Cruises from Portland

When you’re in Portland, Oregon, be ready to hop on a cruise. It’ll take you through some of the prettiest spots in the Northwest region. The main place to board is Terminal 2, which is right on the Willamette River, right in the middle of downtown. Cruise travelers can find it very convenient and super close to quirky coffee shops, food trucks, and all the Portland weirdness you’ve heard about. The Willamette joins up with the Columbia River about 100 miles from the Pacific. And so, you can start your trip surrounded by rivers, mountains, and history. Getting around is great and easy—walk to nearby spots or grab the MAX Light Rail if you’re exploring further. Whether it’s your first cruise or your tenth, this port makes it easy to get going with your plans.

Here’s the deal. Portland is all about cruising. Rest assured you'll find cozy vibes, with cruises that dive deep into the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Most cruise passengers embark/disembark at Terminal 2, but a few cruises might start at the Red Lion Hotel, up on Hayden Island. Portland has many players in the cruising market, running the show, and taking you to amazing places like the Columbia River Gorge or old-school towns tied to Lewis and Clark. Portland has that perfect mix of city buzz and jazz right next to each other, so it’s a sweet spot to start or end your adventure.

• Highlights of Portland
• Top Things to Do in Portland
• Best Time to Plan a Cruise from Portland
• Top Deals on Cruises from Portland
• Onboard Experiences on Portland Cruise Ships
• What You Need to Know Before You Sail from Portland Cruise
• FAQs About Portland Cruise Departure Port

Highlights of Portland Departure Port

Portland, Oregon is surely a quirky little city—about 630,000 people call it home. But don't mistake it, it’s got this vibe that’s half hipster in the sense of its long counter-culture history, and half nerd, due to Microsoft's deep investment in the city's fate. It sits where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers meet, with Mount Hood peeking out on clear days. American life lies in its food carts slinging tacos, craft beer joints on every corner, and roses everywhere. Yes, they don’t call it the "City of Roses" for nothing. If you’re cruising from here, you’ll find plenty to love, whether you’re chasing art, eats, or a quick hike.

International Rose Test Garden

Tucked in Washington Park, this place came into being been around since 1917, showing off over 10,000 rose bushes in 650 flavors. May through September season time to see how it becomes a riot of color. You get to see amazing views of downtown and maybe Mount Hood if the clouds play nice with you. Photographers and flower fans, this Port-land is for you, indeed.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Hidden in Old Town/Chinatown, this place feels like a secret portal to ancient China. It’s a whole block of koi ponds, twisty paths, and fancy pavilions, built with help from artisans in Suzhou, China’s Portland’s twin city. It's a great place for a quiet wander or soaking up some history of this place. Tickets run about $14* for adults in 2025.

Forest Park

This giant 5,000-acre park is basically a forest in the city. With 80 miles of trails for hiking or biking, it's great for health enthusiasts. It’s so close to downtown you can sneak in a quick nature fix before your cruise. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll be all over this place.

Powell’s City of Books

Bookworms' paradise in the Pearl District! This bookstore is a total monster—the biggest independent one on the planet, stuffed with over a million books. It’s got nooks for reading, a coffee shop for sipping, and that musty book smell that arouses sapio-sexual hormones. If you love books, you’ll lose track of time here.

Voodoo Doughnut

Old Town’s famous doughnut shop is pure Portland chaos. Doughnuts topped with bacon or shaped like voodoo dolls with pretzel stakes, your choice. It’s a wild, sugary stop, but the line is no joke, so get there early to grab your treat.

Top Things to Do in Portland

Portland has a bit of everything for cruisers and travelers stopping by before or after a cruise. Regardless, everybody, one way or another, does have some spare time form them to indulge in quiet gardens, geeky museums, or just wandering around. Here, we give you five spots you shouldn’t skip while you’re in town.

Check out the Portland Japanese Garden

Nestled in Washington Park, this 12-acre garden feels like a slice of Japan. You’ve got koi swimming in ponds, a teahouse straight out of a Zen painting, and flowers that blossom as per every season. It’s a calm spot for anyone, old or young. Tickets are about $22* for adults in 2025, and you can tag along on a guided tour if you want the backstory to this great place.

Discover the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Right by the Willamette River, OMSI is a haven for kids and science nerds. It has hands-on exhibits, a planetarium to stargaze indoors, and even a tour inside a real submarine, the USS Blueback. Adult tickets run around $16 in 2025. It’s a fun way to kill a few hours.

