Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Welcome Aboard Your Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA
Table of Contents
Welcome.....................................................3 Itinerary Overview......................................4 Getting to Portland 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..............................14 End of Cruise Transportation Services.........14 Port by Port Shore Tour Details...................15 Recommended Reading...............................19
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Twin Sisters rock formation at Wallula Gap on the Columbia River
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
Multnomah Col. River Go r ge Falls
Mount Hood
Lewiston
Richland
Stevenson
Clarkston
Columbia Rive r
The Dalles
Umatilla
Pendleton
OREGON
Ports of Call Portland, OR
The Dalles, OR
Mt. St. Helens
Richland, WA
Astoria, OR
Stevenson, WA
Pendleton, OR
Clarkston, WA
Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents. Columbia River Gorge 4
IDAHO
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Getting to Portland and the Queen of the West Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Vancouver
Your Ship Will Be Docked At:
Red Lion Hotel on the River– Jantzen Beach 909 N. Hayden Island Dr. Portland, OR 97217 (503) 283-4466
NH
Exit 1 ay
de
nI
s.
Dr
Exit 308 Exit 307
NE Martin Luther KIng Jr. Blvd
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Subject to change.
and C
lark H
wy
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Exit 27
Portland International Airport NE C
Portland International Airport is the closest airport to the ship and the easiest airport to fly into. It is serviced by most major and regional airlines, and is only approximately 15 minutes from the ship. Amtrak provides regular train service to 30 the Portland Train Station located in downtown Portland. It is only approximately 15 minutes from the ship by taxi.
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Lewis
Columbia Rive r
Flying Into Portland
Taking the Train to Portland
Red Lion Hotel
olum
bia B
lvd
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405
Downtown Portland
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30 2 miles
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Exit 23B
Exit 24
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Driving to Portland
The Queen of the West will be docked at the Red Lion Hotel on the River–Jantzen Beach, located at 909 N. Hayden Island Dr., Portland, OR. 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 hotel.
Staying in Portland
The Queen of the West is docked at the Red Lion Hotel on the River–Jantzen Beach. If you arrive the day before your cruise, it is easiest to stay at this hotel. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate. If you are flying into Portland the day before your cruise, the Red Lion Hotel– Jantzen Beach offers transportation from the airport to the hotel. Please call the hotel at (503) 283-4466 to arrange this transportation.
Mt. Hood 7
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 a 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. Columbia River Gorge 9
Meals and Cocktails Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.
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.
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.
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
Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection. Subject to change.
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:
F
P
S
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 recommend that you reserve Signature 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.
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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 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
Subject to change.
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.
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Concluding Your Cruise
On most cruises, the Queen of the West will arrive in Clarkston on the evening prior to the last day of the cruise. The ship docks at the Port of Clarkston at 849 Port Way, Clarkston, WA 99403. If you are flying home, American Cruise Lines recommends that you fly from either Lewiston-Nez
Perce County Regional Airport (approximately 5 miles from the ship) or Spokane International Airport (approximately 90 miles from the ship).
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. Taxis are typically available at the ship and American Cruise Lines offers transportation to the airport for passengers flying home.
End of Cruise Transportation Services For passengers flying home, American Cruise Lines offers transportation from the ship in Clarkston to:
From the ship to the Spokane International Airport and the Spokane Hilton Garden Inn窶電eparts the ship at 7:30 a.m.
For more information, prices, or for other transportation which 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
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
Subject to change. 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 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
Fort Clatsop
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. 15
Cape Disappointment
P
Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Cape Disappointment State Park and visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, situated high on the cliffs 200 feet above
Mt. St. Helens
Mount St. Helens Tour
F
Mt. St. Helens
Cape Disappointment
the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized “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. 16
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.
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
P
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.
The Dalles
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
F
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 Multnomah Falls
P
Come explore one of the Pacific Northwest’s most fascinating cultural destinations ,The Maryhill Museum of Art’s world-class collections range from early 20th century European works to an extensive Native American 17
collection. Set on a stunning 5,300-acre site overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge
Pendleton, Oregon
The following three attractions are on an all day Signature tour. Lunch is included.
town. A network of hidden basalt-rock tunnels link restored buildings, allowing you to see the way they were constructed in the 1800s.
S
Pendleton Underground Tour Experience a trip underground and into Pendleton’s intriguing and entertaining past. The Pendleton Underground Tour shows you the secrets which lie beneath the streets of this lively
TamĂĄstslikt 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. 18
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 tour. Sharing the same latitude as the world-famous Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France, the Columbia Valley has the perfect soil conditions and temperature for making great wines. The Tri-Cities’ area wineries offer a splendid setting to experience world-class wines. Visit the Columbia Valley and discover the heart of Washington Wine Country.
Hells Canyon Jet Boat
Clarkston, Washington Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour
S
This tour must be booked before your cruise. Please call (800) 894-8570 for more information. Experience a jet boat tour on the Snake River into Hells Canyon, the deepest river canyon in North America. The narrow river gives you access to a dramatic landscape where the canyon walls tower above you. Take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife while your captain points out the most famous areas.
Nez Perce National Historic Park
F
Located in Spalding, ID, the Nez Perce National Historical Park commemorates the contributions the Nez Perce have made, and preserve sites, stories, and artifacts associated with their history and culture. At the park, you will learn about the rich history of the Nez Perce Native American tribe, who are also remembered for having saved the Lewis and Clark expedition team from starvation following their harrowing journey through the Bitterroot Mountains. 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 090314