See the U.S.A. in a New Way: Float Along on a Grand Pacific Northwest River Cruise

A Spectacular New 16-Day Itinerary

Starting in May 2027, American Cruise Lines will debut a 16-day “Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers” itinerary through the spectacular Pacific Northwest. Sailing roundtrip from Portland, Oregon aboard a brand-new 180-guest ship, travelers will explore Lewis & Clark heritage sites, sip regional wines, admire towering waterfalls and rugged cliffs, savor regional cuisine, and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Mount Hood.

What truly sets this itinerary apart is its length and depth of exploration. Over two full weeks, travelers will visit a wide range of U.S. Pacific Northwest destinations including Astoria, St. Helens, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, Stevenson, and more. For guests who enjoy staying active, opportunities abound — from hiking and biking to river rafting and kayaking.

Sail in Style on a New River Ship

Best of all, travelers will take their unforgettable journey aboard the new, 180-guest American Anthem, a stylish vessel in American Cruise Lines’ “Modern Riverboat” class. Designed with contemporary interior spaces, the ship offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for scenic cruising. Guests will enjoy amenities including:

• A stunning multi-story atrium
• An indoor fitness center
• A Sky Deck with outdoor café dining
• Multiple lounges for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying live entertainment

One standout space is the Sky Lounge, where panoramic windows showcase the river scenery in every direction. Accommodations are equally impressive: all staterooms and suites feature private balconies. The showstopper is the ship’s 1,010-square-foot Signature Suite — the largest suite available on any river ship today — with a wraparound balcony offering breathtaking 180-degree views.

“This ship also features a unique bow design that allows crew members to extend a gangway directly to the riverbank — meaning guests can easily walk ashore, even if the port doesn’t have a dock.” — Shelby Steudle, President, Pavlus Travel

And during five days of scenic cruising along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, guests can soak in spectacular landscapes from the Sun Deck, their private balcony, or one of the ship’s lounges. Onboard lectures, enrichment programs, destination-focused programming, and live entertainment further elevate the guest experience.

Highlights Along the Journey

The journey begins with a complimentary hotel stay in Portland. The following day, guests travel to Stevenson, Washington — stopping to admire the spectacular 620-foot Multnomah Falls — before boarding the ship. Here are just a few of the port call highlights awaiting travelers:

“Throughout the itinerary, guests can choose from a robust range of excursions — many included in the cruise fare. Options include city tours, cultural experiences, wine tastings, eco-excursions, visits to historic sites, and active adventures.” — Shelby Steudle, President, Pavlus Travel

Even More Adventures Ashore

The exploration continues across additional fascinating ports of call:

• The Dalles, Oregon — Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, or explore local attractions on a convenient hop-on, hop-off shuttle.
• Richland, Washington — Stroll through the REACH Museum, focusing on geology, Native history, and Cold War science.
• Pendleton, Oregon — Step beneath the streets to explore the town’s fascinating underground city and tunnels.
• Clarkston, Washington — Experience a thrilling jet-boat ride through Hells Canyon or scenic flightseeing over the Columbia River Gorge — North America’s deepest river gorge.
• Walla Walla, Washington — Stroll along charming streets and enjoy tastings during a guided wine excursion to two local wineries.

At the journey’s end, the ship returns to Stevenson, completing an unforgettable Pacific Northwest river vacation.

Planning Your Grand River Cruise

“These sailings are likely to fill quickly, so it’s best to speak with a personal travel planner soon. Some departures are already sold out, although good availability exists on other dates.” — Shelby Steudle, President, Pavlus Travel

Pavlus offers its customers a Best Pricing Guarantee. Personal travel planners will apply the latest money-saving promotions and any added-value perks. Plus, they provide top-notch personalized service. Best of all, Pavlus never charges a service fee.

Want to Cruise the Pacific Northwest Sooner?

The first departure of this new itinerary isn’t until May 2027 — but travelers eager to experience the region in 2026 or earlier in 2027 have excellent options. Pavlus’ skilled personal travel planners can help you find the perfect alternative.

For example, American Cruise Lines offers a nine-day Columbia River Gorge Cruise sailing roundtrip from Portland. Fares start around $4,125 per person on the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Pride. ACL’s “Modern Riverboats” such as American Harmony also operate this itinerary.

Another excellent option comes from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions; two of its 62-passenger ships offer an eight-day “Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History” itinerary with fares starting from $4,900 per person.

Contact Pavlus Travel for the best pricing, any value-added perks, and excellent service with no service fee. The travel agency is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

Explore America by River

Prefer another U.S. river adventure? Viking operates multiple Mississippi River itineraries — a superb way to discover America’s heartland. American Cruise Lines also sails the Mississippi, New York’s Hudson River, the Ohio River, and even Florida’s waterways.

Wherever you’d like to cruise, one fact is certain: a Pavlus personal travel planner can help you find the perfect itinerary at the absolute best price and value.