A local tour company provides shore excursion opportunities for cruise passengers. 
2008 offerings include the following.

North Oregon Coast & Southwest Washington Shore Excursions

Fort Stevens, "Behind the Scenes" 3.0 Hours   
 
Fort Stevens Bike Tour  3.0  Hours        
 
Historic Astoria Plus Lewis & Clark Winter Home  4.0  Hours      

Mount St. Helens 7.5  Hours          

Pacific Northwest Kayak Tour  3.0  Hours     

Scenic Astoria Waterfront Cruise 2.5  Hours    

Seafood Cooking School & Oregon Wine Tasting 3.0  Hours              

Seaside & Cannon Beach  4.0  Hours 

Sturgeon Fishing 4.0  Hours

Tea & Scones at the Captain George Flavel House Museum 2.0  Hours   

Astoria Ale Tour 3.0 Hours

Seaside Sights and Sounds 7.0 Hours

Horseback Beach Ride 3.5 Hours

Scrapbook Connection 3.0 Hours

Astoria Ghost Walk 1.75 Hours

Ultimate Coast Tour 6.0 Hours

Willamette Valley Wine Tours 8.0 Hours

FORT STEVENS, BEHIND THE SCENES
Welcome to Fort Stevens “Behind the Scenes,” fully guided and narrated tour which brings a long history of the area.  

Fort Stevens was the primary military defense installation in the three Fort Harbor Defense Systems at the mouth of the Columbia River.  Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington were the other two. The fort served for 84 years, beginning with the Civil War and closing at the end of World War II. Today, Fort Stevens has grown into a 3,700-acre park offering exploration of history, nature, and recreational opportunities.

Your ranger's in-depth knowledge reveals Fort Stevens’s involvement during the Civil War up to WWll.  See for your self the bunkers, guns and views from the tower stations. Thousand of soldiers were quartered in the barracks, the foundations of which are still visible.

If that is not enough, you will have an opportunity to view the Columbia River north and south jetties, which you passed this morning. The jetties protect the third most difficult bar, “where the mighty Columbia meets the vast Pacific”.  Your ranger will enlighten you as we return to our ship past the estuary. This tour is limited to 30 people.
                                         
FORT STEVENS BIKING TOUR
Fort Stevens’s State Park contains an eight-mile network of paved, mostly level bike paths, most closed to vehicle traffic.

Your guided tour focuses on historical and geographical attractions of the nation’s largest state park. This adventure includes Battery Russell, dating back to early 20th century and the viewing tour station that provides great panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Disappointment Light House and the Washington shoreline. Another attraction is the wreck of the Peter Iredale, the English ship that ran aground in 1906. There is much to see and remember on our North Oregon coast. A the end of your tour relax, view the museum and enjoy a light snack.

HISTORIC ASTORIA & LEWIS & CLARK WINTER HOME
Consider yourself a modern day explorer as you board a comfortable coachfor your exploration of the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Jointhe ranks of important visitors starting with Captain Robert Gray in 1792, Lewisand Clark’s Corps of Discovery in 1805, and now you.

We will tour the Astoria Column, overlooking Astoria, Washington and Oregon beaches; and Fort Clatsop, a replica of the fort as depicted in Clark’s journal. On our return we head back through Astoria past the famous Uniontown, the Doughboy Monument, Victorian homes and churches, and the world famous Columbia River Maritime Museum. Tour includes all entry fees.

MOUNT ST HELENS TOUR
At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted.

Our destination, Mount ST. Helens National Monument. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In 1982 the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and education. Inside the Monument, the environment is left to respond naturally to the disturbance.

Join us for your journey up the Columbia River. We will recreate Lewis & Clarks travel from the comfort of your motor coach. You will see many distinguishing features and landmarks along the way. In the Monument, visitor centers reveal tremendous views of Mount St. Helens, including the crater, lava dome, and blast zone. Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center and Johnston Ridge Observatory will be our highlights. Learn about the eruption of 1980, with almost 1,500 photographs of the volcano taken before, during, and after the event.  Interpretive talks, walks, and theater programs will be offered. Enjoy a catered box lunch as you view the native plants, birds, and other wildlife.
 
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST KAYAK TOURS
Lewis & Clark River:  A beautiful day trip with a stop at historic Fort Clatsop.  View dugout canoes, the historic reconstructed fort, and a slide show; see live demonstrations, and the Interpretive Center Museum while taking a break for lunch. This tour is friendly for beginners.

Skipanon River:  Enjoy the flat waters of the river past a marina of fishing and pleasure craft to Young’s Bay, or travel the narrow upper reaches beyond the tide gate to Cullaby Lake. Trips along the upper river are well suited for open canoes or smaller kayaks, but either route is an enjoyable half-day tour. This tour is friendly for beginners.

