to availability and change. Your onshore experience is as important as your onboard experience, so American Cruise Lines has taken special care to research and plan excursions at each port. With American Cruise Lines, you will experience what makes each destination a special place. Every tour will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you true insight to the area’s culture, heritage and history. On each excursion, you’ll be joined by local experts, historians or naturalists to further enhance your experience.
For detailed descriptions of each tour, please see pages 14-19. For additional information about the places you will visit or alternative activities available, your Cruise Director or onboard guest speaker will be happy to help.
Shore excursions come in one of three categories:
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P
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Featured tours are complimentary to all guests. Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be Premium paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise. Signature tours are limitedavailability excursions. We Signature recommend that you reserve and pay for these tours in advance with your Cruise Specialist. Featured
You may sign up for most tours onboard with the Cruise Director. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to making your onshore experience a true American Adventure.
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General Onboard Information American Cruise Lines will work to meet your onboard needs and cater to special requests. If at any point there is an item that you would like to see provided, please let your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director know and American Cruise Lines will work to meet your needs.
Emergency Messages
Emergency messages can be directed to the main office in Connecticut at (800) 894-8570. They will be relayed to the ship at the first opportunity. You are urged to provide American Cruise Lines with email addresses and cellular phone numbers, as well as an emergency contact prior to your departure date. Cell
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phones are generally available onboard the ship for emergency purposes.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your personal discretion. Tips are generally given to the Hotel Manager near the end of the cruise. They are then divided equally among the stewards and deckhands. Tips generally average about $125 per person on a 7-night cruise. Stewards and deckhands do not expect and cannot accept tips directly. Credit cards, personal or travelers checks, and cash are accepted. If you choose to pay by credit card, please contact the Hotel Manager at least one day before the end of your cruise.
Concluding Your Cruise On most cruises, the ship will arrive in Portland on the evening prior to the last day of the cruise. The ship docks at The Red Lion Hotel on the River–Jantzen Beach, 909 N. Hayden Island Dr., Portland, OR 97217. If you are flying home, American Cruise Lines recommends that you fly from the Portland International Airport. On the last day of the cruise, breakfast will be served from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. You may disembark until approximately 8:30 a.m.
Subject to change.
End of Cruise Transportation Services American Cruise Lines offers the following transportation at the end of your cruise:
From the ship to the Portland International Airport—departs the ship at 8:30 a.m. Taxis are also typically available at the ship.
For more information, prices, or for other transportation that may be available, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570. During your cruise, the Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will also be happy to assist you with travel arrangements.
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Port by Port Shore Tour Details
Recommended Pre Cruise Tour
Clarkston, Washington Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour
Subject to change
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Note: This tour is only available the day before your cruise departs. Please contact American Cruise Lines Customer Service at (800) 894-8570 to make arrangements, and plan on arriving in Clarkston the day before your cruise.
American Cruise Lines recommends that you take a jet boat tour into Hells Canyon. The narrow river gives you access to the deepest canyon in North America, where you will enjoy dramatic landscapes and wildlife as your captain points out the most famous areas.
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R ichland, Washington Winery Tour
F
Known as “The Heart of Washington Wine Country,” the Tri-Cities region houses more than 160 wineries within a 50 mile radius. Sample award winning wines and enjoy breathtaking views of beautiful vineyards on this narrated winery tour. Sharing the same latitude as the world-famous Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France, the Columbia Valley has the perfect soil conditions and temperatures for making great wines. The Tri-Cities’ area wineries offer a comfortable setting to experience world-class wines. Visit the Columbia Valley and discover the Heart of Washington Wine Country.
Pendleton, Oregon
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The following three attractions are on an all day Signature tour. Lunch is included at Hamley’s Restaurant.
Pendleton Underground Tour Experience a trip underground and into Pendleton’s intriguing and entertaining past. The Pendleton Underground Tour shows you the secrets that lie beneath the streets of this lively town. A network of hidden basalt-rock tunnels link restored buildings, allowing you to see the way they were constructed in the 1800s.
Tamástslikt Cultural Institute Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and hospitality of the people who have lived on this land for more than 10,000 years. Experience the storied past, rich present and bright future of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes, through interactive exhibits, special events and a Living Culture Village. There will be time after the tour to explore on your own.
