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THE JOURNEY

15-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers Cruise

American Cruise Lines proudly announces a brand new 15-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary for 2023. Following successful product testing this year, the itinerary will be the country’s largest land-cruise package and the first-ever coupling of a river cruise with the mountain states’ national parks. Operating between Portland, Oregon, and Jackson, Wyoming, American’s National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary includes an 8-Day cruise, a special Jet Boat adventure in Hells Canyon, and a 7-Day land exploration through Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks. The National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary is available to book now. There is limited availability and it is sold as one commissionable itinerary and not sold separately.

“This new itinerary showcases the operating breadth and market leadership of American Cruise Lines. The National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary offers our guests a unique opportunity to explore two rivers and five states throughout the Northwest in a single seamless journey,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

2023 guests will begin their National Parks & Legendary Rivers journey along the Columbia and Snake Rivers as they re-trace the epic route traveled by Lewis & Clark. Along both rivers, American’s guests can immerse themselves in the history of the famous expedition, admire breathtaking landscapes of the diverse passing scenery which changes dramatically throughout the journey—from splendid views of the Pacific in Astoria to lush alpine meadows, to high desert canyons to the picturesque sight of snow-capped Mt. Hood. Guests will also enjoy guided immersive experiences both on board and on shore each day—diverse opportunities include active excursions like kayaking along the Columbia River Gorge to more relaxing experiences such as wine tastings at local wineries along the Hood River.

As the adventure continues on land, guests journey onward into the National Parks where they can explore the Parks’ magnificent glacier carved peaks and valleys, dense ancient forests, and pristine turquoise lakes. Guests will experience Yellowstone’s world famous geyser, Old Faithful, and be able to enjoy firsthand the majestic wildlife that still freely roams in Grand Teton National Park today. Special highlights include an exhilarating Jet Boat ride through Hells Canyon; visits to Mammoth Hot Springs, Lake MacDonald, and Jenny Lake; plus overnights in scenic Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and breathtaking Jackson, Wyoming.

Itinerary & Inclusions:

All American’s Columbia & Snake and Mississippi River cruises include a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in every departure city across the country. Everything on board American’s ships is included (all fine dining, snacks, drinks, cocktails, evening entertainment, and daily enrichment & lectures). There are also included shore excursions in nearly all ports, as well as some premium experiences which are available for additional fees. American Cruise Lines also offers Flat Rate Domestic Air Fare for all U.S. River & Coastal cruises.

The National Parks portion of the itinerary includes a dedicated American Cruise Lines’ adventure guide leading guests throughout their entire journey; accommodations in centrally located hotels; transportation to the parks each day; park entrance fees and fully curated experiences within the parks; all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); and transportation at the conclusion of the adventure to the airport in Jackson, Wyoming.

15-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers : Portland, OR; Astoria, OR; Kalama, WA; Cruising the Columbia River Gorge/Stevenson, WA; The Dalles/Hood River, OR; Richland, WA; Cruising the Snake River; Hells Canyon/Clarkston, WA; Glacier National Park; Yellowstone National Park; Grand Teton National Park.

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Be among the first to experience National Parks & Legendary Rivers, our first ever land and river package, which includes an 8-day cruise along the Columbia & Snake Rivers and a 7-day land exploration of three incredible National Parks. Start your journey along the epic route traveled by Lewis & Clark. Along the way, immerse yourself in the history of their expedition, admire the breathtaking landscapes that surround you, and enjoy interactive experiences such as kayaking along the Columbia River Gorge, taking part in an art workshop in The Dalles, and tasting the finest varietals at local wineries in Hood River.

After disembarking the ship, continue the adventure with an exhilarating jet boat ride through Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Enjoy a personalized exploration of Glacier National Park, featuring glacier-carved peaks and valleys, dense ancient forests, and pristine turquoise lakes and streams. Experience Yellowstone National Park, the World’s First National Park, known for the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful. Conclude your adventure in Jackson, WY, visiting Grand Teton National Park, a landscape of extraordinary wildlife, lakes, and alpine terrain.