Wander the Pearl District

This area used to be filled with warehouses in the past. But no, it’s where you’ll find artsy galleries, cute shops, and breweries pouring local IPAs. You can get a coffee, check out some wild street murals, or just relax and watch the evening crowds. It’s the perfect place to soak in Portland’s vibe.

Chill at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

This park is a great place near the Willamette River. It has paths for walking or biking and awesome river views to kill. It’s a few steps from downtown, so you can stroll and still access nearby places. If you’re here between March and December, go to the Portland Saturday Market for crafts and snacks.

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum

If your cruise heads toward Astoria, about 90 miles away, this museum is a must-visit. It’s all about the Northwest’s seafaring past, with many things on Lewis and Clark and the sketchy Columbia River Bar. You’ll likely get there on a shore excursion, and tickets are around $16 for adults in 2025.

Best Time to Plan a Cruise from Portland

When is the best time to hop on a river cruise from Portland, Oregon? It depends on what you’re after. But the Columbia and Snake Rivers slither in different ways each season, passing through amazing sights to see. Cruises mostly run spring through fall seasons on these rivers. So, let’s break it down for 2025.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a sweet season. Temperatures hover between 45°F and 65°F, and the Columbia River Gorge is like a flower shop exploded with colors. Wildflowers, apple blossoms, you name it. It’s quieter, so ports aren’t packed, and you might find cheaper tickets. Some cruise lines throw in free pre-cruise hotel stays. These give you extra time to check out spots like the Rose Test Garden. If you’re into greenery and chill, spring is your best time.

Summer (June to August)

Summer also attracts many people, when everybody wants in. This is the time for sunny days and temperatures hit 70°F to 85°F. It is perfect for families or anyone itching to hike around Multnomah Falls or snap pics of Mount Hood. It’s busy, though, so book early to get your favorite cabin on cruise. Prices do go up, but the long days and clear skies make it worth it for most folks.

Fall (September to October)

Fall season is a crowd-pleaser. With 50°F to 70°F, crisp air, and trees turning every shade of red and gold. Wine lovers will remark "this is our season". Washington’s vineyards are ripe for picking grapes and cruises often come by for wine tastings. It’s less crowded than summer and so you can score good cruise deals as prices drop. The scenery is straight out of a postcard.

Winter (November to February)

Winter is quiet time for Portland cruises. Temperatures dip to 30°F to 45°F, and the Willamette River can get too low for boats. You might find a rare holiday cruise in early November, but that’s about it. If you’re dreaming of sun, you’ll need to look at coastal ports for Caribbean trips, since Portland is all about those Northwest rivers.

Top Deals on Cruises from Portland

Want to save some budget on a Portland cruise? Columbia and Snake River trips can get pricey, but a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to score the best deals for 2025.

Book Way Ahead

Get in early, like months early, and you can find sweet discounts from lines like American Cruise Lines. They often give you extra perks like free shore tours or a bit of onboard spending money. Plus, you’ll have your pick of cabins on those small riverboats.

Wait for Last-Minute Steals

If your schedule is flexible, hold off for last-minute deals. Especially in spring or fall season. Cruise lines might slash prices on unsold spots as the trip gets closer. Check straight with the cruise line or at our deal page for flash sales. Sometimes they throw in free Wi-Fi or happy hour drinks.

Hunt for Sales

Keep an eye out for big sales around Black Friday or the January-to-March “Wave Season.” You could land cheaper fares, free upgrades, or extra onboard credit. Sign up for emails from American Cruise Lines to catch their secret offers before they’re gone.

Go with a Crew or Stick with a Line

Got a group? Book a bunch of cabins together for a discount. It is perfect for family reunions or buddy trips. If you’re a repeat cruiser, join loyalty programs with cruise lines. They'll give you cheaper tickets or perks like cutting the boarding line.

Onboard Experiences on Portland Cruise Ships

Portland’s cruises maybe look like small boats leaving the river horizon towards the unknown, but they have a vast horizon with big Northwest region providing ample sights to see. These riverboats keep things professional and comfortable. It is perfect for soaking up the sights of Columbia and Snake Rivers. Here’s what you’re in for a 2025 cruise.

Dining

Food on these boats is a love letter to the Pacific Northwest. The food is filled with fresh salmon, Dungeness crab, or vegetables straight from local farms. Don't be surprised, you’ll dig into fancy multi-course dinners, while other cruise lines keeps it laid-back with farm-to-table food. Most offer complementary wine or beer with meals. And if you’ve dietary needs, just give a heads-up for custom plates.

