Vancouver Train & River Paddle Wheel Cruise
One of our most-popular packages! Amtrak train from Vancouver or Bellingham to Vancouver, WA. Board the American Empress and cruise the Columbia River in modern luxury. This is the largest overnight paddlewheel riverboat west of the Mississippi. Cruise to Astoria, The Dalles, and Stevenson. Enjoy canyons, gorges, and historic small towns. A tour is included in each stop! The Empress is authentically designed and decorated in the traditions of the Old South - great showboat entertainment & terrific food. After your cruise, enjoy 2 nights at Portland’s beautiful Benson Hotel - in the heart of the city. The train! The beautiful Benson hotel! Close to home & unique - no flying! Call us today!
American Empress Cruise Itinerary:
Nov 24: Hotel Stay - Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR) Enjoy your stay at the Hilton Vancouver Hotel. The evening is yours to venture into the city and independently explore local attractions.
WELCOME TO THE MAGNIFICENT PACIFIC NORTHWEST - This voyage through the Pacific Northwest shows you the bounty and beauty of nature, as well as the history and heritage of the people who inhabited this diverse region. The Cascade Range separates the dense forests of the coastal regions of Washington and Oregon from the arid rolling hills and wine country the Red Mountain region. You will experience both climates on this voyage sailing west via the scenic Columbia River Gorge, the only break in the Cascades between British Columbia and Southern Oregon. At each port, you can embrace the culture and history of this region on an included shore excursion.
Nov 25: Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR)
Departure 6:00 PM Today is the big day! Spend a few hours before your departure exploring the beautiful city of Vancouver.
If you didn’t have a chance to check-in on the first night, the hospitality desk will be open today between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM at the official Pre-Cruise hotel. During the easy check-in procedure, representatives will arrange your transfer to the vessel and answer questions regarding your upcoming voyage. The process is simple and will have you back to exploring or relaxing in no time. If you think of additional questions, the hospitality staff will be at your service until the transfers begin to take you to the American Empress.
Nov 26: Stevenson, WA On the banks of the scenic Columbia River, the city of Stevenson is your launchpad to the Washington side of the Gorge. A stroll along the Rock Cove pathway or the Columbia River waterfront is a great way to take in surroundings. Downtown Stevenson is home to unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Stevenson is in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Explore the eastern entrance to Mount St. Helens or the spectacular Lewis River Valley.
Nov 27: The Dalles, OR At the end of the overland Oregon Trail, The Dalles holds a unique place in history as a jumping-off spot for pioneers, soldiers, gold miners, adventurers, gun-slingers, floozies, and scallywags. Lewis and Clark camped at this location at Rock Fort Camp during their historic journey in 1805 and 1806. Fort Dalles was established in 1850. Oregon Trail pioneers ended their overland journey at The Dalles, forced to build rafts and take the “river road” west to Fort Vancouver, then into the Willamette River valley. Ten thousand years of Native American trading took place on the banks of the Columbia River, shaped by the Ice Age Missoula floods. The town was located at the foot of a series of dangerous rapids which the Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders called “The Dalles of the Columbia.”
Nov 28: Scenic River Cruising
Spend a leisurely day cruising through the scenic Columbia River Gorge. You may wish to relax on your veranda and take in the spectacular scenery, attend a discussion with our Riverlorian or enjoy a variety of onboard activities.
Nov 29: Astoria, OR Astoria is known to be the oldest American Settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. For thousands of years, Clatsop Indians inhabited the lands that are now known as Astoria. In 1805, Lewis and Clark led their expedition through the town and spent the winter at Fort Clatsop. In 1813, a British warship sailed into the Columbia River, gaining possession of the city and holding control until 1818, when they finally agreed to a joint occupation of the land. The British did not fully leave Astoria until 1846. There is no doubting the rich history has deep roots grounded in this Columbia River town. When the history combines with the scenery, the harmony will surely bring you back for more!
Nov 30: Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR)
Transfer to the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland for your 2 nights stay here. Portland is yours to discover. Explore Portland, sister city to Vancouver, Washington. The historic Willamette Rivers flows through the downtown area before crossing over one of ten bridges and into Old Town. Portland is known as a bustling commerce center, a Pacific Northwest travel destination and for its innovative culinary scene but, in its early days, Portland was a center for the fur trade industry and held great military significance. Explore some of Portland's many museums, art galleries, restaurants and cafes during your stay here. Portland is brimming with culture and history.
Dec 1: Benson Hotel Portland
Dec 2: Transfer to the Portland train station and enjoy your scenic train ride home
All this is included!
· Complimentary shore excursions in every port!
· Complimentary wine and beer with dinner!
· Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks!
· Special Pacific Northwest specialty menus!
· Multiple specialty dining options - no additional charge!
· Gracious service from a friendly all-American staff!
· Casual elegance abounds, no formal wear required!
· Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian!
· Professional showboat entertainment/dancing nightly!
· The most elegant overnight Paddlewheel riverboat in America!
* Train from Vancouver or Bellingham!
* 1 night Vancouver, WA. Hotel!
* 5 nights aboard American Empress!
* 2 nights Portland Benson Historic Hotel!
* All transfers & taxes - & train home!
$3499 CDN /p Window! All tax included!
Add $120 pp for balcony!
This is an estimate of the CDN price - Ask us
Robert, Lisa, Janice & Lois - we all work together!