The National Parks portion of the Itinerary includes:

– An Adventure Guide leading you through the entire journey

– Accommodations in centrally located hotels

– Transportation to the parks

– Entrance fees and curated experiences within parks

– All meals, breakfast, lunch, & dinner

– Transportation to airport at the conclusion of the package

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Portland, OR Enjoy a complimentary pre-night hotel in the City of Roses! Enjoy the many sites and sounds of Portland or take a quick stroll across the bridge to Vancouver, WA and enjoy the all new waterfront park. Filled with a boardwalk, restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

2 Cruising the Columbia River Board the ship and enjoy a day with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as your backdrop as we cruise to the mouth of the West’s most famous river. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed the waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water. With its sparkling rivers, stately evergreens, and mild climate, you will understand why this area was noted as exceptional by explorer Meriwether Lewis.

3 Astoria, OR Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Colorful Victorian homes adorn the hillside that climbs steeply up from the river, earning it the nickname “The Little San Francisco.” Explore this remarkable town on your own or choose from a collection of well-curated excursions. Step into history on a guided exploration to the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Board a local red trolley to ride along the picturesque waterfront or savor the perspective from a bluff high above the city at the picturesque Astoria Column. Peruse the town’s quaint shops, galleries, wineries, and brew pubs. Or simply stroll off the ship to the nearby acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum.

4 Kalama, WA / Mount St. Helens Explore Kalama, a small town nestled in between the big cities of Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. While here you can peruse one of the many antique stores, take a walk along the Columbia River, or visit one of the nearby wineries. Perhaps the most impactful of all landmarks in the region is Mount St. Helens. From high on an overlook, bear witness to the awesome power of the volcano whose eruption in 1980 scorched 230 square miles of forest land and forever changed the landscape and the lives of those in surrounding towns.

5 Cruising the Columbia River From the comfort of your private balcony, admire the magnificent bluffs of the Columbia River Gorge, covered in deep green forest and framed by picturesque hillsides that quickly ascend toward the sky. Windsurfers and kiteboarders adorn the landscape as they drift across the broad, shining river.

6 Stevenson, WA The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting through the Cascade Mountain Range with amazing natural contrasts of rain forests and desert, sea-level passage and alpine meadows. As the largest federally protected National Scenic Area in the US, the Gorge boasts stunning waterfalls, basalt cliffs, lakes, streams, rivers, and fields of wildflowers. In the 1800's, Lewis & Clark traveled down the scenic Gorge on their journey westward, with Oregon Trail pioneers following soon after. Today, the area offers a variety of history museums and art centers, fine dining, theaters, wineries, as well as impressive landscapes in the world!

7 Richland, WA Pendleton is known for its beautiful countryside, indigenous Native American Tribes, and the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities. The area is also famous for its lucrative wool trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the REACH Museum in Richland which illustrates the culture and history of the region through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and tours.

8 Cruising the Snake River Relax on your private balcony as you take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy some local wines and spirits while you comingle with your fellow travelers.

9 National Parks Adventure Begins After breakfast and disembarking the ship, travel north to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Enjoy the spectacular scenery while enjoying a relaxing lunch on a private charter. Travel to Kalispell for an overnight stay.

10 Glacier National Park After a complimentary breakfast, we will depart for West Glacier. On your travels, stop at St. Regis Travel Center to stretch your legs and check out the small museum. Next stop at Famous Dave's BBQ for a delicious lunch. Before arriving at the hotel, listen to a Ranger Talk at the Apgar Visitor Center, before stopping at Apgar Amphitheatre for a chance to go down to the lake and grab one of the famous colored rocks. In the evening enjoy dinner, featuring Montana inspired fare. Enjoy a 2-night stay in a hotel, conveniently located near the west entrance to Glacier National Park.

11 Travel toward Yellowstone National Park Travel through Montana toward Yellowstone National Park. Along the way, your Adventure Guide will provide narration and fun National Park activities. We will stop for lunch in Butte, MT and a rest stop in the quaint town of Ennis, MT.

12 Explore Yellowstone National Park After breakfast at the hotel, spend a full day in Yellowstone National Park, the World’s First National Park, known for its unique hydrothermal and geological features. This nearly 3,500-sq.-mile wilderness recreation area is set atop a volcanic hot spot and is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, with over 290 waterfalls, including the impressive Upper Falls of Yellowstone River. Led by your Adventure Guide, explore the upper portion of the Grand Loop in Yellowstone National Park with stops at colorful Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall, and the historic Mammoth Hot Springs. In the evening, enjoy dinner before retiring at the hotel in Island Park, Idaho.