Entertainment

Forget flashy shows. These cruises lean into the region’s history and nature. You might catch a historian chatting about Lewis and Clark or a naturalist lecturing on local wildlife. Evenings bring folk tunes, storytelling by local pros, or wine tastings with Oregon and Washington vintages. Some river cruise lines spice it up with stargazing or deck chats that feel like a campfire hangout.

Activities

With small boats, activities are low-key but fun. You can hit up yoga on the deck, play some board games, or join trivia about the Northwest. There are photo workshops with National Geographic professionals—perfect epic shots. If you’re feeling active, ships can let you borrow kayaks or paddleboards for select stops.

Family-Friendly Features

While most cruises in Portland are meant for grown-ups, some cruise lines throw in some kid-friendly sailings in summer. Imagine history talks tweaked for young ears, craft time, or shore trips to cool museums that work for all ages. Don’t expect big kids’ clubs like on ocean liners—river cruises keep it simple.

What You Need to Know Before You Sail from Portland Cruise?

If you’re ready for a Portland river cruise, don’t forget where to park. If you came by a car, you might need some information on parking, places to crash, and where to grab last-minute things. Let’s set you up for a smooth trip.

Port of Portland Parking

If you need a place for your car near Terminal 2, then you’ve options, whether you want convenience or a deal:

Onsite Parking: Terminal 2, at 3556 NW Front Ave, has a small lot right by the dock. It comes very super handy when you are on your ship. It’s about $10-$12 a day (2025 guess), and it’s safe, but book ahead, especially May to October when it fills up fast.

Offsite Parking: Try lots like ParkShuttle & Fly near PDX airport, about 10 miles away. They charge around $7*-$9* a day (2025 guess). They’ve got free shuttles to drop you at Terminal 2, and some even offer car washes for a bit extra. Book a spot online to lock it in.

Where to Stay Near the Port?

If you need a place to stay before or after your cruise, Portland has solid options near Terminal 2 and downtown:

Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center: About 2 miles from the terminal, this place has comfortable rooms and a gym. Some cruise lines offer you a free shuttle to the port. Expect to pay $150*-$200* a night in 2025. It is a decent price for a mid-range stay.

Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel: Right on the Willamette, 1.5 miles from Terminal 2, this fancy boutique spot has great river views and easy access to Waterfront Park. It’s pricier, around $200*-$300* a night in 2025, but perfect if you want luxury.

Budget-Friendly Options: Check out the Residence Inn in the Pearl District, about 2 miles away. It has kitchen suites which are great for longer stays. Rates start at $120*-$160* a night in 2025. Lots of cheaper spots offer shuttles or quick MAX Light Rail rides to the port.

Where to Shop Near the Port of Portland?

Forgot something or hunting for souvenirs? Here’s where to shop near Terminal 2:

Pioneer Place: Just 2 miles from the terminal. This downtown mall is filled with shops like Apple, H&M, and local ones, plus places to grab a bite. It’s a short drive or MAX ride away—great for picking up cruise gear or gifts.

Portland Saturday Market: This huge open-air market is packed with handmade crafts, art, and food carts. Best season is from March to December, 1.5 miles from Terminal 2. It’s a fun weekend spot to stroll and buy unique keepsakes before you sail.

FAQs About Portland, Oregon Cruise Departure Port

1. What’s there to do in Portland before or after my cruise?

Check out the Rose Test Garden for blooms galore, Lan Su Chinese Garden for a chill escape, or Powell’s City of Books to get lost in stacks. Hikers, hit Forest Park. Foodies, grab a wacky doughnut at Voodoo or browse Portland Saturday Market for local eats.

2. Where can I go on a cruise from Portland?

Cruises hit up spots like the Columbia River Gorge, Astoria, The Dalles, Hells Canyon, Clarkston, and Richland. The places are filled with jaw-dropping waterfalls, old-school towns, and wine country. It is a perfect way for experiencing scenery and stories.

3. When’s the best time to cruise from Portland?

May to October is your window to serenity, with temps between 50°F and 85°F. Spring's got wildflowers, summer is great for families, and fall brings killer autumn colors plus wine harvest tours. The Gorge is straight-up gorgeous this time of year.

4. Can I park at the Port of Portland?

Yes, Terminal 2 has parking for about $10-$12 a day (2025 guess). Book early, so you don't get left out. Cheaper spots near PDX airport run $7-$9 a day and come with free shuttles to the terminal. Easy as it gets.