Pendleton Woolen Tour Pendleton Mills has been producing famous woolens since 1909, including Native American blankets inspired by ancient designs and legends. Tour the renowned facility and learn about how woolen products are created. There will be time after the tour to visit the gift shop where you can purchase woven goods produced on site.
The Dalles
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
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Enjoy a guided visit and time for self guided exploration at this fascinating center which displays the natural and cultural history of the region. Exhibits and films highlight the cultural diversity of Gorge inhabitants and a special demonstration, offered in collaboration with the Rowena Wildlife Project, educates visitors about the birds of prey that live in the Columbia Gorge.
Maryhill Museum of Art
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Come explore one of the Pacific Northwest’s most fascinating cultural destinations The Maryhill Museum
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of Art’s world-class collections rang from early 20th century European works to an extensive Native American collection. Set on a stunning 5,300-acre site overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge.
Stevenson, Washington Multnomah Falls
F
Visit the breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States. Enjoy the falls from the Visitor Center or hike the paved trail to Benson Bridge where you can get up close views of the falls.
Bonneville Dam & Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
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Multnomah Falls
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At Bonneville Dam you will enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of Bonneville Dam and learn all about fisheries and hydropower of the area. After the Dam tour visit the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center, where you will enjoy a 1-hour self-guided tour. At the Interpretive Center, you will learn about the bountiful life of the Columbia River Gorge and all it has to offer.
Astoria, OR
Mt. St. Helens
Mount St. Helens Tour
F
A scenic bus ride takes you to the Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory. The observatory sits on a bluff overlooking the crater and offers views of Mt. St. Helens’ lava dome, pumice plain, and the landslide deposit.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria City Tour and Fort Clatsop
P
A nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail, Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and today showcases more than 70 Victorian-era homes in its unique historic district. In the winter of 1805-06 the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery headquartered 17
here at Fort Clatsop. Following Clark’s own sketches, a replica of the fort was built near the original site in 1955, and was eventually deemed a national monument. After the fort, visit the famous Astoria Column with panoramic views of the city, snowcapped peaks of the Cascade Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.
Columbia River Maritime Museum
F
The Columbia River Maritime Museum is one of the premier maritime museums on the West Coast and is the official maritime museum of the state of Oregon. As your guide leads you through the museum, experience what it is like to pilot a tugboat and participate in a Coast Guard rescue. The museum features an exhibit called Crossing the Bar. This exhibit takes a look at the legendary Columbia River entrance where the forces of the mighty Columbia River and Pacific Ocean meet.
Cape Disappointment
P
Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Cape Disappointment State Park and visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive 18
Center, situated high on the cliffs 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized
Cape Disappointment
“timeline” panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs and the words of Corps members themselves. The center also features a short film presentation, a gift shop and a glassedin observation deck with fabulous views of the river, headlands and sea.
Portland, Oregon Narrated City Tour
Recommended Reading
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Learn all about the City of Roses on this narrated tour of Portland, OR. Tour highlights include downtown Portland, local bridges, the Rose Gardens and Japanese Test Gardens. After the tour you will certainly see why many consider Portland to be one of the top ten most livable cities in the world.
Portland, OR
Visible Bones: Journeys Across Time in the Columbia River Country by Jack Nisbet Publisher: Sasquatch Books “Nisbet makes the landscape come alive on many levels, historical, biological and cultural. The writing is high quality and engaging. It is clear he cares for and knows the place he writes about.” –The Seattle Times The Journals of Lewis and Clark (Lewis & Clark Expedition) by Meriwether Lewis, William Clark Publisher: Penguin Classics “I very much enjoyed reading the Journals of Lewis & Clark. Although they were edited before publication, it is obvious that they were written day by day as they happened. . . . Good reading.”–Amazon review The Columbia River: A Historical Travel Guide by Jo Ann Roe Burkhart Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing “Her book provides a wealth of information and would make a great trip companion. However, it is not a travel guide in the practical sense. It provides fascinating reading for those interested in the Pacific Northwest and the large role the Columbia River has played in the region’s history.” 19
Thank you for cruising with us! (800) 894-8570 www.americancruiselines.com
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437 (800) 894-8570 140613