13 Yellowstone National Park After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at Yellowstone National Park, the World's First National Park, known for its geyser basins, wildlife, waterfalls, and more. Visit the Mammoth Hot Springs with a local guide. Enjoy lunch in Canyon Village, where you can admire some of the parks incredible views, including the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Depart for the Upper Falls of Yellowstone, enjoying breathtaking vistas along the way. Visit Mud Volcano, one of the resurgent domes, where the land moves up or down with the fluctuation of the magma chamber below. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local establishment before returning to the hotel.

14 Explore Yellowstone & Travel to Grand Teton After breakfast, spend more time exploring the lower loop of Yellowstone National Park. Stop at Fountain Paint Pot Trail and visit the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful. Later, enjoy lunch and free time to explore this area. Depart for Grand Teton National Park, admiring the scenic views along the way and stop at Colter Bay Visitor Center to learn about the park and the peaks that tower over the bay.

15 Grand Teton National Park After breakfast, your Adventure Guide will lead you through the highlights of the Grand Teton National Park. Explore the Craig Thomas Discovery Center, featuring a variety of exhibits and artwork with the interwoven themes of place, people, preservation, and mountaineering. Attend a Ranger Talk during which you can learn more about the region and even get some stargazing tips. Enjoy lunch and exploration at the scenic Jenny Lake, the centerpiece of the park, tucked away at the base of the Teton Range. After, hike the Taggart Lake Trail, where you can admire outstanding views. In the evening, celebrate your amazing journey with fellow travelers during a farewell dinner.

16 Jackson, WY After breakfast, take our included transfer to the airport to begin your travels home.

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Visit Some of the Most Beautiful U.S. National Parks on These New Cruise Itineraries

American cruise lines has unveiled a new collection of national park cruises for 2024, combining river and coastal sailings with land tours through some of the country’s most spectacular parks..

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River surrounded by meadow, evergreens, and gray mountains in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is among those featured on the new 2024 itineraries.

Courtesy of Austin Farrington/Unsplash

American Cruise Lines , a company that operates U.S. river and coastal cruises, has launched a series of new national park–focused cruise itineraries for 2024.

Ranging from 12 to 18 days, each cruise-tour combines river or ocean sailings on the company’s fleet of intimate 100- to 180-passenger vessels with time spent in some of the country’s most spectacular national parks. The itineraries include all meals, transportation to the parks, and hotel accommodations in or near the parks, in addition to the cruise portion of the trip.

These are the four new American Cruise Lines 2024 sailings that feature national parks.

Chimney Tops trailhead with pedestrian bridge over a bouldered river and trees with bright yellow fall color

Planning a visit to the massive Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee can be overwhelming. American Cruise Lines is offering an easier way.

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12-day Great Smoky Mountains National Park cruise

This itinerary combines 10 days on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers and 2 days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the country’s most-visited national park, known for the diversity of its plant and animal life and wide range of forested trails). The itinerary starts in Knoxville with additional stops in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama before disembarking in Nashville. The first sailing will depart on May 24 aboard the 180-passenger American Symphony ; additional sailings in the year will be onboard the 180-passenger American Splendor or American Melody . Prices start at $7,690 per person.

18-day Grand Alaska National Parks cruise

Starting with seven days on land, American Cruise Lines’ Grand Alaska National Parks cruise-tour kicks off in Fairbanks in Alaska’s interior, before boarding a bus to Denali National Park , home to the tallest mountain in North America. After that, passengers will visit the hamlet of Talkeetna and Kenai Fjords National Park , where it’s possible to see humpback whales breaching in front of tidewater glaciers. Then it’s back to Anchorage for a flight to Juneau to start an 11-day sailing in southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage on the 170-passenger American Constellation . Along the way, the vessel will pull into port cities like Petersburg, Skagway, and Haines. It’ll also stop in Glacier Bay National Park, part of a 25 million–acre World Heritage site (one of the largest protected areas in the world), known for its temperate rain forests and massive ice fields, before ending in Wrangell. The first departure of this itinerary will be June 10. Prices start at $15,665 per person.

Islets with a few trees jutting out from the water at Kenai Fjords National Park

The Alaska itineraries feature the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park.

