american
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American Cruise Lines on the Columbia and Snake Rivers
Photos and Videos by Gerry and Pamela Barker
American Encore
By GERRY BARKER
For Cruise News
American Cruise Lines is having a moment.
In operation for over a half-century, the most successful U.S. river cruising line is riding a crest of success, as cruising America’s waterways has never been more popular. With over 25 ships and 50 itineraries in 35 states, cruises are all but sold out for the rest of the year, and over 70 percent booked for 2027.
Built in the USA, flagged here and featuring American crews, ships across the fleet are celebrating the country’s 250th birthday in grand style.
That includes their newest and largest ship, the crown jewel of the fleet, American Encore, launched in May and the first riverboat ever christened in Lewiston, Idaho.
Encore is one of six ships deployed on their most popular itinerary, the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Eager to experience both Encore and travel the Columbia River Gorge, my partner-in-travel Pam and I packed our bags and headed out from the Palm Beaches to our embarkation city, Portland, Oregon, where we had a pre-cruise hotel stay before starting our nine-day cruise.
READ MORE ON CRUISE NEWS.
READ MORE: In the Steps of Lewis and Clark on American Encore
Pamela Barker's TRAVEL BISTRO PODCAST
For Cruise News
American Cruise Lines is having a moment.
In operation for over a half-century, the most successful U.S. river cruising line is riding a crest of success, as cruising America’s waterways has never been more popular. With over 25 ships and 50 itineraries in 35 states, cruises are all but sold out for the rest of the year, and over 70 percent booked for 2027.
Built in the USA, flagged here and featuring American crews, ships across the fleet are celebrating the country’s 250th birthday in grand style.
That includes their newest and largest ship, the crown jewel of the fleet, American Encore, launched in May and the first riverboat ever christened in Lewiston, Idaho.
Encore is one of six ships deployed on their most popular itinerary, the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Eager to experience both Encore and travel the Columbia River Gorge, my partner-in-travel Pam and I packed our bags and headed out from the Palm Beaches to our embarkation city, Portland, Oregon, where we had a pre-cruise hotel stay before starting our nine-day cruise.
READ MORE ON CRUISE NEWS.
READ MORE: In the Steps of Lewis and Clark on American Encore
Pamela Barker's TRAVEL BISTRO PODCAST
Follow Along on 'Encore' in Photos and Videos
Multnomah Falls and Boarding American Encore
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FACT: Multnomah Falls is 620 feet high and attracts more than two million people yearly. It is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States.
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About American Encore
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Cruising the Columbia River
A day to relax and explore the ship. Far left: Entering the Cascade Locks.
Kalama, WA. and Mount St. Helens
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At Kalama, WA. we went on the Mount St. Helens Scenic Drive. It was a five-hour excursion and low clouds, fog and light rain obscured our view of the volcano that erupted in 1980 and claimed 57 lives.
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Exploring Astoria, OR.
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Excursion: Astoria Local Loop
The Flavel House Museum is a 11,600-square-foot Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion in Astoria, Built in 1885, its tower was built specifically "so its owner could look out over the mouth of the Columbia River and watch incoming ships clear the hazardous Columbia River Bar."
Fully restored to its 1885 status, it features six , hand-carved fireplace mantels. A grand mahogany staircase leads to the upstairs bedrooms and the tower. It was built by Captain George Flavel, "a wealthy Columbia River bar pilot and Astoria's first millionaire. Film fans will recognize the exterior of the house from the classic 1985 movie The Goonies. It is the museum where Mikey’s father works as a curator." |
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Shore Excursion:
Waterfront Oyster and Winery Experience Travel to a scenic, family-run oyster farm located in the historic village of Oysterville, WA. along Willapa Bay on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Guests enjoy a multi-course culinary experience featuring ultra-fresh raw oysters that taste directly of the ocean, followed by warm, smoky barbecued oysters. The farm's owners are your hosts, with Pacific Northwest wines paired to each oyster course. You learn about the multi-generational family history of the farm and regional methods used to plant, grow, and harvest world-class oysters. |
Cruising the Columbia River
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The Dalles, OR. Local Loop Excursion
On the right, Encore guests get a view of Mt. Hood, rising 11,249 feet
The National Neon Sign Museum
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Fort Dalles Museum and the Anderson Homestead
The Dalles has between 33 and 40 murals spread throughout downtown,
and some have interactive elements, featuring audio narration
from local tribal voices, artists, and historians.
and some have interactive elements, featuring audio narration
from local tribal voices, artists, and historians.
Richland, WA. and Its Role in the Manhattan Project
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Shore Excursion:
Kiona Vineyards and Winery in Benton City, WA. Kiona Vineyards and Winery "is a family-owned estate that's helped shape the story of Washington wine for over five decades, located 20 minutes by motorcoach from the ship. Nestled in the heart of the Red Mountain AVA - one of the state's most celebrated winegrowing regions - Kiona was the first vineyard planted on Red Mountain in 1975, and its legacy of viticultural excellence continues today under the third generation of the Williams family. Enjoy the sweeping vineyard views from their inviting tasting room, a perfect place to relax and soak in the striking landscape of rolling vines and distant mountains. You will enjoy a short guided walk through the vineyard before moving to the tasting room to sample the curated wine menu." |
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Clarkston, WA. and Hells Canyon
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Hells Canyon Jet Boat Adventure
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Shore Excursion:
Rivaura Winery and Tasting Photos by Pamela Barker 
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A sunset seen from American Encore paints the sky on the Columbia River
