Five Things to Know About American Cruise Lines' American Pride Cruise Ship

One of the best parts about a trip on American Pride is being steeped in the history and landscape of the Pacific Northwest—both on and off the ship. Expect Native American guest performers and a resident river historian (dubbed a “riverlorian”) who regales passengers with entertaining lectures on everything from explorers Lewis and Clark to the lock-and-dam system on the Columbia River.

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Staterooms are spacious, especially for a river cruise ship. Single rooms are 203 square feet, while standard double cabins start at 290 square feet. The biggest staterooms are the Owner’s Suites, which are 445 square feet and flooded with light. Most cabins have balconies—the perfect place for breakfast each morning. (It’s the only meal you can order for room service.)

Dinner happens in the dining room, which is large enough to serve every guest at once. Whenever possible, ingredients—and recipes—are locally sourced: Think Pacific shrimp bisque, Widmer Cascadian Ale-braised Snake River Farms pork shank, and marionberry cheesecake.

Don’t stress about that excursion tab. Usually, at least one tour per port is free, as is beer and wine with lunch and dinner and Wi-Fi throughout your cruise.

Before dinner every night, the ship throws a cocktail party for all the passengers, and you can have beer and wine at dinner. But if you know you’re going to want an after-dinner drink, make a point of buying your own bottles when you’re off the ship.