Columbia River Sternwheeler
 

Please, no flames...I posted in the Cruising section with no results, but I guess that "cruising" means "ocean" to most folks.

Having said that, we are contemplating an 8-day tour on the Columbia. Small paddlewheeler, about 150 pax, lots of excursions included in the price. Has anyone done this trip?

I've never done this trip, but I've read an article in the NY Times about it(this was a few years ago, but you can find it online if you register for free at NYTimes.com ... the article was titled "By Sternwheeler Along the Columbia" by Denise Fainberg). You'll find that the passengers on these trips skew relatively old, but these river cruises sound pretty interesting to me.

Bob, I have not done the multi day trips, just the daylong one a few years ago. But a good friend, her mother, and her teenage son did the one you are talking about 2 years ago and they all really enjoyed it. They are from VA and this was their first trip out here, so they especially enjoyed the scenery. She said she was surprised that they each enjoyed it as much as they did...she was worried her son would get bored, but apparently he was fine. Wish I could be of more help, but at least it is a recent account.

We (a middle-aged couple, fifties) did a three-rivers cruise in September 05, and really enjoyed it. We cruised on the Queen of the West, and it was wonderful to have the excursions included; all were worthwhile, and they were able to include a (free!) extra outing to the Merry Hill (?) museum because we had made good time. A very smooth organization, good food, not cheap, but we felt it was worth it and would do it again. I loved going through the locks on the ship as it rose and fell with the water, and I learned a lot about the area (we followed the Lewis and Clark route, and the onboard historian was in love with his subject). Most of our fellow passengers were older, but not all, and they were well-educated and interested in the area through which we traveled, so I enjoyed their company. If you go, I think you'll like it. Ask me if you have any questions.

Thanks to all...and Doug, my wife and I travel geezer class.