Your Columbia River Cruise From Portland
Airport, hotel night and a day in the Rose City before you sail.
Get Columbia River Cruise QuotesStarting a Columbia River Cruise in Portland
Nearly every Columbia river cruise begins or ends in the city, and Columbia river cruise Portland departures are the most common, so it pays to arrive a day early. Portland International Airport is a short drive from downtown, and the lines meet guests at their partner hotels before transferring to the ship.
A Day in Portland
Gardens
The International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden and the Lan Su Chinese Garden are all easy to reach.
Books and food
Powell’s City of Books fills a city block, and food carts and breweries are everywhere.
The waterfront
Tom McCall Waterfront Park runs along the Willamette between the downtown bridges.
Across the river
In Vancouver, Washington, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site recreates the fur-trade post that dominated the region in the 1800s.
Travel Portland lists opening times and events.
The Willamette and the Columbia
Portland stands on the Willamette, a few miles above where it flows into the Columbia, so your cruise begins under the city’s many bridges before turning into the main river. Watch for the drawbridges lifting and the downtown skyline sliding past on the first evening.
For our network’s guides to cruising from American cities and ports, visit American Cruise Center.
Pre-Cruise Tips for Portland
- Fly in the day before even if a hotel night is included; it protects you against delays and lets you enjoy the city.
- Ask your line where the ship is boarding: some departures embark in Portland, others at nearby river towns such as Stevenson after a coach transfer.
- Portland’s light rail runs from the airport to downtown, a handy option if you are arriving early on your own.
- Bring a light rain layer at any time of year; the city’s weather can turn in an hour.
- If you are adding a post-cruise stay, the Oregon coast and Mount Hood are both within a few hours’ drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a Columbia river cruise from Portland without staying downtown?
Yes, but the lines’ transfers usually run from their partner hotel, so staying elsewhere means making your own way to the ship. Ask us where your departure boards before booking a hotel; boarding points for Columbia river cruise Portland departures vary by line.
Does a Columbia river cruise from Portland include a hotel night?
American Cruise Lines’ classic Columbia and Snake sailing includes a pre-cruise hotel night, and its new grand voyage includes a Portland hotel stay. Inclusions differ by itinerary and line, so check your quote.
Which airport do I use?
Portland International Airport (PDX) for Portland starts. If your cruise ends in Clarkston, flights home usually leave from Lewiston or Spokane.
Get a Columbia River Cruise From Portland
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote cruises starting in Portland and help with the hotel night and flights.
Get Portland Departures