City deal intends to Save Cruise Ship Season; Lease could bring back 60 ships

A new lease with American Cruise Lines aims to bring back as many as 60 boat dockings this season. That’s good news for local businesses and museums that receive patronage from cruise ship passengers.

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles City Council approved a 5-year lease for American Cruise Lines (ACL) to take over the leasing of the city dock at Union Street underpass for $65,000 annually on Monday, April 24.

The deal hopes to bring back some 60 American Cruise Line Ships to dock at The Dalles after the cruise line scaled back dockings earlier this year. 

Luise Langheinrich

That’s a big deal for downtown businesses and local museums that cater to passengers and rely on their tourism dollars as they come ashore in The Dalles.

“That is great news,” said Luise Langheinrich at Lines of Design on Second Street. She said when it became clear that ACL was going to stop docking it was pretty depressing earlier this year. “Matthew is sharp, she said of City Manager Matthew Klebes. “I am pinning our hopes on him for our town… Matthew is 110 percent for our community.” 

Dockings by the numbers

In 2022, there were more than 150 dockings, according to the City of The Dalles docking schedule. This year there are just 78 booked thus far, but Councilors and Klebes believe the new lease will bolster those numbers greatly.

By some estimates, the ships brought some 23,000 tourists to the streets of The Dalles during this past year, and they were dropping some coin - an estimated $700,000 last season. 

David Benko

Cruise ship tourists visit the Discovery Center, Fort Dalles Museum and the National Neon Sign Museum. Neon Sign Operator David Benko estimated they had between 8,000 and 10,000 people from cruise ships cross their threshold several years ago.

Cruise Ships often need goods and services as well. One ship bought $2,500 in alcohol alone several years ago. They also need utilities such as water and power.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center also benefits from cruise ship dockings as passengers often frequent the museum, helping to drive visitation numbers and revenue.

“We are excited that American Cruise Lines will be returning to our community,” said Klebes in a press release. “We believe through this agreement we will be able to enhance the usability of our facility, increase the benefit to our community and businesses, and welcome passengers from around the world to enjoy all we have to offer.”

More about the lease

City Manager Matthew Klebes

The lease was approved by all five councilors. The motion was made by Councilor Rod Runyon and Seconded by Councilor Scott Randall. 

The motion gave Klebes the authority to enter into the lease with ACL for five years with one-year renewals to follow. 

With the lease, ACL will take over management of renting the dock to other cruise line companies while giving itself priority in scheduling dockings. ACL will also ensure that the American Empress will get four dockings per month. The agreement also requires that all tribal rights are honored. In addition, the agreement also requires ACL to honor all scheduled dockings that are already on the books in both 2023 and 2024. 

“We are glad to have great partners and long-term relationships as we keep growing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO, American Cruise Lines. “The Dalles community has always welcomed our guests warmly and we are glad that our long history together will continue into the future.”