John Day River:  Travel the protected Columbia River tributary up or downstream from the boat launch. An old rotating railroad bridge marks the entrance to the Columbia River, with views of the old naval stations and a paddle around Lois and / or Mott islands.  Deer, birds and other wildlife are abundant along the river. This tour is friendly for beginners.

SCENIC ASTORIA WATERFRONT CRUISE
Discover the natural beauty and rich history of the Lower Columbia River Estuary through a unique and fun-filled experience aboard the charter vessel Shamrock, while Captain Dave spins yarns about the history of the Astoria Bridge, movies filmed in Astoria, our historic fishing industry, and river traffic including river and bar piloting.

Our tours travel along Lewis and Clark’s historical route.

SEAFOOD COOKING SCHOOL & OREGON WINE TASTING TOUR
(An extension of the Oregon State University.)  It’s all about Seafood! You will experience a quick tour of this new facility, dedicated to seafood preparation, the first of its kind on the West Coast. Cooking tips, purchasing tips and professional ideas are some of what you will learn. There will be a live presentation and tasting program and you will learn the secrets in preparing seafood.

Following a short drive to, “The Cellar on 10th”, you will sample Oregon wines while you learn about your senses and how to put them to use right away for enjoying and understanding Oregon’s wines.

Oregon’s northern latitude brings long hours of summer sunshine to its vineyards, usually adequate to fully ripen grapes for Oregon wines. Occasional marine breezes breach the Coastal range, and help moderate the combination of these conditions to encourage the complex development of fruit flavors, aromatics and nuances in these northern-Oregon grown grapes. These complexities allow Oregon wineries to compete well with other world-class wineries. Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and our delightful Pinot noir are among our favorites. You will return to the ship with a souvenir recipe packet.

SEASIDE & CANNON BEACH TOUR
Visit some of Oregon’s most enchanting communities. Seaside is a family resort area, where families have been spending the summers for decades. Seaside offers excellent seafood restaurants, quaint shops and friendly people. Cannon Beach, once an artist community is now a Mecca for photographers, artists and writers, and offers several galleries and shops. Haystack Rock, one of the world’s largest freestanding monoliths, is one of the most photographed sights along the Oregon Coast.

STURGEON FISHING TOUR
Fish the Beautiful Columbia River in Oregon or the Pacific Ocean with one of our 5 Captains. We have a boat perfect for your needs, ranging in party size from 4 to 15 people. Perfect for the experienced or novice angler.

“Give a man a fish and you’ll feed him for a day-Teach a man to catch a fish and you’ll feed him for a life time.”

Your guides are all Oregon residents with years of experience in deep-sea fishing, fully credentialed by the US Coast Guard. All our boats have US Coast Guard Five Star Safety Ratings.  We use only tournament-quality gear for all of our fishing expeditions, and furnish everything except your personal items and fishing licenses.  Temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the season.  Salmon or Sturgeon fishing is available on a seasonal basic, so check with your cruise director.
Vacuum packing, freezing and shipping services are available, but are not included in the cost of the tour.

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TEA & SCONES AT THE FLAVEL HOUSE MUSEUM
Step back in time with a visit to the elegant Astoria home built in 1885 by Captain George Flavel, Columbia River bar pilot and the area’s first millionaire. A magnificent example of Queen Anne style architecture with period furnishings and artwork, the Flavel House rests on park-like grounds covering an entire city block. Experts in historic restoration have returned this elegant Victorian mansion to its original form.  It’s decorative exterior, with hipped roof, balconies and verandas, is distinguished by a fourth-story cupola used by Captain Flavel and his wife to watch river traffic.

As you walk through the large, high-ceilinged rooms, with their elegant woodwork, you will discover furnishings, art and décor typical of a century ago. Included are fine examples of the woodworker’s craft, especially the six-handcrafted fireplace mantles that are carved from different hardwoods and accented by special tile imported from Europe and Asia. Relax with us in the parlor, for a most civilized tradition and treat, tea & scones.

Add all of the above to good friends and conversation, and a recipe for happiness is afoot.

ASTORIA ALE TOURS

Beer lovers will be delighted by the variety of local brews available in the Astoria area. From pale ales, amber ales, rich porters or full stouts, no matter the personal preference, even the most discriminating palate finds a new favorite. To taste a number of the varieties, microbrew fanatics will visit tasting rooms opened by local brewing companies and sample the many Oregon favorites. Your local school bus will transport beer enthusiasts to three local breweries in town on a personalized tour complete with samples and a glass of beer of your choice at each pub. After this ale trail tour you will have a better understanding of the art of beer brewing in Oregon.

