New American Cruise Lines Riverboat Christened in Lewiston with Ceremony and Community Celebration
American Cruise Lines marked a milestone on the Snake River on May 12, when its newest riverboat, the American Encore, was formally christened at Lewiston, Idaho — capping the vessel’s inaugural journey along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
The christening drew a crowd of cruise guests, travel advisors, company executives, crew members, and local officials from both Lewiston and Clarkston, Washington to the ship’s top deck. The ceremony featured the traditional ceremonial blessing and bottle smash, a flyover, live music by The Victory Belles, and a reception in the ship’s Sky Lounge.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers Named Godmother
Former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represented Eastern Washington and the Snake River region for two decades in the U.S. House, was honored as the American Encore’s Godmother. Her selection reflected her long tenure advocating for the river communities and waterways at the heart of the cruise line’s Pacific Northwest operations.
Among those delivering remarks were Captain Andrea Mickelson; Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines; Kristin Meira, the company’s Director of Government Affairs; Joe Anderson, Commissioner of the Port of Lewiston; Lewiston Mayor Dan Johnson; and Steven McGee, President of Chesapeake Shipbuilding, where American Cruise Lines constructs its small-ship fleet.
New Dock Expands Port of Lewiston’s Capacity
The christening celebration also highlighted a newly constructed dock at Lewiston, developed through a partnership between American Cruise Lines and the Port of Lewiston. The addition allows the company’s riverboats to call on Lewiston and Clarkston at the same time, easing scheduling demands on a growing fleet. Beyond cruise operations, the dock is designed to improve waterfront access for local residents throughout the year — a tangible community benefit tied to the cruise line’s expanding regional footprint.
The American Encore’s inaugural 9-Day Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise had departed from Stevenson, Washington on May 6, with guests beginning their journey with a hotel stay in Portland, Oregon the previous evening. The christening in Lewiston on May 12 served as the ceremonial capstone of that first voyage.
American Cruise Lines has grown its Pacific Northwest presence considerably in recent years, operating both river and coastal small-ship itineraries through Puget Sound and into Alaska. The company reports it has introduced more than 80 percent of all new cruise vessels built in the United States over the past several decades, making it the dominant domestic operator in the river and small-ship segment.
Tourism officials and port commissioners have noted that American’s Columbia and Snake Rivers operations represent a meaningful source of economic activity for communities along both waterways, from Portland to Lewiston. The addition of dedicated dock infrastructure at the Port of Lewiston positions the Idaho terminal as an increasingly important hub for regional cruise traffic.
The Lewis-Clark Valley, situated at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, continues to attract investment in recreation and tourism infrastructure. Lewiston’s status as the farthest inland seaport on the West Coast — accessible via the federal navigation channel — remains a central selling point for cruise operators and shippers alike. Community events like this week’s christening underscore the economic and civic role the Port of Lewiston plays in anchoring the region’s identity.
What Comes Next
American Cruise Lines is expected to continue expanding its Columbia and Snake Rivers schedule in the coming seasons, with the new Lewiston dock enabling additional departure and arrival options. Local officials and port commissioners are anticipated to work with the cruise line on further shore excursion development and waterfront amenities to serve both visitors and residents.