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American West: ship guide

A 110-guest classic paddlewheeler on the Columbia River out of Portland.

Best for: Travelers who want a classic small paddlewheeler on the Columbia River Gorge for a short, all-inclusive fall getaway from Portland. Sails from Portland, OR in 2026 and 2027.

See every American West sailing Deck plans American Cruise Lines policies

110guests at double occupancy

4decks

1995entered service

About American West

American West is the smallest and oldest paddlewheeler in the American Cruise Lines fleet, built in 1995 and carrying just 110 guests. The line calls it a veteran of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and it delivers the nostalgia of classic sternwheel travel with the comforts the fleet is known for: a glass-enclosed restaurant with open seating, three guest lounges, a study enclave, a fitness center and a sun deck with a putting green.

Staterooms are modest by American standards but most have private balconies. Veranda Suites run 360 square feet, Deluxe Balcony rooms 180 to 240 square feet, and the Premium Waterview on the third deck adds a balcony as well. The decor uses a serene palette and artwork that pays homage to the Pacific Northwest. Elevator access is limited, so guests who need step-free movement between decks should call before booking.

In the published schedule American West has only two 2026 departures, both the six-night Columbia River Gorge Cruise round trip from Portland in October 2026, and no 2027 dates are listed. Guests who want this river in 2027 should look at American Pride, American Harmony or American Song, which run the full Columbia and Snake Rivers program from Portland and Clarkston.

Classic paddlewheel design with a working sternwheel and traditional lines
Just 110 guests, the smallest paddlewheeler in the fleet
Glass-enclosed restaurant with open seating and regional menus
Three distinct guest lounges plus a cozy study enclave
Sun deck with a putting green and 360-degree views of the Gorge
Private balconies on Veranda Suites, Deluxe Balcony and Premium Waterview staterooms
Daily complimentary cocktail hour with live music in the lounge
Six-night Columbia River Gorge round trips from Portland

Staterooms and suites

Veranda Suite

360 square feet on the second and third decks with a seating area, stocked refrigerator, king bed, two walls of picture windows and a push door to a private balcony with deck furniture.

Deluxe Balcony

Two grades on the second and third decks: Deluxe Balcony 1 at 240 square feet and Deluxe Balcony 2 at 180 square feet, both with full-size furniture, a large shower and a private balcony.

Premium Waterview

180 square feet on the third deck with two walls of picture windows and, despite the name, a push door to a private balcony.

Deluxe and Standard Waterview

150 square feet with picture windows; Deluxe Waterview on the third deck, Standard Waterview on the Main and second decks, the entry grade for budget-minded guests.

Single staterooms

Single Balcony rooms of 180 square feet on the second and third decks with a private balcony, and a 150-square-foot Single Waterview on the third deck, both sold for solo travelers.

American West deck plans

Deck by deck, straight from our booking engine: the plan, the stateroom categories on that deck and the public rooms. Pick a deck.

Deck 4

Pilot House, Putting Green, Sundeck, Fitness Center.

SundeckRelax and enjoy at Sun Deck with comfortable chairs.
Putting Green You can explore on sun deck with various activities such as Golf and much more.

Deck 3

The Study, Suites/Staterooms.

Deluxe Deluxe Waterview StateroomPremium Premium Waterview StateroomSingle Waterview Single Waterview StateroomDeluxe 2 Deluxe Balcony StateroomDeluxe 1 Deluxe Balcony StateroomVeranda Veranda SuiteSingle Balcony Single Balcony Stateroom

Deck 2

Paddlewheel Lounge, Suites/Staterooms.

Standard Standard Waterview StateroomDeluxe 2 Deluxe Balcony StateroomDeluxe 1 Deluxe Balcony StateroomVeranda Veranda SuiteSingle Balcony Single Balcony Stateroom

Main Deck

River Lounge, Restaurant, Suites/Staterooms.

Standard Standard Waterview StateroomSingle Waterview Single Waterview Stateroom

River LoungeSit back and unwind yourself at the Lounge Area.

Plans are the cruise line’s current drawings as supplied to our booking engine. Layouts change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the exact stateroom when you book.

On board American West

Dining on American West

RestaurantIncluded

Glass-enclosed dining room where all guests eat together with open seating and menus tailored to the Pacific Northwest by the ship’s chefs.

