Columbia River Cruise Lines Compared
Two very different ways to cruise the Columbia and Snake.
Get Columbia & Snake QuotesColumbia River Cruise Lines Compared
Only a few Columbia river cruise lines operate overnight cruises on the river, and they could hardly be more different. This is how they compare for 2026 and 2027.
| American Cruise Lines | Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic | |
|---|---|---|
| Ships | Modern riverboats and paddlewheelers; in service include American Pride, Harmony, Jazz, Song and Encore, with American Anthem due 2027 | National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion, small expedition ships |
| Classic itinerary | 9-day Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise, Portland–Clarkston, including a hotel night | Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History, 6 or 8 days, Portland–Clarkston |
| Other itineraries | 7-day Columbia River Gorge cruise from Portland; 16-day grand voyage from 2027; land-and-cruise packages | Expedition-style shore time, kayaks and Zodiacs |
| Style | Hotel-like riverboat, larger lounges, many included excursions | Naturalists and historians, outdoor activity, wine focus |
Which Line Suits You
Choose American Cruise Lines for a comfortable riverboat, larger cabins and the widest range of dates and itinerary lengths. Choose Lindblad for a small expedition ship, more time outdoors and a food-and-wine program; its trip includes a jet-boat outing into Hells Canyon and Zodiac and kayak time on the Palouse River.
Both are U.S.-flagged, so no passport is needed. Both sell out the popular months. For other American river options see Small Ship River Cruising, and every line is listed in the Official River Cruise Directory and the Official Cruise Directory.
What Every Columbia Sailing Has in Common
- English-speaking American crews and no foreign-port paperwork.
- Locks: every Portland–Clarkston trip rises or falls through all eight.
- Guided excursions included at most stops, with some premium options at extra cost.
- A strong history theme, from the Native nations of the river to Lewis and Clark and the dams.
- A season that runs roughly from spring to autumn, with the lines publishing exact dates each year.
Where they differ is ship size, cabin style, the balance between indoor comfort and outdoor activity, and the itinerary lengths on offer. For a broader view of cruising within the United States, our network site American Cruise Center covers homeports, Alaska, Hawaii and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Columbia river cruise lines are best for families?
Most guests are adults, but children are welcome on both lines. The expedition-style trip, with kayaks and Zodiacs, can suit active older children; ask us about minimum ages and cabin options for three.
Does UnCruise still sail the Columbia and Snake?
UnCruise Adventures sailed these rivers for several seasons, but the Columbia and Snake no longer appear among the destinations on its website; the company now concentrates on Alaska and its other regions.
Do Viking or the European lines sail the Columbia?
No. U.S. law reserves cruises between American ports for U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged vessels, which is why the river is served by American Cruise Lines and by Lindblad’s U.S.-flagged expedition ships.
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