604 888-1756 or 1-800-608-7245
info@cruiseencounters.com
Are medical conditions keeping you at home? Appointments or surgery scheduled? You can still travel with FULL medical and cancellation insurance - affordable, and no forms to complete!
*Prices are accurate at time of publishing. We do our best to hold package prices as long as we can, but they can change without notice to us - book early!
If not mentioned, prices are 2 sharing.
American Empress Cruise Itinerary:
Nov 24: Hotel Stay - Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR) Enjoy your stay at the Hilton Vancouver Hotel. The evening is yours to venture into the city and independently explore local attractions.
WELCOME TO THE MAGNIFICENT PACIFIC NORTHWEST - This voyage through the Pacific Northwest shows you the bounty and beauty of nature, as well as the history and heritage of the people who inhabited this diverse region. The Cascade Range separates the dense forests of the coastal regions of Washington and Oregon from the arid rolling hills and wine country the Red Mountain region. You will experience both climates on this voyage sailing west via the scenic Columbia River Gorge, the only break in the Cascades between British Columbia and Southern Oregon. At each port, you can embrace the culture and history of this region on an included shore excursion.
Nov 25: Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR)
Departure 6:00 PM Today is the big day! Spend a few hours before your departure exploring the beautiful city of Vancouver.
If you didn’t have a chance to check-in on the first night, the hospitality desk will be open today between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM at the official Pre-Cruise hotel. During the easy check-in procedure, representatives will arrange your transfer to the vessel and answer questions regarding your upcoming voyage. The process is simple and will have you back to exploring or relaxing in no time. If you think of additional questions, the hospitality staff will be at your service until the transfers begin to take you to the American Empress.
Nov 26: Stevenson, WA On the banks of the scenic Columbia River, the city of Stevenson is your launchpad to the Washington side of the Gorge. A stroll along the Rock Cove pathway or the Columbia River waterfront is a great way to take in surroundings. Downtown Stevenson is home to unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Stevenson is in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Explore the eastern entrance to Mount St. Helens or the spectacular Lewis River Valley.
Nov 27: The Dalles, OR At the end of the overland Oregon Trail, The Dalles holds a unique place in history as a jumping-off spot for pioneers, soldiers, gold miners, adventurers, gun-slingers, floozies, and scallywags. Lewis and Clark camped at this location at Rock Fort Camp during their historic journey in 1805 and 1806. Fort Dalles was established in 1850. Oregon Trail pioneers ended their overland journey at The Dalles, forced to build rafts and take the “river road” west to Fort Vancouver, then into the Willamette River valley. Ten thousand years of Native American trading took place on the banks of the Columbia River, shaped by the Ice Age Missoula floods. The town was located at the foot of a series of dangerous rapids which the Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders called “The Dalles of the Columbia.”
Nov 28: Scenic River Cruising
Spend a leisurely day cruising through the scenic Columbia River Gorge. You may wish to relax on your veranda and take in the spectacular scenery, attend a discussion with our Riverlorian or enjoy a variety of onboard activities.
Nov 29: Astoria, OR Astoria is known to be the oldest American Settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. For thousands of years, Clatsop Indians inhabited the lands that are now known as Astoria. In 1805, Lewis and Clark led their expedition through the town and spent the winter at Fort Clatsop. In 1813, a British warship sailed into the Columbia River, gaining possession of the city and holding control until 1818, when they finally agreed to a joint occupation of the land. The British did not fully leave Astoria until 1846. There is no doubting the rich history has deep roots grounded in this Columbia River town. When the history combines with the scenery, the harmony will surely bring you back for more!
Nov 30: Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR)
Transfer to the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland for your 2 nights stay here. Portland is yours to discover. Explore Portland, sister city to Vancouver, Washington. The historic Willamette Rivers flows through the downtown area before crossing over one of ten bridges and into Old Town. Portland is known as a bustling commerce center, a Pacific Northwest travel destination and for its innovative culinary scene but, in its early days, Portland was a center for the fur trade industry and held great military significance. Explore some of Portland's many museums, art galleries, restaurants and cafes during your stay here. Portland is brimming with culture and history.
Dec 1: Benson Hotel Portland
Dec 2: Transfer to the Portland train station and enjoy your scenic train ride home
All this is included!
· Complimentary shore excursions in every port!
· Complimentary wine and beer with dinner!
· Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks!
· Special Pacific Northwest specialty menus!
· Multiple specialty dining options - no additional charge!
· Gracious service from a friendly all-American staff!
· Casual elegance abounds, no formal wear required!
· Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian!
· Professional showboat entertainment/dancing nightly!
· The most elegant overnight Paddlewheel riverboat in America!
* Train from Vancouver or Bellingham!
* 1 night Vancouver, WA. Hotel!
* 5 nights aboard American Empress!
* 2 nights Portland Benson Historic Hotel!
* All transfers & taxes - & train home!
$3499 CDN /p Window! All tax included!
Add $120 pp for balcony!
This is an estimate of the CDN price - Ask us
Robert, Lisa, Janice & Lois - we all work together!
604 888-1756 or 1-800-608-7245
info@cruiseencounters.com
Are medical conditions keeping you at home? Appointments or surgery scheduled? You can still travel with FULL medical and cancellation insurance - affordable, and no forms to complete!
*Prices are accurate at time of publishing. We do our best to hold package prices as long as we can, but they can change without notice to us - book early!
If not mentioned, prices are 2 sharing.