American Encore Christening & First Day - American Cruise Lines Columbia River Cruise 2026

Welcome to Part 1 of a brand-new video series exploring the Columbia and Snake rivers by cruise ship. In this first episode, I’m taking you to the official christening of American Cruise Lines' newest ship, American Encore. Our 7-day journey down the historic Snake and Columbia rivers begins in Lewiston, Idaho, at ACL’s brand-new dock and terminal. We kick things off with a festive, red-white-and-blue christening ceremony featuring speeches from local dignitaries, Captain Andrea Mickelson, and the ship’s Godmother, former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Plus, there's a fantastic performance by The Victory Belles and a surprise classic warbird fly-by! We also catch a glimpse of some local raptors nesting righ tnext to the sun ship. Once underway, we take a look at the spot where the Clearwater and Snake rivers meet, examine the desert landscape of the east side of Washington state, and close out the evening as we approach the first of eight massive river dams: the Lower Granite Lock & Dam. Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications so you don't miss Episode 2 next week, where we sail into Richland, Washington for Day 2 of the cruise. Planning to take a cruise with American Cruise Lines? Feel free to use the services of my trusted travel agent, Caitlin Gallagher! Why book through Caitlin? She handles your flights, pre/post-cruise hotel stays, private airport transfers, and bundles everything into a master print/digital itinerary for you. Plus, she'll send you some awesome extra swag like luggage tags and a tote bag! Her services don't cost you anything extra, as her fees are entirely paid for by the cruise line. Call Caitlin at 1-904-364-5774 Email Caitlin at caitlin@ambrentravel.com Caitlin's web site: www.ambrentravel.com Video Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:35 - A Travel Mishap 1:02 - First Look at the Ship 2:31 - Christening Ceremony 5:52 - Jet Boat Ride 9:38 - Sailaway 11:37 - Evening Activities & Dam