Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise

Explore Portland from the Water on the Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise

The Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise offers a relaxed way to see Portland’s iconic bridges and waterfront sights for $40 per person. This 1 hour 30-minute cruise departs from 1010 SW Naito Pkwy at 3:30 pm and provides an engaging experience with live narration about the city’s landmarks. The mobile ticket makes it easy to hop aboard, and the cruise is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals.

This tour appeals to those interested in Portland’s architecture, history, and scenery, with plenty of photo opportunities from the Willamette River. While no meal is included, snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, making it a casual, enjoyable way to unwind and learn about the city. The average booking time of 12 days in advance suggests good availability for most travelers planning ahead.

Key Points

• Price: $40 per person, including narration and scenic views
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Departure Point: 1010 SW Naito Pkwy in Portland
• Highlights: Pass under Portland’s famous bridges, see waterfront landmarks, and view the city skyline from the water
• Food & Drinks: Snacks and beverages are sold onboard but not included
• Accessibility: Service animals allowed; some feedback suggests room for improved accessibility for wheel-bound guests

Portland’s Oldest and Busiest Bridges Feature in the Cruise

This cruise takes you past Portland’s most notable bridges, offering a unique perspective often missed from land. The Hawthorne Bridge, the oldest vertical-lift bridge in the U.S., is one of the first sights, giving a glimpse into Portland’s engineering history. The Marquam Bridge, Oregon’s busiest, carries Interstate 5 and is a double-deck steel-truss structure.

Cruising under these bridges reveals their impressive size and design, with narration explaining their significance. The Ross Island Bridge and Sellwood Bridge also feature prominently, showcasing different styles of cantilever and deck arch bridges. Some reviews mention that the narration’s audio can be muffled if seated away from speakers, so it’s best to sit near them if possible.

Visiting the Waterfront Sights Including OMSI and Waverley Country Club

Along the route, you pass by OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), with a view of the USS Blueback, a retired submarine in the Navy. This adds a touch of military history to the scenic cruise, with onboard narration providing context.

The cruise also passes by Waverley Country Club, established in 1896, considered one of the first golf clubs in the West. Its history traces back to Henderson Luelling, a pioneering figure in the area. Many find that viewing these historic sites from the water offers a fresh appreciation of Portland’s longstanding traditions.

Scenic Views of Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Portland Skyline

One of the main highlights is Tom McCall Waterfront Park, covering 36 acres and hosting many local events throughout the year. From the water, the park’s open green spaces provide a striking contrast to the city skyline.

Travelers often comment on how beautiful Portland looks from the river, especially when the weather is clear. Moving into the air-conditioned second level during warmer weather ensures a comfortable viewing experience while enjoying the panoramic city views.

The Bridges of Portland: Morrison, Burnside, and Steel Bridge

The cruise offers a close-up look at several of Portland’s signature bridges. The Morrison Bridge, with its blue-green glass spires, is easily recognizable. It’s one of Portland’s oldest vertical-lift bridges, and the narration provides interesting facts about its history.

The Burnside Bridge is also prominent, with Italian Renaissance-style towers and its fame for the “White Stag” sign, which is visible from the port side of the vessel. The Steel Bridge is unique as the world’s only double-deck bridge with independent lifts, making it a marvel of engineering.

Portland’s Arts and Sports Venues from the Water

The Oregon Convention Center, with its blue-green glass spires, is visible from the river, giving a distinctive skyline perspective. Nearby, the Rose Quarter houses Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Moda Center, which seats nearly 20,000 and hosts Portland Trail Blazers games.

This view of Portland’s sports and conference venues adds a lively element to the cruise, especially for fans or those interested in the city’s event spaces.

Comfort, Accessibility, and Onboard Amenities

The vessel is non-smoking and features an air-conditioned second deck for comfort during warmer days. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase but no meals are served, so plan accordingly. Several reviews mention the friendly staff, who assist guests with wheelchair access, although some suggest that accessibility could be improved for wheel-bound guests wishing to reach the upper deck for the best views.

The cruise can accommodate up to 400 travelers, providing enough space for a relaxed atmosphere, even on busy days. The live narration is played on all levels, giving everyone a chance to learn about Portland’s landmarks.

Practical Tips for the Cruise Experience

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good seat, especially on the upper deck, which offers the best vantage points. As some reviews note, sitting near the speakers helps catch the narration, which can sometimes be muffled or hard to hear in noisier areas.

The boarding process is smooth, but the ramp can be steep, so please plan accordingly if mobility is a concern. Since the tour is most popular 12 days in advance, booking ahead ensures availability and preferred seating.

Overall Value and Suitability

For $40, this cruise provides a relaxing and informative way to experience Portland’s waterfront and bridges. While not a full-scale tour with extensive history or food options, the combination of scenic views, casual onboard service, and engaging narration makes it a solid choice for those wanting a glance at Portland from the water.

The duration fits well into an afternoon schedule, and the availability of snacks and drinks enhances the experience without the need for a full meal. The cruise suits families, couples, and solo travelers alike, especially those interested in architecture, cityscapes, or simply enjoying a leisurely boat ride.

Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise: An Enjoyable Portland Landmark Tour

This cruise stands out for its accessible, scenic experience of Portland’s waterway. The passage under iconic bridges and view of Portland’s waterfront parks and sports venues appeal to anyone curious about the city’s layout and architecture.

The narration enriches the experience with informative facts about the bridges and landmarks, although some guests find the audio can be muffled. The friendly staff, comfortable environment, and reasonable prices for onboard drinks make it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

While the scenery and narration are the main attractions, the limited food options and some accessibility challenges should be considered. The Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise offers a relaxed, scenic, and educational way to enjoy Portland from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?
Tickets are $40.00 each, including narration and scenic views.

Where does the cruise start?
The departure and ending point is 1010 SW Naito Pkwy in Portland.

Are snacks and drinks included?
No, snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard but are not included in the ticket price.

Is there live narration during the cruise?
Yes, live narration plays on all levels of the vessel, explaining the landmarks and bridges you pass.

Is the cruise accessible for wheel-bound guests?
Staff assist with wheelchair access, but some guests suggest that access to the upper deck could be improved for those with mobility challenges.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the cruise.

What should I bring or wear?
Bring suitable clothing for weather conditions, and arrive early to secure a good seat, especially on the upper deck.

Are children allowed?
Yes, most travelers can participate, making it a family-friendly outing.

Is there parking nearby?
The tour departs from a convenient location near public transportation, but specific parking details are not provided.

This scenic Portland cruise delivers a relaxing, informative, and picturesque experience of Oregon’s biggest city from the water, perfect for those wanting to see Portland’s bridges and waterfront landmarks up close.