Reservation Portland Spirit was our choice to celebrate our anniversary. They have multiple packages and we though Admiral package would be best for our dinner. I will explain why we were disappointed and felt like ripped off... Pleas note that we payed $148 above the regular price of 164 so total amount was $312.
Boarding First is boarding. Admiral package doesn't have any queue priority so I had to wait on high heels while everybody else check-in before us.
We were only one who order admiral package and we got good table on the second floor with candle.
Service Service was poor. Our waitress was working 1 week with no previous experience. She started from other tables so we had to wait because she was only one taking orders. Again no priority for admiral package. She didn`t navigate us in our menu because some things they charged extra and we were not sure whats includes in our package.
For note everybody in regular package has a wine and we order admiral package which gives you upgrade for cocktails so we though we can get 2 drinks each but in the end we got bill for 2 wines that we took. (So we payed $20 extra)
Food We got upgraded one appetizer- prawns and 2 salads (which is regular). Salad was really small and almost had nothing.
I was disappointed in my meal because fish was cold and she forgot to replace my quinoa with potatoes so we had to swap with my husband and he didn`t like this quinoa either. His meat was pretty tender but potatoes were half-boiled and still were hard.
Dessert We got upgraded dessert which was just 3 bucks extra than regular desserts. I had key lime cheesecake which was good but chocolate cake tasted like from supermarket.
Once again we had anniversary and I also wrote it in a note on their website when we were booking but nobody even announce that. They were congratulating other people with birthdays etc but not us. Really sad... at lest they could print our happy anniversary on paper and put it on our table. (I just throw you a good idea guys)
Needless to mention that we payed $148 extra and we got Prawns that you can buy for $10 extra onboard Window seat that cost $24 pp so its $48 No extra drinks than regular package Picture that you can buy for $10 And 2 upgraded dessert which cost $3 each to upgrade
So total $74 for all that but we payed double $148 and we did got special treat...
When they called Monday to my husband ask how was the trip -It was OK she said? he said he cannot talk because he is on the meeting and he said please call my wife and gave my number twice!!! Of course nobody called me and they probably marked it somewhere as ok. Meeeeh....
I dont think I will recommend it to my friends, Im disappointed what we got for $332 ( we had to pay extra 20 bucks for wine) I felt like a...
Read moreMy experience with Portland Spirit Cruises and Events in Central Eastside Portland was nothing short of extraordinary and I can’t recommend this iconic river adventure enough for locals and visitors alike! Docked at 110 SE Caruthers St just upstream from OMSI this family owned gem has been delivering unforgettable Willamette River cruises since 1994 and their passion for showcasing Portland’s beauty shines through in every detail.
I joined a two hour Champagne Brunch Cruise and it was pure magic. The moment I stepped aboard the Portland Spirit a luxurious 150 foot yacht I was greeted by warm professional staff who made me feel right at home. The cruise glided along the Willamette offering jaw dropping views of Portland’s skyline iconic bridges and charming floating homes.
The captain’s narration was a delightful touch sharing fascinating history about the river and landmarks like the Tilikum Crossing. The buffet was a highlight featuring locally sourced Northwest cuisine like roasted potatoes eggs Benedict and a carving station with NY striploin all paired with free flowing champagne and mimosas. Every bite was fresh and flavorful prepared on board by their talented executive chef. Live piano music added a sophisticated yet cozy vibe perfect for soaking in the scenery from the climate controlled dining deck or the breezy open air top deck.
What sets Portland Spirit apart is their versatility and heart. Whether it’s a romantic dinner cruise a family friendly Cinnamon Bear holiday adventure or a thrilling Explorer Jetboat ride to the Columbia River Gorge they craft experiences for every occasion.
I heard glowing reviews from fellow passengers about their wedding receptions on the Willamette Star and intimate ceremonies on the Crystal Dolphin both boasting stunning views and all inclusive packages.
The staff’s attention to detail from the attentive servers to the dedicated event planners ensures everything runs smoothly. Accessibility is also a priority with wheelchair friendly decks and accommodations for dietary needs like vegan and gluten free options when requested in advance.
Portland Spirit Cruises and Events is a must do for anyone wanting to see Portland from a fresh perspective. The combination of breathtaking scenery exceptional service and delicious cuisine makes it a standout in Central Eastside. I’m already planning my next cruise maybe a sunset dinner or the 7 Wonders of the Gorge adventure! Thank you Portland Spirit for an unforgettable journey I’ll be raving...
Read moreWe were in Portland for a couple of nights to celebrate my 70th birthday and decided to make reservations even though the weather was iffy (Oregon-typical !) Captain Richard cheerfully greets the passengers at dock side before "we walk the plank''. Fair warning -ramp to the ship is very steep! High-heeled boots not advised. We had a great table -but any table next to the large windows is great. Cieci (l'm sure I am misspelling her name) arrived at our tableside with `'champagne" and OJ at the ready. She was very attentive and just happened to be my birthday "twin"!) We confess to being wine snobs and the bubbles being poured were not up to my birthday celebration palate...we ordered the Argyle sparkling -a local winery that produces excellent vino. The Cruise Manager, Travis, was kind enough to rescue our Argyle for which we had impatiently waited - and kindly accommodated our request to take our pic. We found all the staff to be friendly, attentive without being intrusive, allowing the passengers to enjoy the ride. The narration and the views are fantastic -looking at Portland from the Willamette was truly interesting.
Normally these types of cruises are not about the food -and often the fare is mediocre at best. However, we had the Steelhead and, being the salmon fanatics we are, were pleasantly surprised at how perfectly the fish was prepared. The veg was asparagus and perfectly done, the heirloom salad delish...no mediocrity here. They work on a buffet principal -which means you can order anything else and as much as like from the menu. We had the crepes with berry mascarpone as our dessert, and when a mini-dessert plate appeared, and we made oinking noises as we demolished that! There were several other passengers celebrating October birthdays as well as anniversaries, etc. which were announced from the stage, where some lovely piano music emanated from.
The Beverage Manager, Cory, who visited our table as we docked, was cordial and enthusiastic about his job. He and hubby had a lively convo about alcoholic beverages (hubby's in the biz). All around terrific time and I give it 5 stars-definitely recommend this attraction for a Sunday diversion -...
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