15-day Alaska National Parks cruise

A slightly abbreviated version of the Grand Alaska National Parks cruise, this itinerary includes just eight days at sea (cutting out a stop in Sitka and a day each of scenic sailing in Frederick Sound and the Wrangell Narrows). There will only be two sailings in 2024, on August 20 and August 27, also on the American Constellation , but more are already planned for the following summer. Prices start at $13,205 per person.

15-day National Parks & Legendary Rivers cruise

This epic adventure includes eight days on the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, followed by seven days of exploration by land into some of the nation’s most celebrated national parks. You can start with either the land-based portion of this cruise-tour in Jackson, Wyoming, or with the river cruise portion in Portland, Oregon. During the sailing, guests will visit Astoria, Oregon, and Richland, Washington, among other ports. And on the land tour, they will visit three national parks: Glacier , known for its glacier-carved valleys and turquoise lakes; Yellowstone , home to the Old Faithful geyser and the largest buffalo herd in America; and Grand Teton , where jagged peaks and lush meadows abound. The first sailing will take place on June 6 aboard the 180-passenger American Harmony , with other sailings on the American Jazz or the American Song . Prices start at $12,455 per person.

The 100-passenger "American Harmony" on river, with forested mountains in background

The 100-passenger American Harmony is among the vessels being used for the new national park cruise-tours.

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

In addition to these new itineraries, American Cruise Lines has existing U.S. cruises that visit other U.S. national parks as part of the cruise itinerary, including the 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast and Keys sailing (stopping at Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks ), two Puget Sound cruises (that include Olympic National Park); and a handful of New England cruises during which passengers visit Acadia National Park.

The company will also launch two new ships in 2024, the 100-passenger American Liberty and American Legend , and will host the inaugural departures of its 60-day Great United States Cruise , the longest-ever U.S. river cruise that visits a whopping 20 states, and the 35-day Civil War Battlefields Cruise , for history buffs.

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American Cruise Lines Adds New Itineraries to National Parks

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American Cruise Lines’ new 2023 itinerary will be the first time that U.S. river cruises are combined with land visits to several breathtaking Western National Parks.

The entire cruise-tour package travels between Portland, Oregon, and Jackson, Wyoming. The new National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary begins with an exciting 8-day Columbia River cruise .

Looking for an incredible two-week river and land journey in the U.S.? Look no further.

American Cruise Lines' American Harmony river ship.

New 15-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers Cruise

At the end of the cruise, a special Jet Boat adventure zooms passengers through Hells Canyon. Then begins the 7-day land exploration through Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks.

“This new itinerary showcases the operating breadth and market leadership of American Cruise Lines. The National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary offers our guests a unique opportunity to explore two rivers and five states throughout the Northwest in a single seamless journey,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

Walk in the Footsteps of Lewis & Clark

American Cruise Lines’ new 2023 journeys begin along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Along the way, onboard riverlorians take time to recognize the passage once traversed by Lewis & Clark.

Guests will marvel at the rich history and breathtaking western mountain views, while learning about the famed expedition by dedicated adventure guides during the National Parks portion of the trip.

As the journey progresses, passengers will experience the lush greens of the Pacific northwest in Astoria to the stark contrast of desert sunsets and the mesmerizing beauty of Mt. Hood.

One of many old suspension bridges across the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Experience National Park’s Epic Glaciers & Geysers

As guests visit the National Parks, they’ll survey incredible glaciers and valleys, navigate their way through trail hikes to world-famous spots like Jenny Lake and the iconic geyser, Old Faithful.

There’s ample opportunity to marvel at wildlife roaming Grand Teton National Park. Guests can try their hand at photography, capturing the celebrated three peaks of Teton.

Luxury & Learning in the Great Outdoors

There’s no shortage of educational opportunities throughout the National Parks and Legendary Rivers Cruise. Both on and off the ship, guests can pick from a variety of excursions to get up-close and personal with all the wilderness treasures the parks have to offer.

Kayak along the Columbia River Gorge or enjoy a relaxing visit to a winery where guests can sample regional vintages.

The awe-inspiring moments on American Cruise Line’s newest itinerary brings passengers to the thrills of the west while enjoying the one-of-a-kind service, luxury, and attention to detail for which America Cruise Lines is known.

The National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary is available to book now.