It is hard to believe that in just a few days we will be heading west for one of the adventures I have been looking forward to all year. After years of dreaming about exploring the Pacific Northwest by water, I am so excited to be partnering with American Cruise Lines as we sail the historic Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Every cruise has its own personality, and this one feels especially meaningful. While we've enjoyed river cruising in Europe before, this will be our first river cruise in the United States—making it another wonderful "first" in this season of new adventures.
Here are five things I'm especially looking forward to as we prepare to embark next week.
1. Experiencing Our First River Cruise in America
One of the things I love most about travel is discovering that extraordinary experiences don't always require crossing an ocean. We've wandered along rivers in Europe, and we have several new rivers coming later this year, but there is something incredibly special about finally experiencing river cruising here in the United States. I'm excited to discover how American river cruising differs from our European experiences while exploring some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes and historic waterways.
There is something wonderful about seeing your own country from an entirely new perspective.
2. Following the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark
As both a history professor and someone who genuinely loves American history, this may be what I'm looking forward to most.
The Snake and Columbia Rivers tell one of America's greatest stories. These waterways carried Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Lewis and Clark navigated them during the Corps of Discovery Expedition. To sail through these landscapes while learning more about their history feels like stepping inside the pages of a history book.
I have a feeling this journey will become one I'll be referencing in my classrooms for years to come.
3. The Beauty of the Pacific Northwest
I've always been drawn to places where mountains, rivers, vineyards, forests, and open skies come together. It has been over 20 years since I spent time briefly hiking in Washington state and 20 years since I was briefly in Oregon. To go back to this area that I thought was intensely gorgeous is absolutely incredible. Everything I've seen of this itinerary looks absolutely breathtaking—from dramatic canyons and rolling vineyards to waterfalls and peaceful river mornings.
One of my favorite parts of river cruising is that the scenery is constantly changing. Instead of spending a day at sea, you're always surrounded by beautiful landscapes unfolding just outside your window. I cannot wait to wake up each morning to whatever view awaits us.
4. Slowing Down and Simply Enjoying the Journey
One of the reasons I love river cruising so much is that it naturally encourages a slower pace. Rather than rushing from one destination to the next, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Quiet mornings with tea or coffee, watching the scenery drift by, meaningful conversations, unhurried meals, and evenings spent reflecting on the day's adventures are some of my favorite travel memories. As someone who believes deeply in slow travel and living intentionally, this style of travel feels like coming home.
5. Discovering American Cruise Lines
Every cruise line has its own personality, traditions, and style, and I'm genuinely excited to experience American Cruise Lines for the very first time. I'm looking forward to learning about life onboard, meeting the crew and fellow guests, enjoying regional cuisine, exploring the ship, and discovering all of the thoughtful details that make this experience unique. One of my favorite parts of travel is sharing honest experiences that help future travelers know what to expect, and I can't wait to bring you along throughout the journey.
Over the coming days I'll be sharing our travels—from our overnight stay in Portland to embarkation day, life onboard, excursions, and all of the little moments that make a journey memorable. If you've ever dreamed of exploring the Pacific Northwest or have wondered what it's like to take a river cruise in the United States, I hope you'll follow along.
Here's to another beautiful adventure—and another wonderful first. Interested in taking a similar cruise? Check out the one we are on HERE!
Have you ever taken a river cruise in the United States? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
*Current pictures in this post belong to American Cruise Line and is not the property of Caravan Sonnet - after the cruise is complete I will be changing these to my own pictures*
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