Located 465 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the Port of Lewiston is the most inland Port on the West Coast, and Idaho’s only seaport. The Port, which is partially funded by Nez Perce County tax dollars, serves as an economic development district, intermodal transportation center and facilitator of international trade.
The Lewis Clark Valley and Port of Lewiston have been welcoming riverboat cruise traffic for three decades, with three cruise lines currently docking at the Port of Lewiston. Recent years have seen a marked uptick in the number of vessels, with additional growth expected in the future. These riverboat passengers visit local restaurants and hotels, shop with local retailers and participate in tours.
Recognizing the expected growth, it was an obvious choice for the Port to form a partnership with American Cruises and an ideal way to further economic development in the region, benefiting residents, business owners and cruise passengers.
American Cruise Lines will begin docking at the Port of Lewiston starting in Spring 2025. The company reported the Columbia-Snake River Cruises are the most popular among all their tours throughout the United States. They plan to expand and add more vessels along this popular Lewis and Clark waterway route.
As the only cruise dock in Idaho, the Port of Lewiston dock will bring added capacity to the expanding industry presence in the Lewis and Clark Valley, ensuring an increasing flow of tourist dollars to local retail, recreational and hospitality businesses.
The Port’s team and local commissioners worked closely with American Cruise Lines on the partnership, which will also create public access to the river for other recreational activities.
While the Port will retain ownership of the dock, American Cruise Lines will provide dock management services, which will include allowing other cruise lines to use the dock when American Cruise Lines is not.
“This partnership fits perfectly with the Port’s mission to foster job creation and industry growth that ultimately enhances the quality of life for area residents,” Port General Manager Scott Corbitt said. “We are excited to get started.”
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