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The cruise wasn’t long, but it gave us a different perspective on what people call “the Mighty Columbia.” And it was a relaxing way to enjoy dinner with a group. The Sternwheeler, Columbia Gorge, spends the summer months taking tourists, diners and partygoers on the Columbia River. During each cruise, Captain Tom provides narration about the history of the area and points out any wildlife we might encounter. You never know when you might spot an eagle or a family of deer. After a full day of hiking in the Columbia River Gorge we got in line for our chartered dinner cruise on the Sternwheeler, Columbia Gorge, docked at Cascade Locks, Oregon. As we chatted in line, an imposing figure came up the gangway.
Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise – American West
Watch Native American tribes fish from their legendary platforms as they have for centuries. Scenic rides, brunch and dinner cruises and interpretive tours provide 360-degree breathtaking vistas. Just as in days of old, join us aboard the replica sternwheeler Columbia Gorge for a truly impressive cruise along the picturesque Columbia River. We will carefully select partner caterers and restaurants, pairing their fares with local craft beers and locally grown wines.
Columbia River Cruise Map
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Seasonal Dinner Cruise
Serving local wines and fresh cuisine, the West Star is a perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion or to make an ordinary weekend extraordinary. With large picture windows you will have the best view of the sunset and city lights. American Cruise Lines, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic and UnCruise Adventures all sail on the Columbia River. The price per person depends on your cruise's inclusions and the month you travel. The Sternwheeler operates in Portland from November through April.
SIGHTSEEING BOAT CRUISES
One of the most exciting opportunities is the repositioning cruise when the sternwheeler moves from Portland to Cascade Locks and vice versa. These twice-a-year cruises offer participants a chance to take a longer cruise on the Columbia Gorge and go through the locks at Bonneville Dam. After dinner, the vessel headed downstream and we returned to the upper deck with jackets. Captain Tom pointed out the Native American fishing platforms. Dusk is an ideal time for fishing, so there were Native families (they have fishing rights) out on the platforms fishing just as their ancestors had done. Discover dining and expedition cruises with breathtaking views along the Columbia River.
However, if you are ever dissatisfied with any aspect of our service or our Web site, pleaseclick hereto tell me about it. I will respond as quickly as possible, and always within 24 hours. The Columbia River is home to hundreds of fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles and marine mammals.
Day 4: Kalama, Washington
We offer sightseeing-only cruising options on any of our regular public cruises. Come join us at daytime or sunset… even if you want to skip the meal and just take a relaxing boat ride. The sternwheeler has a full bar so we made our way to the upper deck with cocktails in hand for a 360-degree view of the Columbia River.
Columbia Gorge Summer Travel
We headed for the main cabin and sat comfortably at tables for eight. Since we were a group that knew each other, it was perfect. One of our friends, celebrating his birthday, purchased a bottle of wine for the table.
River cruise boat breaks loose in winter storm, smashes into footbridge in Cascade Locks - Fox 12 Oregon
River cruise boat breaks loose in winter storm, smashes into footbridge in Cascade Locks.
Posted: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
STERNWHEELER DINNER CRUISE
This experience includes a 2-hour cruise, plated entrée selected by each guest on board, house salad, bread and house dessert. Appetizers, premium desserts and other drinks from the full-service bar are available for purchase onboard. USA River Cruise agents would love to find the perfect Columbia River cruise excursion for you and your family. We have several wonderful small ships ranging from six to 250 passengers, ready to transport you beyond your everyday experience. The West Star has three outdoor decks and two elegant dining salons that can host a 100-person reception or 80-person dinner.
We have a variety of different cruises to choose from with delicious meals prepared fresh daily by our own chefs. River cruises in general are typically more expensive than ocean cruises due to the ships being smaller and available in a smaller quantity. River cruises, including ones on the Columbia, are also more excursion-focused than ocean cruises, which further increases the price per person. However, the fall months are ideal for wine lovers as this is the the harvest and crush happen. Check out our guide on cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers for more planning tips.
Every Sunday during the season, you can board the vessel at Cascade Locks and leave your worries behind for a fun-filled and unforgettable brunch cruise. You can take a sightseeing tour, a brunch cruise, a dinner cruise or join in on a specialty cruise like the 4th of July Fireworks cruise. It has seating for 232 passengers for plated meals, an on-board galley, two full-service bars and is licensed to carry 599 people. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler was built in Hood River, Oregon by Nichols Boat Works and was launched in 1983. On April 19, 2006, the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler became the first and only paddle-boat leased by American Waterways, Inc.
It was Captain Tom Cramblett, also the mayor of scenic Cascade Locks. He greeted each of us and then headed to the wheelhouse. Experience Portland's love of brunch with a 2-hour cruise brunch on the Willamette River. Have a delectable three course dinner served to your own private table onboard our luxurious yacht.
River cruise lines on the Columbia and Snake Rivers typically operate from April to November, with no month being a particularly bad time to sail. Spring months can be rainy, especially along the western part of the Columbia River, while July and August are hot. In early fall, the vineyards are remarkable, so wine lovers should look to travel in early October when the harvest and crush occur.
We invite you to join us onboard – bring your friends, families, and appetites. We pride ourselves on providing decadent fare for every food preference –from vegan to meat lover. Our chefs tailor specialty dishes in our off-site kitchen and onboard galley to meet guests' needs.
Since the boat doesn’t travel very fast and there was some sun remaining in the day, we settled into the seats on the open deck. What a backdrop… the cliffs of the Columbia Gorge and the wide river. We are pleased to share with you exclusive and unique way to explore the Columbia River. Experience a breathtaking Tri-Cities’ sunset, Northwest wines, fine cuisine aboard our 74-foot luxury yacht.
