FAQs

Due to the nature of our attractions, all sales are final and non-refundable.  We recognize that from time to time, exceptional circumstances arise that merit review.  For customers who opt into Cancellation Protection, when offered on their bookings, we will honor a cancellation request submitted more than 12 hours before cruise start time and will grant a full refund for those protected charges.  For non-Cancellation Protection reservations, at our sole discretion, we will review the circumstances of a cancellation request submitted more than 12 hours before cruise start time.  If approved, we will offer a rescheduling or a refund to gift card credit, with the customer liable for any price difference for the new booking.  If a refunded online purchase included food and beverage, it may not be possible to credit for the exact menu selection. In these cases, the refunded customer will receive a credit of a similar value to the food item originally purchased.

We’re proud to offer a selection of delicious food and drinks on board, carefully crafted to enhance your cruise experience. Unfortunately, we don’t allow outside food or beverages to be brought on the vessel, with the exception of water. Our on-board menu offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. If you have specific needs or preferences, please let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

We love animals, but for the safety and comfort of all our passengers, we only allow service animals performing in an official capacity on board. Service animals are trained to assist passengers with disabilities and are permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you’re planning to bring a service animal, please notify us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

We offer a 10% discount on Expedition Cruises for groups of 20 or more passengers. This discount is a great way to make your group outing even more special. To take advantage of this offer, please contact us directly to book your group reservation. We’ll be happy to assist you with the details.

We offer a variety of cruise options to suit different interests and schedules. Our cruise options include:

• Expedition Cruises: These 1-hour or 2-hour cruises take you on a journey through the scenic waterways of the Columbia River Gorge. Choose from our East or West tours or combine them for a 2-hour adventure.
• Sunday Brunch Cruises: Relax and enjoy a leisurely 2-hour brunch cruise, complete with a delicious meal and stunning views.
• Dinner Cruises: Savor a delightful 2-hour dinner cruise, featuring a gourmet meal, often accompanied by live entertainment.
• Bonneville Dam Lockage Tour: Join us for a unique and fascinating 4–5-hour tour that takes you through the iconic Bonneville Dam Locks. Witness the incredible process of being lifted or lowered between the upstream and downstream water levels, and enjoy up-close views of the dam’s massive structures, including the spillway, powerhouse, and fish ladders.
• Sunset Cruises: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge during our 2-hour Sunset Cruise. Enjoy stunning views of the sunset, live music, and a selection of appetizers and drinks.  No plated or sit-down meals are included in this item.
• Full Moon Dinner Cruises: Join us for a magical and romantic 2-hour dinner cruise under the light of the full moon. Enjoy a specially crafted menu, music, and the enchanting ambiance of the Columbia River Gorge illuminated by the full moon.
• Private Charters: Customize your own private cruise experience for special occasions, corporate events, or group outings. Our team will work with you to create a tailored itinerary and ensure an unforgettable experience. Please email Cam@jettylight.com to begin the process of your memorable experience.

Please note that cruise durations and options are subject to change, so be sure to check our website or contact us for the latest information.

While we don’t offer traditional all-day cruises, we do have a special option for passengers who want to spend more time on the water. If you purchase an 11am Expedition ticket, you’re welcome to stay aboard until the final docking of the day at 3:45pm. This allows you to enjoy a longer cruise experience while still having the flexibility to disembark at a time that suits you.

Our home port is located in Cascade Locks, Oregon, where we depart and arrive for all our routine cruises. While we don’t offer departures from Portland or Hood River, we’re easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re planning to visit from Portland or Hood River, we recommend checking with local transportation providers for schedules and fares.

Please note that during the Holiday Season, we do dock in Vancouver Washington for special Christmas-themed cruises. Be on the lookout after Labor Day to see the 2025 Holiday schedule.

Our cruises are designed to provide a relaxing and scenic experience, with no scheduled stops along the way. This allows you to sit back, enjoy the views, and take in the sights and sounds of the Columbia River Gorge without interruption.

One of the highlights of our cruise experience is the opportunity to transit the Bonneville Dam Locks. We offer one special cruise per month that will take you through the locks, providing a unique and fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and engineering marvels. Please check our calendar, Facebook, or Instagram for the latest dates and schedules or click for Lockage Tours.

We’re committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our passengers, regardless of the weather. Our cruises operate in rain or shine, but we may cancel or postpone a cruise if the weather conditions are deemed unsafe. In such cases, we’ll notify you as soon as possible and provide options for rescheduling or a gift card for future use.

We’re excited to offer Gift Cards that can be tailored to fit any occasion or circumstance! Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone, showing appreciation for a loved one, or simply wanting to treat someone to a unique experience, our gift cards provide the perfect solution. Choose from a variety of options, including:

• Standard design
• Happy Birthday
• Congratulations
• Happy Anniversary
• Seasonal Rotation

Purchase a Gift Card today and give the gift of a memorable experience on the Columbia River!

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as Google Pay. We also accept cash, but please note that we do not accept personal checks.

Please see our cancellation policy for details on refunds and exchanges. If you need to cancel or change your reservation, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request, but please note that refunds and exchanges are subject to our cancellation policy.

Yes, at our dock in Cascade Locks, the Sternwheeler is ADA accessible on our main deck. We have ramps to facilitate easy boarding and movement around the main deck, which has accessible restrooms. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own wheelchair or mobility device on board. However, please note that we have limited storage space, so it’s essential to let us know in advance if you plan to bring your own device, as we also have wheelchairs available upon request.

The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority! We have a comprehensive safety plan in place, which includes regular vessel inspections, crew training, and emergency preparedness. We also have life jackets and other safety equipment on board.

While we appreciate your preparedness, we require all passengers to use our Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Our life jackets are specifically designed for our vessels and are regularly inspected to ensure they’re in good working condition.

We’re always here to help! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our website. We’ll respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. Sternwheeler@jettylight.com, 541-399-5029.

Yes, we’re on Facebook and Instagram! Follow us to stay up to date on the latest news, promotions, and updates from our team. We love sharing photos and stories from our cruises, so be sure to check us out!