SEASIDE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Visit one of Oregon's enchanting coastal communities - Seaside is a family resort area where people have been coming to spend the summer months for decades. Seaside has much to offer for a day of fun and food at the beach. First you will visit the Seaside Museum and get a feel for the history of the town, then on to the Aquarium where you will see and learn about the local sea life and feed the sea lions for a dollar. Next, you will visit McKeown's - the perfect place to sit in a cozy European style cafe' atmosphere and enjoy a "tasting" of Northwest wines. Along with an informative talk about the chosen wineries and wines you will enjoy the casual ambiance of McKeown's and kids can enjoy an authentic Italian soda! Now you have some free time to spend as you like, have lunch, walk the boardwalk or the beach, visit the arcade, ride the bumper cars, shop for souvenirs or rent one of several styles of family pedal bikes or mopeds and cruise around the town. We hope you enjoy your day in the little town of Seaside, Oregon. No pre-reservations for bikes available.

ASTORIA GHOST WALK

Fort Astoria was built by American fur traders and captured by the British during the War of 1812. Astoria is known as "the oldest American settlement West of the Rockies" so you know there must be ghosts around this town! Come along on this ghost walk with ghost hunter and Author Jeff Davis. Jeff has investigated ghostly places all over the Pacific Northwest and would love to introduce you to the ghosts of Astoria. On your Ghost walk you will pass through history and visit many interesting and haunted sites around town such as the Liberty Theatre and the Hotel Elliott both on the National Registry of Historic places, circa 1925. These historic places are both are old enough to have accumulated spirits of past owners, guests, and staff. Learn about the lonely lady left behind by her fur-trading lover. Astoria's most famous ghosts belong to the Captain Flavel House museum, Astoria's first millionaire. Ghosts of his wife and daughters are said to still roam the mansion.

HORSEBACK BEACH RIDE

You'll be crossing the mighty Columbia River into Washington State. While enroute to the stable your guide will talk about the history of the Long Beach Peninsula. After arriving at the stables you'll mount up for your ride to the beach were you will have an opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Great Pacific Ocean. You will enjoy a two hour horseback ride down this beautiful beach to Beards Hollow named after Captain E.N. Beard whose ship and crew were lost in this area in 1853. Then return to the stables and board your bus for a short trip back to the Pier. 

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SCRAPBOOK CONNECTION

You will receive a 12 x 12 album ready to be filled with all of your favorite cruise pictures. At the Scrapbook Retreat House, you will begin filling your album with two 12 x 12 double page layouts while learning techniques for using patterned paper and transparencies. Beginners, you will love how fun and easy it is for you to preserve your memories. Experienced Scrapbookers will enjoy our creative, designer inspired layouts. After completing your class at our exclusive Scrapbook Retreat House, you will have the opportunity for tax-free shopping at Scrapbook Connection. You will be thrilled with the selection of custom paper featuring scenes from Alaska, Oregon and Washington. The custom designed paper and die-cutting will bring your trip to the Pacific Northwest alive with memories, making your scrapbook layout one of a kind and your trip unforgettable. 

ULTIMATE COAST TOUR

You will travel south on the infamous and scenic Oregon Coast Highway with beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean along the way. This tour will take you to the renowned Tillamook Creamery and Cheese Factory where you will go on a self-guided tour of the facility with a light lunch afterwards. Next on to the Tillamook Air Museum to see America's finest collection of over 30 War Birds including a F4U-Corsair, P51-Mustang and PBY Catalina to mention just a few. All are housed in a rare World War II Blimp hanger - the largest wooden structure in the world! On our journey home we will make a short stop at the Nehalem Bay Winery for a little wine tasting.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY WINE TOUR

Here is your opportunity to visit two of Oregon's most prominent Willamette Valley wineries - Willakenzie Estates and Elk Cove Vineyards. While visiting these vineyards you'll gain an understanding and appreciation for the numerous growing regions and many wines produced within the Willamette Valley.

Meet the wine-crafters and learn how they grow and produce these exceptional Oregon wines and how each are uniquely crafted based upon each vineyards location. A box lunch will be included at your first winery stop and wines will be available for purchase at the tasting rooms.

"The focus has always been to create hand-crafted, Estated grown wines that can rival the best in the world." Both wineries are estates located in the protected Willamette Valley with gentle south facing slopes. The hillsides were planted to early ripening varieties including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and more. Come and explore the subtle nuances from different vineyard sites and sample some of the best wines the Pacific Northwest has to offer. 

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