Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

THE MARITIME history of Astoria, Oregon, is one of tumult, terror and triumph. Many a ship and sailor have been pummeled by the surf -- thrown against the shoals on the treacherous and notorious Columbia River bar. We learned at this fascinating Astoria maritime museum that the Columbia River has taken at least 2,000 vessels and nearly as many lives.

THE PLEASURES of river cruising are many. First, you're close to shore. Because of your ship's size, you easily tie up at surprisingly beautiful -- even enchanting -- places. Each turn of the river offers changing landscape, bird life, deer, cattle, even a fox. They were right off our balcony stateroom, our home for a week aboard American Cruise Lines' American Pride.