Cocktail hourIncluded

A complimentary cocktail party with full bar, hors d’oeuvres and live music is hosted every evening before dinner.

Lounge and study snacksIncluded

Coffee, soft drinks and snacks are available around the clock in the lounges and the study enclave.

Drinks policyIncluded

All meals, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the fare, with wine and beer served at lunch and dinner.

Entertainment and activities

Nightly live performances by regional musicians in the main lounge
Onboard expert giving daily talks on Lewis and Clark, the Gorge and the river
Sun deck with putting green and lounge chairs for scenic cruising days
Three guest lounges and a quiet study with books and games
At least one complimentary featured shore excursion in every port
Fitness center with cardio equipment
Complimentary pre-cruise hotel night in Portland with transfer to the ship

Families and who it suits

American Cruise Lines has no children’s program or kids’ facilities and does not publish a minimum age; the ship, its lectures and its included excursions are designed for adult travelers, so ask SmartCruiser before booking a child.

Best for: Travelers who want a classic small paddlewheeler on the Columbia River Gorge for a short, all-inclusive fall getaway from Portland.

Sails from: Portland, OR · Regions: Columbia River Gorge, Columbia and Snake Rivers

American West questions we answer every day

How big is American West?

American West is a four-deck paddlewheeler built in 1995 for 110 guests, the smallest of the American Cruise Lines paddlewheelers. It has a glass-enclosed restaurant, three lounges, a study, a fitness center and a sun deck with a putting green. American Cruise Lines does not publish its tonnage, length or crew count. Elevator access is limited, so call before booking if stairs are a concern.

Where does American West sail in 2026 and 2027?

The line’s published schedule shows American West on the six-night Columbia River Gorge Cruise, round trip from Portland, Oregon, with departures on October 18 and October 23, 2026. No 2027 sailings are listed for this ship. For 2027 Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises, American Cruise Lines deploys American Pride, American Harmony and American Song between Portland and Clarkston, Washington.

Which staterooms are best on American West?

The 360-square-foot Veranda Suites on decks 2 and 3 are the top choice, with a seating area, stocked refrigerator and a private balcony. Deluxe Balcony 1 rooms at 240 square feet are the best mid-range pick. Solo travelers have dedicated Single Balcony rooms of 180 square feet. Rooms on the third deck sit above the paddlewheel wash and closer to the sun deck.

What is included in the fare on American West?

American Cruise Lines is all-inclusive: all meals and snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, the nightly cocktail hour, onboard entertainment and enrichment, at least one featured shore excursion in each port, gratuities, port charges and a pre-cruise hotel night with transfer to the ship. SmartCruiser adds bonus onboard credit on sailings where American Cruise Lines allows it, not available when you book direct.

Is American West a good choice for first-time river cruisers?

Yes, if you like a traditional paddlewheeler atmosphere and a short itinerary. The Columbia River Gorge round trip from Portland is six nights, the ship carries only 110 guests, and everything from drinks to excursions is included, so it is an easy introduction to U.S. river cruising. Guests who want larger staterooms or an elevator to every deck should look at American Pride or the modern riverboats on the same river.

Does American West have an elevator?

American Cruise Lines lists American West with limited elevator access and asks guests to call for details. Most of the fleet has elevator access to every passenger deck, but this 1995-built paddlewheeler does not. Guests with mobility concerns may prefer American Pride, American Harmony or American Song on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, all of which have elevators serving all passenger decks.

Facts checked against American Cruise Lines: American West, American Cruise Lines: dates and fares for American West, American Cruise Lines: all-inclusive, American Cruise Lines: FAQs on October 14, 2026. Ship details change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the current layout when you book.

Live from the cruise line

Every American West sailing, priced all-in

Every American West departure the cruise line is selling, priced live with taxes, fees and port expenses included. SmartCruiser picks at the top are sailings where booking with us gets you something extra. Stack the filters, then sort by lowest price, best value per night or sail date.

Every American West sailing

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Prices are per person, double occupancy, in US dollars, and include cruise fare, taxes, fees and port expenses as published by the cruise line at the moment you load this page. Fares are capacity controlled and change daily; the fare is confirmed when you book. Flights, hotels and transfers are extra unless the line’s offer says otherwise. Onboard credit shown on a sailing is per stateroom and applies to the lowest category offered unless stated otherwise.