Port of Lewiston and American Cruise Lines Officially Launch Idaho’s Only Cruise Boat Dock
LEWISTON, ID – The Port of Lewiston and American Cruise Lines (ACL) officially launched Idaho’s only cruise boat dock with a ceremonial ribbon cutting held Tuesday at the Confluence Riverfront facility.
River stakeholders from across the Northwest joined local officials, community members, and representatives from ACL along the Clearwater River for the celebration. The American Song, one of ACL’s modern riverboats that navigates the Columbia–Snake River System, was moored alongside for the occasion.
“We love cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and it is a special honor to be here today to celebrate the opening of the first cruise dock in Idaho,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “The project exemplifies collaborative partnerships with economic, community, and recreational benefits. It also signifies American’s ongoing commitment to exploring more of this beautiful region via the finest U.S.-built riverboats.”
The event marked the culmination of a historic partnership between the nation’s largest river cruise line and the Port of Lewiston to bring the cruise industry to Idaho.
“This facility is built for our cruise boat guests as well as for our local community members,” said Port of Lewiston General Manager Scott Corbitt. “Our partnership with ACL made the creation of Cruise Idaho possible. The future of the Confluence Riverfront is bright and full of potential.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured ACL leadership, Port Commissioners, local officials, and members of the Nez Perce Tribe, who opened the event with a cultural invocation led by Stacia Morfin, CEO of Nez Perce Tourism.
City of Lewiston Mayor Dan Johnson expressed gratitude to all involved in bringing the Confluence Riverfront vision to life, emphasizing its regional significance:
“This new Port facility, nestled at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, is more than just a place to dock—it is a gateway to the region’s vibrant culture and rich history. Here, history comes to life.”
The dock, funded in part by an allocation from Idaho Governor Brad Little in 2023, represents an expanded commitment from ACL, driven by increasing passenger demand for Pacific Northwest itineraries. Passengers embarking and disembarking in **Lewiston—the West Coast’s furthest inland seaport—**can now enjoy excursions such as jet boat tours of Hells Canyon, scenic helicopter rides, and wine tastings at local vineyards.
The next phase of development is in preliminary design and may feature an open-air amphitheater and the conversion of a former maintenance shop into a multi-use facility for cruise guests and community events. Longer-term plans for Phase 3 include a potential RV park and fishing piers.
American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise company in the United States, operating 27 small ships across the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Mississippi River, and other waterways nationwide. With more than 50 years of experience, ACL offers luxury, all-American river cruise experiences in 35 states and proudly operates the only 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world.