ACL-American Cruise Lines has announced the introduction of a new 16-day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise, scheduled to begin operating in May 2027. The voyage will sail roundtrip from Portland, Oregon, and will be operated exclusively by American Anthem, one of the newest riverboats in the company’s expanding fleet.
The itinerary has been designed to provide an extensive exploration of both river systems. The journey will begin with a pre-cruise hotel stay in Portland before passengers embark the vessel in Stevenson, Washington. From there, the ship will sail westward along the Columbia River to Astoria, Oregon, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. The route will then continue eastward toward the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers near Richland, Washington, before proceeding further inland to Clarkston, Washington, and into Hells Canyon. The cruise will conclude with the vessel’s return to Stevenson.
The extended itinerary allows for additional time ashore across several destinations in the region. New excursion opportunities include visits to Portland, Hood River and St. Helens in Oregon, as well as Burbank and Walla Walla in Washington State. Shore programs will feature visits to well-known landmarks including Mount St. Helens, Multnomah Falls and Cape Disappointment State Park, alongside regional attractions such as Pendleton’s underground city and the Bonneville Dam.
Cultural programming during the voyage will highlight the history and heritage of the region, including the traditions of Native American communities and the legacy of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Among the related excursions is a visit to Fort Clatsop, where the explorers spent the winter of 1805–1806.
Active excursions are also planned throughout the itinerary, offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, rail-bike and e-bike tours, as well as jet-boat excursions through Hells Canyon and sightseeing flights over the surrounding landscapes. Wine experiences will also form part of the program, with visits planned to wineries including Maryhill Winery, Rivaura Winery and vineyards across the Walla Walla Valley.
During the cruise, American Anthem will navigate a region characterized by varied landscapes, including desert canyons, forested valleys, alpine meadows and volcanic formations. Passages through the Columbia River Gorge and The Dalles will offer views of both natural landmarks and significant engineering works such as the Bonneville Dam, while distant views of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range may also be visible along the route.
Passengers will be able to observe the surrounding scenery and wildlife from the vessel’s open deck spaces, lounges and private-balcony staterooms. The ship’s design will reflect the same approach used for its sister ship, American Encore, incorporating contemporary riverboat accommodations and amenities.
The new Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise forms part of American Cruise Lines’ broader program in the Pacific Northwest, where the company operates seasonal sailings from April through November. Additional itineraries in the region include 9-day Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises, 7-day Columbia River Gorge voyages, and extended land-and-cruise journeys that combine river travel with visits to national parks across the western United States.