If you’ve 13 days free this October, here’s a one-off chance to experience part of America that comparatively few Australians get to see. A new and distinctive fly-cruise-and-stay holiday explores the US Pacific Northwest, featuring a grand riverboat cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
A seven-night cruise in a semi-private veranda stateroom aboard American Empress, the largest and most elegant riverboat in the Pacific Northwest, makes the holiday super special.
Called ‘Frontiers, Pioneers and Vineyards’, this latest offering from Worldwide Cruise Centres (worldwidecruisecentres.com.au) includes return flights from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Portland, Oregon and return from Spokane, Washington. As well as the river cruise, there’s a two-night Spokane post-cruise package including accommodation in the Historic Davenport Hotel Spokane, Washington.
‘Frontiers, Pioneers and Vineyards’ costs from A$6699 twin share per person. The holiday departs Australia for Portland, Oregon on 3 October 2015 and is valid for booking until 31 July 2015 or until it books out, whichever happens first.
The seven-night cruise will introduce you to a grand American tradition: luxury river cruising in the Pacific Northwest aboard the American Empress, largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River.
The cruise includes complimentary shore excursions in every port, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, complimentary cappuccino, espresso, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage. Dining on the cruise is on regional US Pacific Northwest cuisine, using fresh ingredients creatively combined. You’ll visit vineyards along the way.
Atmosphere on the riverboat is described as “country club-casual ambiance” so no formal clothes required. A friendly, all-American staff provides gracious service, while American Empress’s onboard history and culture expert delivers daily lectures. All staterooms feature a balcony or picture window, taking full advantage of the dramatic scenery.
You’ll arrive in the US in Portland, Oregon, a city with an arty and spirited vibe, known also for its boutique craft beers. A short drive (about 12km) across the Willamette River takes you to Vancouver – not the Canadian Vancouver, mind, but the American Vancouver, located in Washington state.
A night here gives you time to relax, then transfer to American Empress and set sail on a cruise to historic, scenic and entertaining sites along the Columbia and Snake Rivers through the states of Oregon and Washington, ending in Clarkston.
Astoria, Oregon, has a country feel. Stroll the shops and cafes lining the Riverwalk, visit the George Flavel House for a glimpse of the life of a 19th-century millionaire, discover the Native American culture of Clatsop County at the Heritage Museum or enjoy views from the Astoria Column, more than 200 metres above the water.
Other highlights include The Dalles, Oregon, “ the end of the Oregon Trail”, with a hop-on-hop-off motorcoach tour to see the sights; the Sunshine Mills Winery (originally a 130-year-old abandoned wheat mill and now a state-of-the-art boutique winery); boutiques lining the streets in downtown Stevenson, Washington; and an incredible man-made engineering feat: the Bonneville Dam.
In Tri-Cities (Richland), Washington, you’ll explore Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Centre for insights into local Native American culture, the Lewis and Clark expedition and the history of the area including the Northern Pacific Railroad.
With American Empress serving as a floating boutique hotel, travel into the heart of American wine country. Apart from wine, wildlife on the Snake River ranges from bighorn sheep to grey wolves and bald eagles. In Clarkston, the Nez Perce National Historic Park tells the story of the Native American tribe who assisted the Lewis and Clark expedition and whose descendants live in the area today.
Disembarking American Empress in Clarkston, you’ll be transferred to the Historic Davenport Hotel Spokane, Washington. ‘Historic’ is part of the hotel’s name. An American institution and Washington’s grandest hotel, the Historic Davenport Hotel has welcomed film stars, explorers, writers, politicians and other luminaries for more than 100 years.
Your two-night post-cruise package includes a two-night stay in this fine estabishment, complete with two full American breakfasts.
Post-cruise highlights include a Spokane ‘Near Perfect Near Nature’ city tour, a morning walking tour of Spokane, an included ride on the Looff Carousel (a splendid experience that’s almost magical) and the Spokane Falls Chair Ride.
A local American Queen Steamboat Company representative is on hand in Spokane to answer your questions.
At the end of your American visit with a difference, it’s time to farewell Spokane and fly back home to Australia.
To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent, go to: www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au
SOURCE Worldwide Cruise Centres