Port Area Snapshot
Portland Cruise Terminal rests on the Willamette River just north of downtown Portland, Oregon. The compact riverfront pier handles small ocean ships and popular Columbia–Snake Riverboats, giving travelers an easy jump‑off point minutes from Powell’s City of Books, world‑class food trucks, and bridges framing snowy Mount Hood. Thanks to a quick, 12‑mile link from Portland International Airport, reliable TriMet buses, and mostly mild Pacific Northwest weather—rainy winters and dry, sunny summers—guests can roam rose gardens, indie shops, and craft‑beer enclaves before embarkation without breaking a sweat.
Port Overview
- Port name: Portland Cruise Terminal (Terminal 2)
- Address: 3556 NW Front Avenue, Portland, OR 97210 (MapQuest)
- Terminals: 1 (Terminal 2 warehouse pier)
- Major cruise lines: American Cruise Lines, Viking, UnCruise, occasional Princess & Holland America repositionings
- Annual passengers: N/A (occasional ocean calls; steady river‑cruise traffic)
- Highlights: Easy downtown access, panoramic river & skyline views, on‑site gated parking, ADA‑friendly ramps, bike‑share dock at gate
Transportation & Access (table provided)
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Portland International Airport (PDX) – 12 mi / 25 min northeast (allthingscruise.com) | https://www.flypdx.com |
| Public transit | TriMet Bus #16 stops 0.3 mi from the pier; connect to MAX Light Rail for downtown | https://trimet.org |
| Rail | Amtrak Union Station – 2.5 mi (10 min) taxi or rideshare | https://amtrak.com |
| Shuttles | Cruise‑line coaches on sailing days; private vans such as Blue Star available by reservation | https://bluestarbus.com |
| Rideshare | Uber & Lyft allowed curbside at Gate 2; follow signage to pickup zone | https://uber.com |
| Accessibility | Terminal ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms; TriMet fleet 100 % wheelchair‑lift equipped | https://portofportland.com |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes (table)
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Japanese Garden | Lush 12‑acre garden with Mt. Hood backdrop | 10 am–5:30 pm • $22.50 adult (Portland Japanese Garden) | https://japanesegarden.org |
| Powell’s City of Books | World’s largest indie bookstore | 10 am–9 pm • Free | https://powells.com |
| Washington Park & Oregon Zoo | Forest trails plus 230‑species zoo | Zoo 9:30 am–5 pm • $24.95 adult | https://oregonzoo.org |
| OMSI | Hands‑on science museum on the river | 9:30 am–5 pm Tue–Sun • $18 adult | https://omsi.edu |
| Portland Saturday Market | Open‑air crafts & eats (weekends) | Sat 10 am–5 pm, Sun 11 am–4:30 pm • Free | https://portlandsaturdaymarket.com |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining (table)
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Pigeon | Creative tasting menus | French • $$$ | https://lepigeon.com |
| Andina | Vibrant Peruvian plates | Peruvian • $$$ | https://andinarestaurant.com |
| RingSide Steakhouse | Classic Portland steakhouse | Steakhouse • $$$ | https://ringsidesteakhouse.com |
| Departure Restaurant + Lounge | Rooftop views & Asian fusion | Asian Fusion • $$‑$$$ | https://departureportland.com |
Budget‑Friendly Dining (table)
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nong’s Khao Man Gai | Lunch | Thai street chicken • $ | https://khaomangai.com |
| Pine State Biscuits | Breakfast/Lunch | Southern comfort • $ | https://pinestatebiscuits.com |
| Sizzle Pie | Lunch/Dinner | Pizza • $ | https://sizzlepie.com |
| Deschutes Brewery Pub | Dinner | Pub classics • $$ | https://deschutesbrewery.com/locations/portland-pub |
Safety & Local Tips
- Expect steady drizzle November–March; pack waterproof layers and shoes.
- Downtown bike lanes are busy—look both ways when crossing streets.
- Keep valuables close on MAX trains; petty theft is uncommon but possible.
- Portland is cash‑light; credit cards and mobile pay widely accepted.
- Refillable water stations are everywhere—bring a reusable bottle.
Cruise Day Logistics
- Arrive 2–3 hours before boarding; security and U.S. Customs operate airport‑style scanners.
- On‑site parking is limited; pre‑book online if driving.
- Checked bags drop curbside at Warehouse Door B; porters deliver to cabins.
- River levels can affect gangway angles—mobility‑assist staff are on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the exact address for GPS?
A: 3556 NW Front Avenue, Portland, OR 97210. (MapQuest)
Q: Is long‑term parking offered?
A: Yes, gated surface lots beside the terminal; book early during summer cruises.
Q: How early should passengers check in?
A: The terminal opens 3 hours before departure; boarding usually starts 90 minutes out.
Q: Are shuttle transfers from PDX available?
A: Most cruise packages include bus transfers; taxis and rideshares run about $40–$45.
Q: Does the terminal have free Wi‑Fi?
A: Complimentary Wi‑Fi covers the waiting hall and adjacent café.
Q: Which currency and cards are accepted onboard?
A: U.S. dollars; major credit cards are stored at check‑in for onboard purchases.
Q: Can passengers smoke at the pier?
A: Smoking and vaping are only allowed in the signed outdoor zone 50 feet from the door.